Gimme 5: Toyota PH launches 5th HEV, the RAV4 Hybrid

MANILA: Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) once again expands its lineup of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) with the RAV4 Hybrid.

The RAV4 Hybrid joins the Prius, and the HEV versions of the Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, and Camry in the range. This SUV comes in 2.5 XLE and 2.5 LTD variants, which retail for P2.157 and P2.5 million, respectively. A White Pearl exterior paint option adds P15,000 to the price of both models. 

Under the hood of the RAV4 Hybrid range is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The mill is coupled with a battery and electric motors to make up the hybrid system, as well as to up fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Like the rest of the Toyota's hybrid cars, the RAV4 Hybrid's battery and electric motors assist the gasoline engine in propelling the vehicle. There is no need to plug in the car’s hybrid battery should it run low, as the gasoline engine feeds charge to the battery.    

The gas motor kicks in only when driving situations require more power. The RAV4’s hybrid battery comes with an eight-year warranty.

“The rapid succession of Toyota’s HEV model introductions in the country are an indicator that hybrid cars are now mainstream," First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations of TMP Sherwin Chualim said. 

"Filipinos are ready for energy efficient mobility options with less emissions, and hybrids offer choices that are practical and ready to use in our existing infrastructure and road conditions,” he added. 

Meanwhile, TMP said in a release that the introduction of the RAV4 Hybrid "aligns with Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s mission to contribute to the preservation of the environment." 

Toyota plans to achieve zero CO2 emissions and a net positive environmental impact with its Environmental Challenge 2050.

In Challenge 2050, the carmaker plans to make environment-friendly its entire operations, from the manufacture of new vehicles to plant emissions, entire vehicle life cycle, water usage, recycling technologies and systems, and connecting nature conservation activities. 

The RAV4 Hybrid is equipped with a seven-inch display audio with a six-speaker output, which is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The RAV4 Hybrid variants come with Toyota Safety Sense, which is comprised of a Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The LTD variant comes with a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Both RAV4 Hybrid variants come with a parking camera, with Panoramic View Monitor reserved for the LTD and Back Guides exclusive to the XLE.

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)

Also read: It's 'Love at First Drive' with a Toyota this Feb.