Latest news with #RAV4Prime
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This Plug-in Hybrid Is the Sweet Spot Between Efficiency, Power, and Practicality
Plug-in hybrid SUVs have been quietly gaining traction in the U.S. With EV demand cooling and gas prices rising, automakers are shifting focus—PHEVs are now a key part of the plan. Buyers are taking note. Hybrids offer savings, but PHEVs go further with electric-only range, without the steep EV price tag. Though still pricier than hybrids, PHEVs are becoming more accessible. And one standout Japanese SUV leads the pack, combining strong performance, great fuel economy, and top-tier safety in one smart package. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Toyota website and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, NHTSA, and J.D. Power. The Toyota RAV4 Prime continues to prove why it's one of the most well-rounded plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market. It blends strong performance, smart efficiency, and everyday practicality—without compromising build quality. J.D. Power gives it a solid 76 out of 100 for Quality and Reliability, reflecting the model's reputation for long-term dependability. The 2024 model has no active recalls listed by the NHTSA, though there are 11 complaints relating to several components. Toyota's track record for addressing issues is reassuring. Earlier concerns from the 2022 launch—like a faulty DC-to-DC converter and airbag glitch—were all resolved through recalls at no cost to owners, showing Toyota's commitment to keeping this PHEV SUV on solid ground. Toyota didn't build the RAV4 Prime's gas engine for thrills—it makes just 177 horsepower on its own. But pair it with two electric motors, and things get much more interesting. The front motor adds 179 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, while the rear kicks in with another 53 horsepower and 89 lb-ft. Together, they deliver a punchy 302 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque. That setup launches the RAV4 Prime from 0 to 60 in just 5.5 seconds—quicker than you'd expect from a plug-in SUV. In fact, it's one of the fastest Toyotas you can buy right now. The RAV4 Prime pulls off some of the best efficiency numbers in its class, largely thanks to its 18.1 kWh Panasonic lithium-ion battery. That pack gives you up to 42 miles of electric-only range, with the gas engine pushing total range to an impressive 600 miles between fill-ups. It's not just long legs—it's efficient, too. The RAV4 Prime scores an estimated 94 MPGe, or 36 kWh per 100 miles, and the gas engine alone returns a solid 38 MPG. The EPA estimates you'll save around $3,750 in fuel over five years compared to the average new vehicle. On average, you'll spend just $950 a year to keep it running—about $1.35 per 25 miles on electricity, or $2.07 when using gas. A full 14.5-gallon tank? Roughly $46. A big part of the RAV4 Prime's appeal comes down to its rock-solid reliability, thanks to a smart but straightforward engine design. Toyota has honed this over decades, building on a reputation for durability and consistent performance. At its heart is the A25A-FXS 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force powertrain, which powers all RAV4 models and several other Toyota crossovers and sedans. First introduced with the XV70 Camry in 2017, this engine blends efficiency and power with clever tech like dual direct injection and port fuel injection to keep carbon buildup in check. Toyota's longer-stroke engine design boosts reliability while keeping thermal efficiency at a solid 41 percent. It's all helped by a wider valve angle, a high-efficiency intake port with laser-clad valve seats, and a punchy 14.0:1 compression ratio. Skipping a traditional transmission in favor of a direct-drive eCVT also improves the RAV4 Prime's durability by reducing moving parts. Toyota backs the new models with a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, but it's the 5-year powertrain and 10-year battery warranties that really show how much faith they have in their hybrid tech. