Toyota has unveiled its sixth-generation RAV4, which includes a plug-in hybrid offering greater electric-only range, more power and faster charging speeds than its predecessor.
Details of the UK model range and specifications will be announced in due course, but the PHEV – which will be available in the Europe alongside a hybrid – uses a battery with a 30% greater capacity than the outgoing model and can achieve 62 miles in electric-only driving.
The powertrain, which uses a 22.7kWh battery, also delivers more power, acceleration and efficiency, as well as faster charging.
Plug-in charging with a DC 50kW onboard charger can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% capacity in as little as 30 minutes.
It can also charge at up to 11kW from AC chargers – which is twice as fast as the previous RAV4 – taking around three hours for a 10% to 80% charge.
Total power output from the all-wheel drive model is 304PS, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in 5.8 seconds.
A front-wheel drive configuration will be available on a RAV4 PHEV for the first time. This version offers a maximum power of 268PS.
The full hybrid system has also been updated with improvements to the transaxle, power control unit, battery and other components.
The full hybrid RAV4 220 AWD-I’s maximum power has increased to 191PS. The front-wheel version has 183PS.
The new RAV4 also becomes the first Toyota model to incorporate the manufacturer’s new Arene software development platform.
The manufacturer says this marks a step towards fully software-defined vehicles. It also enables a new generation of Toyota Safety Sense, making its debut in the RAV4.
This delivers a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance systems as standard, operating with a faster response.
The new RAV4 also uses a faster-operating multimedia system. Using a 12.9-inch screen concept, it gives the driver key information in one view.
Toyota also announced the RAV4 GR Sport, which delivers a more dynamic driving experience and motorsport-inspired character.
The chassis has a 20mm wider tread, while the car also features high-performance dampers, strengthened rear bracing and retuned springs for increased stability.
It also has a number of interior and exterior styling features to emphasis its sporting characteristics.
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Andrew Ryan is the features editor at Fleet News. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and has specialised in the fleet industry for the past 12.
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