Toyota RAV4 Prime Gas Tank Size All Models

 

Wondering about the Toyota RAV4 Prime gas tank size? I am sure you are among the many other RAV4 owners who have also pondered the same question about gas tanks. The RAV4 is no stranger to a stellar fuel efficiency level and is popular for its ability to travel many miles on a single fuel tank. But what about the exact numbers?

Let’s sprinkle some glitter of attention on these answers to all your questions. Having researched the size of the gas tank, I am spilling the beans on everything, including how far you can go on one full-fueled tank, the difference between the different RAV4 generations, some common confusion around the tank size, and more. So, let’s dive in!

Generation-Specific RAV4 Prime Gas Tank Size

Did you know that fuel or gas tank sizes on the Toyota RAV4 models vary slightly from generation to generation? Most of the RAV4 Primes’ fuel tanks hold 14.5 to 15.9 gallons of fuel when full. Let’s look into the details:

The 5th Generation of RAV4 (2019-2025)

The latest and 5th generation of the RAV4 includes the RAV4 2019-2024 as well as the latest 2025. All of these can hold up to 14.5 gallons (54.9 liters) of fuel. These RAV4s encompass all variations of the engine i.e., the gas-only RAV4, the electric RAV4 Hybrid, and the RAV4 Prime (PHEV).

Note: For the year 2025, Toyota has officially changed the name “Prime” to RAV4 “Plug-In Hybrid” for the latest PHEV. This new RAV4 has the same tank size as the others in its generation and is currently available.

The 4th Generation of RAV4 (2013-2018)

The 4th generation of the Toyota RAV4 is different for all the models before 2016 and after. For the three years, i.e., 2013-2015, the RAV4 can compensate for 15.9 gallons (60.2 liters) of fuel. For models 2016-2018, the first variations of the RAV4 Hybrid came about with a capacity to hold 14.8 gallons (54.9 liters) in Hybrid. The gas ones also had the same capacity.

The 3rd Generation of RAV4 (2006-2012)

This generation of RAV4 can be filled with 15.9 gallons (60.2 liters). That’s about 1 gallon more than the previous generation.

The 2nd Generation of RAV4 (2001-2005)

The second generation of Toyota RAV4 comes with a tank size that can accommodate 14.8 gallons (56.0 liters) of fuel. That’s the lowest amount of volume after the 5th generation.

The 1st Generation of RAV4 (1994-2000)

The first generation can fill in 15.3 gallons (57.9 liters) of fuel. These were also the first seven RAV4s. Not bad!

RAV4 Gas Type and Fuel Recommendations

One of the most frequent questions people pose is, “What gas does the RAV4 take?” The answer to this question is very simple: the RAV4 uses regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This makes it convenient and cost-effective to refill.

For you newbie drivers, you won’t need premium gas for your RAV4, irrespective of the model year or trim. So, whether you’re driving the gas-only RAV4 or the RAV4 Prime, the fuel requirements remain easily accessible.

Types of Gas

For any of you newbie RAV4 Prime drivers, the RAV4, as I previously mentioned, uses the standard gas available at gas pumps. But one thing that I do want you to know is that if you tend to run your car on batteries all the time and avoid using gas, you may end up storing it in your tank for longer than its shelf life! Yes, the gas you fill your Prime’s gas tank with has an expiry.

If this is ignored, it could result in damaging the RAV4’s engine, clogging the fuel system, corrosion, and decreasing the performance of the car.

So, how do you know what type of gas has what length of shelf time? This all depends on the type of gas you are using. Consider the following:

• Ethanol-free gas: The ethanol-free gas has about half the shelf-life of just 3 months. Meaning if you have a habit of running your car without the hybrid mode that uses the gas, you may risk the same consequences as I mentioned earlier.
• Ethanol gas: This type of gas is generally considered better for a variety of reasons, including slightly better mileage. But one of these reasons is its relatively longer shelf life of 6 months. So, what does that mean for you? You will have to ensure that the gas is emptied within this period of time so it doesn’t end up damaging the system of the car. However, keep in mind that the content of ethanol must not be more than 15%.

Why Does The RAV4 Prime Have A Better Mileage? 

The RAV4 Prime covers more miles (600) than its gasoline and Hybrid counterparts. This is because the Prime/Plug-In Hybrid is PHEV. This fabulous machine not only gets an EPA combined rating of 38 mpg, but it also gets a combined rating of 94 MPGE. With the ability to drive up to 26 miles without a gasoline engine, you can save a lot of money by filling just one full gas tank.

Toyota has smartly designed the gas tanks across its vehicle lineup to balance capacity and efficiency. Just as the RAV4’s tank size typically ranges from 14.5 to 15.9 gallons, the Prius gas tank food example is smaller, holding around 11.9 gallons. These variations are tailored to the distinct needs of Toyota owners.

How Many Miles Can I Cover After the Gas Light Comes Up?

If you keep an eye on the gas light or Toyota’s “distance to empty” display, you’ll know when it’s time to fill up. You can also turn the display all the way down to 0. But when you fill up, you only get 10 to 12 liters of fuel. Where did the 14.5-liter capacity go?

The RAV4’s gas light usually comes on when 2.2 liters of fuel are left in the tank. Wondering how many miles you can travel with the gas light on? On average, you can go another 60-90 miles before running out of fuel.

Overlooking The Fuel Limit 

Exceeding these limits can cause problems. It’s best to refuel as soon as possible to prevent debris from clogging the fuel filter or risking engine damage. These potential issues include the following:

•         The fuel filter may be blocked due to sediment being sucked up from the bottom of the tank.
•         The fuel pump has failed because it was believed to be submerged in fuel.
•         The engine might become damaged if the fuel pump ingests air instead of gas.
•         You may be stuck in a dangerous area and waiting for roadside assistance.

RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 Hybrid, first introduced in 2016, features a slightly smaller tank compared to gas-only models, consistent with the subsequent model years of the 4th generation. However, the RAV4 Hybrid of the 5th generation comes with a 14.5-gallon tank, offering an impressive driving range of up to 580 miles per fill-up.

FAQS

Sources

You may find more information on the gas tank size and the required type of fuel using the owner’s manual provided by Toyota. This is where the octane rating of the fuel for their vehicles is mentioned for reference. If you also want to know about an experiment done by a real RAV4 owner to deduce the better mileage of gas with ethanol, you may see this RAV4 World post. 

Conclusion

If you were wondering about the Toyota RAV4 Prime gas tank size, I hope this piece of information has answered all your questions while showing the impressive mileage of Toyota’s models.

Depending on the model year average, the RAV4 can typically contain between 14.5 and 15.9 gallons of fuel. If you keep this in mind, it can help you plan your refueling stops efficiently. This way you can achieve a lot with electric mobility with the RAV4 Prime, especially if you commute a short distance each day. Imagine how much money you could save if you filled up your gas tank for your trip.

If you are purchasing a used Prime or the brand-new 2025 Plug-In Hybrid, you may want to know how to charge it. This will allow you to not only protect the environment from fumes but also give you a tension-free backup to fall on.