The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a car that makes a lot of sense. An ever-popular compact crossover with excellent efficiency and strong resale value, this is generally the sort of car you’d expect to pay full-pop for and keep for a decade or so, enjoying reasonably frugal running costs along the way. The thing is, in this age of elevated gas prices, everyone knows it. As such, pricing of gently used examples has reportedly skyrocketed like these popular family crossovers are limited-edition sports cars.
How high are we talking here? As Bloomberg reports, some one-to-two-year-old examples are now being listed for thousands of dollars more than their original sticker prices. Actually, some are even being listed for thousands of dollars more than an equivalent brand new RAV4.
Indeed, CarMax recently advertised a 2024 RAV4 Hybrid XSE with 29,000 miles for $46,998, which is higher than that trim’s original $38,735 sticker price.
Carvana listed a 2025 RAV4 Hybrid Limited with 5,606 miles for $48,590. That’s a cool $6,040 above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price when it was new. It’s also more than the $43,300 sticker price of a 2026 Limited model.
Um, wow. Those are substantial premiums, and the interesting part is that there’s more where those came from. Take this 2025 RAV4 Limited, for example. Specced with all-wheel-drive, this trim carried a freight-inclusive price tag of $42,550 when it was new, before any options. However, this particular example has covered 6,625 miles and is now being listed for sale at a Toyota franchise dealership for $48,645. Yes, $48,645. Oh, and there’s only one low-resolution photo of it on the listing right now.
Here’s another 2025 RAV4 Hybrid Limited with all-wheel-drive. This ruby red example has 10,669 miles on the clock, the cold weather package, and a roof rack. The asking price second-hand at a BMW dealership in Oregon? A stiff $47,933. Again, this isn’t a plug-in hybrid, this is a standard RAV4 Hybrid listing for not just well above its original sticker price, but $3,038 more than a brand new hybrid all-wheel-drive RAV4 Limited.
These prices are difficult to stomach, especially given how common wisdom would suggest that the new RAV4 being all-hybrid would alleviate this. It may eventually, but the trouble is, every new car is subject to production ramp. It can take months for an assembly line to reach its intended capacity, which means we’re also looking at a supply shortage on the new vehicle side. As Bloomberg reports, Toyota currently has five days of new RAV4 inventory. Meanwhile, Automotive News reported 62 days of supply for the whole industry in April. Quite the gap there, yeah?
While Toyota has always been quick to turn inventory, five days’ supply is taking things to a whole other level. Combine that with the automaker’s reputation for quality historically buoying resale values, and it’s no wonder that people just can’t get enough of the RAV4 Hybrid.
If you’re just looking for a sensible hybrid crossover, more options exist than a gently-used RAV4. You can get into a brand new Honda CR-V Hybrid with all-wheel-drive from $38,580 including freight. If you don’t need all-wheel-drive, Hyundai just announced front-wheel-drive trims of the Tucson Hybrid from $32,550. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid uses Toyota’s engine and hybrid system, is built in a joint-Toyota and Mazda assembly plant, and starts at $36,245 for a brand new example. Compared to a used car, all of these new choices come with a full warranty period and subvented interest rates courtesy of their marques’ captive finance programs.
However, if you have your mind absolutely set on a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, it’s best just to wait if you can. Production of the new model is expected to ramp up as the year goes on, which should reduce pricing pressure on gently used examples. If volumes open up enough, you could even score a brand new hybrid RAV4 for what secondhand models are trading for right now. Patience really is a virtue, yeah?
Top graphic image: Thomas Hundal
I was in a Toyota dealer next to a Subaru dealer owned by the same people not that long ago. It was shockingly different. Subaru was waiting outside just sort of show you stuff saying things aren’t selling that well we can make you a deal. Toyota they come after you look for a bit and then want you inside where there are still people buying cars. No real deals not much talk of deals. They have had it too easy for too long. But their biggest problem is Toyota will load them up with something discount it then they will sell a bunch then people will want it when they have none. Mavericks are still going for more then new too. I bet several other Toyota models are as as well. Strange times. I believe part of it is people don’t want to deal with the dealers.
Now I’m curious, what’s the ATP (not list, sticker, MSRP or any of the other synonyms used in the article) on the trims of new RAV4 Hybrid?
