Toyota's fifth generation RAV4 is at its most sophisticated in plug-in form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The first plug-in hybrid version of Toyota's RAV4 draws on more than twenty years of the brand's leadership in hybrid powertrain technology to offer customers a 'D'-segment SUV that promises to be not only more powerful than any other in its class but also more efficient in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. There's quite a price to pay for this technology but the stats look tempting - a total output of 302bhp, an all-electric driving range of 46 miles and a CO2 reading of 22g/km.

Background

It's strange that Toyota was one of the last SUV makers to adopt plug-in technology. Primarily because it was the very first brand to introduce plug-in tech of any kind to the market - with the Prius Plug-in of 2012. A second generation of that car was subsequently introduced five years later and we expected to see its technology quickly spread to other Toyota models. This hasn't happened as quickly as expected but at the end of 2019, the brand announced that the fifth generation version of its RAV4, an SUV it originally said needed only self-charging hybrid power, would gain the plug-in variant we're going to look at here. By that time, the mid-sized SUV market was already well populated with PHEV models following a lead set by Mitsubishi's plug-in Outlander. Brands like Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Ford and SEAT have all piled into this part of the segment, alongside premium makers like BMW, Audi, DS, Mercedes and Volvo. Even though the MK5 model RAV4 initially sold well for Toyota in its self-charging hybrid form, attracting more than 120,000 customer orders in Western Europe in its first year on sale, it was clear that it would also need a plug-in variant to properly compete.

Driving Experience

With 306 braked horses-worth of combined system output on tap, this plug-in variant offers quite a big step up in power from the standard self-charging RAV4 Hybrid, which offers 218hp in front-driven form or 222hp in four-wheel-drive guise. This PHEV variant only comes in 4x4 form and its power increase comes courtesy of a more powerful electric motor paired to a larger high-capacity underfloor lithium-ion battery, with the powertrain featuring a boost converter on the hybrid's power control unit. The 62mph sprint time from rest is claimed to be just 6.0s and this model can run at speeds of up to 84mph with no intervention from the engine. When the limit of EV driving range is reached, the car will automatically switch to its hybrid vehicle (HV) mode. The choice of driving modes means the driver can use HV mode to start their journey, then switch to EV mode to maximise efficiency, for example when reaching an urban area. In Auto EV/HV mode, the hybrid system will automatically come into play when extra power is needed, for example under sharp, sudden acceleration, then returning to EV mode immediately afterwards. You'll want to know a bit more about the engine. It's the same 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle hybrid petrol unit used in the conventional RAV4. Toyota's electric all-wheel-drive system is also carried over without change, a set-up which sees the combustion engine and a front electric motor powering the front axle and an additional rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear axle. Both motors incorporate regenerative charging to charge the battery, the extent of which can be controlled by the driver via a pair of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. When fully charged, that battery can take the car to a WLTP-rated 46 mile driving range.

Design and Build

As with most plug-in models in this segment, visual differentiation points from the conventional model are few; a bit of bespoke badgework, an extra filler flap for the charging socket and that's about it. Otherwise, this variant is like any other upper-spec MK5 model RAV4, which means that it's styled with a tad more character than previous generation versions of this car. This is a 'D'-segment SUV, which means that it's a size above a Qashqai or a Sportage, with pavement presence closer to, say, a Honda CR-V or even an Audi Q5. Piercing narrow full-LED headlamps and slim nostrils above the polygon-shaped front grille deliver a bit of overtaking presence. And in profile, you notice the Jeep-like squared-off wheel arches and the adoption of larger wheels that here can be up to 19-inches in size. Inside, it's also standard RAV4 fare, though this Plug-in version is the first derivative in the range to add in two features that'll be rolled out to conventional variants - a colour Head-up display and 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring, the latter featuring on an 8-inch centre dash screen. The instrument binnacle features Toyota's usual Hybrid system indicator on the left - with its normal 'Charge', 'ECO' and 'Power' sections. And in the back? Well the rear bench doesn't slide, but the backrest reclines for greater comfort on longer journeys and headroom's good too, despite the low-ish roof line. There are some boot area compromises with the plug-in tech though, cargo capacity falling from the usual 580-litre figure to 520-litres here.