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe still holds the crown as the top-selling PHEV SUV in the U.S., but the Toyota RAV4 Prime is quickly closing the gap. After selling 18,567 units in its debut year of 2022, Toyota saw demand jump to over 26,000 in 2023 and more than 31,000 in 2024. Toyota offers just two PHEVs—the RAV4 Prime and the Prius Prime—and the RAV4 clearly dominates, outselling its sibling by a wide margin. A big part of the RAV4 Prime's rising popularity comes down to the name itself—its reputation and familiarity really resonate with American buyers. The RAV4 was the first monocoque SUV to ditch a full 4×4 system, making it the world's original conventional crossover. That means it's a budget-friendly, comfortable daily driver that can still handle loose surfaces like gravel and sand with ease. There are plenty of options out there, but the RAV4's long-standing reputation gives it a serious edge. It's this trust and consistency that keep it at the top of the pack in the PHEV crossover and SUV market. The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a higher price tag than the regular and hybrid versions, but that's the trade-off for top-notch efficiency and trusted reliability. The base SE trim starts at around $44,265, while the premium XSE edges up to about $48,135. Unlike some other RAV4 trims, the Prime doesn't offer more adventurous options like the Woodland or TRD models. But you can still personalize your ride with extras like the $425 Supersonic Red paint or the $1,665 Weather and Moonroof package, which adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and an electronically adjustable sunroof. If you want rear seat heaters on the XSE trim, that's a $615 add-on by itself. For a more loaded setup, the $2,960 Premium Package bundles in the Weather package plus extra convenience, entertainment, and safety upgrades. Both trims come with a $1,350 delivery, processing, and handling fee. Beyond that, Toyota offers a wide range of accessories—from storage and cooling options to all-weather liners and even gear for your furry friends.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota's 2026 RAV4 Is Officially Hybrid-Only. That's a Very Big Deal.
Toyota's 2026 RAV4 Is Officially Hybrid-Only. That's a Very Big Deal. originally appeared on Autoblog. Toyota just unveiled the sixth-generation RAV4, and it's a massive update in more ways than one. The best-selling non-pickup in the U.S. is now only available with hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. For a model that sold nearly half a million units last year, this isn't just a product refresh — it's a high-stakes bet on electrified drivetrains becoming mainstream. Following in the footsteps of the hybrid-only 2025 Camry, the new RAV4 eliminates the pure gas-powered option entirely starting with the 2026 model year. That means every RAV4 sold from now on will have at least one electric motor under the hood. The standard hybrid RAV4 gets a significant upgrade with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine works with electric motors to produce 236 combined horsepower in AWD models, and 226 hp in FWD versions — the latter being a first for RAV4 hybrids. That's a healthy bump over the previous RAV4 gas model's 203 hp and should translate into better performance without sacrificing fuel economy. The plug-in hybrid version, meanwhile, uses a high-capacity battery and dual electric motors to generate up to 320 hp. That's 18 more horsepower than before, and it comes with a manufacturer-estimated electric-only range of 50 miles — a 20% boost over the outgoing RAV4 Prime. Even better, the new RAV4 PHEV now supports DC fast charging on XSE and Woodland trims, letting owners recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The RAV4 rides on Toyota's TNGA-K platform, which now features a stiffer structure and better insulation for reduced road noise and improved comfort. Inside, Toyota's latest Arene software platform powers a next-gen multimedia system and the newest version of its active safety suite, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. Of course, the RAV4 Hybrid still burns gasoline, and that's a sticking point for environmentalists who say Toyota's strategy isn't aggressive enough. But in a country where EV sales growth is cooling and policy support is weakening, Toyota's strategy looks pragmatic. Hybrid sales already make up nearly half of Toyota's U.S. volume, and the RAV4's shift to a hybrid-only lineup could push that number even higher. Besides, the new RAV4's reveal is full of good news. Both hybrid and plug-in models get more power than before. The hybrid now makes 226 horsepower in front-wheel-drive configuration and 236 with all-wheel drive — the latter available for the first time on the Woodland trim. The plug-in hybrid gains a stronger battery and more efficient electric motors, helping push its combined output to 320 hp. The 2026 RAV4 won't solve climate change, but it may bring hundreds of thousands of American drivers into a more efficient, lower-emissions future — all while saving owners money at the pump. Toyota's 2026 RAV4 Is Officially Hybrid-Only. That's a Very Big Deal. first appeared on Autoblog on May 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Motor 1
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts With Hybrid-Only Power and a New Sporty Trim
