2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review Interior Exterior

The new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leads the RAV4 range and becomes the new flagship of Toyota’s hybrid vehicle line-up.

Best-of-both worlds performance and technology
302bhp/225kW*, 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds*
CO2 emissions below 29 g/km*
Best-in-class EV pure electric driving range of more than 38 miles/65km*
Sales to commence during second half of 2020

This first plug-in hybrid-electric version of the RAV4 draws on more than 20 years of Toyota leadership in hybrid powertrain technology. It will sit at the pinnacle of the fifth generation RAV4 range, a model that has reaffirmed its historic status as one of Europe’s most popular SUVs with more than 130,000 customer orders since its launch early in 2019, including more than 115,000 hybrids (Western Europe).

The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will offer customers a best-of-both-worlds solution. It features Toyota’s latest hybrid-electric vehicle technology, with higher power and better driving dynamics, and also has a genuine pure electric EV driving capability, free from concerns about driving range or the need to stop to recharge the battery.

Performance and efficiency

With the experience of developing two generations of its Prius Plug-in Hybrid model, Toyota is well-equipped to produce an impressive new powertrain for RAV4. With full system output of 302bhp/225kW*, it has the potential to deliver acceleration from rest to 62mph in just 6.2 seconds*, outperforming any of its conventionally powered rivals. Moreover, it is also on course to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions and fuel economy: Toyota’s pre-homologation, WLTP-standard data indicates CO2 output of less than 29g/km*. These levels are unmatched by any current D-segment plug-in hybrid AWD SUV.

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 the 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.

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, 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

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, power tailgate with hands-free kick sensor, panoramic roof, head-up display, nine-inch display audio system and the latest Toyota multimedia package with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

The new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will be introduced in second half of 2020. Details of the UK model range will be announced later.

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