The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) represents a practical option for drivers seeking the benefits of electric driving without fully committing to a battery-electric vehicle. This dual-personality compact crossover handles routine commutes and errands using battery power alone, covering up to 42 miles before switching to hybrid operation. Performance complements efficiency, with the RAV4 PHEV accelerating to 60 mph in a swift 5.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest vehicles in Toyota’s lineup.
Toyota takes a streamlined approach for 2025, dropping the “Prime” designation in favor of the more straightforward “Plug-In Hybrid” name. (The automaker summarized this change as “New name, same great powertrain…” in a recent news release.) Eco-minded drivers can continue to choose from two trims: the sporty SE and the well-equipped XSE. Both versions come with ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance program that includes standard scheduled services for two years/25,000 miles and two years of roadside assistance.
This overview looks at the 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV); the conventionally powered RAV4 and the RAV4 Hybrid are highlighted individually.
EPA-Estimated City/Highway
2.5L 4-Cylinder w/ Dual Electric Motors
Max Towing Capacity
The 2025 RAV4 PHEV is made in trim packages called SE and XSE. They share a sophisticated powertrain that blends a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors (one per axle). This system generates a combined 302 horsepower and includes plug-in capability for all-electric driving. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) manages the standard all-wheel-drivetrain.
The estimated EPA fuel economy for the model calls for 42 miles of electric-only range and 94 MPGe combined. In hybrid mode, the vehicle achieves up to 40 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Combining electric propulsion and gasoline power, the car has a total range of up to 600 miles per tank. There is 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which expands to 69.8 cubic feet when the back seats are folded. With the proper trailering equipment, this Toyota can tow up to 2,500 pounds.
The SE is nicely equipped with proximity keyless entry, fabric upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tailgate, an eight-way power driver’s seat, push-button start, LED exterior lighting, power heated side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, roof rails, a 7-inch driver information display, rear privacy glass, a cargo cover, five USB ports, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Weather and Moonroof Package is optional to add a power moonroof, a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers with a de-icer.
The XSE’s additional amenities include a power moonroof, SofTex leatherette upholstery, a two-tone exterior treatment, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, unique exterior elements, vertical LED accent lights, wireless device charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 19-inch wheels. The optional groupings for the XSE include the Weather Package (heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers with de-icing) and the Premium Package (panoramic glass roof with a power moonroof, a 6.6 kW onboard charger, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, premium SofTex upholstery, a driver’s memory system, a four-way power front passenger seat, heated rear outboard seats, a digital rearview mirror, four-door proximity keyless entry, an overhead console, a 120-volt cargo outlet, and additional driver aids).
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 comes standard, equipping the RAV4 PHEV with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Both trims also get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XSE’s optional Premium Package will add a surround-view monitor and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. A set of airbags and a rearview monitor are also standard, as are anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, Smart Stop Technology (to minimize unintended acceleration), and hill start assist control.
The SE’s infotainment system uses an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE is upgraded with a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems support wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SE has a six-speaker audio system, which is upgraded to an 11-speaker JBL setup in the XSE. Both trims have Wi-Fi hotspot capability and access to Toyota Connected Services for Cloud Navigation, emergency help, and other features.