Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a realistic gateway to a greener future

Hybrid is a big word for Toyota. Over two decades after the very niche Prius pioneered the dual-source powertrain back in 1997, hybrids are now offered on conventional model ranges like the RAV4, Corolla and Corolla Cross.

And unlike the initial Prius that included famous owners like Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, the latest batch is an affordable option for the average car buyers. And a great alternative to a traditional internal combustion engine-powered car.

Affordability the key

Instead of offering the hybrids at the top end of the model ranges, like its premium nameplate Lexus typically does, Toyota back in September added a mid-spec trim level to the RAV4 and Corolla line-ups. The Corolla Cross follow suit this month with a mid-spec alongside a high-end on offer from launch.

The Citizen welcomed a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX to its long-term fleet recently for six-weeks. After having the flagship 2.5 VX AWD as a long-termer back in 2019, it will be interesting to see how Toyota’s latest offering compares to the traditional petrol offering.

ALSO READ: Toyota extends local hybrid portfolio to Corolla and RAV4

While most carmakers are constantly announcing grossly overzealous carbon neutral targets for the next few years to a decade, Toyota has taken a slightly more realistic approach.

The Japanese carmaker believes that in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, hybrid technology has a massive role to play in the interim.

Let’s be realistic

Many manufacturers took the decision to leapfrog hybrid technology and go straight from internal combustion engines to full electric vehicles.

But the irony is that that approach in South Africa is actually more harmful to the environment at this very moment. Because Eskom generates up to 90% of its power from burning coal, charging an electric car with the utility’s power releases more carbon emissions than an internal combustion engine car!

Just for fully electric vehicles to break even with traditional powered cars in terms of carbon emissions, Eskom needs to generate as much as 29% of its power from green sources. We all know that is not going to happen overnight and therefore a hybrid makes perfect sense.

Priced to go

The fact that Toyota is able to offer the RAV4 Hybrid GX for R555 300 is the best part. Especially taking into consideration that the cheapest all-electric vehicle currently on offer locally is the Mini Cooper S E at R686 400.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s price is in fact lower than it should be in anticipation of future government support, something the power that be hasn’t done yet for greener cars.

Providing the RAV4 Hybrid’s power is a naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder, 131kW/221Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine and an 88kW/202Nm electric motor. The two combine to deliver a maximum of 160 kW, which is sent to the front wheels via a CVT. 

Miserly sipper

The important number here is the fuel consumption. Toyota claims the RAV4 Hybrid only sips 4.7 L/100 km, which, if accurate, would be virtually impossible to match for a similar-sized internal combustion engine-powered SUV. With its fuel tank being 55 litres, the RAV4 Hybrid could realistically get over 1 000 km on one tank.

After only a few weeks in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid we have been very impressed by its generous power, refined drive and fantastic CVT.

Features galore

While it might not boast all the specifications of the top-end VX models, the Hybrid is generously specced nonetheless.

On the outside it features 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime-running LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and heated as well as folding electric mirrors.

Comforts inside include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a multi-information display and tilt and reach leathern steering wheel. The touchscreen infotainment system supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also come with driver support systems such as a full complement of airbags, Park Distance Control, ABS, EBD, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Assist Control and Drive Mode Select offering a choice between Eco, Normal and Power.

Price

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes with a six services/90 000 km service plan and a three year/100 000 km warranty and eight year/195 000km hybrid battery warranty.

For more information on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX, click here.