RAV4 hybrid

I read an article in (I think) the CAMC magazine about hybrids.

It was fairly superficial, but I believe that about the only suitable one for towing was the Mitsubishi PHEV which had a tow limit of about 1500kg

The article confirmed that 'electric' power cannot be used for towing.

It also said that most hybrids had an extremely limited range on 'electric' because their batteries were only charged by things like regenerative braking.......which gives hardly any top up to the batteries.

Even the ones that are charged via the mains have limited range.....maybe 60 miles.

Until there is a massive improvement in batteries, I see little practicality in these vehicles, other than for short commutes.

Hi, we tow with an Outlander PHEV. From being fully charged, the battery power is gone in around 20 miles, then we're on petrol. 

We get about 30 miles from the battery without the van, which does us most of the time. Rarely have to put petrol in.

It's a good stable tow, but the engine works hard and is noisy on hills.

There are definitely much better towcars out there. But as an all rounder for a 1 car family it suits our needs. We really like it. ( But we're biased😉)

Would not consider the PHEV. having spoken to several owners they all thought it useless as a proper towing vehicle. OK as a domestic vehicle for use on shorter journeys but even then no more than average.

The RAV4  does seem much more user friendly but would need to see an extended towing report before I committed myself.

TF

Thanks all - it's off my shortlist!

The towcar of the year award by the C&CC and Practical Caravan tested the RAV4 in diesel form and basically did not regard it as a good towcar so I would avoid all versions.

Thanks Wildwood - RAV4 must have gone downhill! 2003 after a rear end shunt to my 2l D Toyota Corolla, ended up touring France for 3 weeks with a 2l petrol RAV4, slightly less power than Corolla, but worked fine.