New Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid joins the RAV4 range next year

The Toyota RAV4 is getting a new powertrain option in the UK next year, with a plug-in hybrid version arriving to joining the ‘self charging’ hybrid.

The Toyota RAV4 has always been a bit of a conservative buy, loved by more mature car buyers and a staple of Toyota’s range for 25 years.

But a new RAV4 arrived last year, and it offers a much more contemporary take on the RAV4, but cleverly manages to inherit enough of the old RAV4’s DNA to not turn off those conservative buyers Toyota has served for so long.

When the much more appealing new RAV4 was revealed, we understood it would come with the option of Toyota’s 2.5 litre hybrid setup or a 2.0 litre petrol. But when the new RAV 4 arrived in the UK it was Hobson’s choice, with just the 2.5 litre hybrid on offer.

But, just like every other car maker – and despite a feeling coming from Toyota that plug-in hybrids are not a clever way to go – Toyota has to have a weather eye on upcoming average CO2 emission regulations which, despite Toyota’s hybrid-dominated range, will still be a struggle.

So, whether a plug-in hybrid is the way to go or not, there’s a RAV4 plug-in hybrid on the way, heading for a Los Angeles Motor Show debut and going on sale in the UK in 2020.

Toyota aren’t being particularly forthcoming about the plug-in powertrain under the RAV4, but they’re promising a bigger battery, more EV range and more power.

We assume all will be revealed in LA.