Toyota confirms range and economy figures for RAV4 PHEV

New plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 will have a maximum electric range of 46.6 miles and return almost 300mpg on the WLTP cycle


Toyota has released some more powertrain specs for the new plug-in hybrid RAV4. When it reaches the UK market in spring 2021, it promises to be the most powerful and most fuel efficient version of the SUV to date – and it’ll offer renewed competition for the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Toyota’s plug-in hybrid RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle petrol engine, an 18kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors. The system has a combined output of 302bhp, giving the SUV a claimed 0–62mph time of six seconds and a best in-class all-electric range of 46.6 miles.

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The firm’s claimed fuel economy and emissions figures are equally impressive. Toyota says the PHEV RAV4 will return up to 282.5mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting only 22g/km of CO2. What’s more, in an urban environment, the SUV’s electric range can be stretched to as much as 60 miles.

Like the standard RAV4 hybrid, the PHEV model features Toyota’s electric all-wheel-drive system, with the combustion engine and front electric motor powering the front axle, and a separate rear-mounted electric motor powering the rear axle. Both motors also feature regenerative braking to charge the battery – the strength of which can be adjusted using a pair of paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.

Positioned as the flagship variant of the SUV’s line-up, it will feature a handful of styling revisions and plenty of standard equipment. Features and options will include 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, a bi-tone exterior paint finish, automatic tailgate, panoramic roof, head-up display, and a nine-inch infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Toyota has also fitted the RAV4 Plug-in with a host of standard safety equipment, including lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beam assist, automatic adaptive cruise control, road sign assist and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

What do you make of the 298bhp Toyota RAV4 Prime? Let us know in the comments section below… 

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