The Toyota RAV4 PHEV is a midsize SUV that offers a plug-in hybrid option, providing buyers with a cohesive and complete driving experience. While it may not be the cheapest option, with a starting price of $58,840 plus on-roads, it certainly delivers on quality and features. The new RAV4 PHEV range comes in a few grades, including the entry-level XSE FWD model, which starts at $58,840 plus on-roads. The all-wheel drive model has more power and torque but less EV driving range, and costs $63,340 plus on-roads. The funkier looking GR Sport model is AWD only at $66,340 plus on-roads, and has 20-inch wheels with a wider track, model-specific design highlights and revisions to the suspension to make it more fun to drive. Under the bonnet, the new model still uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine at its heart, but with an electric motor and a 22.7kWh battery pack that offers in excess of 100km of EV range based on WLTP testing. The charging rates are 11kW on AC and 50kW on DC, so if you want to public charge and keep driving electric, you can. The idea, then, is that you run electric as much as possible by recharging for your commutes, and you’ve got a petrol engine to help it run efficiently for those longer drives. Toyota has nailed the plug-free hybrid brief, but this version allows buyers who aren’t quite sure if an EV will be right for them to dabble in that world without completely committing to it. The transition between hybrid driving and EV movement is almost seamless, though you can hear the petrol engine more than feel it. While it is considerably heavier than the standard HEV models, it still handles very well, with predictable steering and good ride comfort, and the GR Sport is more likely to put a smile on your dial than the XSE. The cabin is cleverly packaged though not as spacious in the second-row as some of those China-made rivals, and the boot space is generous enough for a few suitcases. There is a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, and a slight angle to the floor when you’re loading items in, too. The 1500W inverter in the cargo hold means you can power household items like laptops and even an air-fryer. The crystal-ball resale considerations might be better than some, but keep in mind that there’s a five-year warranty for the vehicle and the battery, but if you service with Toyota you have up to 10 years of battery cover. Servicing is every 12 months or 15,000km, at $325 per visit for the first five. The verdict: You’re buying a great quality car here, but you’ve got to spend a fair bit more to get it. 4 stars. Toyota RAV4 PHEV. PRICE: From about $64,000 drive-away. POWERTRAIN: 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid, 201kW. WARRANTY: 5-year, unlimited km. EV RANGE: 121km. BOOT SPACE: 655 litres. SPARE: Space-saver. Personally, I think the Toyota RAV4 PHEV is a great option for buyers who want a cohesive and complete driving experience, even if it means spending a bit more than a Chinese rival. What makes this particularly fascinating is that it allows buyers who aren’t quite sure if an EV will be right for them to dabble in that world without completely committing to it. In my opinion, the seamless transition between hybrid driving and EV movement is a big plus, even if you can hear the petrol engine more than feel it. What many people don't realize is that the RAV4 PHEV is not just a great quality car, but it also offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of plug-in hybrids without fully committing to it. If you take a step back and think about it, the RAV4 PHEV is a smart choice for buyers who want a balance between efficiency and performance, and who are willing to pay a bit more for it. This raises a deeper question: Are we ready to fully embrace the world of plug-in hybrids, or are we still hesitant to make the switch from traditional gasoline engines? A detail that I find especially interesting is that the RAV4 PHEV offers a space-saver spare wheel, which is a nice touch for those who want to be prepared for any eventuality. What this really suggests is that Toyota is thinking ahead and is committed to providing its customers with the best possible driving experience, even if it means offering a few unique features that set it apart from its competitors. In my opinion, the RAV4 PHEV is a great example of how Toyota is pushing the boundaries of what a midsize SUV can be, and how it can offer a cohesive and complete driving experience without breaking the bank.
