We drove the Toyota RAV4 PHEV: is it really the most fuel-efficient SUV in its category?  |  Test drive |  Hybrid cars |  Electricity |  Features |  Engine |  Usage |  Performance |  Tension |  Interior |  Peru |  Mexico |  Spain |  United States |  ANCHOR-WHEELS

We drove the Toyota RAV4 PHEV: is it really the most fuel-efficient SUV in its category? | Test drive | Hybrid cars | Electricity | Features | Engine | Usage | Performance | Tension | Interior | Peru | Mexico | Spain | United States | ANCHOR-WHEELS


Like the Toyota Hilux, the RAV4 It is one of the cars that symbolizes reliability in the Japanese brand. Since its presentation at the Geneva Motor Show in 1994 until now, it has been updated and modified to suit the era of electrification. Currently, it has a standard hybrid version and another plug-in hybrid. The latter is what we tested for six days to learn more about it SUV iconic.

The RAV4 is already offered in hybrid options in the Peruvian market; However, the particular version we tested PHEV, is only available through Kinto Share of Toyota and it is not sold in Peru, therefore, we do not know its price yet. Either way, with the RAV4 HEV 2.5 4×2 Limited CVT (standard hybrid) being the most common option at US$46,640, we estimate that the PHEV version will be offered at a higher value.

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RAV4 PHEV from abroad

The Toyota RAV4 is already in its fifth generation, the same one that arrived in 2019 with a bold and stylish design at the same time. At first glance, our view is that it grew and toned this time strongly. It is enough to compare the fourth generation RAV4 (2013-2018) with this fifth generation (2019-present), to notice these changes.

Its design matured and gained beauty, for example, with a two-tone silhouette. In addition, its front now includes a large grille and a chrome frame that gives it a greater presence. On the other hand, the sporty style is found in details such as the new light design, which now looks longer. Similarly, in design strokes, which are more powerful with the body.

The RAV4 PHEV has a length of 4.60 meters and a ground clearance of 18 cm. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

As for the hybrid versions, the logo receives an electric blue look to distinguish it from the petrol options. Although this version of the PHEV adds a logo with the letters “Plug-in-Hybrid” on the side of the body.

The RAV4 is 4,600 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,685 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,690 mm and the ground clearance is 18 cm. It has a net weight of 1,700 kg and, in particular, this version is equipped with tires measuring 235/55R19; That is, they have an excellent profile of going well in the city.

On the outside, its exterior materials also make it look more modern. Starting from the front where we see LED lights for both headlights and fog lights, it also has LED DRLs or welcome lights. The same technology is found in the rear lights and turn signal lights, the latter is also found in the side mirrors.

Likewise, it also has four cameras that form a 360° vision system, as well as sensors. Among other not so important details is that on the left side of the RAV4 PHEV (experimental), we find the cover of the petrol tank, while on the right side (passenger) is the cover to put the electric charger. From the side view, we also see the roof rails and shark fin antenna.

Interior design and technology

As for the interior, we will see a greater technological burden in this PHEV version, which in turn has more equipment. Although the doors do not have the greatest opening angle, it is enough to reach without difficulty in both rows, even to insert child seats.

The expectation we had was to get a more simplified interior; However, at least this version offers first-class comfort and convenience. Starting with the fact that all the seats are covered in leather and have a good grip for a safe ride. The front seats are folded, sliding, heated and with electric height and depth adjustment. Electric lumbar support adjustment is added to the pilot seat.

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV has a soft-touch interior, and it also integrates a 9-inch touchscreen. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

Similarly, the covers have good quality materials. The steering wheel, dashboard and doors are covered in leather with soft-touch materials, although in some areas of the central console, we can detect hard plastic. In the second row, the good quality of the material is maintained, providing a better travel experience for the rear passengers, who can enjoy the sunroof. By the way, the natural light coming in through the sun provides a pleasant contrast with the black roof covered with fabric.

