Toyota Confirms RAV4 Hybrid for 2012 Toyota Confirms RAV4 Hybrid for 2012 | Hybrid Cars UK’s Autocar website reported yesterday that Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motors Sales, confirmed development of a hybrid gas-electric version of the company’s RAV4 crossover SUV. Lentz added that Toyota’s 1.8-liter hybrid system will become the company’s “core powertrain.†The RAV4 Hybrid is due in spring 2012, but only the five-door model will get the hybrid option.
mmm very interesting. Does that mean we'll see the return of the SWB RAV4? Or does that mean we'll see a beefed up 1.8HSD system with maybe 150hp. That should be enough for a SWB RAV4. (The 06-08 LWB has 164hp with the 2.4 litre. I think the 2.5 litre on the 2010 version has 179hp).
I wonder what kind of fuel economy the RAV4 would get in the Prius. Seems that it weighs a couple hundred more pounds than the Prius (curb weight of the RAV4 is 3360, Prius is 3042) - I would think that Toyota might want a bit more power for the RAV4, especially once you add in the hybrid drivetrain which will add a bit of weight. I wonder if they'll be making any changes to the powertrain as well?
Out of 16 vehicles Toyota will have four hybrids, the highest percentage of 'hybridization' in any full line car company. Next... Please... hybrid pickup or minivan for sale in the USA.
Wonder if a Hybrid RAV4 could get close to 40mpg? Seems possible if Toyota is able to reduce the vehicle weight by using lighter weight materials - in addition to the hybrid powertrain. But is that a manufacturable solution? Are there underbody aerodynamic tricks instead that would make a big difference?
As advanced as toyota is I wouldn't doubt it. 40mpg might even be a low number. With the huge jump in genII to genIII mpg, it could easily be possible. They did also say to look for a redesign of the current version at the Geneva show. But, the important thing to consider is the fact that they are waiting till 2012 to release it. Between now and then who knows what new technology might be out. I'll let you have your 40mpg Rav4 but my bets are on a 41mpg Rav4. That's right I went there.
I'd guess low 40s city, mid 30s highway. Should be the most fuel efficient SUV on the market unless Ford has something hiding up their sleeves and will be updating the hybrid system in the Escape.
It's almost safe to say that the RAV4 Hybrid will probably have Lithium Batteries by then. Atleast my fingers are crossed on that...
Yeah, I wondered about the meaning of the claim that the current Prius 1.8 will be the main Toyota powerplant. Does this mean that the current battery pack will stay, or that Lithium might take over? BTW, I went to the original Autocar report, and it was a bit less clear that the statement about the 1.8 was an official Toyota statement. It was a bit amiguous.
That's wild. Rav4 is a very popular selling SUV. They'll need to give it a basic tow rating though, probably 1,500 lbs.
I bet the rear wheels will be driven via motors similar to the setup in the RX400h. I sometimes wish my Prius had rear drive assist for snowy days. I don't think it would impact mileage all that much. The weight of the motors couldn't be more than 150 lbs. The motors would only have to kick in when it senses slip in the front wheels. Can anyone explain any reason why Toyota would be hesitant to employ such a setup?
Cost. They typically charge Cdn$2,000 for AWD. do not know how much 4WD-i will cost but they can probably get away with the same amount given ppl can't tell the difference. I wouldn't mind a 4WD-i Prius either. A rear wheel assist can help in slippery conditions but i'm not willing to pay $2,000 for it (would rather spend it on winter tyres, which I did and that was only $500)
