“Consumers have never been more ready to embrace the design, performance and fuel-efficiency of our electrified line-up,” said Cyril Dimitris, Vice-President, Toyota Canada Inc. “Today we are pleased to introduce two additional electrified models – the 2021 RAV4 Prime and 2020 Highlander Hybrid – to the Toyota line-up and place them on exhibit here in Montreal.”

2021 TOYOTA RAV4 PRIME

This new RAV4 Prime is the most fun-to-drive yet and is built on the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform as the current-generation RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid. With an estimated 302 horsepower at the driver’s command, the RAV4 Prime will be the most powerful in the compact SUV segment. An acceleration time from 0-96 km/h in just 5.8 seconds – makes RAV4 Prime the second-quickest vehicle in the Toyota line-up, after the GR Supra. RAV4 Prime also delivers the all-weather confidence of advanced, electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive, plus the responsive handling of a sport-tuned suspension.

In addition to an ability to do 0-96 km/h in a projected 5.8 seconds, which is the second quickest acceleration time in the Toyota lineup, it can drive an estimated 60 kilometres on battery alone on a single charge, which is the highest EV range of any PHEV SUV on the market. The RAV4 Prime also has a manufacturer-estimated 2.6 Le/100 km fuel consumption. Welcome to a new chapter of Toyota SUV performance.

It’s also Toyota’s first North American plug-in-hybrid RAV4, which means it will deliver incredible fuel efficiency, estimated at just 2.6Le equivalent per 100 kilometres. Drivers will be able to make most daily trips without using a drop of gasoline. When the longer road trip beckons, RAV4 Prime seamlessly transforms into a full gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle – so there’s never any worry about finding a charging station.

From acceleration to efficiency, RAV4 Prime redefines what an SUV can be – even as it provides the comfort, versatility and space that has made RAV4 Toyota’s most popular model in Canada.

2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID

This is the first Highlander Hybrid to be built using the TNGA – giving it many benefits over the previous generations. Performance upgrades include enhanced agility, a tighter turning circle, and the smoothest and quietest ride yet. TNGA also liberates the Highlander Hybrid’s design, giving it a more powerful stance and a modern, sophisticated attitude while still accommodating up to eight people in comfort and style.

Highlander Hybrid models feature a new-generation self-charging hybrid-electric powertrain. This super-efficient system combines an Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, high-torque electric motor/generators, a continuously variable transmission and delivers 243-net horsepower. Hybrid system batteries are more efficient, keeping their size small enough to fit under the rear seats so they take up no additional cargo or passenger space.

This all-new hybrid system boasts a 19 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous-generation hybrid powertrain – even as it generates almost as much system horsepower as the new conventional gas-powered Highlander. The new hybrid is not only the most efficient Highlander to date – it’s also now more efficient than many gas-powered compact sedans and is expected to top the segment in fuel efficiency. All 2020 Highlander Hybrid models feature the added confidence of all-wheel-drive (AWD).

Which of these two electrified Toyotas are you most interested in? Experience your favourite by clicking the TEST DRIVE Button below and scheduling a complete tour and road test of either the 2020 RAV4 Prime or the 2020 Highlander Hybrid. Chances are, you’ll be glad you did.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.