Toyota brings RAV4 PHEV power to the GXL grade in early 2027
The front wheel drive RAV4 GXL PHEV arrives in the first quarter of 2027 with 201kW, 121km of electric range and GXL equipment. Toyota is yet to confirm pricing.
Shane Riley
Key takeaways
- Arrives in the first quarter of 2027, with pricing yet to be confirmed
- Shares the XSE FWD's 201kW system and 121km electric range
- AWD RAV4s gain Rock & Dirt and Mud & Sand modes from October
Toyota Australia will add a GXL grade to the RAV4 plug-in hybrid lineup in the first quarter of 2027. The front wheel drive GXL PHEV will be the fourth RAV4 PHEV variant. It joins the XSE FWD, XSE AWD and GR Sport AWD, which all launched in July.
The addition takes the full RAV4 range to 12 grades across hybrid and PHEV powertrains, with front or all wheel drive.
Toyota hasn't announced pricing. The GXL sits below the XSE, so it should become the most affordable way into a RAV4 PHEV. That brings it closer to plug-in medium SUV rivals such as the BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
RAV4 GXL PHEV powertrain and charging
The GXL uses the same system as the XSE FWD PHEV. A 2.5 litre petrol engine works with a 151.4kW/272Nm front electric motor for 201kW combined.
The 22.7kWh lithium ion battery gives a claimed 121km of electric range on the WLTP test, based on energy use of 184Wh/km. It charges at up to 11kW on AC and 50kW on a DC fast charger.
Standard equipment
Equipment matches the GXL hybrid FWD:
- Exterior: 18 inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting and rain sensing wipers
- Screens: 10.5 inch touchscreen with Toyota's new generation multimedia system, 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster and a wireless phone charger
- Cabin: eight way power driver's seat, synthetic leather dash and upper door trim, leather accented steering wheel and gear knob, dual zone climate control, and smart entry and start
- Safety: latest generation Toyota Safety Sense driver aids and Connected Services
View Toyota RAV4 driveaway pricing and specifications →
Toyota is also upgrading Drive Mode Select across the RAV4 range. All front wheel drive hybrids and PHEVs get revised engine, steering and transmission mapping across Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow and Custom modes.
All wheel drive versions of both powertrains swap the Trail and Snow modes for Rock & Dirt and Mud & Sand, which also adjust traction control. That change arrives in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The GXL PHEV goes on sale in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing is the key detail still to come.
Shane Riley
Co-founder & Director
Shane Riley is Co-founder and Director of The Beep based in Melbourne, Australia. He has 20+ years across OEM, leasing and fleet, with experience in vehicle strategy, sales and operations.
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