Toyota's trusty compact RAV4 SUV has long been a segment leader, a crossover model that is sold in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Long powered by four and six cylinder engines, the newest model is now joined by an electric vehicle, a joint project of Toyota and Tesla Motors. With a sticker price of $ 49,800, the electrified RAV4 comes in priced well above the gas model, but with federal and state incentives and no gas fill up needed, the savings can be found elsewhere.
Electric Power
The Toyota RAV4 EV is powered by an AC induction motor with a fixed-gear open-differential trans-axle. This model makes 154 horsepower and deliveries 218 foot-pounds of torque in normal mode or 273 foot-pounds of torque in sport mode. This EV makes use of a Lithium Ion battery and has a 129 kilowatt output. Charging times range from as little as 5 hours with a 40 amp 240-volt charger to more than 50 hours with a 120-volt charger operated in extended mode. This EV is a zero emissions vehicle with no tailpipe; front-wheel-drive is the only choice with the RAV4 EV.
EV Dimensions
Built on a 104.7-inch wheelbase, this EV is 180.1 inches long, 71.5 inches wide and 66.3 inches tall. It has a 5.9 inch ground clearance and features 17-inch wheels set within all season steel-belted tires. Weighing from 4,032 pounds, the RAV4 EV seats five and has 108.2 cubby feet of passenger volume. Standard storage capacity measures 37.2 cubic feet and expands to 73.0 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
Interior dimensions measure 40.8 inches head room up front and 39.7 inches in the back seat. Front and rear leg room measures 41.8 and 38.3 inches respectively. Shoulder room comes in at 57.1 inches up front and 55.3 inches in the rear. Hip room measures 53.8 inches up front and 52.4 inches in the rear.
Amenities & Warranty
Three exterior colors are available including Classic Silver Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Blizzard White Pearl. A neutron fabric interior offers sheen and blue accents on the door trim as well as on the seat inserts. Standard amenities include a 6-way adjustable driver's seat, front seat heaters, split reclining rear seats and Toyota Entune. Entune includes SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming audio, a USB port with iPod connectivity and a colorful dash display.
The EV Toyota is offered in limited markets initially, rolling out in four California markets first with wider distribution planned later. The included cities served include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento and the included metropolitan areas.
Toyota backs the RAV4 EV with a 5-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Its battery warranty is for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.