By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.

ToyotaRAV4 Plug-in hybrid (2021-)

Available new
Medium/Large SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

£43,186Typical price

Test score

where to buy or sell

The version of this car that we've reviewed might not be available to buy through all listed retailer links. For more options, see our guides on where to buy a car and how to sell a car.

Sign up to unlock the full expert review

Not only does the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid boast a claimed EV-only range of 46 miles and fuel economy stats to beat the already impressive full-hybrid version, but it’s also got a very powerful 2.5-litre hybrid engine, giving an impressive turn of speed. But does it live up to its claims? Find out in our full Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (2021-) review.

pros

Content has been blurred out, please log in to view.

cons

What's included?

What is it?
What’s it great at?
What’s it like to drive?
How reliable is the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in hybrid (2021 to present)?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

Full Access first month £5, then £11.99 per month, cancel at any time

KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Model reliability 0-4 years
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Nov 2024Last checked by Which?
May 2023First reviewed by Which?
Jan 2021Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

20 Feb 2025

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectivess of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performanc is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (large cars, SUVs and MPVs)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Euro NCAP

How we test euro ncap

Any car that receives a rating of two stars or less from Euro NCAP is made a Don't Buy. Any car that receives three stars can't be a Best Buy. If a car has been available for more than four years and has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it cannot be a Best Buy.

Safety kit

How we test safety kit

We factor in the safety equipment that’s factory-fitted or optional, along with how well the car protects its occupants and pedestrians in the event of an accident. We also test how easy it is to fit a variety of child car seats.

Model reliability 0-4 years

How we test model reliability 0-4 years

How reliable this car is, based on the real life feedback of current owners as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years. A car cannot be a Best Buy if: It's available to buy new and has a 0-4-year model reliability score of two stars or less; or it's only available on the used market and has a 5-9-year model reliability score of two stars or less; or it's only available on the used market and launched less than five years ago and has a 0-4-year model reliability score of two stars of less.

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	Medium/Large SUV
Luxury	No
Convertible	No
Availability	Available new
New price	£43,186 - £49,277
Fuel type	Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Tested fuel efficiency	114.8mpg
Length	4,600mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,855mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	2,160mm
Height	1,685mm
Driver max height
Second-row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Boot space with seats down
Number of seats	5
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	11.7 m
On sale date	04 January 2021
Lowest pence-per-mile cost	£15.20

Latest tested engine
Engine and trim name	2.5 Plug-in Hybrid Technik-Paket AWD-i
Fuel type	Plug-in-Petrol-Hybrid
Capacity and power	2.5-litre (306hp)
Transmission	CVT (Continuously variable transmission)
Driven wheels	Four-wheel-drive (4WD)
Fuel tank capacity	55 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway (mpg)
Tested fuel efficiency (mi/kWh)
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	15.2p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£75
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Low
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	58
Tested electric-only range (miles)
Official fuel economy: WLTP	282.4
Official Euro emission level	Euro 6d
Braked tow load (KG)	1500kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	750kg
Engine test date	01 March 2021
Test programme	2017

Suggested Alternatives

Kia

Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (2022-)

Available new
Medium/Large SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

£39,327Typical price

Test score

Cupra

Formentor PHEV (2021-)

Available new
Medium/Large SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

£36,680Typical price

Test score

Mazda

CX-60 PHEV (2022-)

Available new
Medium/Large SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

£43,813Typical price

Test score

Best electric cars 2025
Our independent lab tests reveal the best electric cars with enough range to go the distance
How we test cars
Every car we review is subjected to hundreds of tests in our lab and on the road. Find out why you can trust our reviews, and how they help you choose the best car (and avoid the worst)
How to find cheap car insurance
Our 9-step guide to get cheaper car insurance quotes from price comparison sites and how to haggle with car insurance companies to save money

All new and used car advice

Suggested searches

ToyotaRAV4 Plug-in hybrid (2021-)

where to buy or sell