Toyota USA has refreshed its RAV4 for 2026, and, in a big step ahead for effectivity, Toyota has axed the non-hybrid model of the automobile. The RAV4 will now solely be accessible in typical hybrid and PHEV variations beginning within the 2026 mannequin 12 months.
Nonetheless, in an act of greenwashing harking back to many issues Toyota has accomplished earlier than, it’s confusingly calling its autos “100% electrified” – regardless of that each single RAV4 features a fuel engine.
The enhancements embody new seems and trim strains, together with an outdoorsy Woodland mannequin (just like the bZ simply obtained) and a higher-performance “GR SPORT” mannequin (although, we should remind everybody, that SUVs should not sportscars and can by no means be sportscars), and better energy from each PHEV and traditional hybrid fashions.
The PHEV mannequin additionally boasts improved vary, bumped from 42 miles to 50 miles – nonetheless decrease than we’d usually think about worthy of protection on Electrek, however the quantity is at the least usable to maintain the common driver on electrical energy for many of their each day driving (in the event that they hassle to plug it in).
Some trims can have DC quick charging, and also you’ll have the ability to cost from 10-80% in half-hour.
Notably, the RAV4 not consists of any choice for a non-hybrid powertrain. All trims are both hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Beforehand, it had been anticipated that an EV mannequin would possibly be part of the lineup, nevertheless it seems like Toyota is simply sticking with the newly-renamed bZ mannequin for that function.
Toyota calls its new RAV4 choices “extremely environment friendly electrified powertrains,” however didn’t specify anticipated EPA mileage numbers for the standard hybrid mannequin, or for the PHEV when working on fuel energy. The present RAV4 hybrid will get 39mpg (that’s about 10mpg higher than the non-hybrid), and we’d think about one thing in that ballpark for the up to date mannequin.
The 2026 RAV4 will probably be accessible in Toyota dealerships throughout the US “later this 12 months.” Pricing has not but been introduced.
Electrek’s Take
However the actual difficulty right here is the usage of the phrase “electrified,” and particularly, “100% electrified.”
Toyota has a protracted historical past of misleading promoting in relation to its electrification efforts. Its lies have gotten it in hassle earlier than, each in Norway and within the US.
Toyota can also be the most important auto trade funder of local weather denial, and has persistently ranked because the worst auto trade lobbyist on local weather coverage worldwide.
So its use of the phrase “electrified” needs to be checked out with some skepticism, for the reason that firm has used it earlier than to confuse customers into pondering that its autos are extra environment friendly than they are surely. For some earlier protection on that, see the FTC criticism filed towards Toyota over its false electrification claims.
On this case, Toyota has upped the ante, not simply claiming that its autos are electrified, however “100% electrified.”
There are loads of phrases that get used confusingly within the EV trade, oftentimes purposefully, with a purpose to greenwash corporations’ efforts. EV, PHEV, EREV, FCEV, HEV, BEV, electrified, all-electric, and so forth.
However one factor that has heretofore been reserved for fashions that don’t embody a gasoline engine is any variation on “all-electric,” “100% electrical,” “absolutely electrical” or the like.
So, transferring from “electrified” to “100% electrified” definitely looks like intentional phrasing by Toyota right here. “Electrified” was already questionable, however “100% electrified” is properly over the road.
So regardless of that we needs to be completely satisfied a couple of step-change enchancment in powertrain availability on the RAV4, and the elimination of the non-hybrid mannequin, Toyota simply needed to play considered one of its tips and remind us why they’re the best enemy of electrification within the auto trade (properly… save one).
Cost your electrical automobile at house utilizing rooftop photo voltaic panels. Discover a dependable and competitively priced photo voltaic installer close to you on EnergySage, totally free. They’ve pre-vetted installers competing for your corporation, guaranteeing high-quality options and 20-30% financial savings. It’s free, with no gross sales calls till you select an installer. Evaluate customized photo voltaic quotes on-line and obtain steering from unbiased Power Advisers. Get began right here. – advert*
