Driving an RAV4 takes some getting used to. When it comes to refuelling, many people find it difficult to access the gas tank. They sometimes wonder, “How to Open Gas Tank on RAV4.” Many people experience problems simply because they are unaware of where the fuel opener lever is located.
Suppose you are having problems opening the gas tank of your Toyota RAV4. It could be a rental vehicle, a friend’s vehicle, or you’re just having trouble finding the fuel door release switch.
We will demonstrate How to Open Gas Tank on RAV4 with clear, concise steps and photos.
What are the Features of Toyota RAV4?
1. Engine, Transmission, and Performance
An engine-driven continuously variable transmission coupled with two electric motors powers the RAV4 Hybrid. All RAV4 Hybrid trims come standard with all-wheel drive, since one of the electric motors powers the rear axle.
As a result of the e-motors and the increased output, the RAV4 Hybrid is more efficient and quicker than the non-hybrid standard model. A test of the Woodland Edition trim produced a 60-mph time of 7.3 seconds, while a test of the gas-only trim took 8.0 seconds.
Taking off from a stop will be a little easier with the electric motor’s immediate torque delivery, especially around town. With its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the RAV4 Prime provides even more performance. Powered by more powerful electric motors, the Prime generates 302 horsepower in total. It took the RAV4 Prime 5.6 seconds to reach 60 mph in testing.
2. Range, Charging, and Battery Life
With an 18.1-kWh battery pack, the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime can travel 42 miles on electricity alone, according to the EPA. During tests, technicians drove 32 miles on electricity alone, but that was on the highway; we would expect a longer range in the city.
When plugged into a 240-volt outlet, the Toyota Prime SE and Prime XSE take just 2.5 hours to charge with their 6.6-kWh chargers. Expect charging times of about 12 hours if only a 120-volt outlet is available.
3. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
It is far more efficient to drive the hybrid model of the RAV4 than to drive the non-hybrid model with AWD powered by gasoline. By comparison, the regular RAV4 gets 14 mpg, 5 mpg, and 11 mpg less fuel-efficient than its hybrid counterpart.
The EPA estimates the Hybrid’s fuel efficiency to be 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid delivered 37 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, 1 mpg less than the EPA rating. On the same route, the rugged-looking Woodland Edition Hybrid got only 32 mpg, which is 3 mpg lower than the EPA rating.
In highway fuel-economy test, the Prime plug-in hybrid achieved 73 MPGe, earning a combined EPA rating of 38 mpg and 94 MPGe.
4. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime cabins differ slightly from non-hybrid models, but they still prioritize practicality over style. It offers plenty of storage space with cubbies and bins, and all controls and buttons are easily accessible.
It even has an adjustable false floor in the cargo area, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. As the trim ladder climbs, the menu expands with features like heated front and rear seats, ambient interior lighting, and upgraded faux-leather upholstery.
With its larger battery, the RAV4 Prime sacrifices some cargo space compared to the regular RAV4. With the rear seat folded, the RAV4 Hybrid can accommodate 22 carry-on suitcases behind the second row.
5. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Across the RAV4 lineup, Toyota offers a number of driver-assistance features as standard equipment. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s websites for more information about the RAV4 Hybrid’s crash-test results. Among the key safety features are:
- The standard automated emergency braking system detects pedestrians
- Automatic lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning
- Automatic cruise control as a standard feature
The Evolution of Toyota RAV4 Gas Tank Sizes
Through its five generations, the Toyota RAV4 has undergone significant changes, including the size of its gas tank. Here is an overview of the evolution of gas tank sizes across different generations of the RAV4.
1. First Generation (1996-2000)
RAV4 first appeared in the USA in 1996 with a gas tank capacity of 15.3 gallons (57.9 liters). Throughout the first generation, this capacity remained constant.
2. Second Generation (2001-2005)
Generation IInd-generation RAV4 introduced a slightly smaller gas tank size of 14.8 gallons (56.0 liters), which was maintained throughout this generation.
