The electric revolution is coming, and while enthusiasts aren’t exactly embracing the technology just yet, electric vehicle makers like Tesla are showing that zero-emissions running does at least not have to come at the expense of performance. And with its new RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, so is Toyota.
You see, this rather adventurously-styled family SUV comes with quite a lot of power under the bonnet. Sure, the 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine, shared with the regular Hybrid model, isn’t going to set your pants on fire – it makes the same 176 hp, but adds a bit more torque at 228 Nm, made slightly lower down the rev range at 2,800 rpm. This, Toyota says, does improve low-speed acceleration.
But it’s the more powerful electric motors that deliver the biggest net gain, taking total output to an estimated 302 hp. That’s 84 hp more than the Hybrid, and to give you a sense of perspective, that’s exactly the same amount of power as the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and BMW M135i hot hatches. Those are not slow cars.
Neither is the Prime – despite being saddled with a lack of a conventional transmission (it will likely get the same electronic CVT as the Hybrid), Toyota is targeting a zero-to-100 km/h figure of just 6.2 seconds. On the flip side, a new high-capacity lithium-ion battery will help deliver an all-electric range of 60 km on the WLTP cycle, as well as carbon dioxide emissions of under 30 grams per kilometre.
Range-enhancing features include an enhanced heat pump for the climate control system, adapted from the Prius Prime, to reduce energy consumption during the regulation of cabin temperature. There’s also the Hybrid’s Predictive Efficient Drive feature that reads the road and learns the driver patterns to optimise battery charging and discharging, even “remembering” features such as hills and traffic lights.
Just like the Hybrid, the Prime is fitted with a separate rear electric motor to provide all-wheel drive, working when needed to reduce understeer and improve traction on slippery surfaces. A selectable Trail mode turns on torque vectoring by braking, clamping a spinning wheel and forcing torque to instead be delivered to the wheel with the most grip. The range-topping XSE variant also gets the RAV4’s first ever paddle shifters.
You can tell the Prime apart from lesser siblings through the unique front spoiler with chrome trim, as well as piano black body mouldings instead of bare plastic. While the standard SE is equipped with 18-inch two-tone alloys, the XSE receives exclusive 19-inch rollers – the biggest ever fitted to a hybrid RAV4. The XSE also comes with vertical LED accent lights on the corners of the front bumpers.
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Not coming here anytime. Toyota ASEAN prefers to give us junky 3rd world SUVs like Rush & Aruz.
You can say Rush and Aruz are junks but Perodua Aruz is a hotseller and have game the X70 over
You keep saying that, but all I see is X70 still outselling both Aruz & Rush sales combined. So fast game over alrdy?
(Like) Toyota RAV4
(Dislike) Honda CR-V
No matter how high your hp is, when the engine is paired with CVT, it sure will be dull. Perhaps most of the consumer didnt realize that CVT is for poors, and the normal AT GB is for riches. Look at Alphard here in Malaysia which is more expensive with normal AT GB whereas Vellfire with CVT is cheaper. I’m talking abt new model sold by UMW, not grey-import from Japan.
What is your problem, Toyota? Just give us 6/7 speed GB instead of CVT. How come in Harrier you can give 7-speed GB but for RAV4 is just CVT? Alphard can get normal GB but Vellfire with cheap CVT? No wonder UMW doesnt want to sell RAV4 here in Malaysia. Sure x laku.
Zer0-60mph
RAV4 HEV: 6.8secs
RAV4 PHEV: 5.8secs 90 MPGe / 38.2 Km/L
RAV4 3.5L V6: 6.3secs
Starting with the 2020 model year, every Toyota Hybrid Battery Warranty is being increased from 8 years/100,000 miles to 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Toyota Malaysia, please bring this model here. And bring also the one with 300 hp along with adaptive cruise control.
Didnt hear the rav4 is coming to malaysia at all. Let alone the hybrid.
Bring in the RAV4 here, Harrier & CRV will die eventually
if UMW bring in RAV4, it will price at rm200k onward because CHR already set at RM150k
that why they have no intention to bring in here
wait long long..
I don’t believe this RAv 4 could produce 304 horse power… Tipu lah
Aiya…even if can produce 304 hp…wat for…most people use on city road / hiway only … but vehicle set up will not allow that hp to be translated into faster speed lor…and max speed limit on Malaysia road still 110 km/h wat…
Aiya…even if can produce 304 hp…wat for…most people use on city road / hiway only … but vehicle set up will not allow that hp to be translated into faster speed lor…and max speed limit on Malaysia road still 110 km/h wat…
heard in production at bkt raja plant already..
Will UMW Bring in Toyota RAV4 Prime to Malaysia ?
Same question here.. Bet have to self import it..