Al-Futtaim Toyota has launched the RAV4 PHEV in the UAE, giving the family SUV a battery that charges from a wall box. Two all-wheel-drive trims cost AED 154,900 and AED 169,900, and Toyota estimates up to 100 km of electric driving per charge.
What has Toyota launched?
The car is a plug-in hybrid version of the sixth-generation RAV4. Unlike the regular hybrid, it can take charge from a wall box or a public charger. As a result, owners can cover daily trips on electricity and rely on petrol for longer journeys. Al-Futtaim Toyota lists the car in GXL and VXR form, and both trims share the same powertrain and battery.
How much does the RAV4 PHEV cost?
The GXL opens the range at AED 154,900, while the VXR costs AED 169,900. Both prices include VAT. However, they exclude shipping and handling, and some exterior colours carry an extra charge.
For context, the petrol RAV4 starts at AED 105,900 and the regular hybrid at AED 114,900. So the entry Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid costs AED 40,000 more than the entry hybrid. At the top of the hybrid range, the gap almost closes. The hybrid VXR has been listed at AED 152,900, about AED 2,000 below the plug-in GXL.
What powers it, and how far can it go on electricity?
A 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine works alongside an electric motor system. Together, they produce up to 325 hp, which a CVT sends to all four wheels. Toyota also quotes fuel economy of 23 km/l.
Energy comes from a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Toyota estimates an electric range of up to 100 km, and that’s a manufacturer figure. Speed, traffic and air-conditioning use will all change the real-world result. Even so, a figure in that region could cover many school runs, commutes and errands without petrol. When the battery runs low, the engine takes over, so there’s no need for an immediate charging stop.
How quickly does it charge?
The RAV4 PHEV accepts AC charging at up to 11 kW through a Type 2 connector. It also supports DC fast charging at up to 50 kW through a CCS2 port. The launch details don’t include charging times. Still, the 11 kW rate suits home wall boxes, while DC charging gives owners a quicker option away from home.
How do the GXL and VXR differ?
Both trims measure 4,600 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,700 mm tall, on a 2,690 mm wheelbase. Each seats five people. Standard kit includes roof rails, LED lighting and a powered tailgate. Inside, both get a 12.3-inch digital driver display, wireless phone charging and dual-zone climate control. They also share a six-speaker audio system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The GXL rides on 18-inch dark grey alloys and has a conventional sunroof. Its cabin uses fabric seats and a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Meanwhile, the VXR moves up to 20-inch black alloys, a panoramic sunroof and a two-tone finish. It also adds a 12.9-inch touchscreen with navigation and synthetic leather and suede upholstery. VXR buyers get heated and ventilated front seats plus a head-up display as well.
What safety technology comes as standard?
Every RAV4 PHEV comes with Toyota Safety Sense 4. The suite includes a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind Spot Monitoring, Safe Exit Assist, front and rear parking sensors and multiple airbags complete the package.
Parking aids differ by trim. The GXL uses a rear-view camera, whereas the VXR adds a Panoramic View Monitor with a 3D view. It also gains Intelligent Parking Assist. Naturally, these systems support the driver and don’t replace attentive driving.
Who should consider buying one?
The RAV4 PHEV makes most sense for drivers with regular home or workplace charging. Those owners can use the battery for most daily driving and save petrol for longer trips. For them, the GXL delivers the full plug-in powertrain at the lower price. By contrast, the VXR suits buyers who want extra comfort and parking technology.
Drivers who can’t charge often face a different sum. The entry hybrid costs far less, and a plug-in model saves most fuel when it spends most of its time running on electricity.
