Latest news with #plug-inHybrid
Motor Trend
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport PHEV Isn't the First Ultra-Sporty RAV4
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 lineup is wider than ever, with so-called "core" models forming the backbone of the bestselling compact SUV's family, and a new Woodland off-road trim joining an equally new GR Sport trim level on the fringes. While there are other "sport" themed RAV4s available, namely an XSE model, the zestiest of the bunch is that GR Sport. 0:00 / 0:00 It combines the new RAV4's most powerful powertrain—a 320-hp plug-in hybrid setup—with a lowered suspension, sticky summer tires, and heavily bolstered seats. Sounds wild, right? Well, it's not the first time Toyota's gotten weird with the RAV4, which has otherwise been an exemplar of the mainstream since its 1996 introduction. New Sport, Same as the Old Sport? The Sport trim level has been offered with RAV4s on and off for decades, but the GR Sport isn't the first one with huge power underhood. The last-generation RAV4's Prime (later Plug-In Hybrid) version offered up a stout 302 ponies and came only in Toyota's sportier XSE trim level. Before that, the only other RAV4 that qualified as "powerful" is the only RAV4 ever to offer V-6 power, the third-generation model sold between 2006 and 2012. It was larger than the dinkier first- and second-gen versions, so much so it even offered a (tiny) third-row seat option. But the headliner was that optional 3.5-liter V-6 that Toyota stuffed between its front wheels. While most third-gen RAV4s were sold with a 2.4-liter inline-four sending 166 hp through a four-speed automatic transmission, the optional V-6—available across the lineup, from the entry-level version with unadorned steel wheels to the Sport to the top-tier Limited variant—was where the real action was at. The 3.5-liter V-6 borrowed from the larger Avalon sedan pushed out a mighty 269 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque and enjoyed an extra forward ratio in its five-speed auto. For a time, V-6-powered RAV4s were the quickest new Toyotas you could buy; MotorTrend tested one that reached 60 mph in only 6.3 seconds. Nothing else in the compact SUV segment at the time even came close to the Toyota's muscle, which was deployed most effectively in the firmed-up, big-wheel RAV4 Sport model. Well, there was one SUV with the power to challenge the V-6 RAV4: The electric one. Yep, from 2012 to 2014, at the tail end of the RAV4's third generation and well into the fourth-gen RAV4's tenure, Toyota sold an EV version based on the 2006–2012 RAV4. Believe it or not, but the third-generation RAV4 was actually not the first RAV4 to offer an all-electric variant (there was a second-generation spin-off first), and the 2012 version came loaded with an early Tesla powertrain (!) and a 42-kWh battery good for a mere 100 miles of driving range. Power output from the single motor (derived from one in the Model S but significantly detuned) stood at 154 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, routed to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. This was good for a seven-second 0–60-mph time, according to Toyota, when the RAV4 EV was placed in its Sport drive mode. (The regular setting lengthened acceleration time to 8.6 seconds.) These were only offered in certain states, and can be picked out by their lack of an external spare tire, body-color grille delete panel (with goofy large "EV" lettering beneath the Toyota lettering), blue-tinged badges, and unique headlight internals. Actually, Sort Of! In a way, the 320-hp plug-in hybrid RAV4 GR Sport is an amalgamation of the third-generation RAV4's most powerful powertrain options. Today, four-cylinder engines have largely supplanted six-cylinder options in the compact and midsize vehicle segments, so the GR Sport PHEV's system being anchored by a heavily electrified four-cylinder engine not only follows that trend, but its e-motor support recalls the oddball Tesla-powered RAV4, as well. Like other plug-in-hybrid 2026 RAV4s, the GR Sport's system is 18-hp more powerful than the last-generation RAV4 PHEV. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a planetary-type continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to power the front axle, along with a third electric motor that lives on the rear axle and spins the rear tires for on-demand all-wheel drive. The onboard battery can be charged at up to 11 kW on an AC home charger, but strangely, the GR Sport does not offer the same CCS-style DC fast-charging port as the lesser RAV4 XSE and Woodland PHEV trim levels. So, while the GR Sport is likely to be among the quicker RAV4s on sale later this year, that'll only apply to its straight-line speed—not its on-the-go charging speeds. Where the 2006–2012 RAV4 Sport featured cool 18-inch wheels and meaty, relatively low-profiled (for the time) all-season tires along with a firmed-up suspension and blacked-out trim, the 2026 RAV4 GR Sport goes ham sandwich on apparent track-readiness. It wears Dunlop Sportmaxx summer tires wrapped around 20-inch wheels that fill more of the fenders—their offset is wider than regular RAV4 wheels—and beefy brakes with red-painted calipers. The GR Sport's face is entirely different from the headlights down relative to other 2026 RAV4s, with a gaping lower intake and huge vents at each front corner. Out back, a wild spoiler sprouts from the top of the tailgate, and the lower bumper incorporates as much black trim as the nose. Inside there is a black-and-red color scheme, with red contrast stitching, sporty aluminum pedals, and heavily bolstered front seats not shared with other RAV4s. Will this GR Sport be the quickest factory RAV4 ever? Last year's RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid was capable of a relatively quick 5.5-second zero-to-60-mph time. With the GR Sport's stickier tires, hotter chassis setup, and the same 18-hp bump shared by other plug-in-hybrid 2026 RAV4s, we anticipate it will be. But just remember—it wouldn't be the first time the RAV4 delivered unexpected power and performance, even if we won't ever see a V-6 (or a Tesla-sourced motor) under the hood again.