The RAV4 hoopla has always been a bit strange to me, because it’s been a very long time since it’s been class leading. The Toyota Tax is real, and Toyota’s dealerships/allocation bullshit are among the worst of the worst and drive the prices up in a way that benefits everyone EXCEPT the consumer, as is tradition.
…but you don’t have to buy one of these! You can just go look at countless other midsized crossovers. My father in law and mother in law bought a top trim new (last gen) RAV4 and a top trim new (current gen) CRV back to back maybe 3 or 4 years ago. Neither are hybrids because they were unobtanium when they were shopping.
I’ve driven both multiple times and it’s shocking how much nicer the CRV is. Like…every single aspect of the car is better. The interior quality, the space, the powertrain, the soundsytem…it’s literally like comparing a luxury car to an economy car. The RAV is loud, rattly, raspy, and the interior is approximately 90% hard plastic. I’d put it on par with my 2022 Kona N, which is notorious for having a mediocre, drab interior.
I haven’t driven a new one yet but the initial batch of reviews is unflattering and suggest it’s still behind the CRV that’s been around for what…4 years now? Woof. Honda dealerships near me (in one of the most expensive places in the country, no less) will sell you a new CRV hybrid for a discount, and last I checked they max out at $44,000. I’d know, I’m trying to convince my wife it’s enough space for two kids and that she doesn’t need a boat.
But as people mention, the CX50 hybrid is literally a RAV4 hybrid in a tailored suit and they’re plentiful. I get that during these nightmarish economic times resale value is on everyone’s mind…but these cars exist to be bought, kept, and beaten into the ground for a decade plus. Is that extra, I don’t know…$3-5,000 you MIGHT get back at the end really worth it? My free quick maths say it’s not. At all.
Also, while inexplicably not a hybrid, you can get a loaded Acura ADX for less than what these RAVs are selling for. It won’t be as efficient and is slow as molasses, but it’s a way, way nicer car and you get a more prestigious badge. I’m confident they would serve the average RAV4 enjoyer quite well.
The comment on resale is just for the monthly payment or something else?
Toyota are overhyped by consumers. Hondas are overhyped by the “enthusiast” press and forums.
The smart buyer ignores the hype, tries both to see what they like, tries other brands to ensure they’re not missing something, and then does some basic math to make sure they’re not paying too much.
Acura has no prestige at this point and the ADX is seriously embarrassing. I’d rather overpay for a RAV4 than sticker for an ADX. That wheezing 1.5 +CVT is barely adequate in the Integra.
My local Mazda dealer has 19 CX-50 Hybrids in stock. The most expensive one is $42,000.
Also worth noting that Mazda regularly does 0% APR for 60/72 months on the CX-50, which once you do the math ends up being a screaming deal.
The ability of Americans to spend many thousands in capital costs to save tens in operating costs shows just how bad math education is in this country.
If there’s someone driving inappropriately slow and in everyone’s way, they’re probably driving a RAV4. Other contenders include a number of Subarus, Lexuses and other Toyotas. I think it’s blind trust. People who don’t care enough about cars and driving to research their car purchase just automatically trust these brands and since they don’t care about driving or even see it as a chore that cuts in to their precious screen time, they’re bad at it or scared of it.
If I was in the market for an AWD SUV, the Mazda MX-50 would be my 1st choice.
An even better deal, if you can still find them and can live with FWD only and 1K towing is the discontinued Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid. It’s got the same excellent hybrid powertrain as the Maverick but with the much larger battery and the ability to recharge every night, so you get 35-40 miles all battery range before the ICE kicks in, and when it does kick in, you’ve still got an excellent big battery hybrid (low 40s mpg in town).
Ford was giving them away a few months ago. Last October my daughter got a brand new 25 PHEV for $27K that had a sticker of $54K! Of course the dealer also started with over 2K in BS add-ons that we eventually negotiated away to 0$ (dent protection, nitrogen, fabric protection and dark window tints// we kept the tints for free!). We used Ford points to add the very nice Ford 2″ hitch receiver for a bike rack, and added from Amazon roof rails so it’s a pretty nice piece of kit now.
Nice ride and decently equipped much like the 25 Mavericks with adaptive cruise, lane centering, wireless carplay, etc… and of course you can plug it in overnight (120v or 220v) and get topped off for the daily commute. There may still be a few hanging around on lots, then they’re gone.
Hopefully Ford eventually realizes that not everyone wants a brick-shaped SUV or pickuptruck.
It always marvels me the US add-ons when buying car. This doesn’t happen here.
It’s dealer-specific. None of the dealers I’ve bought from, used or new, tried to force any add-ons on me. The person handling financing and such will suggest things, usually warranty-related, but I’ve never had to ask to remove anything.
That is my experience in Europe, you can get warranty, servicing or insurance thrown in, but they are completely optional.
Also nothing regarding “dent protection” or “nitrogen tyres”…
At the one good dealership I’ve dealt with, at the sales-closing point, the sales guy said, “ok, now I’ll take you to the finance guy, and he’s obligated to ask you about add-ons, but there’s no pressure, you can just say no.” And as promised, the finance guy said “ I have to ask you, but we can get thru it quickly. Do you want A?” “No.” “Do you want B?” “No.” How about C or D?” “No thanks.” “Ok, no problem, I’ll write up the final paperwork.”
It’s not universal, but it’s easy money for the franchise dealers. They add on crap that costs them pennies and charge thousands. Huge profit margin!
I usually start any conversation with a salesperson with “Any dealer add-ons are a non-starter for us. If you add them, I’m not going to pay an extra penny. Do you want to continue with this sale?” . It’s been about 50% successful. I walk out / hang up on any that don’t agree up front.
There use to be a dealership near me that required a $500 non-refundable deposit before they let you know the price of the car. That lasted from the 1980s into the 2000s. They do not do that anymore.
Excuse me? 😮
That sounds immensely illegal, even in legality-wise yee-haw states like Arizona.
I should have pointed out that the Ford Maverick and Ford Escape Hybrids have a drivetrain that is based on the same Toyota hybrid design (I’ve read conflicting information on if it was co-developed or just copied), but in general, it’s known as a Ford/Toyota hybrid. It’s excellent.
You know what? It’s not a bad car.
Wealthier neighbourhoods near me have fewer and fewer Audi/MB SUVs, and more and more Toyota SUVs.
This is the sort of market where I’d tell anyone looking for a car like this to just bite the bullet and hire a service like Delivrd to do the dirty work for you. Sure it’s 1k up front, but with a market this tight I would almost guarantee you’ll recoup way more than that on the savings a professional car negotiator will get a normie versus getting hosed walking into a Toyota dealership.
Either that or get a CX-50 Hybrid with the exact same powertrain, a nicer interior, and save yourself 10k. That’s what I’d recommend and it’s not even close.
I doubt the best negotiator in the world will squeeze a penny in discount out of a dealer on one of these. The demand is ridiculous, and the supply is very limited.
Good cars certainly, but I would never pay the Toyota Tax on one new or used. Buy what’s NOT hot. So your suggestion of the Mazda is *excellent* if you desire this sort of thing.
Maybe yes maybe no, but a good negotiator will at least find a better deal than what is slapped in front of you if you walk into a dealer with no research. At a minimum can get a deal done without extra packages and things some dealerships are pushy about. Markups may be standard across the board, but some are worse than others. Also I know a TON of people that don’t want the stress, so a break-even or slightly increased cost is easily worth the lack of pain.
List price =/= sale price, until someone buys these we don’t know of that’s the true market value.
If I list a matchbox car on Craigslist for $49999 it doesn’t make it more valuable than a RAV4.
Sure, I could sell my 2022 RAV4 Prime for a premium…
and replace it with what? Its the greatest utilitarian car I’ve ever owned. It itself replaced a Highlander Hybrid Ltd.
It’s funny that Mazda has the same powertrain but there’s nearly 6000 hybrid CX-50s avaialble. We’re out of Forester hybrids here at the Subaru Dealership, a few Crosstrek hybrids left. Mazda needs to double down on their hybrid advertising
Disgusting prices. I get the price/demand part of capitalism and the “always buy used” obsession. I just think there are a lot of good cars for a lot less. But smarts and money do not always get along.
The “Toyota Tax” is a real thing.
At some point, it’s not the fault of capitalism, just dumb FOMO idiots who can’t do basic homework.
As multiple people have pointed out, the CX-50 is the same drivetrain in a nicer package and can be had for far less, and is available. If any of the people paying these prices bothered to do any research at all, then these prices would be much lower.
Well said, I tossed in the capitalism stuff to try to reduce the pedantic comments a bit.