Toyota has launched its first plug-in hybrid vehicle in Australia, with the new RAV4 PHEV bringing an unusually long claimed electric-only range to one of the country’s most popular mid-size SUVs.
Available in XSE 2WD, XSE AWD and GR Sport AWD grades, the RAV4 PHEV is positioned as a practical option for drivers and fleets that can charge regularly but still need the flexibility of petrol power for longer trips.
The headline figure is the EV-only range. Toyota claims the front-wheel-drive RAV4 PHEV XSE can travel up to 154km on the NEDC test cycle, while the all-wheel-drive versions are rated at up to 144km. On the tougher WLTP cycle, the equivalent figures are 121km for the 2WD and 113km for AWD models.
That is substantially more electric range than most plug-in hybrid SUVs currently offered in Australia and means many daily commuting, sales, service and local government driving tasks could potentially be completed without using petrol, provided the vehicle is charged between shifts.
The RAV4 PHEV uses a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the rear floor and combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors.
The XSE 2WD produces a combined 201kW, while the XSE AWD and GR Sport AWD lift combined output to 227kW. Toyota says the AWD models can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds, compared with 7.5 seconds for the 2WD.
Charging capability is another notable development. The RAV4 PHEV supports 11kW AC charging through a Type 2 connector and up to 50kW DC charging through a CCS2 connector. Toyota quotes around 2.5 hours for an AC charge from 10 to 100 per cent, or about 28 minutes for a DC charge from 10 to 80 per cent.
Drivers can select EV mode, Auto EV/HEV mode or HEV mode. EV mode prioritises battery-only driving, while Auto EV/HEV chooses between electric and petrol power based on driving conditions. HEV mode preserves battery charge for later use.
For fleets, the range could make the RAV4 PHEV particularly relevant for vehicles that operate from a depot, office or employee home where charging can be installed. It also avoids the operational limitations of a battery-electric vehicle for drivers who regularly travel outside reliable public charging coverage.
The XSE 2WD has an 800kg braked towing capacity, while the AWD models can tow up to 1500kg. All versions use a 55-litre petrol tank.
Toyota RAV4 PHEV pricing
- RAV4 PHEV XSE 2WD: $58,840
- RAV4 PHEV XSE AWD: $63,340
- RAV4 PHEV GR Sport AWD: $66,340
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Key RAV4 PHEV specifications
| Specification | XSE 2WD | XSE AWD | GR Sport AWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined system output | 201kW | 227kW | 227kW |
| EV-only range, NEDC | 154km | 144km | 144km |
| EV-only range, WLTP | 121km | 113km | 113km |
| Battery capacity | 22.7kWh | 22.7kWh | 22.7kWh |
| AC charging | 11kW | 11kW | 11kW |
| DC charging | 50kW | 50kW | 50kW |
| DC charge time, 10–80% | Approx. 28 min | Approx. 28 min | Approx. 28 min |
| AC charge time, 10–100% | Approx. 2.5 hrs | Approx. 2.5 hrs | Approx. 2.5 hrs |
| Braked towing capacity | 800kg | 1500kg | 1500kg |
| 0–100km/h | 7.5 sec | 5.8 sec | 5.8 sec |
The GR Sport sits at the top of the range, adding a wider front and rear track, revised springs and dampers, a front performance damper, revised electric power steering calibration and sport-focused exterior and interior changes.
Toyota’s move into plug-in hybrids expands its local powertrain line-up beyond conventional petrol, diesel, hybrid, battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell models. The RAV4 PHEV is likely to be closely watched by fleets looking for a lower-emissions SUV that can cover most daily driving electrically without requiring a full transition to BEVs.
