The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD.

We are, as of this writing, about three or four months away from an all-new generation of Toyota's popular small SUV, the RAV4.  So our last experience with the current-gen is likely to be the week we just completed in the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD.

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD.

The Hybrid model is something of a newcomer to the lineup, having been introduced in 2016.  We drove it then,  and nothing has really changed about the vehicle itself or our opinion of it.  If we were going to buy a RAV4, we'd spring for the hybrid.  Not much additional cost takes you from 22 mpg in the city to 34...a significant jump.

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD interior.

The base price for the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD is $32,185 and that covers a lot of standard equipment:  Selectable drive modes (EV, ECO and SPORT), Toyota Safety Sense (pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control), the Star Safety System (Enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology), blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.  There are also 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a height-adjustable power liftgate, a power moonroof, roof rails, and privacy glass, as well as a dual-zone climate control with air filter, an Entune audio system with a six-point-one inch touchscreen, backup camera, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, SofTex trim, heated front seats, reclining and flat-folding second row seats, smart key with pushbutton start, three 12-volt power outlets and one USB port, and SE floormats, door sill protectors and a sport shiftknob.

In fact, the equipment in standard form is so complete that our tester had just one option...a tonneau cover to keep valuables in the rear compartment out of sight.  That was $90.  Fold in $995 delivery processing and handling fee and the bottom line comes to a reasonable $33,270.   There's strong temptation to wait for the all-new '19...but the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE would be a fine choice.