Auto Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
No Renault Austral PHEV: updated SUV to stick with familiar power
The Renault Austral has just undergone a major facelift, with the mid-sized SUV receiving a sharper look, new technology and revised suspension set-up which, among other changes, is meant to improve the ride comfort. We'd assumed the French firm would also take this opportunity to finally add a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but we've been informed there are no such plans. Advertisement - Article continues below Not having a PHEV version of the Renault Austral seems odd to us because numerous other mid-sized SUVs – including our current class favourite, the Hyundai Tucson – are now available with plug-in hybrid power. In fact, the next-generation Toyota RAV4 revealed recently will only be offered as a plug-in hybrid in the UK. It's not like Renault doesn't have this technology either, because the Rafale – the brand's flagship SUV – is based on the same platform as the Austral, and features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces 296bhp. But more importantly, it also provides up to 65 miles of pure-electric driving range and emits as little as 12g/km of CO2 for a very low company car tax rate. So why isn't the new Renault Austral getting a plug-in hybrid option? Christophe Pejout, product manager for the car, told us: 'It's not in our plan. We don't want to push plug-in hybrid to each customer because I think it's not reasonable. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below 'It is really to be pushed to customers who can plug in every day. So we think it can address a certain percentage of customers' needs, but not all of them. This is why we've proposed plug-in hybrid on a limited number of models.' Advertisement - Article continues below Pejout says Renault wants to really focus on providing full-hybrids for the majority of its customers, not plug-in hybrids. But, of course, for those customers who can charge a car every day, the brand also offers several pure-electric models, including the new Scenic family SUV, which is a similar size to the Austral. A lot of the updates made to the Renault Austral are designed to improve ride comfort as well as boosting refinement. For instance, the family SUV now has additional soundproofing under the bonnet, redesigned side mirrors and even new engine mounts. However, the Austral's full-hybrid 'E-Tech' powertrain is the same as before and still features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. This is another decision that perplexed us, because the smaller Renault Captur and Symbioz hybrid SUVs are both getting new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, which should be naturally smoother. Eric Blanchard, chief engineer for Renault's larger SUVs, explained why the team stuck with the smaller motor. 'In order to have a very efficient hybrid system, we need a very efficient ICE power, and this 1.2-litre turbo engine is the answer we came up with for this hybrid system,' Blanchard said. 'The engine we have in the Symbioz is naturally aspirated, and yes it's bigger, but power and torque are much lower.' Plus, on paper, the Austral emits less CO2 and boasts higher average fuel efficiency than rivals such as the Tucson. Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data There are now very few manual cars available to buy, a trend that's been exacerbated by the rise of EVs Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It's our Deal of the Day for 25 May
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The New Volvo XC70 Betrays Its Wagon Roots
When Volvo teased the new XC70 at the beginning of the month, we had a feeling it wouldn't be a wagon. Sure enough, fully revealing images of the resurrected nameplate confirm its transition to an SUV. We aren't even surprised. Ahead of its official debut, the vehicle has appeared early on China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website. Technical specifications are also available, so let's dive into what we know. At 189.5 inches (4815 millimeters) long, it predictably slots between the XC60 and XC90. When equipped with the larger 39.63-kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, the XC70 weighs a hefty 5,015 pounds (2,275 kilograms). Opt for the entry-level version with its 21.22-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL, and the vehicle weighs a more reasonable 4,652 pounds (2,110 kilograms). Photo by: MIIT Volvo claims the XC70 is its first long-range plug-in hybrid. The upgraded battery delivers an electric range of 112 miles (180 kilometers), while the base model offers 62 miles (100 kilometers) on a single charge. While these are decent figures, it's worth noting that they're based on the CLTC procedure. If the Geely-owned marque decides to sell the model outside of China, the WLTP and EPA figures would be significantly lower. Powered by a small turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing a modest 161 horsepower, the XC70 won't exactly set your pulse racing. Like all Volvos, it features an electronic top speed limiter