I think it's in the Prius and/or Prime. Along with the different trailer regulations, the UK might also require licensing to tow with even a small car.
I wouldn't mind a licensing test for everyone. It would be much safer and if it would grant rights that would be awesome!
Just looking this RAV4 Hybrid over online and it's impressive! AWD and I'm sure it will be easy for anyone to hit 40+mpg. Wayne when you did the 58mpg test drive, did you drive max effort or minimum? With the #1750 tow rating it's a little low for me but whats the big deal pushing it a little if I do maybe 2200lbs. The non hybrid does #3500 so it should be fine I think. I really need to hold back from now on buying. My C is still running and looking new! It would be nice to see this new drive train shrunk down to a even smaller light AWD hybrid that can still tow! I bet 50mpg might happen then in a SUV.
Hi George: Thar RAV4 drive was down to almost sea level and back up to 450 ft ASL. On flat ground, it would have been even higher! I was really impressed with not only the efficiency, but the interior and exterior looks as well. It still has the tall SUV roll but the softly suspended RAV4 has a great ride too. Wayne
It is only the Adventure trim that has the 3500# tow rating. The others are 1500#. Nothing of note listed on the specs page to denote why. I'm guessing the Adventure has an auxiliary transmission cooler. Does the hybrid have a trans cooler like the gen4 Prius? Adding an auxiliary one should be straight forward if it does.
Hi George: I believe it was the XSE. It had the White body, black wheels, and back roof. Let me look at the specs to make sure. Trollbait, not sure about the tranny cooler but all 2019 RAV4 HEVs have a max Trailer tow cap of 1,750 lbs. Wayne
Hi George: Yes, it was the XSE RAV4 Hybrid with the 18" black alloys and 225/60R18 tires. The LE with its std. 17" alloys and 225/65R17 tires would be even more efficient despite both having the same 41/37 mpgUS city/highway rating. 2019 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid Wayne
Thanks Wayne! It looks nice with the XSE two tone. So the XSE felt soft to you? It's supposed to be with a sport tuned suspension lol
I would love to pull this with the Hybrid https://safaricondo.com/en/caravanes-alto-serie-r-1723/ but dry wight is 1816lbs loaded maybe 2200lbs. I would do it since I have pulled 1700lbs with the C before driving slower then some 18 wheelers!
BTW I spoke with one of the Toyota people at the LA auto show and told them Im happy it has a tow ratting but why not more then #1750 ratting because I need a little more. They told me the ratting was very conservative and that they tested it for far more weight.
Which just leaves you on the hook if something goes wrong when towing above their rating. I'm more interested in the ICE models, since I'd like to go onto the beaches near here, and I don't trust the eAWD for that use. Need to look into if different brakes are on the Adventure, and install an auxiliary trans cooler if not already equipped.
Yea it's a damned if you do type of thing lol The thing is for my the hook now is much bigger towing with my Prius C and with the RAV4 HV it would be a much smaller hook if when passing 1750lbs
Was shocked to see the new RAV4 still uses NIMH battery, according to greencarreports.com. https://www.greencarreports.com/new...drive-review-all-the-bits-and-pieces-in-place
They keep improving the NiMH including its energy density. With a Prolong you can keep NiMH packs going for ages.
One of the few bits known about the Explorer hybrid is that it will have a 5000 pound tow rating. Toyota invested big into NiMH, and they like squeezing all they can out of an investment. The Yaris hatch still uses a 4 speed auto in the US for that reason.