Toyota RAV4 in sixth generation now available to order as hybrid and PHEV

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The enduring and ever-growing success of the “SUV” body style in Europe is also significantly due to Toyota's contribution. As one of the first manufacturers, the Japanese launched a car in 1994 with the RAV4 that, contrary to the original definition, was not derived from a utility vehicle but was a tall passenger car on large wheels in its entirety. Like almost no other manufacturer – one of the few exceptions being the prematurely bold attempt with the Talbot-Simca-Rancho back in the late 70s – Toyota also did not dare to offer such a car without all-wheel drive at that time. Today, front-wheel drive is the norm for almost all SUVs. Customers are pleased with the lower purchase price.

All-wheel drive without a consumption disadvantage

However, despite demands for legally compliant fleet consumption, Toyota has remained true to both the model series and the offering of all-wheel drive. So, it is not surprising that the RAV4 is now in its sixth generation with a hybrid drive. Electrification closes the circle to all-wheel drive with modern means: its rear axle is driven electrically when needed. The electrification, which is necessary for the hybrid drive anyway, saves transfer case, clutch (or differential) and cardan drive. All-wheel drive is therefore no longer a disadvantage in terms of consumption. For the first time, the plug-in hybrid will also be available as a front-wheel drive. For all PHEV versions, the electric range increases. A battery-electric version, as seen sparingly in the USA in 2012 in the USA, is not planned.

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Toyota RAV4 Exterieur (3 Bilder)

The hybrid drive uses a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, which always delivers 105 kW, with 221 Nm of torque in the hybrid models, but is specified at 227 Nm for the PHEV versions – a difference that is probably hardly noticeable in everyday use. In the front-wheel drive hybrid, the electric motor delivers 100 kW, and the system output is a maximum of 136 kW. In the all-wheel drive hybrid, a 40 kW electric motor on the rear axle is added, increasing the system output to 143 kW. Consumption is stated as 4.9 to 5.2, for the all-wheel drive model as 5.3 to 5.7 liters per 100 km.

Efficient hybrid drives

In the plug-in hybrid, the electric motor delivers 151.4 kW, enabling a system output of 200 kW. As an all-wheel drive PHEV, the RAV4 gets the same electric rear axle with 40 kW as the simple hybrid drive and then delivers a system output of 227 kW. Weighted consumption is 1.3 to 1.8 or 1.3 to 1.6 liters, respectively. With an empty battery, it is 5.2 to 5.6 or 5.3 to 5.8, not significantly more than with the hybrid models without electric range – which is not a given in a world where hybrid drives are usually derived from conventional ones, increasing consumption.

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Toyota RAV4 Interieur (5 Bilder)

In terms of segment comparison, the good figures are credible, given Toyota's virtually traditional lead in hybrid drives. Toyota states that they have increased efficiency by another ten percent compared to the previous generation. Not only about the current fuel price development, but also explicitly pointing out the two battery-electric SUV models Toyota bZ4X and Toyota bZ4X Touring in the corresponding format.

Fast charging as an option for PHEV

The batteries of the PHEV versions, which can be cooled as needed, each have a capacity of 22.7 kWh, which is 30 percent more than before, and give them a range of 126 to 137 or 121 to 133 kilometers. With optional 50 kW charging power, depending on the equipment, they are well-positioned for PHEVs. Their battery is said to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. A 11 kW charger is installed as standard, and its charging power is said to be sufficient for charging from 10 to 80 percent in about three hours.

Large trunk

With a length of 4.6 meters, a width of 1.85 and a height of 1.68 meters, the RAV4 remains in its usual size range and offers the fashionable wheel dimensions on 18- and 20-inch rims. What does it look like? Toyota says “its iconic DNA combines robust outdoor capability with refined urban style.” We find it edgier than most other cars. The cargo space offers a capacity of 514 to 1706 liters for the hybrid, and 446 to 1619 liters for the plug-in hybrid. All-wheel drive is optionally available for both the full hybrid drive and the plug-in version. It offers active torque distribution, hill descent control, and a towing capacity of 2000 kg with a nose weight of 100 kg. The front-wheel drive variant, on the other hand, offers a maximum of 800 kg and a nose weight of 80 kg.

The new generation of the RAV4 is already available to order in Germany, as a hybrid for 43,990 euros, as a plug-in hybrid for 49,990 euros. Toyota offers up to 15 years or 250,000 kilometers warranty with contractually compliant maintenance. Toyota plans the first deliveries for June 2026.

(fpi)