Toyota has released the final
specifications of its flagship hybrid model for Europe, the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
(RAV4 Prime in North America), along with an extensive photo gallery. The most
powerful RAV4 yet delivers a combined 306 PS from a 2.5-liter
Hybrid Dynamic Force petrol engine and two electric motors (one on each axle)
powered by a 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.
But the output is not the most important
thing about the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid. The final homologation data is in and it
places the electrified SUV at the top of its segment. WLTP testing indicates a
combined fuel consumption of 1.0 l/100km (235 mpg US / 282.5 mpg UK) and
corresponding CO2 emissions of 22 g/km.
These impressive numbers are obviously
made possible by the contribution of the battery and electric motors. Speaking
of which, the RAV4 PHEV can cover 75 km in EV mode, a 10-km improvement over the initial estimate. Toyota says the RAV4 operates
as an authentic electric vehicle: EV running is its default mode and it can
cover around 98 km in urban driving (City WLTP cycle) on a full
battery charge, at speeds of up to 135 km/h. Besides the default EV
mode, there are three other drive settings: HV (hybrid vehicle) mode, Auto
HV/EV mode, and Charging mode.
When full power is needed, the 185 PS 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine kicks in, enabling the RAV4 PHEV to
sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds thanks also to the standard
intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i) made possible by the 40 kW (53.6 HP) rear-mounted electric motor.
Compared to the self-charging RAV4 Hybrid,
the PHEV variant offers largely the same practicality. The sole exception is
the smaller cargo volume of 520 liters given that the floor is
raised by 35 mm to make room for the battery pack.
However, the plug-in hybrid model makes up
for that with additional standard features such as a 230 V/150 W power outlet,
the latest Toyota multimedia system with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
smartphone integration, key fob remote control for the vehicle’s air
conditioning system operated via the MyT app, and illuminated power switches in
the door panels. Needless to say, the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense
suite comes standard too.
