Although many have forgotten The SUV segment was created by the first generation of the Toyota RAV4. This happened in 1994, when the series (XA10) landed on the market. In fact, its name is a portmanteau of the words: "Recreational Activity Vehicle 4-wheel drive." Now, when 27 years have passed since his birth, we are before the all road best selling in the world and one of the most acclaimed in Spain.
To maintain its market share, the firm has gone one step further. Introducing a plug-in hybrid version, in order to offer an alternative suitable for all types of use. All this, without losing sight of its family essence, although providing a touch of quality that places it very close to the premium spectrum. If you are looking for a complete and technological car, the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is yours. In this test we tell you the best, and the worst...
To find the changes in the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid you will have to take out the magnifying glass
La Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid image It stays true to that of the hybrid version that we already know. That is, the basic lines of design do not change, although to differentiate itself it has a series of elements that give it an exclusive touch. On the front there is a new grille and exterior frame as well as a new metallic molding for the bumper. Completing the change is a stylish front spoiler finished in gloss black.
The side view is the one that changes the least because it conforms to 18 or 19-inch wheels of exclusive design. Lastly is the back. Here the evolution is also less, although it is necessary to emphasize the chrome molding that joins the rear optics or the gloss black finish bumper. To dress your body there are several options. The Advance finish offers seven uniform tones and the Style Plus five two-tone with a black roof.
Ergonomic, quality interior with details to improve...
Inside the doors Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid follow the steps that we have already explained for the exterior. The design and ergonomics of the cabin do not vary, although it has some details that differentiate it. First of all, there are some electric sports seats they can be upholstered in fabric or leather. In contrast, they have red stitching in all versions. But it is not the only interior aspect that, at first glance, is seen to change.
El instrument panel change the water temperature gauge to one for battery level. They have added specific content for the plug-in hybrid system to the 7-inch multifunction screen. In addition, it launches a Head-Up Display 10-inch screen projected directly onto the windshield. The central touch screen is also new, although in this case its size, which becomes 9 inches in the Style Plus finish.
La habitability is another of the strengths of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Access to the second row of seats is very comfortable and, in addition, the central tunnel is very low. In addition, the backrest can be reclined to increase comfort. Lastly, we must talk about the trunk capacity. The volume is 520 liters, so with respect to the hybrid it loses 60. Of course, it offers a completely flat floor and space to store the charging cable.
On this basis, we must comment on the weak points of the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The quality of materials and assembly is at a high level, but the inferior plastics could present a better touch. The screen of the cockpit could offer better resolution and the central one, in addition, some spellings most current. Finally, the speed of response of the infotainment system and the browser could be better resolved, since sometimes it was "caught".
First level security endowment…
Another section of the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid that we cannot ignore is the one referring to the security crew. Following the brand policy, it launches the latest evolution of the system Toyota Safety Sense. With it, driving becomes safer, as the different aids warn the driver of any danger. In addition, if necessary they provide braking and steering assistance to avoid impacts or mitigate the severity of a collision.
Among the guardian angels that accompany him is the Pre-Crash Safety System capable of recognizing pedestrians by day and by night and cyclists by day. Adaptive Cruise Control is combined with Traffic Sign Recognition. The Notice of Involuntary Lane Change It allies with the Lane Maintenance System to avoid lane departures. Both are slightly intrusive and annoying compared to those of the competition.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has two electric motors and 306 HP of power
Next we review the technique that gives life to the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The base on which it stands is the flexible TNGA-K who gives life to his hybrid brother. Thanks to their versatility, they have been able to place a lithium ion battery with 18,1 kWh capacity. In addition, the engineering team has been able to attach a second electric motor to the rear. In this way, you can equip intelligent 4WD-i all-wheel drive.
Therefore, we have the following configuration. The thermal block is a 2.5 Atkinson of 185 CV of power that adds the 88 kW (120 CV) of the front electric motor and the 40 kW (54 CV) rear impeller. Together it offers 306 hp power and an acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 6 seconds. For its management, it relies on an evolution of the e-CVT automatic transmission that, in sequential mode, has six preset stages.
