Toyota launches the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota has reached another landmark in the evolution of its hybrid powertrain technology with the launch of the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, a car that’s both the most efficient and most powerful RAV4 yet built.

The new model is available to order from Toyota retailers ahead of April deliveries, maintaining the reputation for innovation that has helped establish RAV4 as the world’s best-selling SUV. More than 10 million RAV4 have been sold worldwide across five vehicle generations since 1994. In the UK the total has exceeded 228,000.

The RAV4 Plug-in operates as an authentic electric vehicle, capable of covering up to 61 miles in urban driving on a full battery charge, and 46 miles on mixed driving. EV running is its default mode, with Toyota noting that the above data is comfortably more than the average European daily commute. The vehicle can also reach speeds of 84mph with no intervention from the hybrid powertrain.

Nonetheless, the driver can select from four different drive modes to suit the journey or personal preference, including an Auto EV/HV mode which automatically switches the vehicle to HV operation when extra drive power is needed, bringing the 2.5-litre hybrid engine into play, then returning to EV operation when conditions allow.

The RAV4 Plug-in retains all the qualities that have made the fifth generation RAV4 so successful since its launch in late 2018. This includes the dynamic benefits of the low centre of gravity – lowered further by the location of the battery pack beneath the cabin floor – and body rigidity inherent in the Toyota GA-K vehicle platform. It also comes as standard with AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive.

On-the-road prices are £47,395 for the Dynamic and £50,895 for the Dynamic Premium. For company car tax payers, the benefit-in-kind rating for the RAV4 Plug-in Dynamic is from six per cent, giving a first year charge of £1,136 for a 40 per cent tax payer.