Following its world debut at
the 2019 LA Auto Show, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime has now been unveiled in
European specification. Billed as the flagship of
Toyota Europe’s hybrid vehicle lineup, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid combines power
and efficiency in a package that’s hard to fault – at least on paper. The
first-ever plug-in hybrid RAV4 packs Toyota’s latest hybrid-electric vehicle
technology offering genuine EV driving capability.
Offering a combined system
output of 306 PS (302 HP) from a 2.5-liter Hybrid Dynamic Force petrol engine
and a rear-mounted electric motor, the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid can sprint
from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds. Furthermore, Toyota projects
average CO2 emissions of less than 29 g/km according on the WLTP standard – the
lowest of any current D-segment plug-in hybrid AWD SUV.
Based on Toyota’s GA-K
platform, the RAV4 PHEV has the lithium-ion hybrid battery located beneath the
floor for added dynamic benefits. The SUV’s driving characteristics also stand
to gain from the standard AWD-i intelligent electric all-wheel drive system.
Toyota does not mention its capacity but says it enables a driving
range of more than 65 km as per WLTP. The SUV can reach a top speed
of 135 km/h on electric power alone so, theoretically, the daily
commute could be done without firing up the internal combustion engine. The
cargo capacity is 520 liters, with the battery being responsible
for 60 liters of lost space compared to the regular RAV4.
Europe’s 2020 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in
Hybrid is easy to recognize thanks to unique touches such as the dual-tone
exterior paint finish, sportier bumpers, blue-colored badge, as well as new 18-
and 19-inch wheel designs.
Inside, the PHEV gains new
upholstery designs with a sporty feel, 9-inch multimedia touchscreen display
with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, heated front and
rear seats, power tailgate, panoramic roof, head-up display and more. The
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will go on sale in Europe in the second half of the
year.
