2020 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Going to be Popular

Since its launch in 1994, the RAV4 has certainly grown and had gone through several style changes, cosmetic updates and methods of propulsion.  The 2020 RAV4 is a Plug-in Hybrid, (Petrol & Electric), Toyota’s new flagship vehicle for its hybrid line-up.

Toyota Ireland has limited supply of the RAV4 Plug-in hybrid arriving in Ireland towards the back end of 2020 and would expect the 2021 allocation to be mostly pre-sold before the end of 2020.  The Irish specifications and pricelist will be released in H2 2020.

Toyota have been closely associated with hybrid technology for some twenty years, their latest hybrid-electric vehicle technology, with higher power and better driving dynamics, and also pure electric EV driving capability powers this fifth RAV4 range, free from concerns about driving range or the need to stop to recharge the battery.

RAV4 Performance

The new RAV4 has a very healthy full system output of 306 DIN hp/225 kW, with CO2 emissions of less than 29g/km, according to Toyota’s pre-homologation, WLTP-standard data. It is constructed on Toyota’s GA-K platform, the hybrid battery located beneath the floor. It is also equipped as standard with the Toyota’s AWD-i intelligent electric all-wheel drive system.

Toyota has developed a new, high-capacity lithium-ion battery and added an enhanced boost converter to the hybrid system’s power control unit. The 2.5-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force petrol engine is based on the unit featured in the regular RAV4 Hybrid, with improvements to meet the performance requirements of the plug-in hybrid system. 

Drive Modes

Four driving modes are available, allowing the driver to switch from hybrid to pure EV driving. The new EV mode enables the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid to cover more than 65km on electric power alone (battery charge and driving conditions permitting). Speeds up to 135 km/h can be reached without any intervention of the internal combustion engine, even under full acceleration.

Hybrid battery storage

The dimensions of the lithium-ion battery allow it to be contained entirely beneath the vehicle floor. With minimal intrusion in the load space, cargo capacity is 520 litres.

Heat pump air conditioning

Toyota has adopted the heat pump air conditioning system it introduced in the current, second generation Prius Plug-in Hybrid, adapting it specifically for use in the new SUV with a hot water circuit – the same as that used in the RAV4 Hybrid. In addition, the battery is cooled by the refrigerant of the air conditioning system. This system is far more efficient than engine heating or high-powered electric heaters, absorbing heat from the air outside the vehicle to warm the cabin.

Outside View

Toyota’s mid-sized SUV wears dark plating for the dedicated grille mesh and frame and headlight extensions, with a new metallic finish on the lower bumper. New 18 and 19-inch wheel designs combine contrasting bright machined and grey or black finishes, while at the rear there is a metal-like finish for the garnish beneath the screen and black plating for the under-run.

Inside Story

This new RAV4 greets you on the inside with new upholstery designs, which give a sporty feel, with ribbed patterns with contrast red detailing. The centre console features a nine-inch multimedia touchscreen display, providing clear and easy control of the car’s entertainment, information and connectivity functions.

According to its grade, the 2020 RAV4 features and options will include:

·         19-inch alloy wheels

·         Heated front and rear seats

·         230 V power outlet in the cabin

·         Bi-tone exterior paint finish

·         Power tailgate

·         Nine-inch display audio system

·         The latest Toyota multimedia package with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Commenting on the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, Steve Tormey, Toyota Ireland CEO said: “We’re delighted to offer another electrified option for customers, further cementing our leadership in the drive to a full zero emissions society. Toyota are constantly innovating and this plug-in hybrid will be an excellent option for customers looking to further extend their electrified driving. The RAV4 is one of our most popular models and it was a runaway success in 2019, with the majority of our dealers selling out of their allocation by midyear 2019, and we are expecting a lot of customer demand for this model in 2020.”

* Provisional figures subject to final homologation