Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota RAV4 EV

We drive the electric version of the Toyota RAV4, which leads the way for the company's future models

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Toyota RAV4
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

As a zero-emissions family car that compromises on neither performance nor practicality, the RAV4 EV is a job well done. Combining Tesla’s EV know-how and Toyota’s attention to detail, it has few drawbacks aside from the limited range. It’s available only in California for now, but if demand is high enough it could spawn a wider Toyota EV family for Europe.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The RAV4 EV is the world’s first mass-produced electric SUV, and the result of a tie-up between Toyota and Tesla.

Only 2,600 will be built over the next three years (unless demand goes through the roof), all of which will be sold in California – yet the technology could be used in other Toyota EVs in years to come.

Aerodynamic tweaks for the nose and rear spoiler give the US-spec RAV4 EV a unique look, but inside it’s business as usual with space for five and a 2,067-litre boot.

There are two power settings: Normal allows 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds, while in Sport mode the same sprint takes 7.0 seconds. Top speed is 100mph.

Charging the lithium-ion batteries takes six hours from a 240V socket, yet 44 hours from a 120V US plug. It’s little wonder Toyota will offer American buyers a 240V charge box for £1,000.

Acceleration is brisk, but it’s the excellent ride and refinement that really shine through. The steering is lighter than in the normal RAV4, yet a lower centre of gravity means the car feels stable in corners.

If you can cope with the 113-mile range, this is a great way of karting the kids around town quietly, quickly and efficiently.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £16,008
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,050
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition - front

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams

The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
News
16 Jul 2025
New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Range Rover's secret mid-size EV: Inside its £500m factory
Halewood factory - Phil with Range Rover outside

Range Rover's secret mid-size EV: Inside its £500m factory

We take an exclusive look inside JLR’s revamped Liverpool site as the brand gears up for EV production
Features
18 Jul 2025