Toyota, a leader in smart hybrid technology, has taken a significant step forward in electrification. The Toyota RAV4 has evolved into an increasingly appealing SUV by adding plug-in hybrid and connected features.

On the 21st, Toyota held the launch event for the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid at the Seoul Jamsil Connect Two. The exterior remains unchanged from the existing model, with the only difference being the replacement of the hybrid drive system with a plug-in hybrid drive system.

The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasts a powerful system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 18.1 kWh battery, delivering a combined total output of 306 horsepower. It’s not just about power; efficiency has also been improved.

The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has been certified for an electric driving range of 95 km based on WLTP standards and 63 km according to domestic standards. That’s the distance from Gangnam Station in Seoul to Pyeongtaek. With constant speed driving, it can cover even greater distances without engine intervention. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is rated at an impressive fuel efficiency of 15.6 km per liter.

The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid features four driving modes: an EV mode for driving solely on electricity, an HV mode that uses both the electric motor and engine, an Auto EV mode where the engine intervenes as necessary, and a CHG HOLD mode that utilizes engine power to charge the battery.

Toyota’s advanced equipment, the Toyota Safety Sense, has enhanced its emergency braking function. It assists in braking autonomously when a collision risk with pedestrians is detected and intervenes in steering when there’s a risk of collision with oncoming vehicles. Additionally, a new feature has been added that automatically slows down when entering curves during dynamic cruise control. This is the first Toyota model to include a parking brake assist feature that helps prevent collisions by recognizing obstacles during parking.

The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the first in the Toyota lineup to offer connected features. Based on LG Uplus’s Uplus Drive, it provides various entertainment options such as navigation, music streaming, and mobile TV. Furthermore, with AI voice recognition integrated with Naver Clova, adjustments to navigation destinations and interior climate controls enhance driver convenience.

The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is sold in a single trim, priced at 55.7 million won.

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr