Bad gas mileage on your Toyota RAV4 (Here’s Why)  

Bad gas mileage on your Toyota RAV4 The Toyota RAV4 has a good reputation on the market for having very good gas mileage. It’s very hard to believe your RAV4 takes more fuel than expected. If you keep a record and notice how many miles per gallon (MPG) your RAV4 is giving, then maybe you will figure out what the problem is.  

In this further guide, I will tell you what the reason for bad gas mileage is, how you can improve your gas mileage, and how to resolve this problem. So stay with us.  

Bad gas mileage on your Toyota RAV4 What to Expect  

Here are the mileages for the 2023 RAV4.  

Certainly! Below is the estimated fuel economy for the 2023 RAV4 Prime hybrid model, both for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations:

Model	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG
RAV4 Prime Hybrid FWD	38-40	38-40	38-40
RAV4 Prime Hybrid AWD	36-38	36-38	36-38

Before 2019, most Toyota RAV4 models had about the same fuel efficiency. Earlier models had a bit lower gas mileage.  

Real-world factors  

This is very unfortunate now that fuel economy is measured by the US Department of Energy. And not by real-world driving.  

There are many reasons for the real-world driving conditions that affect the mileage. That’s why the US Department’s energy measurement of gas mileage is sometimes lower or higher.  

This is a real-world example: The average city RAV4 gas mileage is 27 mpg (about 10 cents per mile). But when I hit the gas more than usual, drive harshly, suddenly use the brake, and get stuck in traffic taking shortcuts, my mpg will be 23. This example is from the real world, and it happens to me all the time.  

Here are some main reasons that could shorten your mpg.  

• Driving fast and using the brakes more  
• Suddenly stop and go driving.  
• In areas with lots of hills, the land is not flat.  
• Using the AC more  
• Leaving your vehicle’s engine running for too long without moving.  
• Driving in very cold conditions  
• There is more load than expected on the roof.  
• Pulling something behind a vehicle.  

Fuel Economy.gov

If you are facing any problems in your regular driving, your MPG is dropping.  

Car Problems That Could Impact Gas Mileage  

I read in many comments and reviews that, in some cases, the drop in mpg could happen because of a mechanic issue. If your driving habit has changed and the drop is very sudden, there could be a mechanical issue such as:  

• If there are underinflated tires,  
• If you don’t change your air filter and have a dirty air filter,  
• If you have a faulty oxygen sensor,  
• If your engine is misfiring  
• If you have worn spark plugs,  
• If there are clogged fuel injectors,  
• If you are using dragging brakes  
• If your vehicle is having transmission issues  
• If your car has incorrect wheel alignment,  
• If your SUV has exhaust system leaks  

If you follow the RAV4 maintenance schedule, many of these problems will be taken care of. There is still a chance that the mechanic problem is still there. To solve this problem, contact your local dealership and have your RAV4 fully checked.  

How to Improve Your MPG  

Here are some of the best ways to improve your RAV4 MPG.  

• The more you use ECO mode, the better. 
• Avoid a heavy load.  
• Avoid driving harshly.  
• Don’t drive too fast on the highway as well.  
• Avoid idling the engine.  
• Keep your tires checked.  
• Keep your tires aligned properly.  
• Fix a mechanical issue.  
• Keep up with regularly scheduled Toyota maintenance.  

Conclusion  

Most people, including myself, purchase Toyota RAV4s for good MPG, but sometimes they will give less than expected. There is no need to panic or be worried; you can fix these issues with some simple steps.  

Change your regular habit of driving as well. If you are driving very fast and hard, not only will it drop mpg, but it will also harm your engine very badly. Avoid heavy loads on the roof; avoid very cold and very hot temperatures as much as possible for your RAV4.  

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)