Toyota’s new Rav4 plug-in hybrid lets you fast charge the battery

Toyota is redesigning and “electrifying” its Rav4 lineup for 2026 with models that aren’t quite EVs, but could masquerade as one. The mega popular SUV will come standard with hybrid powertrains, including a plug-in version with a feature you’d expect in only pure EVs: fast charging. That’s right, the 2026 Rav4 PHEV can now plug […]

May 21, 2025 - 23:50

Toyota’s new Rav4 plug-in hybrid lets you fast charge the battery

Toyota is redesigning and “electrifying” its Rav4 lineup for 2026 with models that aren’t quite EVs, but could masquerade as one. The mega popular SUV will come standard with hybrid powertrains, including a plug-in version with a feature you’d expect in only pure EVs: fast charging.

That’s right, the 2026 Rav4 PHEV can now plug into CCS-compatible DC fast chargers, which means owners can quickly fill up its battery during long road trips — effectively playing imposter amongst all the EVs charging up at rest stops as it secretly conserves its gas tank. Rest stops often lack standard AC level 2 plugs that many plug-in hybrids rely on — the kind you’d have installed at home so you can wake up to a full charge every morning.

The new Rav4’s on-board AC charger can also charge faster now at 11 kW, an upgrade from the previous 6.6kW. It also features a 6th-generation plug-in powertrain with AWD and up to 320 horsepower output. On a single charge, it can travel up to 50 miles without kicking on the engine — up from 42 miles on the 2025 version, and higher than the Prius’ 44 miles. Toyota doesn’t say how large the battery is but covers it under warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Meanwhile the regular Rav4 hybrid runs on a 5th-gen system with a max output of 236 horsepower for the AWD version. The interiors now also come standard with larger 12.3-inch digital cluster panels and 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreens. And the Limited, XSE, and the all-new GR-Sport models come with a bigger 12.9-inch center touchscreen.

The hybridization of the Rav4 comes after Toyota decided to switch its Camry sedan to an all-hybrid lineup last year. Toyota has doubled down on building more hybrid options instead of full EVs, although it has recently improved its only full electric that is now known as the bZ. Toyota says it will reveal pricing for the new Rav4 when it goes on sale later this year.