Toyota launches RAV4 PHEV in Korea

Toyoto Korea CEO Konyama Manabu introduces the newly released RAV4 PHEV during a launch ceremony held in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Toyota Korea

By Kim Hyun-bin

Toyota Korea unveiled the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) in the Korean market during a launch ceremony held in Seoul, Tuesday. The 306 horsepower vehicle is capable of driving 63 kilometers solely on electricity, comes equipped with four-wheel drive and features enhanced performance, according to the company.

Since its debut in 1994, the RAV4 has evolved into the current fifth-generation model that has well penetrated the SUV market. The RAV4, which was unveiled in the Korean market in 2009 when the Toyota brand entered Korea, is one of the company's best-selling models here, accounting for around 40 percent of Toyota Korea's total sales last year.

“Starting with the LABU4 PHEV, we plan to introduce various electric models that suit the lifestyle of customers. The vehicle (RAV4) is a model suitable for customers who enjoy outdoor activities,” Kang Dae-hwan, managing director of Toyota Korea, said.

The RAV4 PHEV was developed with the E-Booster concept, enabling both EV driving through battery charging and efficient gasoline driving using the latest hybrid technology.

The RAV4 PHEV is equipped with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery of 18.1 kilowatt-hours. When the battery is fully charged, EV driving is possible for up to 63 kilometers, based on combined driving mode. The battery is positioned at the bottom of the vehicle to lower the center of gravity and secure riding comfort and driving stability.

Toyota Korea's RAV4 PHEV / Courtesy of Toyota Korea

The charging port has an AC single-phase for slow charging, and it takes about 2 hours and 37 minutes to fully charge when using a 32A (6.6kw) slow charger.

The safety specification TSS has also been improved. The newly applied emergency braking assist function at intersections recognizes the presence of vehicles or pedestrians during turns, and when a risk of collision is detected, visual and audible alarms are issued, and the system assists braking when the risk of collision is determined to be high.

Among Toyota models released in Korea, the infotainment system 'Toyota Connect' was applied for the first time. Product power has been further strengthened, such as the interior and exterior design with sporty sensibility and details, and four driving modes specialized for plug-in hybrids.

The price of the RAV4 plug-in hybrid sold as a single trim is 55.7 million won ($43,000).