Market and Model

There are two variants on offer, starting with the 'Design'-trimmed model priced at around £44,000. Around £49,000 gets you top 'GR Sport' spec. Obvious rivals include plug-in versions of the Peugeot 3008, the Citroen C5 Aircross, the Vauxhall Grandland, the Skoda Kodiaq iV and the Ford Kuga. A top-spec RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid may also appeal to a customer looking at a premium-brand SUV of this kind, plug-in versions of the Volvo XC40, the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, the Mercedes GLC and the DS 7 Crossback. Opt to spend your money Toyota's way and you'll find plenty of kit included. The RAV4 Plug-in 'Dynamic' model for instance, offers 19-inch machined-face alloy wheels, a nine-inch multimedia touchscreen, access to connected services, heated front and rear seats and LED projector headlights. To support its EV capability, it will come with a 6.6kW (32A) cable for fast charging (wall box system required). The 'Dynamic Premium' version adds features including black leather upholstery, front seats with ventilation and memory settings, a panoramic roof, a head-up display and a JBL Premium Sound System. There's also plenty of camera safety kit, including a pre-collision set-up with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beam, road sign assist and automatic adaptive cruise control. Other advanced safety features include a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert for safe manoeuvring. Plus an E-Call service that can automatically alert the emergency services to the vehicle's location in the event of an accident - triggered when the airbags are deployed.

Cost of Ownership

Toyota wanted to improve on the class standard with this RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and, sure enough, its WLTP-quoted CO2 emission figure of 22g/km is fractionally better than most of its competitors, which of course will mean an attractively low BiK taxation figure (6%). Like most rivals, the brand also quotes a 3-figure combined cycle fuel consumption reading (282.5mpg) but as usual in plug-in territory, this isn't ever likely to be replicated by the average owner. As a feather-foot, we suppose 80-90mpg might theoretically be possible but your realistic average is going to be much less than that - and certainly less than you'd get from an equivalent diesel model. Rely on the petrol engine alone and you'd struggle to average 35mpg. We've already given you the WLTP driving range (46 miles); as usual with this type of car, around 25 miles is more realistic. Charging takes around two and a half hours using a 230V/32A connection. The charging process can now be programmed for a week on a day-to-day basis, including the facility to simultaneously charge the battery and pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin. What else? Well, the five year 100,000 mile warranty is extremely good and even after that runs out, you'll find that most spares are relatively inexpensive. There's also three years warranty against rust and 12 years of anti-corrosion protection.

Summary

We don't really understand why plug-in tech wasn't included with the fifth generation RAV4 range from the outset. It's important for a car in this class to offer this option these days, though as a buyer of this Toyota SUV, we'd recommend that you think long and hard over whether you actually really need it. A conventional RAV4 self-charging hybrid is commendably efficient, very eco-minded - and far cheaper. It's unlikely indeed, that in ownership running cost savings, a private buyer would ever make back the premium necessary to choose this PHEV derivative. For a business user of course, it might be different, such are the Benefit-in-Kind taxation advantage of opting for a PHEV model these days. Plus there's the not-inconsiderable advantage of being able to conduct the vast majority of your commuting mileage on an almost fuel-free basis, the typical European buyer's average daily trip to and from work being around 31 miles. In a couple of decades time, the plug-in hybrid phase will have passed us by, but right here and now, its advantages are considerable. If you can afford the cost of the technology.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Rear screen wiper - intermittent

Front wipers with variable intermittent facility

Power front windows

Rear windscreen defogger

Power rear windows

Automatic wipers

Anti-jam protection on power windows

Auto up and down function on power windows

Smartphone remote power window operation

Brakes

Traction control

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Collision mitigation braking system

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

Brake hold function

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Communication

Voice control system

Bluetooth system

MirrorLink

Android Auto

Wireless Mobile Phone Charger

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Drive mode selector

Traffic sign recognition

Driver attention alert system

360 degree panoramic view monitor

Road sign assist - RSA

Lane trace assist

Cyclist Detection

Night Time Pedestrian Detection

Lane departure alert with steering control

EV audible alert

Full range intelligent adaptive cruise control

Memory on adjustable speed limiter

Toyota safety sense 2.5

Intelligent front and rear parking sensors and intelligent clearance sonar with automatic braking

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert with brake assist

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Power boot opening and closing

Remote boot door release in cabin

Remote boot door release in key

Smartphone hazard lights notification

Driver Information

Trip computer

Lights on warning

Digital speedometer

Head up Display

Hybrid system indicator

ECO-driving indicator

My T Connected services

Analog tachometer

Toyota smart connect navigation

12.3" Digital Combimeter

Driving Mirrors

Body coloured door mirrors

Electric heated door mirrors

Electric adjustable door mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Automatically retractable door mirrors

Turning signal integrated indicators in door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Gloss black centre console

Soft-touch black upper dashboard with silver insert

Black centre air vent surround

Soft-touch texture on lower dashboard

Open tray on passenger dashboard

Entertainment

6 speakers

Auxiliary socket for external MP3 player

Toyota touch media system

Rear USB connection

Multimedia Road Events

10.5" Toyota smart connect multimedia with wireless smartphone integration incl apple car play

