Plug-In vs Normal Hybrid: Is PHEV Worth It? Toyota RAV4 Comparison (With Fuel Economy Test)
How far can the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid travel using only its battery in the real-world? And how does its real-world fuel consumption compare with the efficiency of the regular RAV4 Hybrid when the battery is in a low state of charge?
These are two of the big questions we answer in our comparison test featuring the HEV and PHEV versions of Australia’s biggest-selling SUV.
Chasing Cars presenter Shana Zlotin and Mamamia’s Annaliese Todd also discuss the technological and performance differences between a plug-less hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
The recently launched sixth-generation RAV4 heralded the first plug-in hybrid variant to be offered in Australia, sold alongside the regular hybrid model.
As Australia’s biggest-selling SUV, the new RAV4 gives us the perfect set of twins to compare.
Our test models are the RAV4 XSE AWD Hybrid and the RAV4 XSE AWD Plug-in Hybrid. So even the trim grades are identical!
There is a $5000 difference, though. The XSE AWD HEV costs from $59,015, while the XSE AWD PHEV is priced from $64,015.
The RAV4 Hybrid range starts from $45,990; the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid range begins from $58,840.
Time codes:
0:00 – Intro
0:55 – In this video
1:15 – Driving the hybrid
4:38 – Driving the PHEV
8:19 – Servicing costs
9:12 – Running costs
10:34 – What’s our pick?
11:07 – Insurance
11:28 – What should you do next?
Insurance quotes for Toyota RAV4 XSE HEV and PHEV
Indicative Quote as at 4/08/2026. Assumptions: Postcode 2065; youngest driver 40 y/o female, no offences, license suspensions or claims in last 5 years. White car, up to 10,000 km p.a., unfinanced, factory standard. Private use only, garaged at night. Estimate is not personal advice and is indicative only and includes 1st year’s 15%^ online discount. Quote for yourself at budgetdirect.com.au. ^T&Cs and underwriting criteria apply.
Insurance is arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (ABN 61 003 617 909, AFSL 241 4110) on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Ltd (ABN 42 111 5 86 353). Read PDS & TMD at budgetdirect.com.au to decide if products suit.