set to activate at 112 mph (180 km/h). The MIIT document doesn't include performance data, but expectations should be modest given the four-cylinder engine and high curb weight. That said, we don't yet know anything about the electric motor(s), so it's best to wait for the full debut. An AWD badge is visible on the tailgate, suggesting it may not be as sluggish off the line as the specs imply. The potentially mechanically related Lynk & Co 08, which pairs a 1.5-liter gas engine with two electric motors, does 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.6 seconds. Volvo XC70 on MIIT website 6 Source: MIIT Volvo has engineered the reborn XC70 with a generous wheelbase measuring 114 inches (2895 mm). It stands 65 inches (1,650 mm) tall and spans 74.4 inches (1,890 mm) wide. The body design leans more generic than we'd like, though familiar Volvo styling cues are still apparent. The absence of a rear wiper irks us, unless it's tucked away underneath the roof spoiler. Split headlights are a recurring theme we're not particularly fond of. The MIIT website lists wheel sizes varying from 19 to 21 inches. Although primarily aimed at the Chinese market, the XC70 could be offered in other countries. Volvo is considering broader availability following its launch later this year. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Car
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
The Volvo XC70 is BACK - and now it's a PHEV SUV with 112 miles of EV range
The new Volvo XC70 plug-in hybrid has been outed ahead of its official debut, courtesy of new images published by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Earlier preview images gave a good idea of the reborn XC70's design, confirming that it would morph from high-riding estate into full-blown SUV, but these new images show just how closely it will be related to the larger XC90. It measures 4815mm long and 1890mm wide, making it roughly the same size as the Volkswagen Tayron, Hyundai Santa Fe and Peugeot 5008, but unlike those cars – and its larger sibling – it is being offered from launch with five seats. The MIIT filing also reveals some of the XC70's technical specifications for the first time, confirming that it will be offered exclusively as a plug-in hybrid, with either a 21.2kWh battery giving 62 miles of range, or a 39.6kWh pack which bumps that up to 112 miles - both according to China's generous CLTC cycle. That larger pack, for reference, is about the same size as that fitted to the pure-electric Abarth 500e, and larger than the battery in the Mazda MX-30 EV. The XC70 will be available with front- or four-wheel drive, in both instances with a 160bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine working in collaboration with an EV motor of undisclosed capacity. Further details will be given closer to the XC70's China-market launch in September, where Volvo could announce plans to sell the new PHEV globally in response to sustained strong demand in certain markets for hybrid cars. Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson believes extended-range plug-in hybrids could play an important role in Europe's electrification transition, particularly, strengthening the possibility of the new XC70 being sold here. Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car conference earlier this month, he said: "In certain regions in Europe, the charging network will be developed later. If you look into the south and east of Europe, it will be slower. "The ones leading are Norway all the way in the west. There, there will be faster transition to electrification. But in other regions, it's really a good solution to have a long-range hybrid, because if you look into the environmental aspect, if you have a long-range hybrid, the absolute majority of the transport work will be done with electricity. And so in that way, it will be an 'electric car'. "If you have a very short range, a large part of the transport work will be done with the petrol. And then, of course, it's not fossil-free anymore. So a long-range plug-in hybrid, I would argue, is an electric car with a back-up engine when the battery is flat, which will happen not so often.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Toyota unveils new RAV4 SUV: Here's what to expect and the likely cost
One of Toyota's longest-running models - and an SUV pioneer - has received an overhaul for 2025 and will arrive in Britain exclusively with plug-in hybrid power. Sold in the UK since 1994, this is the sixth iteration of a car that's proved immensely popular worldwide. Global sales of this evergreen vehicle have surpassed the 15 million mark - with more than 2.5 million delivered to European customers and the UK one of the largest markets of all. Last year, it was the world's third most popular motor, amassing a staggering 1.02million registrations. Key to its success, especially in Britain, has been its incredible reliability and bulletproof build quality - traits that have remained consistent for more than three decades. It's also one of the earliest hybrid-powered SUVs sold in the UK - a tradition it will retain from 2025 as