Toyota RAV4 EV Gen 2

Overview

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 EV Gen 2 was an early pioneer in the electric SUV game, primarily a compliance special for the US market. Born from a collaboration with Tesla, it packed a surprisingly punchy electric powertrain into the familiar and practical RAV4 body. While never officially sold new in Europe and now discontinued, it offered a glimpse into the future of family-friendly EVs. Its rarity and Tesla-tech make it an interesting footnote in EV history. No official EU pricing is available as it wasn't sold in the region.

What's New for 2014?

For 2014, the RAV4 EV Gen 2 was in its final production year, so it largely carried over the features that made its 2012 debut noteworthy. The big deal was its Tesla-designed battery and electric motor, a significant leap for a mainstream automaker at the time. This wasn't about incremental yearly updates but rather the overall package: a fully electric SUV with decent poke and usability, thanks to that Tesla DNA. It remained a rare bird, showcasing what was possible before the big EV boom.

Design & Exterior

The 2014 RAV4 EV Gen 2 cleverly masked its electric heart within the conventional RAV4 SUV shell of its generation. Subtle EV cues included a unique grille, different badges, and aerodynamic tweaks. It’s not a shouty EV, more of a stealth eco-warrior. Key dimensions are a length of 4620 mm, an estimated width (sans mirrors) of around 1815 mm, and a height of 1684 mm, making it a practical size for city and family duties. It kept a low profile, which some might find rather fetching!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the RAV4 EV Gen 2 felt much like its petrol-powered sibling: functional and built with Toyota’s typical robustness. It comfortably seats five. For its era, the tech was decent, usually featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though missing modern smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Luggage space is a massive strong point: a whopping 1031 litres in the boot, expanding to a van-like 2067 litres with the seats down! The provided data indicates no frunk, so all storage is at the back.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don’t let the sensible SUV body fool you; this RAV4 EV has a bit of Tesla magic! It zips from 0-100 km/h in a rather sprightly 7.4 seconds. Power comes from a single front-mounted AC Induction Motor (IM) churning out 115 kW and a healthy 370 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels (FWD). This translates to surprisingly brisk acceleration, especially in 'Sport' mode. The ride is generally comfortable, and like all EVs, it offers smooth, quiet progress with effective regenerative braking to help claw back some range.

Range, Battery & Charging

The RAV4 EV Gen 2 packs a 39.7 kWh usable battery capacity. Green Cars Compare calculates its real-world range at around 158 km, with an efficiency of 3.98 km/kWh. For AC charging, it boasts a capable 10 kW on-board charger, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 4 hours. The provided data indicates a CCS Type 1 port (a North American standard) and a max DC fast charging power of 129 kW on its 400V architecture. If officially sold in Europe, it would have likely featured a Type 2 or CCS Type 2 port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The RAV4 EV Gen 2 itself wasn't specifically tested by Euro NCAP. However, the conventional Toyota RAV4 (XA30 generation) on which it was based scored 4 stars back in 2006. For its time, standard safety kit included essentials like multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control. A reversing camera was also typically standard. Advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist were not commonly featured on vehicles from this era, and this RAV4 EV was no exception, focusing more on its pioneering electric powertrain.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a discontinued model from 2014, original manufacturer warranties have long since expired. When new in the US, it likely came with a typical Toyota warranty: around 3 years/58,000 km basic, and 5 years/96,000 km for the powertrain. The crucial Tesla-supplied battery pack usually had an 8-year/160,000 km warranty against defects. Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than ICE cars, but finding specialist support for this rare, older EV might be a consideration for prospective used buyers. Reliability was generally good, benefiting from Toyota’s build quality.