That's the way all Rav4s are. The rear wheels only engage under certain circumstances. The system is definitely not as touchy as the Subaru system. Your tires should always be close in size, but it's not as big of an issue in the Rav4...hybrid or gas.

 

As long as you're using the same tire sizes you should be fine. I would not replace just one tire though, they should be replaced in pairs, front or rear.

 

Thanks for the replies, makes sense. I just didn't want to be caught in the position where a service rep tells you it's all wheel drive and that you have to place all four tires at the same time. Since there is no drive shaft make sense to replace two at time unless the tread is still new or have one tire shaved if that service is available.

 

If you have the car monitor on, you will see the rear motor only comes on from a standing start to around 19 MPH, then its front wheel only. My 2018 hybrid rear tire got a nail in the sidewall after only 2000 miles, so I had to get the same exact tire to replace only one.

 

Thanks for the tip. I had 8000 miles and needed only one tire also so the tire tread must have pretty good longevity.