Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Vs. Plug-in Hybrid: The Ultimate Guide To Eco-friendly Driving
What To Know
- The plug-in hybrid model has a driving range of about 42 miles on electric power alone, and a total driving range of about 600 miles when the gas engine is used.
- The hybrid model is more affordable and has a longer driving range, while the plug-in hybrid model offers better fuel efficiency and can travel on electric power alone.
- A plug-in hybrid car also uses a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but it has a larger battery pack that can be plugged in to an external power source to recharge.
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV that offers both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Both models offer excellent fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride, but there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Toyota RAV4 hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid to help you decide which one is right for you.
Powertrain
The Toyota RAV4 hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to produce a total of 219 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid model uses the same engine, but it also has a larger battery pack that allows it to travel up to 42 miles on electric power alone.
Fuel Efficiency
The RAV4 hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The plug-in hybrid model gets an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe in the city and 75 MPGe on the highway. However, it’s important to note that the plug-in hybrid’s fuel efficiency will decrease if you don’t regularly plug it in to recharge the battery.
Driving Range
The RAV4 hybrid has a driving range of about 500 miles on a single tank of gas. The plug-in hybrid model has a driving range of about 42 miles on electric power alone, and a total driving range of about 600 miles when the gas engine is used.
Charging Time
The RAV4 plug-in hybrid’s battery can be fully charged in about 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger. It can also be charged using a standard 120-volt outlet, but it will take longer.
Price
The RAV4 hybrid starts at $29,575. The plug-in hybrid model starts at $37,250.
Which One is Right for You?
The Toyota RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid are both great choices for drivers who are looking for an efficient and comfortable SUV. The hybrid model is more affordable and has a longer driving range, while the plug-in hybrid model offers better fuel efficiency and can travel on electric power alone. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid: Key Differences
Here’s a table that summarizes the key differences between the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid:
| Feature | Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid |
| — | — | — |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine + electric motor | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine + electric motor + larger battery pack |
| Fuel Efficiency | 41 mpg city / 38 mpg highway | 94 MPGe city / 75 MPGe highway |
| Driving Range | 500 miles | 42 miles on electric power alone, 600 miles total |
| Charging Time | Not applicable | 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger |
| Price | Starting at $29,575 | Starting at $37,250 |
Pros and Cons of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Pros:
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Comfortable ride
- Spacious interior
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not as powerful as the plug-in hybrid model
- Shorter driving range than the plug-in hybrid model
Pros and Cons of the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Pros:
- Better fuel efficiency than the hybrid model
- Can travel on electric power alone
- Longer driving range than the hybrid model
Cons:
- More expensive than the hybrid model
- Shorter driving range on electric power alone than some other plug-in hybrids
- Takes longer to charge than some other plug-in hybrids
Key Points
The Toyota RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid are both great choices for drivers who are looking for an efficient and comfortable SUV. The hybrid model is more affordable and has a longer driving range, while the plug-in hybrid model offers better fuel efficiency and can travel on electric power alone. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
What You Need to Learn
1. What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
A hybrid car uses a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. A plug-in hybrid car also uses a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but it has a larger battery pack that can be plugged in to an external power source to recharge. This allows the plug-in hybrid to travel on electric power alone for a limited distance.
2. Which is more fuel-efficient, a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid?
Plug-in hybrids are generally more fuel-efficient than hybrids because they can travel on electric power alone for a limited distance. However, the fuel efficiency of a plug-in hybrid will decrease if you don’t regularly plug it in to recharge the battery.
3. How long does it take to charge a plug-in hybrid?
The charging time for a plug-in hybrid will vary depending on the size of the battery pack and the type of charger you use. A Level 2 charger can fully charge a plug-in hybrid in about 2.5 hours, while a standard 120-volt outlet will take longer.