Digital audio broadcast (DAB)+

USB in front armrest

Gloss black surround on multimedia display

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Body colour door handles

Dual exhaust pipes

Body colour rear roof spoiler

Emergency brake-light signal (EBS)

Body coloured Shark-fin antenna

Glass black protection moulding on side doors

Black painted upper front grille

Rear side wing doors

GR SPORT Badging on tailgate

GR sport upper front grille

GR Sport black front and rear bumper

Gunmetal front and rear under-run

GR sport badge on upper front grille

PHEV badge in rear

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

Door mirror puddle lights

LED Indicators

LED rear combination lights

LED High mounted stop lamp

LED front light guide

LED rear brake lights

LED dual beam projector headlights

Adaptive automatic high beam

GR Sport LED front fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Clean air filter

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Rear passenger air vents

Energy saving heat pump

Remote air conditioning

Interior Features

Front centre armrest

Front/rear roof mounted assist grips

Folding rear centre armrest

Lockable glovebox

Heated steering wheel

Retractable tonneau cover

Front and rear cup holders

Luggage area tonneau cover

Black roof lining

Sunglasses holder

Satin chrome interior door handles

Front leather armrest

2x Rear coat hooks

12 volt front socket

Driver and passenger seatback pockets

Manual telescopic and tilt 3-spoke leather steering wheel with Chrome insert

Rear door armrests

Dual sided deck board in boot

Leather gear shift with chrome surround

Paddle shifter

Multimedia switches on steering wheel

Adjustable speed limiter switch on steering wheel

Rear view display in display audio screen with dynamic guide lines

Telephone and voice recognition switches on steering wheel

220v power socket in boot

Array microphone

Rear console box

1.5L front and rear bottle holder

12V power outlet - Boot

Suede/synthetic leather upholstery with sport seats

Interior Lights

Illuminated entry system

LED boot light

Driver and front passenger personal light

LED centre room light

White ambient lighting in footwell

White ambient lighting on front cup holders

White ambient lighting on open tray

Safety

Child proof door locks

Front and rear curtain airbags

Tyre pressure warning

Seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Drivers knee airbag

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Pre collision system

Adjustable front driver and passenger seat belt extender

Pedestrian detection

Front passenger airbag detector

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags

Seats

Heated rear seats

Front headrests

Reclining rear seats

60/40 split folding rear seat back

3 rear headrests

Isofix child seat preparation

Driver seat memory function

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Heated driver and front passenger seats

Driver and front passenger Whiplash Injury Lessening seats

Power height-adjustable sliding reclining and lumbar support for driver seat

Single front passenger seat

Power height-adjustable sliding and reclining for front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Light - on and Key in reminder

Power door locks

Speed sensitive auto door locking

Glass-breaking alarm sensors

Tilt detection sensors

Motion sensor alarm

Intrusion alarm

Smart entry and GR push button start

Smartphone remote door lock

Towing

Trailer sway control

Transmission

AWD-i

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

7.5m cable with home charging plug

6.6 kw fast charger

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5-double spoke GR Sport black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 420

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.2

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 150

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 6.6

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 60000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 18.1

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 75

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.1

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 46.6

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 6.6

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 64

CO: 0.126

HC: 0.013

NOx: 0.004

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 22

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 87.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 103.5

CC: 2487

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: A25A-FXS

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 48.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 5.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 1

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 282.4

General

Coin Series: GR Sport [Bi-Tone]

Coin Description: PHEV

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 37E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 85

NCAP Safety Assist %: 77

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 306

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 5

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6

Top Speed: 180

Engine Power - BHP: 306

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 225

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 167

Engine Torque - NM: 227

Engine Torque - RPM: 3200

Engine Torque - MKG: 23.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5-DOUBLE SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4600

Width: 1855

Wheelbase: 2690

Width (including mirrors): N

Height: 1690

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1930

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2510

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 580

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 657

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 70

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1604

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Exterior Body Features

Premium Bi-tone paint

Black side steps with chrome detail

Packs

Chrome pack - Rav4

Essential protection pack - Rav4 GR Sport Plug-In

Paint - Two Tone

Metallic Bi-tone - Decuma Grey/Black

Metallic Bi-tone - Silver blade/Black

Metallic Bi-tone - Obisidian blue/Black

Premium Bi-tone - Platinum white pearl/Black

Premium Bi-tone - Scarlet flare/Black

Towing

Detachable towbar with 7 pin wiring

Detachable towbar with 13 pin wiring

Trim - Part Leather

Suede/synthetic leather - Black + sport seats