Cheaper Toyota RAV4 PHEV coming to Australia in 2027

The Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range has been expanded with the introduction of the RAV4 GXL 2WD model grade, which is scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms in the first three months of 2027.

Pricing has not yet been announced for the GXL 2WD, but it’s expected to be the most affordable version of the first RAV4 PHEV, which was introduced in Australia in July 2026 in two model grades, the XSE and flagship GR Sport.

The price difference between comparable hybrid (HEV) and PHEV versions of the RAV4 is $5000, which if applied to the GXL 2WD PHEV would see it priced at $53,990 before on-road costs.

This would undercut the cheapest Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which starts at $58,990 plus ORCs for the ES grade. The Outlander PHEV was replaced by yet another mid-size SUV, the BYD Sealion 6 which starts at $42,990 plus ORCs, as Australia’s best-selling PHEV in 2025.

The RAV4 GXL 2WD PHEV will also compete with a range of other PHEV mid-size SUVs from China, including the Chery Tiggo 7 (from $39,990 drive-away), Geely Starray (from $37,490 plus ORCs), GWM Haval H6 (from $47,990 drive-away), Jaecoo J7 (from $43,990 drive-away), and MG HS (from $49,690 drive-away).

Toyota Australia has also confirmed an upgraded Drive Mode Select system for the RAV4 PHEV, with Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow and Custom modes. Each has different throttle, steering and transmission settings.

The RAV4 GXL 2WD PHEV will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler with gloss-black inserts, and a silver integrated skid plate, as well as LED headlights, aluminium roof rails, and dual exhaust outlets.

Cabin equipment includes keyless entry and push-button start, black cloth seat trim, a leather-topped dash and leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless smartphone charging.

The GXL 2WD PHEV will use the same powertrain as the current RAV4 PHEVs, which employ a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a front-mounted 151kW/272Nm electric motor for a combined output of 201kW.

A 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery enables a claimed electric-only driving range of 121km on the WLTP cycle.

PHEV versions accounted for 39 per cent of total RAV4 sales in July 2026, their first full month on sale, with around 2170 of the model’s total sales of 5564, which was enough to see the nameplate top Australia’s new-vehicle sales chart for the month.

The figure made the RAV4 PHEV the best-selling PHEV across all brands in July, ahead of the BYD Shark 6 dual-cab ute on 1216 sales. It would also have been enough for the RAV4 PHEV be Australia’s sixth most popular model outright that month if it was recorded as a standalone model.

In August, the RAV4 was Australia’s second-best seller overall behind the Tesla Model Y, which so far this year is placed third behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, but ahead of the RAV4 in fourth.

Toyota RAV4 HEV

Toyota RAV4 PHEV

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