All the experience we have gained from more than 20 years of hybrid powertrain technology and the development of two generations of plug-in models has been filtered into this important new chapter in the history of the Toyota RAV4.
The new Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid promises to be more powerful and more efficient than any other car in its class. It will be positioned at the top of the RAV4 range and is equipped with intelligent electric all-wheel drive as standard.
The vehicle’s impressive new powertrain begins with the same 2.5-litre petrol engine featured in the regular RAV4 Hybrid.
It’s faster than conventionally powered rivals but also on course to deliver best-in-class emissions and economy
But it differs in the greater potential of the electric system, which consists of a newly developed, high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack as well as a boost converter added to the power control unit.
Working together, the full system output stands at 302bhp*, which has the potential to offer 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.2 seconds* – faster than any of its conventionally powered rivals.
More importantly, however, it is also on course to deliver best-in-class emissions and economy figures. Our pre-homologation data indicates a CO2 output of less than 29g/km*.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will also offer a class-leading EV range. Once again, provisional data indicates that the car will be able to travel more than 38 miles (65km)* with zero petrol consumption and exhaust emissions. Interestingly, this is six miles further than the average European daily commuting distance.
The new Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will be introduced in the second half of 2020, with on-sale dates to be determined according to each market.
Toyota anticipates that its arrival will broaden the already strong appeal of the fifth-generation RAV4, which has reaffirmed its status as one of Europe’s most popular SUVs.
More than 120,000 examples have already been sold in Western Europe since its launch earlier this year, with more than 105,000 of these being hybrid models.
The new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is constructed on Toyota’s GA-K platform, with added dynamic benefits achieved by locating the hybrid battery beneath the floor. It is also equipped as standard with Toyota’s AWD-i intelligent electric all-wheel drive system.
Toyota has harnessed the boost in performance electric power can deliver to achieve a significant increase in output compared to the standard RAV4 Hybrid. It has developed a new, high-capacity lithium-ion battery and added an enhanced boost converter to the hybrid system’s power control unit. The 2.5-litre petrol engine is based on the unit featured in the regular RAV4 Hybrid, with improvements to meet the performance requirements of the plug-in hybrid system.
The result is not just rapid off-the-line acceleration: RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will also have a greater driving range in pure electric EV mode, with zero petrol consumption and exhaust emissions.
With four driving modes available, the driver can switch seamlessly from hybrid to pure electric EV driving. This new EV mode enables the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid to cover more than 38 miles/65km* on electric power alone (battery charge and driving conditions permitting), further than any competitor plug-in hybrid SUV and beyond the 19-mile/50km average European daily commuting distance. What’s more, speeds up to 84mph/135km/h can be reached without any intervention by the internal combustion engine, even under full acceleration.
Intelligent hybrid battery packaging
The compact dimensions of the lithium-ion battery allow it to be contained entirely beneath the vehicle floor. With minimal intrusion in the load space, the cargo capacity is a generous 520 litres. The battery’s location low in the vehicle also helps give the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid a low centre of gravity, enhancing handling stability and ride comfort.
High-efficiency heat pump air conditioning
In its scrutiny of every detail that can contribute to the overall efficient performance of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota adopted the heat pump air conditioning system it introduced as a world-first in the current, second-generation Prius Plug-in Hybrid, adapting it specifically for use in the new SUV with a hot water circuit – the same as that used in the RAV4 Hybrid. In addition, the hybrid battery is cooled by the air conditioning system’s refrigerant. This system is far more efficient than engine heating or high-powered electric heaters, absorbing heat from the air outside the vehicle to warm the cabin.
Refined Sport design
Styling details for the exterior and the cabin demonstrate a ‘Refined Sport’ look. At the front, there is dark plating for the dedicated grille mesh and frame and headlight extensions, together with a new metallic finish on the lower bumper moulding that emphasises the width and strength of the vehicle’s stance. New 18 and 19-inch wheel designs combine contrasting bright machined and grey or black finishes, while at the rear there is a metal-like treatment for the garnish beneath the screen and black plating for the under-run.