Regarding the services, it has dual climate control and air vents for the second row, alarm, Smart Entry (contactless opening) for doors and trunk, rear armrest, wireless charger (three in front and two back), central locking. , seat belts, trunk lid, one-touch electric window control with anti-lock function, rear-view mirror control, interior anti-glare mirror control, rear window defroster , push button ignition, cabinet light, cup holder. , among others.

Additionally, the interior mirror is digital. That is, it uses a high-definition camera located in the rear window of the car to provide a large rear view. Another notable detail is the Head-Up Display, which displays speed and alerts from safety aids such as Lane Departure Warning Assistant (LDA), among others.

It has a 7″ TFT multi-information screen where trip information, usage, music, notifications, etc. are projected. While for the infotainment system it uses a 9-inch touch screen signed by JBL, which ensures the best sound experience. However, in both cases, we consider that the images are outdated, even in the projection of images with a 360 ° camera. It uses nine speakers, has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

On the other hand, it also offers other driving conveniences such as paddle shift (continuous shift) and four driving modes: eco, normal, sports and EV. Similarly, it has adaptive cruise control, which improves efficiency when driving on the road.

This is a large trunk space obtained by folding the second row of seats. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

In terms of accommodation and trunk space, all its seats can fit people up to 1.90 meters tall without a problem, as there is good leg and head room. In terms of trunk space, it offers 520 liters of capacity, 60 less than the standard hybrid version, but still a respectable size in its segment.

Regarding safety, it has seven airbags, ABS + EBD brakes, brake assist (BA), hill climb control assist (HAC), car stability control (VSC), traction control (TRC), sway control towing system (TSC), pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure warning system (LDA), automatic high beam system (AHB) and tire pressure warning system (TPMS).

Driving experience

This PHEV version has three engines, a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 177 hp and 223 nm, the front electric motor produces 180 hp and 280 nm, while the rear electric motor produces 54 hp and 120 nm. In total, the combined power and torque are 302 hp and 510 nm, respectively. This engine is mated to a six-speed e-CVT transmission and an AWD drive.

As for energy storage, it uses lithium batteries with a capacity of 18.1 kWh, which can be charged in 2.7 hours based on a half-speed charger. It can also be charged using a home market adapter, which can take up to 12 hours.

In 100% electric mode, the RAV4 PHEV has a range of up to 70 km. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

As we previously announced, there is an EV or 100% electric operating mode. Specifically, it can last between 50 and 70 kilometers when the battery is fully charged, depending on the driving style and among other things. A common feature in hybrid vehicles with EV mode is that when driving at high speeds, the gasoline engine turns on to assist the electric motor. We drove it up to 100 km / h and the gasoline engine did not turn, there is a record like the one presented by the Spanish portal Motor1, which drove it at 135 km / h only with the electric motor. In any case, be it 135 km / h or 100 km / h, the power provided only by its electric block is very good.

The RAV4 also offers the option to disable EV mode to conserve range for emergency situations. But, this is not always easy, since it is better to let them work so that they can also be charged with the kinetic energy produced when the car breaks.

On the other hand, the control unit of the RAV4 PHEV works intelligently, since when we are at low speed it prioritizes the energy coming from the battery. That is, it does not lose fat, increasing independence. So, how much is the total freedom of an SUV? According to Toyota, the technology is still being tested and they showed that it reaches a range of 800 km.

However, after calculating the number of kilometers traveled against the fuel used, we found a cost of 18 kilometers per liter. Therefore, considering that the fuel tank has a capacity of 55 liters, the calculated range is 990 km. In fact, it is a unique figure considering its weight and that it accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 6 seconds.

Undoubtedly, it is the car in the segment with the best fuel efficiency. In addition, it has better driving comfort, thanks to the new calibration that the suspension program received taking into account the additional weight of the battery and electric motors. At the same time, this weight allows the car to move more confidently, especially when cornering.

Conclusion

Except for the design of its touchscreen system and digital cluster, the RAV4 PHEV stands out in almost everything. It has an elegant and sporty design (with two exhaust outlets) and at the same time it is comfortable, powerful and efficient. True, it could be more refined inside, but it is justified by the powerful performance it delivers. Therefore, we are sure that this truck will be very well received if it reaches the Peruvian market.