The operation of the plug-in hybrid system of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is simple. It has four modes: EV (predetermined), HV (Hybrid), Automatic (EV/HV) and Charge (CH). The first works up to 135 kilometers per hour and is powered by the battery. According to the WLTP protocol, it allows 75 kilometers of autonomy that goes up to 98 kilometers in urban use. In any case, the transition between modes is almost imperceptible.
All the charging options available to recover autonomy are two. Using the domestic network of 230 volts we can take 7,5 hours using a Schuko-Mennekes cable at 10 A. If you opt for a wall box and a Mennekes-Mennekes cable the operation reduces to 2,5 hours thanks to the fact that the intensity increases up to 32 A. In addition, the Charge mode allows you to charge the battery on the go, although at the cost of consumption.
How is the new Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid running?
The theory is fine, but How is the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid driving? Well, there is already an answer to this question. The test circuit that the guys from Toyota Spain had prepared near Valladolid included fast roads (motorway), secondary roads and a small off-road section. During the 134 kilometers that it lasted, we were able to verify the smoothness of the plug-in hybrid system and, above all, its thrust.
We started the test in the most absolute silenceWell, EV mode commands. The roll around town It is agile since the electrical system provides remarkable acceleration. It also helps that, despite its 4,60 meters in length and 1,85 meters in width, it does not feel bulky. Another point in its favor is the brake pedal feel. It no longer feels as artificial as before, offering a progressive touch that better doses retention.
Once we leave the motorway we go to a section of national road. This is where the touring capability of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid comes in. Especially the response of the suspension and how it manages the transfer of masses due to the increase in weight of the electrical system. Regarding the hybrid adds 260 kilos that, although well concealed, are noticeable in certain situations. Especially when carrying out turns and plane changes at high speed.
To compensate for this small disadvantage, the battery allows the center of gravity be reduced by a few 2 centimeters. This helps the body to oscillate less, improving the comfort of the occupants. On the other hand, it affects the dynamics in the field, since reduces ground clearance and worsens the off road dimensions. Not in vain, thanks to the intelligent 4WD-i offers a high degree of grip on surfaces such as mud.
And the battery, does it last long...?
We have already verified that the dynamics of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is at a high level. However, she is interested in knowing if he is worth it compared to his hybrid brother and other plug-in rivals. And the answer is a resounding YES. Toyota homologates a autonomy in electric of 75 kilometers, and we almost caught up with them. Specifically, they were (with the weather at 20 degrees) about 50 kilometers, which would have been more if the battery had been charged.
But there is more, because harnessing the entire electrical system we covered 57% of the 134 kilometers that the test lasted. This is about 76 kilometers, a figure well above what its main rivals are offering. For this we use the three driving modes offering: ECO, Normal y Sport. Depending on the chosen one, the management of the transmission or the throttle response changes, adapting to the needs of each moment.
As to electricity and fuel consumption, the on-board computer indicated a average 22 kWh and 4,2 liters at 100 kilometers. The second figure is far from the liter approved by Toyota, but we must also point out that in certain sections the pace was fast. If it were smaller, we would have lowered this figure by one liter and even increased, without much extra effort, the autonomy in electric mode.
Conclusions ...
If you have the possibility of having a garage (private or community) with a plug or Wall Box, the new Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid It is a model to be seriously valued. It is true that SUVs are not the segment that I am most passionate about, but we must be honest. Today they are the best option to combine a heat engine with a large battery pack to circulate in electric mode without emitting CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.
Su driving dynamics It is at a high level, especially due to the good work of the suspension and the soundproofing of the passenger compartment. That he is an understeer in certain situations is something we have assumed and, furthermore, his rivals do not do much better than him either. The brake feel It is no longer what it was and the resistance to fatigue is high. Therefore, this is a model to be enjoyed alone or with the family, in the city, in the countryside and even while driving happily.
In addition, we must take into account another series of additional facilities. By having label 0 enjoy benefits such as discounts in regulated parking areas or the possibility of entering areas closed to some cars. These incentives still make you opt for him. On the other hand, if you do not have the possibility of charging it daily, you should evaluate the purchase of the RAV4 Hybrid that we have already tested on another occasion.
Equipment Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
The list of equipment for the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in in Spain It consists of two versions. The input is called Advance and offers a richer endowment than its counterpart in the Hybrid version. Crowning the range is the StylePlus which, as in the previous case, is almost at the level of the Luxury Hybrid. If you want to know what endowment carries one and another version, here we leave the list so you can know which one suits you best.
