Diesel engines was the de facto selection for Europeans fascinated about masking lengthy journeys with out the effort of frequent refueling. As soon as the effectivity king, diesel has largely fallen out of favor on account of stringent emissions laws within the EU. Nonetheless, Toyota is assured it has discovered a greater various: plug-in hybrids. The brand new RAV4 PHEV is claimed to ship diesel-like vary, with the additional benefit of all-electric cruising.

The sixth-generation RAV4 in plug-in hybrid taste can cowl greater than 839 miles (1,350 kilometers) with a full tank of fuel and a totally charged battery. This represents an enchancment of 31 miles (50 kilometers) over the earlier PHEV mannequin. Toyota targets a purely electrical vary of 93 miles (150 kilometers) in Japan, although it expects an EPA-rated determine of simply 50 miles (80 kilometers) for the model bought in North America.

Picture by: Toyota

The numerous discrepancy stems from the totally different check cycles, with the EPA’s thought of extra stringent than Japan’s JC08. In Europe and different areas that depend on the WLTP customary, the compact crossover might be pushed for 62 miles (100 kilometers) earlier than the two.5-liter four-cylinder fuel engine kicks in. Toyota doesn’t specify the fuel tank’s capability, however we all know the previous-generation RAV4 PHEV may carry 14.5 gallons or 55 liters.

The additional vary is made attainable by boosting the battery pack’s capability from 18.1 kWh to 22.7 kWh. Though pretty boxy, the redesigned physique is extra aerodynamic than earlier than. Toyota claims it additional optimized the entrance and rear spoilers and restyled the wheels for higher airflow.

Different advantages of the brand new PHEV embody a rise in mixed output from 302 to 320 horsepower for the new-for-2026 GR Sport, whereas towing capability jumps from 2,500 to three,500 kilos. There’s additionally assist for DC charging at a most of fifty kW, permitting homeowners to replenish the battery from 10 to 80 p.c in half an hour.

28

Supply: Toyota

As with the previous-generation mannequin, a diesel engine isn’t accessible. In truth, the RAV4 is now not provided with a gas-only setup. The variations introduced up to now for North America, Japan, and Europe will characteristic full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The RAV4 is a real globetrotter. Toyota sells its immensely profitable crossover in 180 nations and areas. Round 15 million models have been delivered because the first-generation mannequin arrived in 1994. It’s the second-most common Toyota, solely outdone by the Corolla, which holds the title of best-selling automotive ever, with a whopping 50 million models bought by 2021.