TOYOTA REVEALS THE NEW RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID


Toyota today opens an important new chapter in the history of RAV4, the world’s original recreational/lifestyle SUV, with the world debut of the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This first plug-in hybrid version of RAV4 draws on more than 20 years of Toyota leadership in hybrid powertrain technology to offer customers a vehicle that promises to be not only more powerful than any other in its class, but also more efficient in terms of emissions and fuel consumption.

RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s position at the top of the RAV4 range is founded on its combination of high power and performance, exceptional efficiency, the dynamic excellence of its GA-K platform and the on and off-road handling capabilities provided by its standard AWD-i intelligent electric all-wheel drive system. It will further broaden the appeal of the fifth generation RAV4, which has reaffirmed its historic status as one of Europe’s most popular SUVs, with more than 120,000 customer orders in Western Europe since its launch earlier in 2019. Of this figure, more than 105,000 have been hybrid models.

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*, this 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 30g/km*. These levels are unmatched by any current D-segment plug-in hybrid AWD SUV.

Toyota has harnessed the potential of electric power 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 a boost converter to the hybrid system’s power control unit. The 2.5-litre hybrid petrol engine is the same unit as featured in the regular RAV4 Hybrid.

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. The expected range (WLTP standard) is of more than 37 miles (60km)*, further than competitor plug-in hybrid SUVs and beyond the 31-mile (50km) average European daily commuting distance.

The new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will be introduced in second half of 2020, with on-sale dates to be determined according to country/market.

* Provisional figures subject to final homologation