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the brand's most successful vehicles. Last year alone, Toyota sold 475,193 units of the RAV4 in the US, third only to the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F Series. But last year's RAV was already six years old and riding an outdated platform, so it was only a matter of time before we got a new one. And it's finally here. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 aims to keep the sales train rolling with major improvements in the design, technology, and powertrain departments. Most notably, Toyota ditches its pure-gas engine for a now-standard hybrid powertrain with an even more powerful, even more efficient plug-in-hybrid option that extends to more trims than ever before. All-Hybrid, All The Time Photo by: Toyota The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine is dead; long live the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid. The 2026 RAV4 packs a hybrid powertrain with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system equipped, which sees major improvements to the power control unit and battery for improved output and efficiency. The new RAV4 hybrid makes 226 horsepower when paired with standard front-wheel drive—the first for the model—or 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive. The FWD RAV has 23 more hp than the outgoing front-drive gas model, while the AWD version sees a 17-hp increase over the previous AWD hybrid. Toyota hasn't released fuel economy figures yet. The 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid replaces the outgoing RAV4 Prime and adopts Toyota's sixth-generation plug-in-hybrid unit, which features two electric motors and a larger high-capacity traction battery with new silicon-carbide semiconductors to improve efficiency and power delivery. All told, the new RAV PHEV makes 320 hp and gets up to 50 miles of electric range on a single charge—up from 42 miles in the Prime. Photo by: Toyota Photo by: Toyota Model Output Drive Type EV Range RAV4 Hybrid 226 / 236 Horsepower FWD / AWD -- RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid 320 Horsepower AWD 50 Miles That bigger battery also means that the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is DC fast-charging capable on certain trims, although the company has yet to disclose charging rates. The XSE and Woodland trims with a CCS charging port are capable of fast charging, but the SE and new GR Sport trims (more on this in a bit) use a non-fast-charging-capable J1772 port. An 11-kilowatt onboard charger is also available on all trims. Even with hybrid power, the RAV4 maintains its maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity with AWD models. Front-drive RAV4 models see their towing capacity improve from 1,500 pounds to 1,750 pounds. More To Choose From Photo by: Toyota Toyota breaks the 2026 RAV4 down into three different categories: Core Design, Rugged Design, and Sport Design. The Core Design category consists of the LE, XLE, and Limited trims, all with the standard hybrid powertrain. The LE and XLE offer either FWD or AWD, while the Limited gets AWD exclusively. Move up to the Rugged Design category, and Toyota offers just one trim (for now): The Woodland. The RAV4 Woodland has off-road-focused cues like all-terrain tires, additional LED lights in the front bumper, and a standard roof rack. Buyers can choose from the hybrid or plug-in-hybrid powertrain here, with AWD only on either powertrain. At the top of the lineup are the Sport Design models, which consist of the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The SE comes with your choice of the hybrid or plug-in powertrain with either FWD or AWD, while the XSE has the choice of both powertrains but AWD exclusively. Trims Powertrain Drive Type Core Design LE / XLE / Limited Hybrid FWD / AWD Rugged Design Woodland Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid AWD Sport Design SE / XSE / GR Sport Hybrid (SE, XSE) / Plug-In Hybrid (GR Sport) FWD (SE) / AWD (SE, XSE, GR Sport) Toyota RAV4 Woodland Photo by: Toyota 2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited Photo by: Toyota The GR Sport is Toyota's first true performance-oriented RAV—although, it's still not a full GR model. It's powered by the PHEV powertrain and with AWD, making a properly powerful 320 horsepower, which means it should be even quicker to 60 miles per hour than the outgoing RAV4 Prime, which got there in 5.5 seconds. Visual cues like the larger front grille with the GR badge set the RAV4 GR Sport apart from the rest of the lineup (and it looks suspiciously similar to the GR Corolla's updated grille), as do the special 20-inch wheels, rear roof spoiler, and interior, which is lined with