In the cabin, the focus is on new upholstery designs with a sporty feel, with ribbed patterns with contrast red detailing. Quilted black leather seats will also be available with a striking red ribbon detail. The centre console features a nine-inch multimedia touchscreen display – the largest in any RAV4 model – for clear and easy control of the car’s entertainment, information and connectivity functions.
Premium equipment specifications
Equipment specifications reflect the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s flagship status. According to grade, features and options will include 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, a 230V power outlet in the cabin, a bi-tone exterior paint finish, a power tailgate with a hands-free kick sensor, a panoramic roof, a head-up display, a nine-inch display audio system and the latest Toyota multimedia package with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Specific details of the UK model range will be announced later.
* Provisional figures subject to final homologation
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
Hi we currently have a 2018 hybrid rav4, absolutely love it and are so glad to hear your producing a bigger bhp model, my question is will it be a constant 302 bhp or once the charged battery is depleted will it revert back to the current 200 bhp in my 2018 hybrid until plugged in again and charged?
Hi Chris,
Thanks for getting in touch and for your interest in the new RAV4 Plug-in. More specific, technical details are still to be announced! Please keep an eye on our blog and social channels for the latest news.
Thanks.
I’m interested in the new plug in version. What is the estimated price range on this please?
Hi Alan,
Thanks for getting in touch and for your interest in the new RAV4 Plug-in. Further spec and price details will be revealed at a later date. We would recommend keeping an eye on our blog and social channels for the latest updates.
Thanks.
With the government going to ban any plug in cars that will not travel 50miles on electric only what will this mean to Toyota’s new Rav4 plug in.
John
Hi John,
Thanks for getting in touch. The proposed ban is 15 years away and only relates to sales of new cars. It does not affect cars already on the road. Of course, in 15 years, our electrification technology will have moved on significantly and you can find out more about our electrification plans here: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/electrification-across-entire-toyota-line-up-from-2025
Thanks.
Hi, I was looking to buy a Rav 4, love the look of the Dynamic but disappointed that it doesn’t come with a heated steering wheel as is standard on the Excel. Minor point I know but when you’ve had one you want it again. Prefer the choice of seats in the Excel as well. Why can’t Toyota keep it simple, other models have the Excel as the top model not the Dynamic. Very interested in the plug in but fear it will cost over £40k which will mean an extra £320 a year in road tax which will wipe out any saving the plug in brings which would be a shame.
You’ll no doubt reply that prices and specs will be revealed, but when ???
Hi Chris,
Thanks for getting in touch and for your interest in the RAV4. The Excel and Dynamic are both high-grade models. The Excel’s value comes from the quality of interior specifications, with a focus on comfort while the Dynamic’s value comes from style elements, including the bi-tone design and paint work. Ultimately, the choice is down to your own preferences and what you value most from the car. If you would like more guidance on choosing between the two, we would recommend discussing this with your nearest centre which you can find here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Ffind-a-dealer
Regarding the RAV4 plug-in, prices and spec details are to be revealed at a later date. To be amongst the first to be in the know, you can sign up here to receive the latest news on the RAV4 plug-in: https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/stories-news-events/2019/all-new-rav4-plugin
Thanks.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your message. With our current Prius plug-in, once charged it will automatically try to run on the electric power first. When this runs out it will then operate as a normal hybrid only, switching between using the petrol engine and the electric motor to create the most efficient drive. You can find out more about driving hybrid here: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/how-does-toyota-hybrid-synergy-drive-work
Once the electric power runs out, the Prius plug-in will stay running as a typical hybrid until it is plugged in again to rebuild that large amount of electric power. This being said, the current Prius plug-in also has a switch on the dashboard that allows you to choose to save the charge that was built up. In this case, you can go to set off in the morning, flick the switch and the car will act as a normal hybrid. Later in the day you could then choose to use the charge you saved and run purely in EV mode until that charge runs out.
