Toyota may have been successful with the Toyota Prius as the first mass-produced hybrid, but the company is also notorious for holding out on electric vehicle (EV) technology compared to its rivals. In a surprising turn of events, it’s now waving the white flag.
The Prius remains Toyota's most successful venture in alternative propulsion
A recent announcement by Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reveals that the company will be launching three electric models in the U.S. this year, two of them are battery electric vehicles (BEV) and one plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
What prompted the company’s 180-degree turn? The worldwide push for a combustion engine ban by the middle of the century could be the biggest reason, as both Toyota’s domestic and international competitors are now racing to electrify their fleets.
That’s not to say that the carmaker never dabbled in electric mobility, as it released electric versions of its Toyota RAV4 crossover twice – one on the first generation and another on the fourth iteration, the latter powered by Tesla batteries.
However, much of Toyota’s efforts in alternative propulsion have been focused on hydrogen fuel cells, as evidenced by the Mirai.
Toyota released two generations of the RAV4 EV, the second one in partnership with Tesla
>>> Related: Toyota’s solid-state battery slated for 2021 reveal
With its latest announcement, Toyota is marching to a different drumbeat. By 2025, models made under the Toyota and Lexus badges worldwide will have an electrified option. A dedicated BEV platform is also in the works, called the e-TNGA, that will be flexible enough to accommodate every drive configuration.
All these are part of Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, said to be the company’s most ambitious environmental commitments to date.
It may not have a leg up yet on other automakers where EVs are concerned, but Toyota does enjoy a 40 percent share for alternative fuel vehicles in the U.S. This includes garnering 75 percent of the fuel cell market, with a combined 64 percent for both hybrids and plug-ins.
The carmaker aims to up the stakes in four years, with electrified models comprising 40 percent of new vehicle sales, increasing to more than 70 percent by 2030.
The carmaker has set some pretty ambitious goals for itself by 2050
>>> Related: List of Toyota Hybrid cars Philippines with price list, specs and brief review
Although Toyota already secured its commitment to electrification with an agreement to purchase power from a future wind farm, it’s not counting out other propulsion options yet. According to Toyota Motor Corporation chief scientist and Toyota Research Institute CEO Gill Pratt, the strategy is to cover all the bases.
“At every price point and with multiple powertrains, we can put more people in cleaner automobiles across North America to have the greatest near-term impact on total carbon emissions,” he said.
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Know more about Toyota RAV4 2024
The Toyota RAV4 is a 5-seater compact crossover that is offered in the Philippines with a price that ranges from Php 2,046,000 to Php 2,371,000. The two variants for the RAV4 sold locally are the XLE 2.5 HEV CVT, and the LTD 2.5 HEV CVT.
Under the hood, this vehicle is powered by a 2.5-liter Dual VVT-I inline-4 gasoline engine working with an electric motor generator. Combined, this hybrid powertrain can produce up to 215 hp and 221 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Size-wise, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is 4,600mm long, 1,855mm wide, and 1,685mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,690mm.
Locally, the RAV4 competes against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5, among others.
>>> New and used Toyota RAV4 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Toyota RAV4 Launch
In 1994, Toyota RAV4 Philippines was initially introduced as a compact SUV to provide for the urban markets’ demand. It was developed throughout the years and is now a part of the fifth-generation model. Toyota automakers abandoned the traditional rounded style and took inspiration from the 4Runner SUV and midsize truck Tacoma from the US market.
In 2022, Toyota introduced the new hybrid versions for the Philippine market. This updated model comes in two flavors: the RAV4 XLE, and the top-spec RAV4 LTD.
Toyota RAV4 Exterior
2024 Toyota RAV4 exterior
For exterior features, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 for the Philippine market is equipped with LED projector headlamps with auto high beams, daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, and LED taillights. Both also come with dual exhaust tips, a rear spoiler, and a roof shark fin antenna.
Only the LTD gets rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding side mirrors, roof rails, and a moon roof. Also, the LTD rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, while the XLE gets a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.
Toyota RAV4 Interior
2024 Toyota RAV4 exterior
Inside, the RAV4 can seat up to five occupants. On the top-spec LTD trim, this model comes from the factory with leather seats, and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
Both the XLE and LTD come standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 60:40 split folding rear seats.
Technology & Safety Features
For entertainment, both the entry-level RAV4 XLE and the top-spec RAV4 LTD are equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen headunit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said headunit is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Both variants of the RAV4 also have a wireless phone charger, USB charging points, and Bluetooth connectivity. While both have electronic tailgates, only the LTD has a kick sensor. Moreover, only the LTD has a seven-inch multi-information display (MID). The XLE in turn has a smaller 4.2-inch MID.
For safety, the Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a pre-collision system, lane trace assist, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, seven airbags, stability control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an alarm with an engine immobilizer, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, as well as front and rear parking sensors.
Only the top-spec LTD gets blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a panoramic view monitor.
Toyota RAV4 Platform & Chassis
The RAV4 uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a double wishbone suspension for the rear
The current RAV4 available locally is the fifth-generation version of the said model. It uses the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, specifically the GA-K. It is then classed as a compact crossover.
For suspensions, the RAV4 uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a double wishbone suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels. It then uses an electronic parking brake with a brake hold function.
Toyota RAV4 Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the Philippine-spec Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. Combined, this hybrid system can produce up to 215 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels by a CVT.
Locally, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 has eight color options. These include Urban Khaki, Attitude Black Mica, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic 3, Grayish Blue, Red Mica, Gray Metallic, and Super White II.
Toyota RAV4 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Toyota RAV4 2024 price in September in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 2.5 XLE HEV CVT | ₱2,046,000 |
| Toyota RAV4 2.5 XLE HEV CVT (White Pearl Crystal Shine) | ₱2,061,000 |
| Toyota RAV4 2.5 LTD HEV CVT | ₱2,356,000 |
| Toyota RAV4 2.5 LTD HEV CVT (White Pearl Crystal Shine) | ₱2,371,000 |
Toyota RAV4 Q&A
1. How much does an RAV4 2024 cost in the Philippines?
The Toyota RAV4 2024 price ranges from Php 2,046,000 to Php 2,371,000.
2. Does the Toyota RAV4 2024 have a remote start?
No, the Toyota RAV4 doesn't have a remote start.
3. How many variants of RAV4 2024 in the Philippines?
The RAV4 2024 has two variants. It is the XLE 2.5 HEV CVT and the LTD 2.5 HEV CVT.
4. What type of car is the Toyota RAV4?
The type of RAV4 is an SUV.
5. What are the dimensions of the Toyota RAV4?
Toyota RAV4 dimensions are 4,600mm long, 1,855mm wide and 1,685mm in height.
₱ 2,289,000 - ₱ 2,632,000
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