3. Third Generation (2006-2012)
Third-generation RAV4’s gas tank size increased to 15.9 gallons (60.2 liters) across all model years, which was consistent across all generations.
4. Fourth Generation (2013-2018)
For its gas models, the fourth-generation RAV4 used a 15.9-gallon (60.2-litre) gas tank. The Hybrid siblings introduced in 2016 featured a slightly smaller capacity tank.
5. Fifth Generation (2019-Present)
RAV4’s latest generation saw its gas tank size reduced across all models, settling at 14.5 gallons (54.9 litres) for both gas and hybrid models, streamlining fuel capacity.
As consumer preferences, technological advancements, and market competition have changed, the Toyota RAV4’s gas tank size has fluctuated throughout its history. The following sections will examine the factors behind these changes and their implications for RAV4 owners.
Where is the Gas Button on a Toyota RAV4?
It may be difficult to locate the switch opening the fuel tank door on a recent Toyota RAV4. It is difficult to spot, but the opening switch resembles the motor hood release button.
This button for opening the gas cap is located on the dashboard’s lower part, to the left of the steering column, on such a Toyota RAV4. There are two buttons with the same appearance. The gas tank cap is released by this switch on the left.
A Toyota RAV4 fuel tank switch can be found on the wooden floor on the driver’s side. The gas cap cannot be removed while doing this. The first thing you will do is enter the driver’s cabin. The gas pump icon is displayed on a button behind the steering column on the left.
You can open the fuel tank by pressing it if you’re using the electric one. There is also a mechanical option: pull a lever to open the petrol tank lid. With Toyota RAV4 users understanding how to reach the petrol tank, you may be able to drive more comfortably.
How to Open Gas Tank on RAV4?
How to Open Gas Tank on RAV4? Well there are 3 major step for each generation. So lets start-
2019-2024 TOYOTA RAV4
A newer RAV4 can be especially difficult to find the switch for releasing the gas tank door.
Located right next to the engine hood release switch, the release switch is difficult to see. There is no difference between these two switches!
A 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 gas tank door can be opened by following these steps:
1. PRESS THE GAS CAPE RELEASE SWITCH
- Under the left side of the steering wheel, you’ll find the Toyota RAV4’s gas cap release switch.
- There are two switches that look the same. Left of the gas tank cap release switch is the gas tank cap release switch.
2. TAKE OFF THE GAS CAP
- On the left rear side of the vehicle, above the wheel, you will find the fuel door. Now that the door has been released, it has been popped open slightly. Keep opening it with your hand until it is fully opened.
- To remove the gas cap, twist it to the left and place it in the gas cap holder on the inside of the fuel door.
- Fueling your RAV4 is now possible.
3. CLOSE THE FUEL DOOR AND REPLACE THE GAS CAP
- Replacing the gas cap after fueling will result in a click when you turn it to the right.
- Closing the fuel door after you have properly replaced the gas cap is the next step.
1994-2018 TOYOTA RAV4
Toyota placed the gas tank release switch in a very common location on older RAV4 models.
You can find and use it by following the instructions below.
1. RELEASE THE FUEL DOOR SWITCH
- The fuel door release switch is on the floor to the left of the driver’s seat.
- Release the fuel door by pulling up.
2. THE GAS CAP SHOULD BE REMOVED
- On the left rear side of the vehicle, above the wheel, you will find the fuel door. Now that the door has been released, it has been popped open slightly. With your hand, continue to open it fully.
- The gas cap can be removed by twisting it to the left and placing it in the gas cap holder inside the fuel door.
3. CLOSE THE FUEL DOOR AND REPLACE THE GAS CAP
- Replacing the gas cap after fueling will result in a click when you turn it to the right.
- When you have verified that the gas cap has been properly replaced, close the fuel door.
How Do You Manually Open a Gas Door on RAV4?
Accessing the gas tank lid may require some practice. In every car, there are several standard ways to open the gas tank lid, even if some vehicles have unique mechanisms.
- The doors should be closed after the vehicle has been turned off.
