Think fast Toyotas and a number of iconic models come to mind. First up, there is the MK IV Supra, which went on to star in Fast and the Furious, and helped put the Japanese brand on the performance car map for eternity. Then there was the MR2 line, a range of mid-engined mini supercars for everyone, that would be just as happy storming up a touge as they would be trundling down to Blockbuster's on a Saturday night. Let's not forget the incredible Celica GT-Four for anyone who wants to feel like a rally hero, albeit with reliability that would impress your grandpa. Add to these the GR Yaris and Corolla models, and it really is hard to pick the most capable quick Toyota.But there is one missing from the list that no one would have thought of. This is the third-fastest Toyota on sale right now, but you'd walk straight past it in the street. This hot Toyota features plenty of boot space, enough room for the family, and the (slightly) rugged capability that only comes with an urban crossover. It might seem a bit dull and sensible, but this Toyota will outrun a Subaru WRX to 60 mph and go toe-to-toe with a mid-engined V8 Ferrari. In short, we have found the 2025 version of those rally-reps of the '90s, all wrapped up in one of the best sleeper car body styles ever seen. No one, including your spouse, will know that you have bought a performance machine with this one. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Is Nowhere Near As Dull As It Sounds Toyota The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The name sounds so sensible that even your annoyingly prudent in-laws would be forced to approve. You roll up at the extended family's BBQ in this thing, and people will nod approvingly and say things like, 'finally, a grown-up car', and ask you questions about emissions and fuel economy. You'll be standing there in Uncle Herman's back garden, explaining the 42 miles of 18.5kWh lithium-ion battery-powered all-electric range that can be recharged at home or at a public charging station, not to mention the manufacturer–estimated 38 mpg combined rating when in hybrid mode. But in the back of your mind, you'll know that your new RAV4 has a trick up its sleeve. The RAV4 PHEV Is A Sports Car In Disguise Toyota The RAV4 Prime changed its name to RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid for 2025, which, in our opinion, makes it sound even less potent - at least Prime hinted at something special under the hood. There was no change to the drivetrain, however.When it arrived in 2019, this was the first-ever RAV4 to feature the plug-in hybrid powertrain, and in PHEV form, it interestingly offered a large increase in power over a standard hybrid. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid uses the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder as its hybrid cousin, but the latter car makes do with 219 combined horsepower. The RAV4 PHEV Is Sports Car Quick Toyota The PHEV gets a formidable 302 horsepower, which makes for scintillating performance. If that figure sounds familiar for a Toyota, that's because the turbocharged and all-wheel-drive rally-rep GR Corolla gets a (slightly less) 300 horsepower from its 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Power in the RAV4 PHEV is also channeled to all four wheels via Toyota's Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD). For this system, a separate rear-mounted electric motor powers the rear wheels when required. The transmission is an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. OK, Just How Fast Is The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid? Toyota Quite simply, there are few new Toyotas that are faster. The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid flies to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds officially, although it was independently tested slightly quicker, reaching that speed in 5.4 seconds in one review. The GR Corolla is half a second quicker, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged Supra does it in 4.7 seconds, and the 3.0-liter Supra in 3.9 seconds.That said, the RAV4 PHEV is in an elite group that you could call fast new Toyotas. What is interesting is that the RAV4 PHEV is on a par with a new Subaru WRX. Independent testing of a manual WRX saw it hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, with a 271-horsepower turbocharged flat-four under the hood. The RAV4 PHEV Can Outrun A Supra In Some Situations Toyota But there were a few other interesting stats that came out of the tests of the RAV4 PHEV. It was noted that a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE may be slower than a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder Supra to 60 mph, but the Prime will beat it from 5 mph to 60 mph, from 50 to 70 mph, and from 30 to 50 mph.In other words, don't roll up to a RAV4 PHEV in your Supra at 50 mph and expect to outdrag it. For another interesting comparison, a 1990 Ferrari 348 wouldn't be able to keep up with the RAV4 from rest to 60 mph, needing 5.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. The Maranello supercar will, however, top out at 177 mph, whereas the RAV4 is limited to 112 mph. The RAV4 Doesn't Need Asphalt Toyota The RAV4 is no wannabe off-roader, with big wheels and a bit of plastic trim just for show. For rough roads, the driver can press the Trail mode button. This keeps a check on traction with integrated control for the AWD, brake, and drive force control systems. With this mode, there is also a virtual limited-slip differential that delivers power to specific wheels for extra traction when needed. Along with an Eco mode for better economy – the RAV4 PHEV has a manufacturer–estimated 38 mpg combined rating when in hybrid mode – this SUV also comes with a Sport mode. Twisting the dial to Sport gives a better steering feel and the hybrid system perks up a bit for sportier driving, although this Japanese SUV may not be an obvious choice for a track day. What Else To Buy Instead Of A Toyota RAV4 PHEV Subaru The RAV4 PHEV may tick a lot of boxes, but at $43,865, it's not throwaway mone,y and there are some interesting alternative options. So what can you buy instead? Firstly, a word of support for the Subaru WRX. This is a fine sports sedan with a royal lineage, and it comes in considerably cheaper at $37,750. So, in other words, you could buy one and get a used Ford Mustang GT with the change. On that note, you could also buy a brand-new Mustang EcoBoost Fastback, which starts at a very reasonable $31,920, and then buy a used BMW 325xi Sports Wagon to have on the side. Finally, if you don't need that off-road capability, it is worth considering a new Volkswagen Golf GTI, which will hit 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and costs just $32,445. With the money saved, you can go and buy a proper off-roader.