In relation to the RAV4 plug-in hybrid, full spec and technical details are yet to be revealed. You can sign up here to receive the latest news: https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/stories-news-events/2019/all-new-rav4-plugin
Thanks.
Surprised they didn’t say that there is also a switch on the Prius Plug In that enables you to use the engine to charge up the battery, obviously the mpg will drop, but handy if you’re on a long trip and want some electricity in the battery before you enter a town for example. Presumably the Rav 4 plug in will have this as well.
I have a Rav4 hybrid on order with en estimated delivery date for the end of July, however I am interested in the Rav4 plug-in hybrid and would find a rough price and a little more detailed information helpful in comparing models. In this link from 11th May https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/stories-news-events/2020/all-new-rav4-plugin-hybrid it states that the plug-in will be available to order from 1st September. When will more information be available? This is a huge purchase for me and would like to be sure that I am making the right choice but currently I am feeling rather concerned that I may make a mistake. How am I supposed to make the righ choice without the necessary information? I would appreciate some guidance from you.
Many thanks
Hi Mandy,
Thanks for getting in touch. It’s great to hear you not only have a RAV4 on order, but that you’re interested in finding out more about the RAV4 Plug-in! We appreciate this is a big decision and more information will be revealed soon, closer to the on sale date.
While we can’t give you any more guidance at this time, you can sign up here to be amongst the first to receive the latest updates on RAV4 Plug-in: https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/stories-news-events/2020/all-new-rav4-plugin-hybrid#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fsign-up-rav4-phev
Thanks.
I have a 4yr old RAV4 Hybrid, excellent car but one or two annoying details. Some (like CarPlay) I’m pleased to see are resolved. However, on a cold morning on my RAV4 Hybrid the petrol motor will power up before the car has rolled down to the end of my (v. short) driveway. When I’m mostly doing short journeys my average consumption drops to ~35mpg during the winter.
If the PHEV RAV4 works the same way it will also be returning ~35mpg in the winter and It makes a non-sense of the claimed “commute to work on EV power”.
So, if I pre-condition the PHEV on a cold morning, does this warm the engine, battery and cabin?
And if, after 10 minutes of driving say, the cabin temperature drops below the AC setting will the battery and heat pump provide enough heat to maintain cabin temperature without starting the ICE?
Please assume Scottish winter temperatures.
Hi William,
Thanks for getting in touch. The engine starts up in a hybrid when you first start up the car and pull away in order to warm up as it is used much more often than in a plug-in hybrid. Once running, the A/C and heating systems are powered by the hybrid battery and therefore won’t start the engine in order to be used, until the battery is depleted, when the petrol engine kicks back in.
In regards to commuting to work on EV power for hybrids, our figures are based on the average urban commute, but ultimately this would depend on the length of your journey. With a plug-in you can drive for much longer periods without the engine kicking in than in your current RAV4 Hybrid. We expect that car to be able to drive for more than 38 miles without the use of the petrol engine.
Full spec details for the RAV4 plug-in will be revealed at a later date. You can receive the latest updates here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/stories-news-events/2019/all-new-rav4-plugin
When demonstrators are available at our centres we would recommend trying it out for yourself to see if it suits your requirements.
Thanks.
Hi, I’m due to upgrade to a new car (which will be an SUV) I have a RAV4 and really would like to know the status of the plugin. Speaking to several of your dealers, I am being told they have heard nothing and price wise this could be 45K plus. As you can imagine it feels like they just want me to buy what is here now, while there could be a better option. I have been a loyal toyota customer for over a decade but this lack of info has me looking to other brands.
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment and for your loyalty over the past decade.
We appreciate that you are very keen to learn more about the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, but we currently have no new information on specific dates or pricing.
We can confirm that it is due to be introduced in the second half of 2020, and sales are still predicted to begin in early 2021.
Thanks for your patience, and you can stay up to date with the latest news regarding the new RAV4 by subscribing to updates here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/stories-news-events/2019/all-new-rav4-plugin
Thanks.