Rav4 comparison guide: unveiling the differences between hybrid and plug-in hybrid
What To Know
- The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV that offers buyers a choice between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- The hybrid is a good choice for drivers who want to save money without compromising on performance, while the plug-in hybrid is a good choice for drivers who want the benefits of an electric car without the range anxiety.
- A plug-in hybrid also uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but it has a larger battery pack that can be plugged into an external power source to recharge.
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV that offers buyers a choice between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Both options provide excellent fuel economy, 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 RAV4 hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. The total system output is 219 horsepower. The RAV4 plug-in hybrid uses the same engine but adds a larger battery pack and a more powerful electric motor. The total system output is 302 horsepower.
Fuel Economy
The RAV4 hybrid has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The RAV4 plug-in hybrid has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 94 MPGe in electric-only mode and 40 mpg in hybrid mode.
Electric Range
The RAV4 plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of up to 42 miles. This means that you can drive around town without using any gasoline. The RAV4 hybrid does not have an all-electric range.
Charging
The RAV4 plug-in hybrid can be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The charging time will vary depending on the type of charger you use.
Price
The RAV4 hybrid has a starting price of $29,575. The RAV4 plug-in hybrid has a starting price of $39,800.
Which One Is Right for You?
The Toyota RAV4 hybrid is a good choice for drivers who want to save money on fuel without compromising on performance. The RAV4 plug-in hybrid is a good choice for drivers who want the benefits of an electric car without the range anxiety.
Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid: Key Differences
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid:
| Feature | RAV4 Hybrid | RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid |
| — | — | — |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a larger battery pack and a more powerful electric motor |
| Total system output | 219 horsepower | 302 horsepower |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy | 41 mpg city / 38 mpg highway | 94 MPGe electric-only / 40 mpg hybrid |
| All-electric range | N/A | Up to 42 miles |
| Charging | Can be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt Level 2 charger | |
| Price | Starting at $29,575 | Starting at $39,800 |
Recommendations
The Toyota RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid are both excellent choices for drivers who want to save money on fuel. The hybrid is a good choice for drivers who want to save money without compromising on performance, while the plug-in hybrid is a good choice for drivers who want the benefits of an electric car without the range anxiety.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
A: A hybrid uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. A plug-in hybrid also uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but it has a larger battery pack that can be plugged into an external power source to recharge.
Q: How much does it cost to charge a RAV4 plug-in hybrid?
A: The cost to charge a RAV4 plug-in hybrid will vary depending on the electricity rates in your area. However, it is generally much cheaper to charge a plug-in hybrid than it is to fill up a gas tank.
Q: How long does it take to charge a RAV4 plug-in hybrid?
A: The charging time for a RAV4 plug-in hybrid will vary depending on the type of charger you use. A Level 2 charger can charge the battery in about 4.5 hours, while a standard 120-volt outlet can take up to 12 hours.