The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid uses essentially the same powertrain you will find in the Toyota Camry Hybrid up front, comprised of a 2.5 liter Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower.
It’s mated to Toyota’s well proven hybrid continuously variable transmission or CVT, with an integrated 141 horsepower drive motor. Making the RAV4 Hybrid unique is an additional electric drive motor for the rear axle with 67 horsepower.
The total combined output rating when all three source are summoned is 194 horsepower. Note that this total is not a sum of all three individual power sources, but a computer managed total that’s based on how the controller is programmed to use them.
The gasoline engine draws its breath from the air filter box mounted ahead of the driver and into a composite intake manifold. Port fuel-injection and a 12.5:1 compression ratio fire the cylinders along with variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust cams.
The valve cover here is still aluminum, though the next generation would likely get a plastic cover for lighter weight and quieter operation – especially if it uses direct injection. The exhaust manifold and catalyst are at the front of the engine, covered with a large protective shield.
A dominant component here is the hybrid Power Control Unit or PCU. This large box houses the actual switching hardware that controls high voltage to and from the electric motor generators, and the Nickel-Metal Hydride battery located under the rear seat.
This thing gets hot, which is why it’s liquid cooled with its own separate cooling circuit and coolant reservoir tank. Given they handle up to 650 volts, industry standard is bright orange for the network of high voltage lines.
Another unique item is the brake fluid reservoir which is remotely located, with a supply line to its electronic brake control system. The RAV4 Hybrid like many of its breed has drive-by-wire brakes, the brake pedal an electric controller, the hydraulic pressure managed by the computer.
This better manages and balances braking forces which also utilize friction from the electric motor generators in the process of regenerative braking to recharge the battery when slowing or coasting.
Aside of those key differences, if you own one and plan to service it yourself the rest of it’s pretty straight forward. The air filter box is up top and ahead of the driver, though it does require some wrestling to get open.
Oil fill and dipstick are where they are expected, on the engine. The radiator coolant reservoir and the windshield washer fluid are on the passenger side along with the main fuse panel. The 12-volt battery is however located at the rear of the RAV4, under the cargo floor with the spare tire.
