2021 Toyota RAV4 PHV Debuts As Japan’s RAV4 Prime

Already on sale in North America as the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the plug-in hybrid RAV4 debuts today in the automaker’s home country.

Marketed as the RAV4 PHV in Japan, it features the same powertrain as the model sold overseas. The new Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) achieves a maximum system output of 225 kW (306 HP / 302 HP) by combining a 177 PS (175 HP) 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force gasoline engine with a 134 kW (182 PS / 180 HP) front electric motor, a 40 kW (54 PS / 53 HP) rear electric motor, and a 18.1 kWh battery.

This enables the RAV4 PHV to achieve an all-electric driving range of 95 km (59 miles) and an average fuel economy rating of 22 km/L (4.5 l/100 km / 51.7 mpg US), as per Japan’s WLTC test cycle.

See Also: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV Is Both The Most Powerful And Fuel-Efficient RAV4 Ever

The powerful hybrid system also enables a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of 6.0 seconds. The E-Four electric 4WD system plays an important role in that, fully distributing the power produced by the plug-in hybrid system between all four wheels.

In Japan, the new RAV4 PHV comes with a maximum of 1,500 W (AC 100 V) external power supply function as standard. This makes it possible to fit a vehicle power connector which can be plugged into the regular charging inlet for use as an external power socket. The supplied power cable (both AC 100 and 200 V) can be connected to an electrical socket for recharging, which takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes via AC 200 V/16 A or 27 hours via 100 V/6 A.

Compared to the regular RAV4 sold in Japan, the PHV model can be recognized thanks to a model-specific front grille and bumper, as well as special LED DRLs and newly-designed 19-inch RAV4 aluminum wheels. Customers can choose between six colors, including the RAV4 PHV-exclusive Emotional Red II. In addition, a total of five two-tone combinations are available.

Inside, the RAV4 PHV features an all-black treatment with red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift lever, instrument panel, door panels, and center console. Synthetic leather sports seats are standard for all models, as are a 9-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

From a safety standpoint, the plug-in hybrid SUV comes with the Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard. Highlights include a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes, 360-degree camera system, and Head Up Display.

Toyota prices the RAV4 PHV from 4,690,000 yen ($42,820) in Japan.