Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid revealed

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.