Powered by
-
Car Reviews
Latest reviews
-
Car News
Latest news
-
Car Comparisons
Latest comparisons
- Chasing Deals
Latest reviews
Latest news
Latest comparisons
One of the best-selling cars on Earth widens its plug-in offering as fuel prices supercharge electric and hybrid demand
Toyota’s super-strong-selling midsize SUV, the RAV4, is gaining a cheaper plug-in hybrid.
Currently confined to the upscale XSE (from $59,515 before on-roads) and GR Sport ($66,340 before on-roads), the RAV4’s plug-in hybrid powertrain will become available in the humble GXL in the first quarter of next year.
Unlike Toyota’s trademark ‘self-charging’ hybrid system that doesn’t need to be plugged in, the plug-in hybrid can travel up to 121km (WLTP) on electricity alone.
While Toyota has yet to release pricing, compared like-for-like, the current PHEV XSE is $5000 more than the self-charging XSE, so Chasing Cars estimates the plug-in GXL will cost about $54,000 before on-roads.
For comparison, its equivalent in BYD’s range, the similarly sized Sealion 6, starts at $42,990 before on-roads. Volkswagen’s equivalent, the Tiguan eHybrid, starts at $64,590 before on-roads.
The GXL PHEV will come only with front-wheel drive (the XSE and GR Sport can have all-wheel drive). Therefore, the GXL PHEV will combine a 2.5L petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 201kW, run through a continuously variable transmission.
A 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery can accept 11kW AC charging and 50kW DC charging.
The GXL isn’t short of mod-cons – an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, leather steering wheel and gearlever, two-zone aircon, automatic windscreen wipers, a fully digital instrument cluster and a wireless charger all feature.
Versus the other versions the PHEV is offered with, the XSE and GR Sport, the GXL misses out on heated seats, a 360-degree camera, a sunroof and an electric tailgate.
Also coming in 2027 are revised driving modes, adapting the engine, steering and transmission to the mode selected; Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow or Custom.
Precise specs and prices are expected closer to launch
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
Latest news
About Chasing cars
Chasing Cars reviews are 100% independent.
Because we are powered by Budget Direct Insurance, we don’t receive advertising or sales revenue from car manufacturers.
We’re truly independent – giving you Australia’s best car reviews.
