Toyota RAV4 EV Gen 2

Overview

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 EV Gen 2 was a bit of a unicorn – an all-electric SUV packing some Tesla magic under the hood, built during Toyota's early EV explorations. Though discontinued, it offered practical SUV space with zero tailpipe emissions. It was primarily a compliance car for California, making it a rare find today. If you spot one, expect used prices around $3,800. It blended familiar RAV4 utility with an electric punch, making it an interesting footnote in EV history and a quirky choice for an affordable, used electric runabout.

What's New for 2014?

For 2014, the RAV4 EV Gen 2 was essentially on its farewell tour, as this marked its final year of production. Having debuted in 2012, this electric SUV, a collaboration with Tesla for its powertrain, didn't see major updates for its last model year. Think of it as the last chance to snag this unique, limited-run electric family hauler new. It wrapped up its short but notable three-year stint, leaving behind a legacy as one of the earlier mainstream electric SUVs available to US buyers, primarily in California.

Design & Exterior

The 2014 RAV4 EV Gen 2 kept the familiar, friendly face of its gasoline-powered sibling, but with subtle EV twists like a unique grille and badging. It’s a proper compact SUV, measuring 181.9 inches long and 66.3 inches tall. It didn't shout "I'm electric!" with outlandish styling, preferring a more understated approach. This means it blended in easily while still offering that elevated SUV stance and practicality buyers loved, just with a greener heart and "Gen 2" distinction.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2014 RAV4 EV Gen 2 offered a straightforward, practical cabin typical of Toyota, with seating for five. You got a decent 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which expands to a whopping 73 cubic feet with the rear seats folded – plenty for weekend gear or a big shopping trip. While it missed out on a frunk, the interior focused on utility. Tech-wise, it was a product of its time, featuring a central touchscreen for infotainment, likely with navigation and Bluetooth, but pre-dating widespread Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its family-hauler looks fool you; this RAV4 EV could hustle! Thanks to its 115 kW induction motor, part of its Tesla-derived powertrain, sending 273 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, it could zip from 0 to 60 mph in a sprightly 7.2 seconds. That’s quicker than its petrol counterpart! The driving experience was smooth and quiet, with instant electric shove making city driving a breeze. It offered a comfortable ride, and like most EVs, featured regenerative braking to help claw back some energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The RAV4 EV Gen 2 packed a 39.7 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 98 miles – decent for daily duties back in 2014. It sipped juice at a rate of 2.47 mi/kWh. For home charging, its 10 kW on-board AC charger could juice it up in about 4-5 hours. When out and about, it featured a CCS Type 1 port for the US market and could accept a DC fast charge up to an impressive 129 kW, slashing charging times considerably with compatible chargers.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

For a 2014 model, the RAV4 EV Gen 2 came with the expected suite of standard safety gear. This included essentials like multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and stability control to keep you planted. While specific NHTSA or Euro NCAP crash test ratings for the EV version are not detailed, its gasoline counterpart generally performed well. Advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist weren't common features on this trim or mainstream vehicles in 2014, so expect the safety basics here.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Toyota's warranty for the 2014 RAV4 EV was quite comprehensive for its era. Owners typically received a basic vehicle warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles. The crucial EV components, including the Tesla-supplied battery and powertrain elements, were often covered for a longer 8 years or 100,000 miles, which was competitive. Maintenance is generally simpler for EVs due to fewer moving parts, meaning less faffing about with oil changes, though regular checks on brakes, tires, and the vehicle's cooling systems are still key for longevity.