PHEV and HEV models tested over 127 km route
EV-only range of up to 77 km suits urban driving
GR Sport trim adds engine note, tuned suspension for driving fun
Hammerhead design sharpens looks; infotainment is intuitive
Driving an electric vehicle brings range anxiety; driving a hybrid leaves you wishing for the instant, silent pull of a pure EV. Toyota's All-New RAV4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) resolves that tension neatly. On the daily commute it glides along like an EV, and on longer trips the hybrid system steps in to ease range concerns.
When the RAV4 debuted in 1994, SUVs were still seen as off-road-only machines. Toyota used it to pioneer the "urban crossover SUV" — a genre that has since conquered the global market. Over the past 30-plus years the nameplate has sold about 15 million units worldwide, cementing its status as Toyota's best-selling global SUV. The All-New RAV4 takes another evolutionary step, offering hybrid (HEV) and PHEV powertrains designed to make it at home anywhere.
Toyota Korea held a media drive event in the Incheon area Thursday, showcasing three trims — the HEV Limited, PHEV XSE and PHEV GR Sport — across a 127-kilometer route.
The PHEV XSE was the most impressive of the three. With the drive mode set to "Auto EV/HV," the car toggled seamlessly between electric and hybrid power depending on conditions. The new RAV4 PHEV carries a 22.68-kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 77 kilometers of EV-only range, and total system output reaches 329 horsepower.
In urban sections the car ran almost entirely on electric power. Pressing the accelerator produced a more immediate response than a conventional hybrid, pushing the car forward with authority. Particularly notable was the near-absence of the lurching sensation that strong regenerative braking can cause in pure EVs. Even in stop-and-go city traffic, the ride remained smooth and comfortable.
On longer stretches the hybrid system took over, managing battery charge efficiently without any sense of power deficit. The result is an all-purpose powertrain that blends the strengths of EV driving with the practicality of a hybrid.
The PHEV GR Sport raised the fun factor considerably. The GR Sport trim channels the spirit of Toyota's GR motorsport brand through dedicated suspension and steering tuning, along with 20-inch wheels.
Switching to Sport mode sharpened throttle response noticeably. Engine note swelled with acceleration, adding an engaging soundtrack to the drive. Despite the SUV's tall ride height, road feedback came through with reasonable clarity, and the chassis stayed composed through winding sections. The GR Sport is capable of a far more spirited drive than a typical family SUV.
The HEV Limited, by contrast, impressed with efficiency. Its official combined fuel economy is 15.6 km per liter; in actual driving it returned 16.1 km per liter. Acceleration is more subdued than the PHEV, but it would more than satisfy buyers looking for a commuter or family vehicle.
Externally, the All-New RAV4 adopts Toyota's latest "hammerhead" family design language, giving it a sharper, more muscular look than its predecessor. Three-dimensional LED headlamps and a large grille add to its road presence.
The interior, however, leaves something to be desired. The 12.9-inch center display is a reasonable size, but thick bezels and plastic trim give it a somewhat utilitarian feel. Compared with rival imported SUVs, the cabin falls short on premium ambiance.
Usability, on the other hand, is a genuine strength. The new infotainment system, developed in partnership with LG Uplus, prioritizes intuitiveness — large text and a simple menu structure make it easy to operate while driving. Naver Clova-based voice recognition and Toyota Connect services add further convenience.
Pricing for the All-New RAV4 starts at 49.27 million won ($32,300) for the HEV XLE, with the HEV Limited at 57.46 million won, the PHEV XSE at 61.6 million won and the PHEV GR Sport at 61.8 million won.
For buyers torn between an electric vehicle and a hybrid, the RAV4 PHEV makes a compelling case: EV-like driving on weekdays, hybrid practicality on weekend road trips. Thirty years after it invented the urban SUV, the RAV4 is reinventing itself as a practical electrified SUV for the real world.
Toyota Korea launched the All-New RAV4 in the domestic market, with the HEV trim achieving a fuel economy rating of 19 km per liter. The model is now on sale at Toyota's authorized dealer showrooms nationwide.
eyre@heraldcorp.com
