There are currently eight units of the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in South Africa, but you can’t go into a dealership and buy one just yet.
The manufacturer confirmed that it has brought these models to the country as part of a “pilot program” that aims to gain more insight into the local interest and infrastructure requirements for new-energy vehicles (NEV).
Based on this feedback, Toyota South Africa will decide whether it will launch the RAV4 PHEV in the country. However, the potential introduction is, at the very least, 12 months away, said a spokesperson for the company.
Currently, the eight units inside our borders are allocated between Toyota’s marketing and technical divisions, the media, and car rental companies who will all be relaying their experiences back to the manufacturer over the coming year enabling it to make a more informed decision on the South African availability of the RAV4 PHEV.
RAV4 PHEV Specifications
Under the shell, the RAV4 PHEV combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine producing 136kW and 227Nm with Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system incorporating an electric motor on each axle powered by an 18.1kWh battery.
Altogether, the drivetrain generates 225kW and delivers power to the E-Four all-wheel-drive system via a CVT transmission, allowing the SUV to complete the 100km/h sprint in 6 seconds flat while consuming as little a 1.15 litres of fuel per 100km.
An all-electric driving range of 65km at speeds of up to 135km/h is also on the cards, whereas the petrol engine automatically kicks in if it senses more power is needed or when the battery runs flat.
The partially-electrified powertrain then supports two levels of charging up to a maximum current of 6.6kW and sees two cables included in the box.
Charging times for the Toyota PHEV are detailed in the table below:
| Cable | Voltage | Current | Charging time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Mode 2 (Home) | 230V | 8A | 9h |
| 10A | 7.5h | ||
| Toyota Mode 3 (Public) | 16A | 5h | |
| 32A | 2.5h |
The fossil-fuel motor can also be used to recharge the electric system, however, “due to the size of this hybrid battery, it cannot be fully recharged by the petrol engine and regenerative braking” and owners will have to visit a charging station to get it back up to 100%, said Toyota.
Standout design
The RAV4 PHEV stands out from its mild-hybrid siblings thanks to a model-exclusive mesh grille surrounded by chrome plating as well as chrome accents on the lower sections of the front and rear bumpers.
It also features on two-tone, five-spoke, 19-inch alloys which are reserved for this model, although similar to the other RAV4 hybrids, the PHEV is fitted with blue badges denoting its electrified underpinnings.
Inside the passenger compartment, visual updates include red striping down the seats, a blue start button, PHV-branded floor mats, and hybrid-only features for the infotainment system such as an energy monitor that displays which power source is being used and what it’s being used for.
Standard amenities are abundant, too, as the PHEV’s equipment is based on that of the range-topping GX-R variants.
Therefore, it gets leather upholstery, smart entry and start, dual-zone climate control, electric front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, a digital rear-view mirror, a wireless smartphone charger, a 9-speaker JBL audio layout, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Driving impressions
At the recent South African launch of the updated Corolla Hatch and Sedan hybrids, local media also got a chance to sample the new RAV4 PHEV for a handful of kilometres through the bustling streets of Joburg.
The RAV4 is already an impressive vehicle but in plug-in guise even more so. The 225kW on tap makes it one of the most powerful offerings in the mid-size SUV segment and it also boasts one of the most responsive CVTs on the market.
As a result, the configuration provides brisk acceleration at any city speed giving you the confidence to get into busy streets and take tight gaps should you need to.
Most of our time on the road was spent in full-electric mode, which wasn’t planned, the RAV4 proving that it is possible to perform your daily travels on battery power alone without having to burn any petrol.
However, with a quick tap of the throttle the engine abruptly comes to life and nearly doubles the power on hand.
The ride is remarkably supple, too, and a decently-sharp steering response completes an overall formidable package.
The big question remains, however, and that has to do with its pricing.
Toyota did not talk about the plug-in RAV4’s price tag but hinted that it wants to make new-energy vehicles more affordable for the end user in our market.
The PHEV segment is one of the smallest categories in South Africa and is dominated by high-end models that usually fetch far above R1 million.
If the manufacturer manages to keep the RAV4 PHEV under the magical seven-figure window sticker, we can see it becoming yet another runaway success.
Toyota RAV4 PHEV
Keyword: Toyota’s plug-in hybrid RAV4 is in South Africa but you can’t buy it – Here’s why