Toyota RAV4 PHEV: the surprising leap that justifies €53,500?

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV does represent a significant leap compared to the previous generation, especially due to its efficiency, performance, and its 100 km of certified electric range. The test published by Auto Bild shows a 304 HP SUV capable of daily electric driving and registering 5.8 l/100 km once the battery is depleted, although its price requires careful calculation. Toyota’s challenge is clear: to convince the general public that its plug-in technology is worth it.

 

A RAV4 PHEV with more presence and ambition

What changes in the exterior design?

For those visiting a dealership looking for an SUV with greater presence, the new RAV4 PHEV catches the eye before showing its figures. Design remains a subjective matter, but the tested unit conveys a sturdier image closer to higher-positioned models.

The GR Sport trim reinforces that perception with a honeycomb grille, glossy black decorative elements, and specific 20-inch wheels. These are not just isolated details: together they make the Toyota look wider, more grounded, and much more eye-catching than the previous model.

The change doesn’t end in a specific aesthetic line. The headlight clusters are more refined, and the body shapes are more pronounced. For buyers wanting a family car without falling into a too conservative image, this advance has real weight (and that’s no small matter).

Is it spacious and comfortable inside?

Yes. Habitability is one of the easiest qualities to defend in the new RAV4 PHEV. The front seats have side bolsters that support the back well and firm, yet comfortable padding for long trips.

In the second row, there is plenty of legroom and also headroom. The central seat is somewhat narrower and firmer than the side ones, although it can be used if three people travel. The trunk offers 446 liters and adds a compartment under the floor to store two types of charging cables.

The interior, however, does not provoke the same impression of renewal as the exterior. Black tones predominate and the presentation is sober. The central console layout, with almost hexagonal buttons for driving and hybridization modes, conveys a firm and orderly sensation but is not especially fresh.

304 HP you can feel behind the wheel

How does the plug-in hybrid mechanics work?

For the driver, the key is that the RAV4 PHEV does not rely only on its gasoline engine. It combines a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with Atkinson cycle producing 185 HP, a front electric motor increasing from 182 to 204 HP, and a rear electric motor of 54 HP, responsible for all-wheel drive in the tested version.

The new lithium-ion battery reaches a 22.7 kWh gross capacity. The certified result is a range of 100 km in electric mode according to the WLTP cycle, compared to 75 km of the previous 18.1 kWh battery. For daily trips that can be done with charging, the difference completely changes how often the gasoline engine comes into play.

It also supports DC fast charging of up to 50 kW. Under those conditions, going from 10 to 80% takes 30 minutes. Additionally, Toyota offers a PHEV version with front-wheel drive and a combined power of 268 HP, although that was not the variant analyzed.

What sensations does it offer on the road?

The surprise is not only in consumption. The dynamic behavior is more convincing than expected for a plug-in SUV of this size. The battery is located under the floor, which helps to maintain good stability and balanced weight distribution between both axles.

In corners, the RAV4 PHEV does not sway excessively nor show marked understeer. It even allows the rear to move slightly when lifting off the accelerator during full lean. It is a response that brings agility without making the car uncomfortable for travel.

The tested unit had the GR Sport trim, with 20 millimeters wider track than the rest of the range and specific settings for suspension and steering. That explains much of its composure. The suspension filters bumps well and the steering is easy to handle, so the car can be fun in corners and pleasant on the highway.

The observed consumption also deserves context. After electric driving, the test included about 200 kilometers, with 180 on road and highway at a pace that was not exactly slow and 20 final kilometers in the city. The result was 5.8 l/100 km. The author considers a more efficient driving style could approach 5.0 liters, but that figure is presented as an estimate of the test, not as an official figure.

Price, technology, and purchase decision

Is the GR Sport trim justified at 53,500 euros?

For readers valuing a powerful, spacious SUV with electric capability, the price is the biggest point requiring calculation. The tested unit, with GR Sport trim, costs 53,500 euros. The editorial assessment is clear: it seems a high amount, although the equipment, mechanical improvements, and efficiency provide arguments to defend it.

There are two data points that modify the perspective. Toyota had sold out the units available at that time and expected more, a sign that the price has not discouraged all buyers. Also, the previous generation with the same trim cost 54,250 euros, so the new model arrives cheaper and with more electric range.

The range also offers a less demanding entry point. The Advance trim is available from 46,500 euros. The price difference could be decisive for those wanting plug-in mechanics and RAV4 space but not considering the visual and tuning elements of GR Sport a priority.

What fails compared to the competition?

The multimedia system is the area with the most room for improvement. The car mounts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with up to six display modes, and a 12.9-inch main screen. It also includes a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and wireless connectivity with Android and Apple.

The problem is not the list of devices but the user experience. The interface does not seem as modern as some competitors’, and menu navigation is not always intuitive. Widgets can be configured, but options are limited and some functions are not found as quickly as expected.

The final test rating is 8.3 out of 10. Its strengths are the reduced consumption for its power, good behavior, interior space, and trunk. On the opposite side are the sober interior, multimedia system handling, and price.

• Best points: reduced consumption, 304 HP, stability, suspension comfort, habitability, and 446-liter trunk.
• Less convincing: sober interior design, improvable multimedia interface, and high price.
• Suitable profile: drivers able to recharge and with usual trips compatible with its electric range.
• Less suitable profile: buyers who won’t use charging or who prioritize a particularly intuitive multimedia interface.

The new Toyota RAV4 PHEV doesn’t need to hide its flaws to be convincing. **Its 304 HP combine with a real measured consumption of 5.8 l/100 km, a certified electric range of 100 km, and more agile behavior than expected.** The 53,500-euro price remains a barrier, but the improvement over the previous generation and the Advance alternative from 46,500 euros give it a more defensible position. For those who can charge it frequently, it is a very complete purchase; for those who can’t, the bill is hard to justify.