Rav 4 Hybrid AWD - Towing and Fuel Economy

[YarisHybrid2016]

Hi,

I'm inquiring on behalf of my father.

My father has driven my Yaris hybrid and likes it, and he's looking for a new tow vehicle to replace his current vehicle (it's great except for the fact age/corrosion has got the better of it).

Looking at the specs of the Rav 4 Hybrid AWD, it says it has a tow capacity of 1650 kg, which is great (he has a caravan with a maximum gross weight of 1350 kg).

Does anyone have the Rav 4 Hybrid AWD version, and can give some indication what it is like to tow with? What kind of fuel economy do you see?

Thanks!

[NORTHERN_LAD]

The RAV 4.4 hybrid has a very low nose weight and didn't get a very good review in the camping and caravan club towcar of the year awards. 

[FROSTYBALLS]

Check out the towing specs in the full owners manual which one can download from https://www.toyota.co.uk/tme#/my-toyota/eManual - page 548

 

[NORTHERN_LAD]

I should add that I have just towed my caravan >500 miles to Devon and back with my 4.4 Icon and it was excellent. Far better on fuel and ride quality than my previous 4.3. 

[WarrenB]

I tow with my Excel Hybrid, can be a bit noisy up hills but otherwise it is very nice to use. Have towed probably around a 1000 miles with it pulling 1300kg.

Batteries give car a low centre of gravity so very stable.

[YarisHybrid2016]

@FROSTYBALLS: Thanks for the link. I was already aware of the nose-weight limit, and it isn't a problem.

@NORTHERN_LAD @WarrenB Thanks! Typically what kind of economy are you seeing?

[YarisHybrid2016]

On 7/10/2017 at 9:20 PM, NORTHERN_LAD said:

The RAV 4.4 hybrid has a very low nose weight and didn't get a very good review in the camping and caravan club towcar of the year awards. 

You seem to contradict yourself later by saying it towed very well? I'm skeptical of magazine reviews (i.e. I never refer to them!).

[NORTHERN_LAD]

No contradiction at all.

I said the hybrid didn’t get s good review but my 4.4 Icon towed very well. 

My car is a 2.2 Diesel not a hybrid. 

[WarrenB]

Well I have a 1500kg van now.  I get around 22mpg towing, and 45 mpg solo.