Why the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Could Break Records

I am predicting that the new RAV4 PHEV will only have a few more HP than the current hybrid, say 225 HP or so. I really doubt it will best the ol' V-6 in the previous generation RAV4. I really wish that they would make a seriously more powerful RAV4, and have no doubt there would be a market for a 3.5 V-6 with 300 HP from the Camry, but Toyota won't do anything like this without a Lexus badge on it. I am sure it could be done as the Camry is available with a V-6, and the RAV4 is built off the same platform. I am pretty sure that I won't be plugging in my next SUV for just a few more HP, but 'to each, their own.'

A plug in Hybrid RAV4 would be fantastic. I have a 2017 RAV4 Hybrid XLE and love the car, getting about 34 mpg in MN weather (AC summer and Heat in winter take their toll on mileage).
The new Subaru Crosstrek plug in Hybrid is interesting, but price creeps up past $36k and it's not available in most States, very frustrating.
If Toyota brought out this plugin hybrid, I'd be first in line, provided it isn't just a West coast Northeast only model!

I have a Blueprint color 2019 Rav4 Hybrid Limited (Canada-built) with Winter Weather package and JBL Sound 11 Speaker system. I've had it for about a month (after waiting 2 months for delivery). The wait was well worth it. I've only driven it a little over 500 miles and have gotten 45 MPG in a mix of about 80% short trips, city type driving and balance highway. It's very comfortable, sound system is great, and acceleration is very good. I have no complaints so far.

I’m waiting for the 2020 XSE I’ve put a deposit on but would love to get the PHEV. Dealer tells me the range as EV will be only approx 30 miles and that it will be sold only in CA. I hope he’s wrong.

Still oeni our 2011 RAV4 Sport V6...the power is awesome and I was excited with the 2019 models until... no power...if they could beat this power in theis new model..we might consider..the price points have jumped considerably over the past few years which makes me look at other options on the market...if they are touting most power...with small underwriting statng from a 4 cyclinder... zero interest...if not could be worth the wait.

I have driven a Toyota Hybrid for 17 years, not about to have to worry about plugging a car in. Electricity is NOT clean and my car has plenty of power for even the most demanding driving situations.

There is no way it will have more than 269hp, or even close. I'd say around 225 (remember, the new Highlander will have 240 so Toyota won't go past their flagship SUV). The new batt power will give it more torque so acceleration will be more brisk. Its not about power, but mileage. The power is the gravy, mileage comes first for Toyota.

Its possible by most powerful they mean torque. the v6 had peak torque of 246 ft-lbs. I cannot find an official spec for torque on the hybrid but the PHEV could be close.

I had the V6 until very recently. Best car I've ever owned, and the V6 made it so fun to drive. The only problem was fuel economy ... and my new RAV4 hybrid solves that (at the expense of power).

Here's my guess on the 2021 PHEV: 250 HP.

If I understand right the newest Prius and the Prius Prime share essentially the same drivetrain: the same gasoline engine and the same electric motors. For those that don't know, Toyota's hybrid system has two electric motors: one that acts as a generator and a starter for the gas engine (MG1), and one that acts as a drive motor and as a regenerative brake (MG2).

Apparently, the Prime also allows using MG1 to propel the vehicle while in EV mode. Without that you'd be stuck with an underpowered MG2 -- enough for low speed operation, but not for all-time use. But combined you get 91 HP from the two acting together. This is less than the sum of the power of the two motors (physical limitations to using MG1 as a drive motor, I'm guessing). It's also less than the 120 HP the hybrid system is able to produce in non-EV mode, so we see 120 system horsepower for both the Prius and the Prius Prime.

My assumption is that Toyota will be applying the same technology to the RAV4.

MG1 on the RAV4 is about twice the power as the Prius, 141 HP. Assuming MG2 is twice the power as well and the combined power is also double, that's 182 HP.

But the RAV4 has another trick up its sleeve: there's a third electric motor in the back, producing 67 HP. That puts the combined electrical power at 249 HP (which I'll round to 250), higher than what it can get in hybrid mode.

I assume they also need to beef up the electrical system so it can handle the higher power requirements, so there may be other limitations.

This won't be more powerful than the V6, and if I'm right that full power will only be available in EV mode. But the torque at low speed will be amazing, so I expect it will be as fun to drive anyway, with an amazing fuel economy. (The compromise is going to be cargo space: where are they going to put the battery?)

Toyota is far behind Tesla and all electric SUV like Volvo XC40

I guardedly await with anticipation the testing of the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid. Really interested, but I was also interested int he 2019 RAV4, which disappointed with the noise and rough ride aspects. The 2019 was billed as the 'do all to end all' Toyota RAV 4. If the ride and noise problems are corrected to customer satisfaction, I may trade my 2019 Camry XSE V6 for the RAV4 for hauling reasons. Please, don't let me down Toyota.