Toyota RAV4 0-60 Times: Sluggish and Speedy

By: Max F. Arellano / March 27, 2024

The Toyota RAV4 0-60 time is dependent on the powertrain, with the standard RAV4 taking a leisurely 8.2 seconds to get to 60 mph, while the Prime XSE accomplishes the feat in just 5.5 seconds.

Let's take a look at the different available RAV4's currently on the market.

Toyota RAV4 0-60 Times, Trims, & Specs

While the highly popular RAV4 has a whole host of trim options to choose from, as far as 0-60 times go, there are really only 3 different configurations:

Toyota RAV4 Limited

 
• 0-60 Time: 8.2 seconds
 
• 1/4 mile: 16.4 seconds
 
• Engine: 4 Cyl 2.5 Liter
 
• Drive Type: AWD
 
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic (8A)
 
• Body Style: SUV
 
• Horsepower: 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm
 
• Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
   
• 2024 MSRP: $38,180

The RAV4 0-60 time with the gas-powered Limited trim is 8.2 seconds. If you're wondering about the LE, Adventure, XLE, etc., you can expect a similarly uninspired figure as they all share the same powertrain. While certainly underwhelming for anybody who enjoys driving, it is pretty typical for the segment, which prioritizes affordability and practicality over performance.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE

 
• 0-60 Time: 7.3 seconds
 
• 1/4 mile: 15.5 seconds
 
• Engine: 4 Cyl 2.5 Liter + 1.6-kWh
 
• Drive Type: AWD
 
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
 
• Body Style: SUV
 
• Horsepower: 219 hp @ 5,300 rpm
• Torque: 163 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
   
• 2024 MSRP: $33,135

Moving on to the Hybrid, the 0-60 time sees an increase in speed of about a second, bringing it up to 7.3 seconds. It may not seem like much but, it's around 7 seconds that acceleration starts to become somewhat thrilling and makes a major difference when performing basic driving maneuvers.

Even with the improvement, it's still significantly slower than a turbocharged Mazda CX-5, which is its biggest rival in the segment.

Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE

 
• 0-60 Time: 5.5 seconds
 
• 1/4 mile: 14.1 seconds
 
• Engine: 4 Cyl 2.5 Liter + 18.1-kWh
 
• Drive Type: AWD
 
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
 
• Body Style: SUV
• Horsepower: 302 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 350 lb-ft (Estimate)
   
• 2024 MSRP: $47,310

Finally we arrive at the fastest car in the lineup: the Prime XSE. One thing to be said about the Prime trim is that it offers a level of performance that none of the RAV4's primary competitors do.

If you look at the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, or Ford Escape, you won't find a single trim offering with a 0-60 time that breaches 6 seconds.

That does come at a cost, however, as you'll notice a significant price increase over the other 2 trims.

Conclusion

While the gas-powered RAV4 0-60 time is quite slow, the hybrid variant is significantly faster at a comparable cost, providing a nice alternative for those who prefer a peppier car but don't want to break the bank.

Should a 7-second sprint still not satisfy your thirst for speed, the RAV4 Prime emerges as an even more compelling choice, boasting acceleration on par with that of a sports car, yet still priced beneath luxury SUVs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Toyota RAV4 fast?

The gas-powered Toyota RAV4 is not fast, it's quite slow in fact - but that's typical for the compact SUV segment. Its acceleration and top speed are designed more for comfort, reliability, and efficiency.

However, the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version, provides notably quicker acceleration, making it one of the faster options in the RAV4 lineup.

What is the 0-60 on a 2016 RAV4?

The 0-60 mph acceleration time for a 2016 Toyota RAV4 varies by model and engine type. The standard 2016 RAV4, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, typically achieves 0-60 mph in about 8.5 to 9.0 seconds.

The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid is slightly quicker, with 0-60 mph times usually around 7.5 seconds.

What is the top speed of the RAV4?

The top speed of a Toyota RAV4, across most model years and variants, is electronically limited to 114 mph.

This speed is fairly standard for many SUVs, prioritizing safety and fuel efficiency over high-speed performance.

Is the RAV4 noisy on the highway?

Noise levels in the Toyota RAV4 can vary by model year and trim. Some drivers and reviewers have noted that earlier RAV4 models may experience noticeable wind and road noise at highway speeds.

However, recent models have seen improvements in noise insulation, making them quieter and more comfortable during highway travel.

The degree of noise can also depend on factors like the type of tires and the road surface.

What's the fastest Toyota SUV?

The Toyota RAV4 Prime holds the title for the fastest Toyota SUV in terms of acceleration. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 5.5 seconds, thanks to its powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain.

This acceleration outpaces other Toyota SUVs, including those in the luxury Lexus lineup, making it an outstanding performer in the Toyota range.