suede and faux leather accents. Big On Tech, Big On Safety Photo by: Toyota The 2026 RAV4 goes heavy on screens with a standard 10.5-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Buyers can opt for a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on certain models. Every version of the RAV runs a new generation of Toyota's Audio Multimedia system that promises to be quicker and even more responsive, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth compatibility, and for the first time, a static home button. The 2026 RAV is also the first Toyota with the brand's Safety Sense 4.0 safety suite, which has all the same technology as the previous system—adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, etc—but with enhanced hardware and detection capabilities. 27 Source: Toyota RAV4 Pricing One thing we still don't know is what Toyota will ask for the latest RAV4. The 2025 model costs just under $30,000, but we don't expect this new version to be that much pricier. More on the Toyota RAV4 The 2026 Toyota RAV4's Hybrid System Is Brilliant. Here's Why The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR sport Has Real Sports Car Cred Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Gallery: 2026 Toyota RAV4 27 Source: Toyota Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Toyota's New RAV4 is Set to Arrive Sooner Than Expected
A fresh look, upgraded tech, and more efficient hybrid powertrains are on the way — but don't expect a complete reinvention of America's best-selling vehicle. A familiar platform with a fresh face Toyota's next-generation RAV4 is just around the corner, and while the brand is keeping things close to the chest, new teaser images and a confirmed reveal date of May 21 suggest the wait won't be long. The bestselling SUV in America is due for an update, and Toyota's playing it smart: expect evolutionary styling changes, enhanced hybrid performance, and an interior that borrows from the tech-forward Prius. Even though Toyota is branding this RAV4 as 'all-new,' it's really more of a heavy refresh. The SUV will continue riding on the same TNGA-K platform introduced with the fifth-gen model in 2018. Think of it like what Toyota just did with the new Camry — revamped looks and tech, but the bones remain the same. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — Source: Toyota Hybrid powertrain, smarter efficiency Under the hood, the next RAV4 is expected to stick with Toyota's proven 2.5-liter hybrid setup but with added power and better fuel efficiency. The base hybrid is expected to deliver around 225 hp in front-wheel drive and up to 232 hp with all-wheel drive, thanks to an additional rear-mounted motor. A plug-in hybrid version — likely a new take on the RAV4 Prime — will follow. There's also speculation about a fully electric model joining the lineup, possibly using an improved version of the TNGA-K platform, though Toyota hasn't confirmed those plans yet. One thing's clear: Toyota's betting big on hybrids over full electrics for now. Tech-heavy interior inspired by Prius Leaked photos from Toyota Europe give us a good look at the interior, and it's clear the next RAV4 is taking cues from the latest Prius. Expect a cleaner, more modern cabin featuring a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a prominent infotainment screen mounted high on the center stack. 2025 Toyota Prius Limited — Source: Toyota Toyota is also focusing on premium touches like better materials, wireless phone charging, and possibly even a head-up display. The redesigned center console hints at a more driver-centric layout, and while overall dimensions likely won't change much, the space should feel more upscale. Styling tweaks and a possible TRD Pro Outside, the 2026 RAV4 leans into Toyota's new design language with wraparound LED daytime running lights, a squared-off grille, and subtle aerodynamic upgrades. The shape is still instantly recognizable, but the details are sharper. 2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD-Offroad There's also talk of Toyota launching a more rugged TRD Pro trim, especially as Honda prepares to roll out a TrailSport version of the CR-V. With Toyota's off-road heritage and growing demand for adventure-ready SUVs, it would be a smart move. Final thoughts The RAV4's official debut is just days away, and Toyota fans won't have to wait long to see it on the road as sales are expected to begin this fall. Despite growing competition from Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, and others, the RAV4's blend of reliability, practicality, and hybrid efficiency continues to make it a powerhouse in the compact SUV segment. It may not be revolutionary, but the next RAV4 looks ready to hold its crown.
