Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as a towcar

Hybrids are not generally noted for their towing abilities, indeed some are not type approved to tow. However to debunk some of the anti diesel hysteria; any changes to tax etc will not affect EU6 compliant engines which are as clean if not cleaner than petrol. A recent WHO report raises increasing concerns about emission problems with particulates from the high compression turbo petrol engines used to achieve theoretical good mpg figures...... And what about the impact of mining the Lithium for the hybrid batteries and environmental impact of disposal of the batteries at end of life?! 

Hi MartinOrd1

i have a 2.5 Rav 4 hybrid. We tow a Sprite major 6td which is around 1450kg. From memory the Rav can tow 1550 or 1600 kg.

i'm happy with it as a tow car, comfortable to drive with enough power for towing. 

I've had it since last September and it's been fine.

hooe that helps a bit

Hi
I spoke to Toyota dealer last week on subject. I was interested in Hybrid as potential replacement for Honda CRV due (in part) to health risks from NO2 and focus on dirty diesel at present (Longer term higher tax likely, effect on diesel car values etc). In theory high low speed torque of electric motor should be an advantage.

Dealer response was that early hybrid models (of which Toyota have some experience) was that the engine management system is focussed on economy. Dealer commented that engine/auto gearbox management system (i.e. magic box of electronics and software) can now recognise when the towbar has trailer plugged in and attached. Electric motor response is adjusted accordingly - so improving tow capability. Previously, the motor tended to overheat, as it was required to do all the work at low speed on a unit of much greater weight than designed for in the car without caravan attached.

Technically plausible, but likely to just be salesman chatter. It would be interesting to get our tech experts to comment on potential for hybrids as tow vehicles - it seems that there are increasing number of these vehicles becoming available.

Like most folk I use my car for commuting, in town, and for caravan towing. I am interested in a Hybrid as a less polluting town car than high NOx & particulates from a diesel engine vehicle, and believe that the electric motor drive could be of some practical use when towing, but is unlikely to be of much benefit overall in fuel consumption.

Over to the tech experts for comment.

Martin M

"Technically plausible, but likely to just be salesman chatter."

Reality probably,  Some cars with 6,7,8 or even 9 speed autos will pull away in 2nd gear but will use 1st if a trailer plug connection is detected

Have towed with a Mitsubishi Phev hybrid no problems not far on electric though made up for it though being able to plug it in on site to run around towed bailey unicorn Vigo 

But essentially, can it tow minimum of 175 miles in a day pulling a 1650 Kg caravan, and then be refuelled overnight on a 6 amp municipal site EHU, and then be able to do it all over again the next day?

If it can, great I will buy one job done!  But if not I will stick to my 3 Litre Diesel.

TF 

I have seen both a Mitsubishi and Volvo Hybrids on site and both were being charged via the external electric plug on the c/vans

I also tow with a RAV4 2013, 2.2 diesel. Soon my other car, a 2.0 diesel Avensis 2008 will need replacing so looking into the hybrid option to keep ahead of the game. Toyota like Volvo are doing away with diesel in the near future for hybrid or electric only, so it would be nice if someone would do an in-depth review on the RAV4 hybrid. It's the fuel economy of the 2.5 petrol engine that worries me not the hybrid eliminate. The RAV4 is not the most frugal on fuel, solo or towing but at least I know it's limits, but with a petrol/electric hybrid, currently this is unknown so a thought test would be a great help from the Club in coming to a decision.

I have no interest in a hybrid as a tow car. When at home for 8 months of the year the tow car does little mileage and so, from an economy point of view not worth the faff of plugging in to an outlet. It probably does 4 miles every 2 weeks to keep it moving and maybe a fortnightly trip of 10 miles each way. The main mileage is when away in the caravan and I would have no desire to plug in on site.

I do not think "economy" is a priority with the petrol side of Hibrids when,there is the battery that takes the miles per gallon to much higher level than before on either petrol or diesel