Diesel engines used to be the de facto choice for Europeans interested in covering long trips without the hassle of frequent refueling. Once the efficiency king, diesel has largely fallen out of favor due to stringent emissions regulations in the EU. However, Toyota is confident it has found a better alternative: plug-in hybrids. The new RAV4 PHEV is claimed to deliver diesel-like range, with the added benefit of all-electric cruising.
The sixth-generation RAV4 in plug-in hybrid flavor can cover more than 839 miles (1,350 kilometers) with a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery in Japan’s test cycle. This represents an improvement of 31 miles (50 kilometers) over the previous PHEV model. Toyota targets a purely electric range of 93 miles (150 kilometers) in Japan, though it expects an EPA-rated figure of just 50 miles (80 kilometers) for the version sold in North America.
Photo by: Toyota
The significant discrepancy stems from the different test cycles, with the EPA’s considered more stringent than Japan’s JC08. In Europe and other regions that rely on the WLTP standard, the compact crossover can be driven for 62 miles (100 kilometers) before the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine kicks in. Toyota doesn’t specify the gas tank’s capacity, but we know the previous-generation RAV4 PHEV could carry 14.5 gallons or 55 liters.
The extra range is made possible by boosting the battery pack’s capacity from 18.1 kWh to 22.7 kWh. Although fairly boxy, the redesigned body is more aerodynamic than before. Toyota claims it further optimized the front and rear spoilers and restyled the wheels for better airflow.
Other benefits of the new PHEV include an increase in combined output from 302 to 320 horsepower for the new-for-2026 GR Sport, while towing capacity jumps from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds. There’s also support for DC charging at a maximum of 50 kW, allowing owners to replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in half an hour.
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Source: Toyota
As with the previous-generation model, a diesel engine is not available. In fact, the RAV4 is no longer offered with a gas-only setup. The versions announced so far for North America, Japan, and Europe will feature full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The RAV4 is a true globetrotter. Toyota sells its immensely successful crossover in 180 countries and regions. Around 15 million units have been delivered since the first-generation model arrived in 1994. It’s the second-most popular Toyota, only outdone by the Corolla, which holds the title of best-selling car ever, with a whopping 50 million units sold by 2021.