Toyota to Expand RAV4 Range with New GXL Plug-in Hybrid Variant
New mid-range RAV4 GXL 2WD Plug-in Hybrid variant to arrive in first quarter of 2027
New grade takes the total RAV4 choice to 12 different grades with a choice of trim, 2WD or AWD and hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid powertrains
All-wheel drive RAV4 models gain upgraded Drive Mode Select system in fourth quarter of 2026
Enquire about the new RAV4 GXL PHEV
We're thrilled to share that Toyota will add a fourth Plug-in Hybrid variant (PHEV) of the new RAV4 when the GXL 2WD PHEV goes on sale at CMI Toyota in the first quarter of 2027.
The mid-range GXL 2WD PHEV grade joins the XSE 2WD, AWD PHEV and top-of-the range RAV4 GR Sport AWD PHEV that launched in Australia in July as part of Toyota’s expanding electrified vehicle range.
Apart from the introduction of the new grade, AWD variants with both PHEV and hybrid (HEV) powertrains gain an upgraded all-wheel drive system that now offers Rock & Dirt and Mud & Sand replacing the Trail/Snow mode functionality in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas said the expansion of Toyota’s RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid range would bring the low CO2 tailpipe emission benefits of the PHEV powertrain to a wider market.
“The mid-range GXL grade has long been a popular model in the RAV4 lineup and now with the addition of the PHEV powertrain option, it adds even more customer appeal,” Mr Pappas said.
“Toyota is committed to increasing our range of electrified vehicles as part of our multi-pathway strategy that addresses our decarbonisation goals while providing the right vehicle, with the right powertrain, for all Australian customer needs,” he said.
The new RAV4 GXL 2WD PHEV uses the same Plug-in Hybrid powertrain as the RAV4 XSE 2WD PHEV that combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 151.4kW/272Nm front electric motor for a maximum combined power output of 201kW.
The Plug-in Hybrid system uses a 22.7kW/h lithium-ion battery that offers 50kW DC and 11kW AC charging capacity and provides the RAV4 GXL 2WD with an EV-only driving range of 121km on the WLTP test cycle1.
The RAV4 GXL 2WD PHEV also shares its high level of features with the GXL 2WD HEV grade that includes full LED lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, 8-way powered driver’s seat, synthetic leather instrument panel and upper door trim, leather-accented steering wheel and gearshift knob, smart entry and start, dual-zone climate control, automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.5-inch touchscreen display with new-generation multimedia system, and wireless phone charger2.
Like all new RAV4 grades, the new GXL 2WD PHEV features the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features and Connected Services3.
In addition to the new grade, all 2WD models, with both hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains, gain an upgraded Drive Mode Select system that adapts engine, steering, and transmission mapping parameters according to the mode selected that now includes Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow and Custom modes.
All-wheel drive grades with both powertrains feature additional light off-road modes for Rock & Dirt or Mud & Sand that also adjust traction control parameters depending on the mode selected. The addition of the new RAV4 GXL 2WD PHEV variant takes the total RAV4 choice to 12 different grades with a choice of trim, 2WD or AWD, and HEV and PHEV powertrains.