It’s a more interesting shape than the slab-sided SUVs we’ve had before.
Jonathan Gitlin
It’s a more interesting shape than the slab-sided SUVs we’ve had before.
Jonathan Gitlin
Along with the four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, the silicon carbide converter and other electronics are also in the engine bay.
Toyota
Along with the four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, the silicon carbide converter and other electronics are also in the engine bay.
Toyota
I worry that this SUV devalues the GR sub-brand.
Jonathan Gitlin
I worry that this SUV devalues the GR sub-brand.
Jonathan Gitlin
Along with the four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, the silicon carbide converter and other electronics are also in the engine bay.
Toyota
I worry that this SUV devalues the GR sub-brand.
Jonathan Gitlin
Most of the time, drive to the front wheels comes from a second electric motor connected to the eCVT; this permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 203 hp (151 kW) and 201 lb-ft (272 Nm). So for the most part, the RAV4 is a series hybrid, and while you can hear the revs when you accelerate hard, most of the time the power that comes with that sound is directed to the battery pack. But sometimes—highway speeds, really—it’s more efficient to operate as a parallel hybrid, eCVT allows.
A third electric motor provides an additional 55 hp (41 kW) and 91 lb-ft (123 Nm) to the rear axle, and the RAV4 PHEV offers a maximum combined output of 324 hp (242 kW) and 315 lb-ft (427 Nm).
Trim determines efficiency
There are four different trims to choose from, and if you care about efficiency and maximizing all-electric miles, you should go for the SE ($41,500) or XSE ($47,200). These are rated at just 40 mpg (5.9 L/100 km) and up to 52 miles (84 km) on battery power alone. For the outdoorsy, the Woodland ($45,300) adds some protective covers, tow wheels, as well as all-terrain tires and a higher ride height, which combine to lower economy to 37 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) and electric-only range to 49 miles (79 km).
For this generation, the automaker also introduced the GR Sport trim; At $48,500, it’s the most expensive RAV4 PHEV. This is also the one Toyota sent us for review. The powertrain is unchanged, but there are larger, lighter 20-inch wheels. There are new springs and front shocks, the rear suspension has been beefed up, and the GR Sport is lowered 0.6 inches (15 mm) over the SE or XSE. There are also some bodywork unique to this version: a larger grille, front and rear spoilers and a diffuser at the rear. Needless to say, this is not a decoration to choose if you are a hypermiler. It should return a combined 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) and has the shortest battery range, at 48 miles (77 km).
