Why Toyota Probaby Won't Put The 2.4-liter Turbo-hybrid In The RAV4

For 2025, the Toyota RAV4 is expected to regain its competitiveness, as other manufacturers are already offering more modern SUVs in the segment. Among the RAV4's biggest ace in the sleeve continues to be Toyota's near-stellar reliability rating, aside from the current RAV4 featuring its fair share of common problems.  

While we await the debut of the 2025 Toyota RAV4, we can't help but wonder how comprehensive the redesign would be. We are talking about an all-new generation even though powertrain options will be similar. The gas-only variant is going away, and the hybrid variants are getting Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid powertrains, meaning more electric power. 

That said, we can't help but wonder whether there will be a RAV4 GR Sport model, featuring the 2.4-liter turbo-four FHEV powertrain. The i-Force and i-Force Max powertrains were specifically developed for Toyota's larger SUV and truck models, but considering the GR treatment had expanded to Toyota SUVs and pickup trucks, it begs the question, will Toyota put the turbo-four hybrid engine in the next-generation RAV4?

There is much we don't yet know about the upcoming Toyota RAV4, but I think we shouldn't count on it. There are a few reasons behind my reasoning. 

This is, largely, an opinionated piece, but the logic stems from research and common practices done by automotive manufacturers. 

The Toyota RAV4 could become too expensive with the turbo-four hybrid 

The current-generation Toyota RAV4 starts at $28,675 MSRP for the base model while the Toyota RAV4 hybrid starts at $37,385 MSRP. The 2.4-liter turbo-four hybrid was designed for Toyota's larger SUV and ruck models, like the Highlander, Tacoma, and the all-hybrid 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser to name a few. 

Putting a new engine requires additional research, which comes with additional costs. Adapting the RAV4 engine bay and transmission tunnel to accommodate for the new engine and transmission will, no doubt, increase the price of the RAV4, which is currently, perfectly priced in its respective segment. This will bring the RAV4 dangerously close to the Highlander's $39,270 starting MSRP. 

The Toyota RAV4 is already the brand's most popular SUV  

Toyota RAV4 is not just the most sold Toyota SUV, it's also the most sold SUV in North America. Since 2019, the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 was sold in over 2.2 million units. The current hybrid powertrains of the RAV4 will get more power from their electric motors, making it even more capable.  

If Toyota adds the turbo-four hybrid variant, this might result in less demand for the 306-horsepower Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV, especially if it results in a more high-performance RAV4 GR Sport with the Land Cruiser's 326-horsepower variant of the 2.4-liter, i-Force Max, FHEV setup.

The current Toyota RAV4 GR Sport brings slightly more aggressive aero and sportier suspension, but that's about it in terms of added performance. A RAV4 powered by the 2.4-liter full-hybrid setup would mean the RAV4 would also get the eight-peed Direct-Shift automatic, instead of a CVT. 

A RAV4 equipped with the 2.4-liter turbo-four hybrid could spell trouble for Toyota's other SUV offerings 

For many, the Toyota RAV4 is the perfect size SUV. If Toyota gives the RAV4 the most powerful four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, this could mean less people willing to spend money on the larger, more expensive SUV models like the Highlander, Grand Highlander, and other models that come with the i-Force and i-Force Max powertrains. Needless to say, Toyota wants to avoid such internal competition, especially when it comes to the most prevalent segment in the industry. 

Do you think Toyota should give us a RAV4 with the 2.4-liter i-Force and i-Force Max powertrains? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Click on the red link below to write your comment and express your opinion on this subject.

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image soruce: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime