RAV4 PHEV Dynamic plug-in arriving this week. Good or Bad?

[NASY]

On 3/13/2023 at 7:33 AM, Scottydog007 said:

So my plug-in Dynamic will be ready this week. Will I be disappointed? Now I am part exchanging my 69 RAV4 Excel that had every accessory you could get but wasn’t repeated on the Dynamic. No top of the range JBL music system, no full surround camera, no ‘his and her’ seat positions. The only thing better on the Dynamic I see is rear heated seats.

Has anybody been able to get these done after purchase? So taking to a specialist and getting these added?

Is the performance of the new Dynamic that much better as I did not do a test drive, I was too busy. Also will I really get 100 mile electric range with the plug-in?

No way you should be disappointed with the performance, it's a huge step up in grunt over the regular hybrid. Fuel consumption is really good and the EV range is as everyone says pretty much as claimed or better. Pure EV driving is super civilised which encourages plugging in.

[Gray86]

16 minutes ago, NASY said:

No way you should be disappointed with the performance, it's a huge step up in grunt over the regular hybrid. Fuel consumption is really good and the EV range is as everyone says pretty much as claimed or better. Pure EV driving is super civilised which encourages plugging in.

I’m contemplating a RAV PHEV as my next car in a few years. What is the fuel economy like when operating solely in Hybrid mode  on motorway cruising. I’d be hoping for 46-48mpg in warmer weather on a long journey. I’ve seen reports of fuel economy being similar to an AWD Hybrid RAV. . ?

[NASY]

I have regularly achieved 50 mpg, sometimes better whether on long or even fairly short journeys. It is definitely better than my Lexus UX was, which I find hard to understand as that had a smaller engine, two wheel drive, less grunt and lighter, incredible really for two tonne beast.

[ernieb]

10 hours ago, Gray86 said:

I’m contemplating a RAV PHEV as my next car in a few years. What is the fuel economy like when operating solely in Hybrid mode  on motorway cruising. I’d be hoping for 46-48mpg in warmer weather on a long journey. I’ve seen reports of fuel economy being similar to an AWD Hybrid RAV. . ?

It always depends of driving style and load but I can easily achieve 50mpg + in HEV mode. I'm constantly amazed at often the car switches to EV mode. You don't often see it in the car but looking at the drive on the map in the MyT app shows the driven route in different colours for ICE and EV, lots of sections displaying EV mode.

[Strangely Brown]

11 hours ago, Gray86 said:

I’m contemplating a RAV PHEV as my next car in a few years. What is the fuel economy like when operating solely in Hybrid mode  on motorway cruising. I’d be hoping for 46-48mpg in warmer weather on a long journey. I’ve seen reports of fuel economy being similar to an AWD Hybrid RAV. . ?

While it is true that HEV, and presumably PHEV too, really come in to their own in more urban environments they are still pretty good on a longer run.
 

On Monday I drove from Sussex to the Dartford Crossing using M23 and M25. I stayed at about 65-70 mph using Radar Cruise to match the flow and the trip returned 54.7mpg

I thought that was pretty good given that it was only 19% EV Time and 13% EV Distance.

I see no reason why the PHEV should not be able to match or perhaps better that.

[Sealiedog]

On 3/13/2023 at 3:00 PM, Scottydog007 said:

100 mile range! Well the salesman told me this, and I laughed at him. I remember so clearly because he was insistent it was true. But to be honest I had not intended to buy the car, I had not done any research on it, and I didn’t even take test drive either. I had come to the end on my ‘lease to buy back’ gone there to get a service and that is when they made quite a good offer. All be it without the accessories I asked for. In fact I did get the accessories but after putting a deposit they rescinded some accessories 2 days later

I’m not concerned too much about the range. But I am concerned about the negativeness I get from the garage when ever I ask for something. 
So when I received the the 69 Rav I noticed the lights were pointing in all directions. I told them and they said this cannot be as they are set in the factory. I told them that you don’t have to be a brain surgeon to see they are wrong, when you shine on a wall. And I was right, they checked and they were way out and corrected this.

I asked for side mouldings to be added to both old model and to this new model and both occasions they didn’t want to do this. They said take the car away and come back to get it done. I said no.

In the catalog of the 69 RAV it said I could have windows opened using the key remote. They said no I cannot have this, yet many other have had this done. It is just plugging in the Techstream to the  ECU and changing the standard setting. And even now they have no idea and probably will not do it. They even told me to take it to another dealer to get that done. I said if I do that then all my servicing will go to that dealer and that will be the last they hear from me. Astonishing attitude.

It goes on and on.

Look what about a spare tire? I drive long distances and often in Europe, I do not want to faff around with a stupid foam pump kit. So I put a full tyre and mounting kit in the old 69 RAV and will transfer it over to the new one. They never gave me any direction on doing this. 
I want a number plate with ‘UK’ on it so when driving around Europe I do not stand out to the police have a different plate to everyone else. But no they can’t do this. So I will have to go to Halfords and get one made up, drill the holes and put on. Man what a pain after spending £50 grand.

I can't understand how a plate with UK on it will help you to not stand out in Europe. Am I missing something?

[philip42h]

47 minutes ago, Sealiedog said:

I can't understand how a plate with UK on it will help you to not stand out in Europe. Am I missing something?

Yes, that's easy ... if you have UK plates then you have a very modest UK sign where other European cars would flag their nationality. If you don't, you are required to affix an absolutely massive UK sticker somewhere on the rear - the sticker is legally huge!

Also, I used to use a magnetic GB plate, but the tailgate of the RAV is 'plastic' (non-magnetic) so a sticker (on the rear window in my case) is the only option. I am very tempted to invest in UK plates ... 😉

[mobi]

I thought standing out as UK car is safer as it would signal the following driver that you can't easily overtake that slow tractor in single carriageways due to steering being on wrong side 😀

[Flatcoat]

Having reread the OP I am not entirely sure if his problem is with the car or the dealer. All sounds a bit confusing to me. Aren’t some of your concerns items that should have been considered or queried before you ordered the car?! 

[Scottydog007]

10 hours ago, Flatcoat said:

Having reread the OP I am not entirely sure if his problem is with the car or the dealer. All sounds a bit confusing to me. Aren’t some of your concerns items that should have been considered or queried before you ordered the car?! 

I’m annoyed with both Toyota and the dealer. I’ve had 2 other RAV4’s so 2018 old shape, then 69 plate from them. Now I love the 69 as I have loads of accessories that were really good the car is brilliant. So come to the end of finance got a good offer to go to the 23 plug-in. So everything was rushed ordering this new one. So sitting in front of their computer and choosing the options. I had not intended ordering a new car, so had not investigated any of it before hand. 
I told them what I wanted they kept going off into another office to check it out, came back and would say fine that can be added and gave a price. I ordered the Dynamic which I thought was the top level. They never showed or told me there was a Dynamic Premium. Now they brought out the order form, I sighed it and left. I was in a rush. Now on the way home, I stopped and had a good look at that order form. Basically it didn’t say much. It did not mention panoramic sunroof or JBL system and full surround 360 camera, and other things. I then phoned the sales man and got him to verify I will get these, and he confirmed this by email. I was told before I could not have the 360 camera. Then 2 days later I got a call to say I could not have the JBL system Toyota Build basically said no to this, and they would reduce the price accordingly.

When I got home I could not see the Toyota website they had been working to, so I couldn’t check anything out, and it was a few weeks before I realised there was a Premium model that maybe I could have ordered.

Another thing is I see YouTube videos of the UK version and again there seems differences. So they talk of a heated steering wheel, but I was told I could not have this. Not that I think it is important so I will not miss that. Just everything is confusing. I really am not sure what I’m getting. It isn’t a standard Dynamic or the Dynamic Premium, but something in between.

[Flatcoat]

With all due respect I can’t see how this is the dealers fault. Sounds like you have buyers regret to me. The Dynamic Premium was dropped some months ago which is probably why you weren’t told about it and the UK supplied PHEV’s never had heated steering wheel or PVM options. Unless it is a UK made review you should not assume anything from any YouTube video. And what is 69 in car parlance? 

[ernieb]

The YouTube videos are good but I think we've all fallen foul of not paying enough attention to the location and therefor the cars specification.  But in all things where you purchase anything it's a case of 'buyer beware'.

[Nick72]

In my case however, I saw the YouTube videos and thought cool, loads of goodies. I also had the spec sheet from the dealer which said some goodies. In the end, no goodies. More of a disappointment since the decision to order this car would still have been the same. I just went for top spec model and it is what it is. 

GR sport PHEV model may get the digital mirror and the panoramic cams yet. That will do it for me.

[Scottydog007]

Feedback from my family is that it feels so much bigger inside. It was great before, but they say it seems more.

Not having the JBL 9 Speakers doesn’t seem so bad at the moment. The large base speaker in the boot has gone allowing for a lot more space.

I don’t normally drive fast, but when going up a hill accelerated hard and the car went like a bullet, and that was in normal mode not sports. Also fast acceleration doesn’t some bad, so I didn’t get the hybrid sound, but that was in full EV mode, and sounded ok.

The seats are more sporty, so hug you more and feel comfortable for me. The steering wheel feels smaller and made from a different material, feels slippery which I don’t like. I was wondering whether I will need to wear gloves. But may be this will change with age, perspiration etc.

The main display is now massive and very very different and you jump back from Toyota display to Car Play (Apple). You have to forget all that you learnt from previous model. I still have no idea how to save radio stations.

It is nice, but kind of different.

[Flatcoat]

And I still don’t know what 69 means in this context! Do you mean a 69 plate - as in a 2019 registered car? Would it not be better to say if it is RAV4.4 or 4.5? If your old car was an early 4.5 I can’t see how your new one can be bigger inside……. Questions questions, 

[Scottydog007]

4 hours ago, Flatcoat said:

And I still don’t know what 69 means in this context! Do you mean a 69 plate - as in a 2019 registered car? Would it not be better to say if it is RAV4.4 or 4.5? If your old car was an early 4.5 I can’t see how your new one can be bigger inside……. Questions questions, 

Ok so my old was the RAV4.4 and is now 4.5 same body shape and size, height and length, but somehow it is bigger or gives the impression it is bigger in size. The other thing that is very noticeable is the driving rage has increased by quite a lit. So the RAV4.4 would give a range of 400 to 450 miles, this RAV4.5 is showing a minimum of 550 miles possibly more with the included 50 EV addition.

Now for me this helps as one of my journeys is on a motorway and I could not do all the distance without out filling up at the expensive motorway services, but now I should be able to complete the motorway section and get a cheaper petrol station. I carry kayaks on the roof so fuel economy is lowered by quite a bit.

[Strangely Brown]

If the old was the 4.4 and the new is 4.5 then they are not the same body shape and size, height and length.

https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/toyota-rav4-2012-suv-swb-vs-toyota-rav4-2019-suv-swb/

... but it is very close in size if you look only at the numbers.

I would not rely on the projected range from the display. That will vary greatly depending on the journey, your driving style on the day and the load, especially things on the roof that increase drag.

Still... the only way to find out...

[Phil E]

9 hours ago, Scottydog007 said:

Feedback from my family is that it feels so much bigger inside. It was great before, but they say it seems more.

Not having the JBL 9 speakers doesn’t seem so bad at the moment. The large base speaker in the boot has gone allowing for a lot more space.

I don’t normally drive fast, but when going up a hill accelerated hard and the car went like a bullet, and that was in normal mode not sports. Also fast acceleration doesn’t some bad, so I didn’t get the hybrid sound, but that was in full EV mode, and sounded ok.

The seats are more sporty, so hug you more and feel comfortable for me. The steering wheel feels smaller and made from a different material, feels slippery which I don’t like. I was wondering whether I will need to wear gloves. But may be this will change with age, perspiration etc.

The main display is now massive and very very different and you jump back from Toyota display to Car Play (Apple). You have to forget all that you learnt from previous model. I still have no idea how to save radio stations.

It is nice, but kind of different.

It seems based on the current supply shortage, you are one of the lucky few to get hold of one. 

And now you are the proud owner of a heat pump meaning you can heat or cool you car using you My T app before you start your journey. Very useful on cold frosty mornings.

Are Toyota providing you with a free home charger?

[Flatcoat]

4 hours ago, Scottydog007 said:

Ok so my old was the RAV4.4 and is now 4.5 same body shape and size, height and length, but somehow it is bigger or gives the impression it is bigger in size. The other thing that is very noticeable is the driving rage has increased by quite a lit. So the RAV4.4 would give a range of 400 to 450 miles, this RAV4.5 is showing a minimum of 550 miles possibly more with the included 50 EV addition.

Now for me this helps as one of my journeys is on a motorway and I could not do all the distance without out filling up at the expensive motorway services, but now I should be able to complete the motorway section and get a cheaper petrol station. I carry kayaks on the roof so fuel economy is lowered by quite a bit.

The RAV4.5 is 30mm longer in wheelbase and length according to the info I have just googled. The 4.5 is a completely new car with only the name carried over from the 4.4. Totally different body and styling on totally different platforms/chassis and to all intents a new engine/transmission. The only commonality beyond the name is both are SUV’s. Driving range comparison is irrelevant and there are too many variables to rely on that prediction although the 4.5 PHEV can be incredibly economical with diesel like mpg. 

[Scottydog007]

9 minutes ago, Phil E said:

It seems based on the current supply shortage, you are one of the lucky few to get hold of one. 

And now you are the proud owner of a heat pump meaning you can heat or cool you car using you My T app before you start your journey. Very useful on cold frosty mornings.

Are Toyota providing you with a free home charger?

I was complaining earlier, but had no idea I was so lucky to get one. Yes they did include a nice free home charge. It was ugly as it was white and looked wrong in a bricked environment so I put carbon fibre look-a-like film on it, so it kind of blends in. So the installation guys were from British Gas and they had to put in a dedicated fuse box which I had to pay for and they did a great job, they were here a full morning.

It takes approximately 2 hours to charge and get the 50 mile range, but my energy is with OVO so charge me a standard rate costing £2.90 per hour shown on smart meter. OVO do an EV rate but only for their installation and they do not recognise this manufacturer.

So I need to investigate and decide if I change energy suppliers. If anyone knows anything on this please advise.

As you say, the MyToyota app allows me to warm up the car from inside, it also tells me if doors are not closed property as well. The car has heated rear seats, not used yet. The seats have ‘sports leather’ what ever that is, the inner part of the seat looks like a cross between canvas and leather, has red stitching, but doesn’t give the cold feel of leather as my daughter pointed out.

I’m looking to put a space saver tyre in. In my old RAV4.4 I had sourced a full size wheel and tyre, but it does not fit into this RAV4.5

I will be careful on choosing a correct space saver as I do not want to find it doesn’t fit around the brakes. The garage tell me they cannot help, though the parts guy told me he found a Toyota parts listing that they had never been told about. So he will look into this. I go back this Wednesday to have Rubber mats put in and the side mouldings in my silver colour put on to the car. So in the boot it looks as though there is room for a space saver, I have added the jack in it’s dedicated recess, and the tools that go with it.

 

[Scottydog007]

Oh and I paid an additional £1040 to get the service plan that tells me I will get the next 3 years service included plus what looks like 3 years break down service. I have all the receipts for this but no info pack on any of this. The sales manager told me the break down information is on the window and he would show me, but we forgot. And I cannot see anything on the window. I now wonder will this come through the post, but I will ask them anyway.

When I left the garage, I travelled 50 yards in EV mode, so very quiet and found I was doing 35mph, as I came round the corner, and there was a police camera vehicle, I quickly slowed to the 30mph limit, but now wonder if they registered me, and that I will get something through the post.

[Scottydog007]

47 minutes ago, Flatcoat said:

The RAV4.5 is 30mm longer in wheelbase and length according to the info I have just googled. The 4.5 is a completely new car with only the name carried over from the 4.4. Totally different body and styling on totally different platforms/chassis and to all intents a new engine/transmission. The only commonality beyond the name is both are SUV’s. Driving range comparison is irrelevant and there are too many variables to rely on that prediction although the 4.5 PHEV can be incredibly economical with diesel like mpg. 

Wow I had no idea it was a different platform. I have to say it is super fast in acceleration, just astonishing. Seems to do this effortlessly and quietly compared to my old RAV4.4

I’m going to love this car, though I do miss the surround camera. I used to press the button to on when going forward so see how close I was getting in front, but that has now gone. The rear camera is very clear, on the massive display screen.

[Phil E]

2 hours ago, Scottydog007 said:

I was complaining earlier, but had no idea I was so lucky to get one. Yes they did include a nice free home charge. It was ugly as it was white and looked wrong in a bricked environment so I put carbon fibre look-a-like film on it, so it kind of blends in. So the installation guys were from British Gas and they had to put in a dedicated fuse box which I had to pay for and they did a great job, they were here a full morning.

It takes approximately 2 hours to charge and get the 50 mile range, but my energy is with OVO so charge me a standard rate costing £2.90 per hour shown on smart meter. OVO do an EV rate but only for their installation and they do not recognise this manufacturer.

So I need to investigate and decide if I change energy suppliers. If anyone knows anything on this please advise.

As you say, the MyToyota app allows me to warm up the car from inside, it also tells me if doors are not closed property as well. The car has heated rear seats, not used yet. The seats have ‘sports leather’ what ever that is, the inner part of the seat looks like a cross between canvas and leather, has red stitching, but doesn’t give the cold feel of leather as my daughter pointed out.

I’m looking to put a space saver tyre in. In my old RAV4.4 I had sourced a full size wheel and tyre, but it does not fit into this RAV4.5

I will be careful on choosing a correct space saver as I do not want to find it doesn’t fit around the brakes. The garage tell me they cannot help, though the parts guy told me he found a Toyota parts listing that they had never been told about. So he will look into this. I go back this Wednesday to have Rubber mats put in and the side mouldings in my silver colour put on to the car. So in the boot it looks as though there is room for a space saver, I have added the jack in it’s dedicated recess, and the tools that go with it.

 

There are plenty of posts on here about space saver spares

i bought the Road Hero kit which fits perfectly

Have a look at Ernie B’s posts on this subject

[nlee]

22 hours ago, Scottydog007 said:

I still have no idea how to save radio stations

If it is the new smart connect system, it's easy, we have it on our Yaris. Just go to the radio station you want to save and press the ❤️ icon on the screen and it will add it to the favourites list.

[nlee]

Still a bit confused about which model you used to have. A lot of what you say suggests it was a 2019 4.5 HEV. The 4.4 is on the left and the 4.5 on the right in the picture below..