Toyota RAV4 Prime: the PHEV version arrives with 302 hp

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the new PHEV variant of the Japanese SUV, and it arrives with an impressive calling card: 302 hp and more than 60 km of electric range

The fifth generation of the Toyota RAV4 reached the market last year with its conventional hybrid powertrain. A year later, and taking advantage of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the brand has unveiled a novelty we already saw a few days ago, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, or in other words, the PHEV variant of the Japanese crossover.

High power outputs are becoming the norm among new plug-in hybrid SUV launches, and the PHEV version of the Toyota RAV4 is no exception. It promises 302 hp, enough to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.

This impressive figure makes it the second-fastest model the manufacturer has ever produced, second only to the Toyota GR Supra we tested a few months ago. The new Toyota RAV4 PHEV is not only quick, it also offers a fully electric range of 62 kilometres. This gives it all the advantages of the DGT Environmental Label 0.

Toyota considers its SUV the cornerstone of its electrification strategy, so its range will offer up to four powertrain options: the conventional hybrid that has enjoyed so much success, the PHEV variant just presented, a fully electric BEV version and even an FCEV option. The latter will use the fuel cell electric technology found in the Toyota Mirai.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime will be offered with two trim levels

The brand has set up its new model to have a sporty character, taking advantage of the high power achieved, and it is offered in two trim levels: SE and XSE.

The SE trim has been created specifically for the Toyota RAV4 Prime. On the outside, it features 18-inch alloy wheels, a new front grille design and a front lip to give the ensemble a sportier look.

Inside, it has heated front seats adjustable in 8 ways, a leather steering wheel, electric tailgate opening and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which also includes the Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

Meanwhile, with the XSE pack, there is the option of a two-tone body finish, allowing the black roof to be combined with other colours such as the new Supersonic Red visible in the photos. Additionally, 19-inch wheels crown the exterior look.

In the cabin, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV XSE adds to the SE’s equipment a new panoramic roof, leather upholstery, wireless charging, ambient lighting, a 9-inch display and a sound system signed by JBL.

Both the SE and XSE trims come with the Toyota Safety Sense pack as standard. This includes safety features such as the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane keeping assist and road sign detection. However, the top-of-the-range XSE adds rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking assistance with automatic braking.

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV shares the same base as the Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is based on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which we have already been able to test. The manufacturer has ensured that the PHEV’s interior space is no smaller than that of the Hybrid, despite the batteries in this model being larger. The reason is that they have been placed in the central part of the car’s underbody, which achieves a low centre of gravity.

In addition, both models share the same engine block, namely the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 178 hp. Adding the electric motor, the PHEV version reaches the announced 302 hp.

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV features all-wheel drive thanks to the placement of its motors: the combustion engine’s power is sent to the front wheels and the electric motor is located on the rear axle.

With the paddle shifters fitted behind the steering wheel, the driver can manage the output of the regenerative energy system, so driving can be done with a single pedal if it is set to its highest level.

Moreover, thanks to the Predictive Efficiency Drive system, it uses the navigation system to manage the energy stored in its batteries so it can be used at moments when more power is needed, such as on a mountain pass. This system also optimises efficiency to achieve maximum electric range.

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV will reach the market in summer 2020, and we will have to wait to learn its prices, but it will undoubtedly be a tough nut to crack for some models already established in the market, such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadToyota RAV412 versions · from 46,500 €