RAV4 Goes Hybrid: A Worthy Hunt, or Just a Gimmick?

The Hunt Begins: No More Gas Guzzlers!

What in the sacred hunting grounds is this? The humans specifically those at Toyota have decided to change their ways. The RAV4 a metal beast many of you humans seem to enjoy will soon be available only as a hybrid. No more pure gasoline engines for this one. "If it bleeds we can kill it," right? But is this just a shiny new toy or a worthy prey? They claim it will still have a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine but with batteries and electric motors… Sounds like a complicated trophy to mount on my wall.

Hybrid Hype: Running to the Chopper?

These humans are so predictable. They’re not quite ready to embrace the full electric so they’re clinging to this hybrid concept. Apparently it helps them meet these bizarre 'fuel economy regulations.' I hunt for sport not for efficiency! Toyota who brought us the Prius (a vehicle so quiet it almost snuck up on me once) has been pushing this hybrid thing for a while. They seem to think it’s the perfect middle ground. But will it be strong enough? Fast enough? Time will tell but I have my doubts. “Get to the chopper!”... or maybe just a charging station.

Numbers Game: The Consumer Votes... for Hybrid?

The little data packets humans love to collect show that RAV4 sales are up especially the hybrid versions. Apparently the “consumers and dealers are asking for it.” David Christ a head honcho at Toyota North America says the hybrid is "faster turning" and has more sales orders. Faster turning you say? Now you have my attention! Perhaps this hybrid isn’t just for show. But don't think for a second it will replace my plasma caster. Still this proves that sometimes even humans can make the right choice… eventually.

Family Matters: Toyota's Hybrid Brood Grows

The RAV4 will be joining a whole family of hybrids at Toyota including the Camry Prius Sienna and Sequoia. Seven of their current vehicles are exclusively hybrid models. That's a lot of green tech... or whatever color they make the batteries. It seems they are betting big on this technology hoping it will appeal to the masses. But let's be honest are they doing it because they care or because they are scared? Probably both. “You are one ugly motherf***er.” … But maybe you're also one smart hybrid.

Redesign and Price: What's the Damage?

This new hybrid RAV4 will come with a redesign inside and out along with upgrades to performance and technology. But what about the price? The humans are being secretive waiting until closer to the launch to reveal the damage to your wallets. The current RAV4 starts at $30,645 and the hybrid version at $33,700. Expect to pay a bit more for the shiny new version. Remember a true hunter doesn't worry about the cost… but it’s good to be prepared. “Stick around.” … Maybe you’ll get a discount.

Tariffs and Trade: The Political Jungle

Ah the dreaded tariffs! These are like traps set in the jungle ready to ensnare the unwary. President Trump’s tariffs on imported vehicles and parts are causing headaches for Toyota. They build RAV4s in Kentucky but a lot of them come from Canada and Japan. Mark Templin another big shot at Toyota says they might build more in Kentucky to avoid these tariffs. It’s all very complicated but the bottom line is: humans love to create problems for themselves. "This will be a real challenge."