- The gasoline release lever can be found around the base of the driving seat. Find the little lever with a gas pump on it in order to engage it. You can lift it up.
- The lower portion of the driver’s door might have a lever with a petrol pump picture on it. The lid of the petrol tank can be opened by pressing the button once you’ve located it.
- If you cannot locate the release key or lever, step outside and push the gasoline tank door forward.
- The gasoline cap should be twisted counterclockwise after the opening on the gas tank.
- Make sure the petrol tank door is closed before leaving.
Why Doesn’t the Fuel Door Release on RAV4?
Gas top-up doors on cars are probably something you never think about. As soon as you realize that it isn’t working correctly, you’ll begin to think about it more. When users can’t reach the gas cap, they don’t fuel their automobiles. Fuel entrances that cannot close have a variety of simple causes.
1. The gasoline door release is defective.
There are several cars with fuel window releases. If the lock is damaged, drawing on it will have no effect, and the gasoline gate will remain closed.
2. Outside damage near the fuel entrance
Recent outside damage to your vehicle may have already compromised the gas door. Even a tiny dent in the right place can damage the hinges and prevent the door from opening.
3. Broken fuel doorway hinge
To enter and exit, your gasoline door relies on a pivot, just like all other doors. If the hinge becomes caught or the pins and bearings inside it become too loose or tight, the gasoline door may not be able to be opened or shut.
Should You Drive an RAV4 on a Low Tank of Gas?
It is not the same for all vehicles when it comes to how far they can go with the fuel light on. The reason for this can be attributed to several factors, including the specific level of fuel which triggers the warning, the vehicle’s size and weight, your driving style, etc. As such, these numbers we’re throwing out here are estimates and in no way a guarantee.
When the fuel light comes on, most people agree that the RAV4 can go somewhere between 35 and 40 miles. You may reach a greater distance or a shorter distance based on anecdotal evidence, so please keep that in mind.
Once you see the low fuel indicator, I recommend fueling up as soon as possible. It can be dangerous to drive on an empty tank. In addition to being stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, you could also sputter out in the middle of a busy highway or other traffic.
In addition, running on such low fuel, especially if you do it often, can damage the fuel pump and other components, leading to more headaches and costlier problems than if you’d stopped for fuel instead.
Ensure you have enough fuel to reach your destination safely and be aware of how much fuel you have available.
Conclusion: How to Open Gas Tank on RAV4
Now you got some idea of How to Open Gas Tank on RAV4. That’s all there is to it! All you need to do is follow a few simple steps, and you’re done.
In the 2019-2024 RAV4, the gas tank release switch looks the same as the hood release door, which can be confusing. Keep in mind that the switch for releasing the fuel door is on the left.
It is not easy to confuse the fuel door release switch on the 1994-2018 RAV4, but it can be difficult to notice on the floor to the left of the driver.
It’s time to begin fueling your vehicle after you’ve located the switch, opened the fuel door, and removed the gas from the tank.
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FAQs
In my RAV4, how do I access the gas tank?
Locate the fuel door release lever inside your RAV4 after opening the gas tank. Most often, it is found on the driver’s side of the vehicle, either on the floor near the driver’s seat or on the door panel.
What is the location of the fuel door release lever on a RAV4?
A RAV4’s fuel door release lever is usually found on the driver’s side. On the driver’s side door panel or on the floor near the driver’s seat, you will find a lever. There may be an icon that resembles a gas pump on it.
Is it possible to open the gas tank from inside the car?
The fuel door release lever can be used to open the gas tank from inside the car. You can release the fuel door by pulling or pushing the lever once you’ve located it.
How do you unlock the fuel door on a RAV4?
On a RAV4, unlocking the fuel door is usually integrated with the central locking system. Open the fuel door only after the vehicle has been unlocked.
Is there a problem with the fuel door release lever?
Check if the vehicle is unlocked before trying to release the fuel door lever. It is recommended to consult the vehicle’s manual or contact a dealership for assistance if the problem persits.