How does the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid E-Four all-wheel drive system work?

The new RAV4 Hybrid offers something completely different: the benefits of 4×4 capability and control, combined with the exceptional efficiency of Toyota Hybrid drive.

The RAV4 Hybrid is available with E-Four – a new Toyota all-wheel drive system for hybrid models. E-Four all-wheel drive delivers great traction in tricky situations, as well as giving improved handling and a sporty feel in normal driving – so you can be confident you’ll be able to get exactly where you need to safely and have fun on the way.

Toyota E-Four all-wheel drive explained

In addition to the engine and motor at the front of the car that make up the Toyota Hybrid system and powers the front wheel, E-Four adds a second motor at the back of the car, which powers the rear wheels too.

This allows torque (pulling power) to be distributed between the four wheels, improving grip and stability.

This clever system not only delivers improved handling and safety benefits, but also better fuel economy than a traditional four-wheel drive system as there is no need for a weighty central prop shaft to send power to the rear.

How does Toyota E-Four work?

In normal driving, all of the car’s power is sent through the front wheels as this is the most fuel-efficient use of energy – but the RAV4’s electronic control unit (ECU) constantly detects and analyses information such as vehicle speed, accelerator angle and wheel speed to calculate the optimum spread of torque. When it detects a need for more torque at the rear (for instance if the front wheels are slipping), it uses the rear motor to send power to the rear wheels and deliver extra shove.

In total, up to 60% of the car’s total power can be sent to the rear axle. So when you’re pulling away, going up a hill or driving on a low-traction surface such as wet grass, having more power sent to the rear wheels makes it easier to set off in a controlled way.

The E-Four system also ensures that wheel slip is suppressed, giving you confidence even when negotiating slippery or icy roads.

On top of all that, the system can deliver more power to the rear to deliver a sportier drive – giving a smoother, more direct cornering feel.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid tow

Can you tow with a RAV4 Hybrid?

Yes, you can tow with a RAV4 Hybrid. In fact, towing capacity more than doubles if you opt for an E-Four all-wheel drive model. A RAV4 Hybrid with front-wheel drive can tow up to 800kg, while a model with E-Four AWD can tow 1,650kg.

E-Four is fitted as standard to Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Icon and Excel models and helps the car achieve low CO2 emissions of 118g/km and a Band C VED rating. Combined cycle fuel economy according to standard UK testing is 55.4mpg.

All information is correct at the time of publishing.

4 comments

  1. I’m confused, on changing my car insurance company the documentation that I received from them described my RAV4 Excel hybrid as being a 4 X 4. I was under the impression that it was just front wheel drive. Is it the case as has been suggested to me that it has a separate motor at the rear that only engages as and when needed and I Toyota parlance is what is known as AWD. Your assistance would be appreciated.
    Thank you
    Paul Hilton

    1. Hi Paul, thanks for contacting us.

      The UK Specification MY23 RAV4 Excel should be available to purchase as Front Wheel Drive or Intelligent All Wheel Drive, depending on what the customer prefers.

      Please can you provide your vehicle registration so that we can look into this for you.

      Thanks.

  2. Hi,
    Please can you confirm which models of the Rav 4 have E-FOUR All Wheel Drive ?
    I am going to part exchange my CHR for a Rav 4 as I am buying a small caravan so I need the 4 wheel drive capability,

    Thanks
    Graham Folkes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

To be the first to hear about all of our latest news, offers and events, check the box below, we’ll send these communications by email, phone, SMS or post. Be assured that Toyota will only share your personal information with companies that are an integral part of fulfilling the services we deliver. If you would like to find out more about how we process your data please visit our privacy policy for details.

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time.