The Toyota RAV4 Goes All-In on Hybrid — and Both Reviews Approve

Dropping the conventional petrol engine entirely was a genuinely bold move for the best-selling SUV in its class. Both reviews agree it paid off.

Illustration for editorial purposes

Betting the Best-Seller on One Powertrain Type

Very few manufacturers would risk simplifying their most important model's engine lineup down to a single technology, especially one that's this commercially important. Reviewers seem to think the gamble was the right one.

Specs at a Glance

Body style	Compact SUV
Powertrains	Hybrid (270bhp FWD/304bhp AWD), Plug-in Hybrid (324bhp)
Transmission	e-CVT automatic (all versions)
0–62mph	7.5 sec (FWD hybrid)
Electric-only range (PHEV)	Up to 52 miles
Price range (new)	Varies by trim and powertrain

Full Review Summary

What Car?

What Car? found the front-wheel-drive hybrid, expected to account for the vast majority of sales, offers effortless power delivery that smoothly wakes the petrol engine only when needed beyond what electric power alone can provide. They rated the plug-in hybrid's electric-only range competitive against rivals like the Ford Kuga PHEV and Hyundai Tucson PHEV, and praised generous standard equipment even on entry-level trim, including adaptive cruise control and heated front seats as standard rather than optional extras.

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Edmunds

Edmunds' long-term test team highlighted meaningfully improved cabin refinement over the previous generation, crediting reinforced suspension mounting points and additional damping adhesive for reducing road noise and micro-vibrations. They praised the new infotainment system's touchscreen responsiveness and standard wireless smartphone mirroring, though noted the model's more premium trims add cost quickly without proportionate extra value. Fuel economy in their real-world testing beat key hybrid rivals in the segment.

Trims & Engines at a Glance

The UK gets plug-in hybrid power exclusively — unlike other markets, there's no regular self-charging hybrid option on this generation.

Derivative	Engine	Power	Transmission	Body	0–62mph
RAV4 PHEV Icon / Design (FWD)	2.5L petrol + electric motor, FWD	268bhp	CVT automatic	SUV	7.5s
RAV4 PHEV Excel / GR Sport (AWD)	2.5L petrol + dual electric motors, AWD	305bhp	CVT automatic	SUV	5.8s

Trim walk runs Icon → Design → Excel → GR Sport, with all-wheel drive reserved for the top two. The 22.7kWh battery gives up to 85 miles of electric-only range on FWD, 75 miles on AWD. A broad exterior colour range is offered, including bi-tone finishes. Check Toyota's UK configurator for current pricing.

Strengths

Smooth, effortless hybrid power delivery
Competitive electric-only range on the plug-in hybrid
Generous standard equipment even on entry trim
Noticeably improved cabin refinement over the previous generation

Weak points

Higher trims add cost quickly without proportionate value
No conventional petrol-only option for buyers who prefer one

Who It Actually Suits

Buyers who want a genuinely refined, hybrid-only family SUV and don't mind paying a slight premium over less electrified rivals for the smoother power delivery and lower running costs. Company car drivers considering the plug-in hybrid should factor in its strong electric-only range for tax purposes.

Common Toyota RAV4 Parts & Costs

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