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Don’t Buy The New Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Until You Watch This!

Toyota has finally brought its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to Australia, and it arrives as part of the country's top-selling SUV lineup, the RAV4. Research and compare cars with RACV Car Match 🔎 https://www.racv.com.au/car-match 0:00 – Intro: Toyota's First PHEV 0:33 – Pricing & Model Range 1:11 – GR Sport Exterior & Chassis Upgrades 1:37 – Powertrain, Specs & Battery Range 2:52 – Interior, Tech & Safety 3:41 – Driving Dynamics & Handling 4:31 – The Elephant In The Room: Fuel Economy 5:29 – EV Mode vs Hybrid Performance 6:08 – Verdict & Market Appeal While drivers are already incredibly familiar with the regular RAV4 hybrid, this new plug-in model caters directly to the growing number of people who want to run their car like a pure EV for daily driving while retaining the freedom to take long road trips without any battery anxiety. But with a premium price point, the big question remains whether this new plug-in hybrid powertrain is an option actually worth taking. Pitched directly against tough competition like the BYD Sealion 6 and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid is priced from $58,840 plus on-road costs for the well-specified XSE 2WD model grade. From there, it costs an additional $4,500 to step up to the more powerful AWD version, while the top of the range features a sportier model never seen before on a RAV4 – the GR Sport, which starts at $66,340 plus on-roads. While you are spending roughly $5,000 extra to get into the plug-in hybrid version over a regular RAV4, opting for the GR Sport rewards you with unique Gazoo Racing cosmetics, a sleek body kit, 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, and extensive chassis tweaks like stiffer suspension and front performance dampers designed to deliver a much sharper, sportier drive. Beneath the bonnet, the RAV4 PHEV features a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor up front, plus a second motor on the rear axle for AWD models. This brings total combined output to 201 kilowatts for the 2WD and up to a massive 227 kilowatts for the AWD, making this the most powerful factory RAV4 in the model's long history. Powering the electric motors is a 22.7kWh high-voltage battery that Toyota claims can deliver an EV-only driving range of up to 121 kilometres for the 2WD variant and 113 kilometres for the AWD versions on the WLTP cycle. All models support up to 50kW DC fast charging and 11kW three-phase AC charging, and the car comes packed with smart features like a 1500-watt inverter with a handy three-pin power socket in the back for camping gear, a space-saver spare wheel, a spacious interior with a dominant 12.9-inch touchscreen, and generous safety equipment. On the road, the GR Sport model backs up its performance figures with strong acceleration from a standing start, sharp steering, and proficient handling, striking a great balance between road-holding and comfort despite its firmer ride. However, the true elephant in the room with this vehicle is its real-world fuel economy. To get the financial benefits out of the RAV4 PHEV, you absolutely have to treat it like an EV and keep the battery topped up. Testing the car on launch around the back of Brisbane on open country roads, the fuel economy averaged around six litres per 100 kilometres once the battery was fully depleted. Because this PHEV version lacks regenerative braking settings to top the battery back up on the go, driving it around the city with a dead battery completely unravels its advantages, meaning your fuel bills could actually end up higher than what you would get in a regular RAV4 hybrid that you never even have to plug in. Ultimately, this new plug-in hybrid model represents entirely new ground for Toyota, and while it might not be completely groundbreaking, it easily slots right in as one of the better performing choices in its class. If you're in the market looking for your next vehicle, you can research and compare running costs, explore features and specs, and view loan options at RACV Car Match. Read more: https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/car-reviews/toyota/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review.html Research and compare cars with RACV Car Match 🔎 https://www.racv.com.au/car-match Prepare for the best with an RACV Car Loan WeMoney's 2025 Electric Car Loan of the Year 🔎 https://www.racv.com.au/carloans R.A.C.V. Finance Limited ABN 82 004 292 291 Australian Credit Licence No. 391488. RACV Finance is subject to RACV lending criteria. Conditions, fees and charges apply. For more information: 🔎 https://www.racv.com.au 📱 Call us on 13 72 28 for general enquiries Subscribe to our newsletter: 📩 https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/subscribe.html Follow us: https://www.youtube.com/racvofficial https://www.facebook.com/racv https://www.instagram.com/racvofficial https://www.linkedin.com/company/racv #racv #racvnewsandlifestyle #racvcarmatch #racvcarreviews #carreview #rav4 #toyota #toyotarav4 #suv #car