Toyota continues to tread carefully in its transition to electric vehicles. If you hadn't guessed it by now, this landmark motor is the RAV4 - a perennial favourite among Britain's drivers that is now likely to be available well beyond the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030. Plug-in hybrid only in Britain Toyota is the brand arguably most synonymous with the conventional hybrid, courtesy of the early success of the Prius. But while it has produced a new RAV4 with a self-charging hybrid powertrain, this won't be coming to the UK. Instead, we're only getting the - more expensive - PHEV. Using a revised version of the replaced RAV4's TNGA G-AK platform, buyers in Britain will still get some choice: the option of front or four-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive model produces 264bhp, while the four-wheel-drive variant has 300bhp from its e-motor and combustion engine combination. This jump to 'class-leading' power predominantly comes from the 16kW increase in grunt for the front-mounted electric motor, which has been upped to 150kW. As such, the four-wheel-drive version can hit 62mph from a standing start in just 5.8 seconds. Thanks to a larger 22.6kWh battery (up from 18.1kWh in the old model), the new RAV4 can also travel further than before in electric-only mode, up to 62 miles. This is 18 miles more than the model it replaces and means UK owners would likely only need to charge once a week to cover the average daily mileage (19 miles per day) to use this RAV4 as an EV. The PHEV system has an onboard 50kW DC charger, meaning the battery can be boosted from 10 to 80 per cent charge in half an hour using an ultra-rapid public device. Charging at home or with a standard 7kW public charging point is also quicker, with a new 11kW AC charger - which is twice as fast as the previous version - upping energy from 10 to 80 per cent in around three hours. Toyota says it should be better to drive too, thanks to a stiffened body for better cornering control and a big focus on upgrading refinement. The four-wheel-drive version also gets a revamped terrain response system, just in case you do plan to take it away from the tarmac. A new look for the RAV4 The RAV4 isn't one of those mainstay motors with a steadfast design that has been tweaked and evolved over generations, say the VW Golf. Instead, Toyota has torn up the styling book for its SUV on a number of occasions, with this latest example bearing very little resemblance to the boxy, three-door RAV4 that emerged in 1994. To bring it into line with the rest of the Toyota range, it shares a similar set of C-shaped headlights that you'll find on the new Prius and recently facelifted bZ4X EV. On the standard PHEV, the LED clusters perch above a striking new colour-coded grille made up of what look like rifling holes you find in machine gun barrels. There's certainly a hint of C-HR in its profile, with blocky bodywork and deep angular indents in the lower rear door panels, which are enhanced by a contrasting black side skirt. Squared-off wheel arches with chunky plastic protective extensions suggest its offroad prowess. To the rear, Toyota has followed in the tyre tracks of the likes of Land Rover, Skoda and VW by lettering the nameplate centrally below the window on the bootlid, which is flanked by a new brake light arrangement. A racing-inspired RAV4 Like the previous fifth-generation RAV4, Toyota has allowed its Gazoo Racing division – the one spearheading its World Rally Championship quest as well its challenge in the World Endurance Championship hypercar class – to design a GR Sport trim level. To stand it apart, it has a more conventional lower bumper section with a black mesh panel to provide cooling for the combustion engine under the bonnet. It also gets unique black 20-inch alloy wheels, aluminium throttle and brake pedals, suede sport seats and plenty of red accents and 'GR' logos dotted around internally and externally. But there are mechanical upgrades too. The GR Sport trim adds 20mm to the RAV4's track width, uprated high-performance suspension dampers and tuned springs, strengthened rear bracing and tweaked power steering for what Toyota claims will result in 'increased engagement'. The main display has all the key information in the top menu screen with a selection of customisable shortcuts to allow drivers to tailor the setup to make repeat adjustments quickly Interior and tech Toyota bods claim the cabin has been tuned for European customers. That's why - they claim - the RAV4 now has an abundance of tech, including a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster and a head-up display - it sounds like information overload, doesn't it? However, the main display has been designed to present all key information in the top menu screen with a selection of customisable shortcuts to allow drivers to tailor the setup to make common adjustments quicker. Doing so should reduce distraction and provide a 'user-centric experience'. That said, it is disappointing to see the temperature control settings buried at the bottom of the central touchscreen, which will demand more of the driver's attention to adjust on the move than it would if this was a selection of dedicated buttons on the dashboard. The Japanese marque has also made great strides in providing software updates to its cars, having previously fallen behind rivals like Tesla for offering downloadable upgrades to the infotainment as well as tweaking the vehicle's performance. This is thanks to the arrival of its 'Arene' software development platform. Pricing for the new RAV4 will be confirmed at a later date. Expect it to start from between £45,000 and £50,000 How much will it cost? Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but you can expect there to be a premium compared to the model on sale today. The outgoing RAV4 PHEV - which is still available to order in the UK - starts from £44,395, so a slight hike in cost should still see this much-loved SUV sit below the £50,000 bracket. This means it should be price close to the Honda CR-V, but it will be undercut by European - and certainly Chinese- rivals. The new GR Sport version, which is sold with a £5k premium today, will likely go over the £50,000 threshold. Toyota RAV4: a brief history First generation, 1994 – 2000 The RAV4 might have arrived in 1994, but its roots can be traced back to the RAV-FOUR concept unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. After a positive public response, Toyota gave the production version the green light in 1991. It took the market by storm with a design that broke away from convention. Compact (it was just 3.69 metres long, which is the same as today's Toyota Aygo X city car), boxy, short overhangs and a small wheelbase, it quickly stood out from the crowd. And while its rear-mounted spare wheel hinted at its off-road capabilities, the option of a high driving position made it a trendy daily driver - essentially dipping into an untapped SUV market at the time. It was originally available as both a two and three-door model (a five-door coming in 1996) with power delivered by a 127bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, mounted transversely, while the transmission provided permanent all-wheel drive. Showcasing Toyota's early dabbling in electrification, in 1997 it launched a front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV in selected markets (not the UK). It used a nickel-metal hydride battery installed under the floor and a single e-motor producing 45kW (63bhp). Its estimated range was approximately 120 miles. Second generation, 2000 – 2006 In 2001, Toyota introduced the first diesel engine for the RAV4 The turn of the Century brought a very different second generation RAV4 built on a new platform with different suspension and full-time all-wheel-drive system using a rear differential. Both three and five-door versions were slightly longer than before (5.5cm and 4cm respectively) and two petrol engines were offered: a 121bhp 1.8-litre and 148bhp 2.0-litre units. In 2001, diesel power was offered in the RAV4 for the first time via a 2.0 litre D-4D direct injection unit with 114bhp. Interior upgrades also included various rear seat configurations to make it more family friendly. Third generation, 2006 – 2012 The RAV4 had another identity change in 2006 when the third-gen car arrived with a more sophisticated appearance, while also dropping the three-door option. Based on an all-new platform, it measured 19cm longer than the mk2. It also debuted an all-new Toyota all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled coupling that operated automatically, according to the vehicle's speed, throttle operation, steering angle and G-forces. RAV4 also got the first application of Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control. Engine choice was extended to 2.0, 2.4, 2.5 and 3.5-litre petrol units and a new 2.2-litre diesel. Fourth generation, 2013 – 2018 While traditional petrol and diesel power units were available from launch, in 2016 the RAV4 was sold as a full hybrid for the first time The fourth generation RAV4 saw the biggest growth in dimensions, with length upped by a relatively expansive 23.5cm. This contributed to a 47 per cent increase in luggage space compared to its predecessor. It added more advanced AWD technology was introduced with a new intelligent Dynamic Torque Control system and the addition of two new functions: cornering control and a Sport driving mode. While traditional petrol and diesel power units were available from launch, in 2016 the RAV4 was sold as a full hybrid for the first time. This achieved class-leading fuel consumption in official tests, as well as diesel-rivalling low CO2 emissions. Fifth generation, 2018 – 2025 The Mk5 is built on the New Global Architecture (NGA) platform, which achieved a low centre of gravity, light weight and a strong chassis for better handling and stability. It was originally sold only with a conventional hybrid drivetrain. This used Toyota's fourth generation hybrid technology, together with a new 2.5 litre hybrid engine, which brought significant gains in terms of power, response and efficiency. It wasn't until 2020 that a PHEV drivetrain was added for the first time.
