Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid launching soon; claimed as the most powerful version yet

A plug-in hybrid version of the popular RAV4 is finally announced by Toyota. The official premiere of the model will happen at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20, 2019.

Though the automaker has not disclosed much about the powertrain, it is quoted as the “most powerful RAV4 yet”. Currently, the RAV4 Hybrid is the most potent trim, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and two electric motors churning out a combined output of 219 PS.

As per market expectations, the new SUV may get the ongoing setup by replacing RAV4 Hybrid's existing nickel-metal hydride components with the more advanced batteries. The option of choosing lithium-ion battery is expected to make model strong enough to raise the levels of combined output.

If we talk about the exterior styling, it gets some minor revisions which include LED strips at the corners of the front-end, chrome-trimmed inlets at the lower fascia, and glossy black grille. The PHEV RAV4 also comes with a Supersonic Red color option.

Till date, the only plug-in model sold by the automaker is Prius Prime, which offers 40 kilometres of all-electric driving and 22.9 kmpl combined when running in conventional hybrid mode. 

Besides Toyota, Ford is also coming with the plug-in version of Escape next year. The model will be available in a four-wheel-drive option and provide around 48 kilometres of all-electric driving. If we see the competitor in the Australian market, the new RAV4 will compete with Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Upon asking about the demand expectations of plug-in RAV4, Sean Hanley, vice-president of sales and marketing of Toyota Australia replied, “We’re only two weeks into taking orders, but the current order intake is at 65 percent hybrid."

Also read: 2020 Toyota Fortuner price and specs revealed