Toyota has released the first picture of the 2021 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20th.
The company didn’t say much about the model, but confirmed it will become the “most powerful RAV4 yet.” Toyota wasn’t ready to reveal performance specifications, but said the crossover will have “spirited acceleration, nimble handling and impeccable style.”
Little is known about the model at this point, but it’s expected to use the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that resides in the RAV4 Hybrid. It produces 176 hp (131 kW / 178 PS) and 163 lb-ft (221 Nm) of torque.
Also Read: Forget The Prius Prime, Toyota’s Testing A RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
The engine will be backed up by an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The latter is expected to be large enough to give the model an electric-only range of approximately 30 miles (48 km). There’s no word on how powerful the electric motor will be, but the RAV4 PHEV should have a combined output in excess of 203 hp (151 kW / 206 PS).
On the styling front there isn’t much to report as the plug-in hybrid variant closely echoes the standard RAV4. However, it will apparently be distinguished by a modified front bumper, plug-in hybrid badging and vertical fog lights. Previous spy photos have also shown the crossover will have a charging port mounted above the rear wheel on the passenger side.
We’ll learn more details next month, but the model is certainly interesting as there’s been a lack of mainstream plug-in hybrid crossovers with the notable exception of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
