One irony in the shift to EVs is the re-emergence of hybrids. 

In the flurry of new all-electric models a few years ago, hybrids seemed so 2013 — the peak of hybrid model availability and sales — that they seemed destined to be left behind in favor of pure battery-electric technology.

However, as electrification started evolving from theory to reality, the challenges of high initial costs and the buildout of charging infrastructure became barriers to implementation. Yet fleets were not about to abandon their paths to sustainability. 

Hybrid-electric vehicles have reemerged as a viable alternative for this bridge to electrification. They don’t need to be plugged in, have lower carbon footprints than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, and return a strong total cost of ownership. 

It’s no surprise that the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have won Automotive Fleet’s Fleet Car of the Year and Fleet SUV of the Year for 2024. The Camry Hybrid also won in 2022, while Camry has won multiple times. 

Segment Pioneer: Toyota RAV4 

Compact crossover SUVs satisfy fleet needs by offering room for supplies and a higher ride height while still delivering very good fuel economy. 

First introduced in the U.S. in 1996, the Toyota RAV4 pioneered the compact crossover SUV segment. 

In the “why mess with success” vein, the RAV4 has not seen a major redesign since the 2019 model year, yet it was still the best-selling SUV in any segment in 2023. 

However, subsequent model years have seen updates, such as the introduction of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid model (2021), a new SE Hybrid trim (2022), an upgraded infotainment system (2023), a panoramic view monitor, and more advanced parking assists (2024).

2025 Toyota RAV4 Specs

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is a carryover from the previous model year. Unlike the Camry, it is still available with an ICE powerplant. 

Since the hybrid version was first introduced in 2016, RAV4 has been available with a 2.5-liter inline-four gas engine with 203 horsepower, and a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain with 203 horsepower. 

The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has an 18.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that allows for about 42 electric-only miles. 

Hybrid Fuel Savings

But the hybrid version gathered the most votes. Available only in AWD, the RAV4 hybrid achieves 39 mpg combined, compared to 30 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive gas model and 28 mpg for AWD. 

By spec’ing the hybrid over the gas engine, fleet managers would save at least $1,200 on fuel costs over a three-year lease and 15,000 miles a year. 

“Toyota is honored to be named Automotive Fleet’s 2024 SUV of the Year,” said Kevin Curran, general manager of fleet sales at Toyota Motor North America. “It is rewarding to know that fleet managers view the RAV4’s combination of efficiency, and reliability as a trusted solution for their business needs.”

Fleet SUV of the Year, Historical

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid took home its first trophy in the six-year history of the Fleet SUV of the Year. 

• 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

• 2023 Ford Escape

• 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

• 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

• 2020    Jeep Grand Cherokee

• 2019    Chevrolet Equinox