Advance
Body exterior:
- 18-inch machined alloy wheels
- Longitudinal roof bars
- Darkened rear windows
- Bi-LED headlights with follow-me home function
- Headlights with automatic height adjustment
- Front and rear fog lights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED rear optics
- Electrically adjustable, heated and folding exterior mirrors with welcome light
Interior
- Electrochromic interior mirror
- Black Advance cloth upholstery with red stitching
- Black roof upholstery
- Handles (2 front and 2 rear)
- 60:40 folding rear seats
- Front seat back pockets
- Roll-up luggage cover
- Height and depth adjustable leather steering wheel
Comfort
- Driver's seat with electric slide and height adjustment
- Driver's seat with electric lumbar support
- Heated front and rear seats
- Automatic gate with electric opening and closing
- Rear view camera
- Keyless entry and start system (SME)
- Heated front and rear seats
- Rain and light sensors
- Central locking with remote control
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
- Front and rear electric windows
- electric parking brake
- Speed limiter
- Front sun visors with mirror and courtesy light
- Front armrest with glove box
- EasyFlat system
- 12V power socket (2 front and 1 rear)
- 220V socket (max. 150W)
Security
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 2 3-point ISOFIX anchorages in rear outer seats
- 7 airbags (front, side, curtain and driver's knees)
- Anti-whiplash front head restraints
- Belt use reminder in all seats
- Spare wheel (temporary 165/90D18AL)
- tire pressure sensor
- Immobilizer
- Child lock rear locks
- HAC (Hill Start Assist)
- Passenger airbag deactivation system
- e-Call emergency call system
- SCV+
- AVAS acoustic warning system
- Toyota Safety Sense
- 4×4 AWD-i drive system
- Driving mode selector Off road AWD-i
Multimedia
- Toyota Touch 2 with 8-inch multimedia touch screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Audio equipment with 6 speakers
- Vehicle information via App MyT
- Audio and telephone controls on the steering wheel
- 7-inch screen on the dashboard
- AM/FM/DAB radio, USB connection and Bluetooth with audio streaming
Options
- Plus Pack
StylePlus
Body exterior:
- Toyota Skyview panoramic sunroof
- 19-inch machined alloy wheels
Interior
- paddle shifters on the steering wheel
- Smart interior mirror
Comfort
- Hands-free opening of the automatic gate
- Driver's seat with memory
- Power sliding and height adjustable front seats (passenger sliding only)
- 360º view camera
Security
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RTCA)
- Blind Spot Detector (BSM)
- puncture repair kit
- Toyota Safety Sense
Multimedia
- 10-inch color Head-Up Display projected on the windshield
- Wireless smartphone chargers
- Touch 2 & Go Navigation System
- Toyota Touch 2 with 9-inch multimedia touch screen
Prices of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid for Spain…
Taking into account the multiple virtues offered by the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in, the list of official prices seems very honest. It is true that we are talking about a vehicle that is close to and exceeds 50 thousand euros, but it is really worth it. In addition, if you choose to finance through the Toyota Easy program, you must subtract another 1.750 euros more from the final rate that appears in the list. In addition, its launch entails two more novelties.
If you want, you can choose two service packages called EasyPlus y Easy Complete. The first is valued at $1.200 and includes 4 years warranty and 4 years of maintenance. The second also offers one year of insurance for $1.810. In both cases, if you opt for the Toyota Easy program, its amount will be reduced by 600 euros. In both cases, it is a matter of taking out the calculator and throwing numbers, although it is worth it.
| Version | Traction | Change | Finish | Price | Discount | Final price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Version | Traction | Change | Finish | Price | Discount | Final price |
| 220PH 306HP | Full 4WD-i | Automatic CVT | Advance | 52.500 € | 3.000 € | 49.500 € |
| 220PH 306HP | Full 4WD-i | Automatic CVT | AdvancePlus | 55.500 € | 3.000 € | 52.500 € |
| 220PH 306HP | Full 4WD-i | Automatic CVT | StylePlus | 61.500 € | 3.000 € | 58.500 € |
Gallery Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 218 - 309 hp
- Consumer goods 1 - 5,9l/100km
- Assessment 4,2