Toyota USA refreshed its RAV4 for 2026 and, in a significant step for efficiency, Toyota canceled the non -hybrid version of the vehicle. The RAV4 will now be available only in the HEV and PHEV versions from the 2026 model year.
However, in an act of greenwashing that recalls many things that Toyota has done before, he calls confused his “100% electrified” vehicles – despite the fact that each RAV4 includes a gas engine.
Improvements include new looks and finishing lines, including an outdoor Woodland model (as the BZ has just obtained) and a more efficient “GR Sport” model (although we have to remind everyone, that SUVs are not sports wagons and will never be sports), and a higher power of PHEV and HEV models.
The PHEV model also has an improved range, from 42 miles to 50 miles – always lower than we would generally consider coverage on ShakeBut the number is at least usable to keep the average driver on electrical energy for most of their daily driving (if they take the trouble to connect it).
Some versions will have a fast DC load and you can charge 10 to 80% in 30 minutes.
In particular, the RAV4 no longer includes any option for a non -hybrid powertrain. All versions are hybrid or hybrid rechargeable. Previously, it had been planned that an EV model could join the range, but it seems that Toyota sticks to a newly renowned Bz model for this purpose.
Toyota calls for its new RAV4 options “very effective electrified motorcycle groups”, but have not specified the mileage numbers of the EPA provided for the HEV model or for the PHEV when they operate on gas power. The current RAV4 hybrid obtains 39 MPG (it’s about 10 MPG better than non-hybrid), and we imagine something in this stage for the updated model.
The RAV4 2026 will be available in Toyota dealerships in the United States “later this year”. The price has not yet been announced.
Electrek taking
But the real problem here is the use of the word “electrified”, and specifically, “100% electrified”.
Toyota has a long history of misleading advertising with regard to her electrification efforts. His lies have already been in trouble, both in Norway and the United States.
Toyota is also the largest funder in the climate denial automotive industry and has regularly classified as the worst lobbyist in the automotive industry in climate policy in the world.
Therefore, its use of the word “electrified” should be examined with a certain skepticism, because the company has already used it to confuse consumers by thinking that its vehicles are more effective than they really are. For previous coverage on this subject, see the FTC complaint filed against Toyota for its false electrification complaints.
In this case, Toyota increased the bet, not only claiming that its vehicles are electrified, but “100% electrified. “”
There are many terms that are used with confusion in the industry, often deliberately, in order to Greenwash the efforts of companies. EV, PHEV, EREV, FCEV, HEV, BEV, Electrified, Electric, etc.
But something that has been reserved so far for models that do not include a petrol engine is a variation of “all electric”, “100% electric”, “entirely electric” or similar.
Thus, moving from “electrified” to “100% electrified” certainly seems to be an intentional phrasing by Toyota here. “Electrified” was already questionable, but “100% electrified” is well exceeded.
So, despite this, we should be happy with an improvement in steps of the availability of the powertrain on the RAV4, and the elimination of the non -hybrid model, Toyota just had to play one of its tips and remember why they are the biggest enemy of electrification in the automotive industry (well … except one).
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