Toyota RAV4 PHEV announced for Japan, 150 km EV-mode claim, new GR SPORT added

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota is adding a plug-in hybrid option to its sixth-generation RAV4 range in Japan, and the timing is now locked in. Toyota Motor Corporation says the new RAV4 (PHEV) goes on sale on March 9, 2026, building on the RAV4 HEV that launched in December 2025.

Toyota frames the new model around the idea that “Life is an Adventure”, but strip away the slogan and the message is straightforward, this PHEV is meant to be the version that lets you do more of your daily driving on electricity, while still keeping the RAV4’s off-road leaning character.

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Japan prices, two PHEV grades only

In Japan, Toyota is keeping the PHEV lineup simple at launch. You get Z (PHEV) or GR SPORT (PHEV), both using a 2.5-litre series-parallel plug-in hybrid system (A25A-FXS) with E-Four all-wheel drive and an electric continuously variable transmission.

• RAV4 Z (PHEV): JPY 6,000,000 (incl. tax) (RM151,200)

• RAV4 GR SPORT (PHEV): JPY 6,300,000 (incl. tax) (RM158,760)

Toyota notes that Okinawa pricing is separate, and the listed prices do not include recycling fees.

Bigger electric range, more output, Toyota is leaning on the numbers

The headline upgrades are in the plug-in hybrid system itself. Toyota says this RAV4 (PHEV) uses a new-generation plug-in hybrid system, paired with a newly developed large-capacity battery. The company’s claim is that it delivers “world-leading” energy efficiency for the mid-size SUV class, based on its own research.

Two figures will get repeated the most:

• Maximum system output of 242 kW (329 PS)

• BEV-mode range of about 150 km on a full charge

That electric range figure is a jump from about 95 km in the outgoing model, according to Toyota. The company credits the increase to the larger battery and the use of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors in the power control unit, which it says helps reduce power losses.

Toyota also attaches “as of” notes to these numbers, the range figure is based on its internal measurement in BEV mode, and the “Toyota first” and “world-leading” references are tied to the company’s internal timing and research windows.

The outdoors angle, and a proper emergency power claim

Toyota says the electricity stored in the battery is not only for driving. It can also be used to run appliances outdoors, either through an outlet in the luggage area, or via an included vehicle power connector that plugs into the car’s charging inlet and acts as a 100V external power socket with up to 1,500W total output. Toyota also states that the connector cannot be used while driving.

Then there is the disaster and outage scenario. Toyota claims that with HV Power Supply Mode, the RAV4 (PHEV) can supply electricity for about 6.5 days at a 400W load, starting with a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol. Select Power Supply Time Priority Mode, and Toyota says that stretches to about 7 days, based on an in-house simulator test value.

If you live anywhere that has dealt with prolonged outages, that claim is the kind of detail that will land well and not just another “adventure” line.

Z gets PHEV-specific styling touches

Toyota is giving the Z (PHEV) a few visual cues to separate it from the other RAV4 variants. The company highlights black accents around the front, underbody, and wheel arches, plus specific callouts like a piano black front lower bumper and a special LED accent light.

It reads like a “quiet upgrade” approach rather than anything loud or flashy, the PHEV is meant to look a bit more premium and a bit more technical, not dramatically different.

GR SPORT is not just a bodykit, at least on paper

The other big news here is the addition of a RAV4 GR SPORT (PHEV) grade, which Toyota positions as bringing the GR feel to a wider audience, “refined through motorsports” and tied to its “ever-better cars” theme.

Toyota’s GR SPORT story is split into two parts.

First, the aero-focused styling. Toyota calls out items like a front lip spoiler, plus a wing-type rear spoiler and rear side spoilers, developed with CFD and wind tunnel work. The claim is improved stability not only at high speed, but also at low and medium speeds.

Second, the chassis and steering changes. Toyota says the GR SPORT uses the drive battery as a reinforcing member, which is meant to boost body rigidity and lower the centre of gravity.

It also gets GR Performance Dampers and GR Braces to improve stability and controllability, with Toyota noting that “Performance Dampers” is a registered trademark of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

There is also a specially tuned suspension and special EPS tuning, with Normal and Sport modes in Drive Mode Select said to deliver a more responsive, precise steering feel.

This is still a RAV4, not a GR Corolla, but Toyota clearly wants the GR SPORT badge to read as “hardware happened here”, not “stickers happened here”.

Where this fits in the RAV4 lineup

With the PHEV added, Toyota says the RAV4 now covers a wider set of buyer tastes in Japan:

• Z (PHEV / HEV)

• Adventure (HEV)

• GR SPORT (PHEV)

Toyota also uses this launch to repeat its broader electrification stance. It describes PHEVs as one of the important powertrains for carbon neutrality, and says it will continue its multi-pathway approach under its brand spirit of “to you”, described as car-making for a specific someone.

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