For 2021, Toyota have introduced a new PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) with the introduction of the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, It is, they say, the most efficient and most powerful RAV4 yet built and who are we to argue? It certainly looks the part.
The RAV4 is one of the world’s best-selling Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), with more than ten million sold across five generations since 1994. This new car continues the story with the very latest in hybrid technology.
The Technology
The Toyota brand has proven to be a world leader in battery hybrid technology and this time they have produced a vehicle that is not only more powerful, outputting a mighty maximum of 302bhp (306PS) whilst claiming to outperform rival models in terms of low emissions and fuel economy. The official figures demonstrate a super-low 22g/km of CO² and an enormous 282.4mpg. Of course, we know that real-world numbers are likely to be less but this is still quite an achievement toward a greener driving world.
Driving Electric
The RAV4 Plug-in operates as an authentic electric vehicle: EV running is its default mode, in which it can cover up to 61 miles in urban driving on a full battery charge, and 46 miles in mixed driving. This means that for an individual’s daily local driving needs, it should be silent running all the way. The daily commute may also be possible, out and back, especially if an enlightened employer has charging facilities on site, making a round trip of up to 100 miles potentially achieveable by electric means only, without any input from the hybrid power-train.
The Drive
Toyota’s new RAV4 PHEV offers the dynamic benefits of a low centre of gravity (achieved by locating the battery pack beneath the cabin floor). The latest rigid body structure, we learn, makes the drive and handling of this big vehicle a comfortable experience. Many of these big SUV’s tend to be a bit dull to drive; not so with the RAV4. An added benefit is that the car comes as standard with AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive, making this SUV a good all-rounder.
Selectable Drive
The driver can select from four different drive modes to suit any given journey or personal preference, including an Auto Electric Vehicle/Hybrid Vehicle mode which automatically switches the vehicle to HV operation when extra drive power is needed, bringing the 2.5L hybrid engine into play, returning to EV operation when conditions allow.
Recharging of the lithium-ion battery is simple and safe and can be accomplished in just 2.5 hours using a 230V/32A connection and a wall-box charging unit. Type 2 cables for connection to a domestic power supply or wall-box are provided as standard. Owners can use the Toyota MyT app to schedule and monitor battery charging remotely and conveniently operate the air conditioning system to warm up or cool the cabin before setting off. A nice touch in warmer or indeed colder climes.
The Specifications
Two highly-specified versions of the RAV4 Plug-in are available: Dynamic and Dynamic Premium. They are differentiated visually from the standard, earlier RAV Hybrid with a dark grille mesh and frame, dark-finish front and rear under-runs, a metallic lower front bumper moulding and model-specific 19” five-double-spoke alloy wheels. It is a very good-looking car as can be seen from our images.
Features on the Dynamic version include dual-zone air conditioning with remote operation, a nine-inch multimedia touchscreen, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered tailgate, wireless phone charger, heated front and outer rear seats and Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems. The Dynamic Premium grade adds black leather seat upholstery, head-up display, opening Skyview panoramic roof, front seats with power adjustment and ventilation and a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system. That’s a pretty comprehensive specification in this competitive automotive sector.
Prices start at £47,395 for the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid in the UK. It is a well-made, exceptionally competent family SUV, as would be expected from this brand, and the car justifies the premium price with a skill set that covers everything from silent, clean electric commuting to comfortable cross-country pace alike. Well worth investigating.
