Guide to Toyota PHEVs (Toyota Plug-In Hybrids)

When it comes to eco-minded alternative powertrains, Toyota has shown itself to be an innovator in this area over the years.

The Japanese firm was a forerunner in self-charging hybrid technology, which began with the Prius way back in 1997 and has since expanded to include many of Toyota’s most mainstream models today, including the Aygo X, Yaris and Corolla.

In fact, Toyota is one of the few manufacturers to offer a full house of mild-hybrid, self-charging hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric models in its range, ensuring there is something for everyone depending on your specific needs.

Here we highlight the leading Toyota PHEV models in the range, which encapsulate some of its best-selling models…

Toyota C-HR PHEV

As well as being available as a self-charging hybrid, the popular Toyota C-HR small SUV can be optioned with a PHEV powertrain as well.

Whereas the standard C-HR can be driven on battery power alone at low speeds and doesn’t require charging, the PHEV version does require plugging in but can travel much further – up to 41-miles - on electric alone.

The C-HR PHEV combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 13.6kWh battery to return over 300mpg and reduce combined CO2 output to just 19g/km.

Recently given a significant upgrade, the C-HR remains a top choice in the competitive small SUV class on the strength of its eye-catching design and high-quality interior, while it also comes with Toyota’s reassuring up to 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Toyota Prius PHEV

While the first-generation Toyota Prius made history as the first self-charging hybrid on the market way back in 1997 – long before HEV, PHEV and BEV models would become commonplace – the fifth-generation model has migrated to a plug-in hybrid set up.

This is certainly no bad thing, the Prius now able to travel over 50-miles on electric power alone.

Like the C-HR, the Prius combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 13.6kWh battery to also return official WLTP fuel economy figures of 176.5mpg (Design) or 134.5mpg (Excel).

These positive figures have been made possible by the latest Prius adopting a ‘blue sky’ approach with its design, where a slippery shape and aerodynamically efficient layout will eke every drop of fuel and every atom of electric power.

Toyota RAV4 PHEV

If you’ve ever wondered what the best-selling car in the entire world was last year, then here it is: the Toyota RAV4.

That should perhaps come as no surprise. The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car of all-time, while the brand’s reputation for bulletproof reliability, hard-wearing quality and solid sophistication is well known in every corner of the world.

It therefore makes the launch of the latest generation Toyota RAV4 such an important moment for the storied marque, not least because it features in arguably the most competitive segment in the automotive market.

In the UK, the sixth generation RAV4 family SUV is available only with a PHEV powertrain, which combines a newly developed 18.1kWh battery with a 2.5-litre petrol engine.

A big improvement over its predecessor, the RAV4 PHEV offers an all-electric driving range of up to 85-miles, putting it among the leaders in the class.