Toyota Korea launched the ‘RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’ model at Jamsil Connect2 on the 21st.
The Toyota RAV4 has been a pioneering model in the crossover SUV market since its first introduction in 1994 and has gained the love of customers worldwide through its current fifth generation. First introduced in the Korean market in 2009, the RAV4 has transformed into the fifth generation, featuring a design inspired by the Cross Octagon concept, excellent driving stability via the TNGA platform, and agile handling, making it a representative model that accounted for about 40% of Toyota Korea’s total sales last year.
The newly launched RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is developed under the E-Boost concept, which combines electric vehicle driving through battery charging and efficient gasoline driving utilizing the latest hybrid technology, making it a versatile PHEV model.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a high-capacity 18.1kWh battery, allowing for a maximum range of 63 km powered solely by electricity without the intervention of the internal combustion engine. Additionally, it boasts a total system output of 306 horsepower and features an E-Four (four-wheel drive) system for powerful performance.
For the first time in a Toyota model launched in Korea, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid includes the infotainment system ‘Toyota Connect’ and features four driving modes specialized for plug-in hybrids.
Drivers can easily select suitable driving modes with button operations, including: ‘EV Mode’ for carbon-neutral driving on electricity alone, ‘HV Mode’ to maintain battery charge while using both the electric motor and engine, ‘Auto EV/HV Mode’ for electric driving while utilizing engine power when needed, and ‘CHG HOLD Mode’ for ensuring EV driving distance by charging the battery using engine power when battery levels drop too low.
The safety features, known as Toyota Safety Sense, have also been upgraded. Two new functions have been added to the existing ‘Emergency Braking Assist System’. The newly included emergency braking assist feature recognizes the presence of vehicles or pedestrians during daytime left and right turns and issues visual and audible alarms before assisting in braking if a collision risk is detected.
Another new feature is the ‘Opposite Vehicle Emergency Braking Assist’, which intervenes with braking if a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction is detected when driving during the day and a collision is anticipated.
‘Emergency Steering Assist’ helps drivers avoid collisions when obstacles appear ahead while steering, providing additional steering wheel adjustments if required. The ‘Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)’ function has also been enhanced.
The DRCC adjusts speed according to the flow of traffic within the set speed, with a newly introduced curve deceleration feature that slows the vehicle down on winding roads to reduce accident risks. For the first time in a domestic Toyota model, the ‘Parking Assist Brake’ has been applied, which detects surrounding vehicles and obstacles during parking and supports braking in case of collision detection.
Director Kang Dae-hwan from Toyota Korea stated, “Starting with the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota plans to introduce various electrified models catering to our customers’ lifestyles,” adding that “the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is a model that solves concerns about efficiency and practicality of charging while being suitable for customers enjoying long-distance outdoor activities as well as daily life.”
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available in a single trim, is priced at 55,700,000 won (3.5% individual consumption tax included).
– Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr
