The RAV4 GXL 2WD Plug-in Hybrid will arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2027 carrying the same 201 kW (282 hp) 2.5-litre PHEV powertrain and a 22.7 kWh battery that Toyota says delivers up to 121 km of electric range on the WLTP cycle.
Toyota Australia confirmed the mid-range GXL 2WD PHEV as a fourth Plug-in Hybrid grade for the RAV4, joining the XSE 2WD, the AWD PHEV and the top-of-the-range RAV4 GR Sport AWD PHEV that went on sale in July 2026. The introduction is part of what Toyota calls its expanding electrified vehicle range and is intended to broaden Toyota's coverage of the PHEV market for the RAV4.
"The mid-range GXL grade has long been a popular model in the RAV4 lineup and now with the addition of the PHEV powertrain option, it adds even more customer appeal," explains Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas. He added: "Toyota is committed to increasing our range of electrified vehicles as part of our multi-pathway strategy that addresses our decarbonization goals while providing the right vehicle, with the right powertrain, for all Australian customer needs."
Specifications and equipment
The new GXL 2WD PHEV shares the XSE 2WD PHEV's 201 kW combined output, 22.7 kWh battery and up to 121 km WLTP electric range. Charging is rated up to 11 kW on AC and 50 kW on DC fast charging. The powertrain pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce the stated combined output of 201 kW or 282 hp.
The GXL grade is equipped with full LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way powered driver seat, smart entry and start, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch central touchscreen. A wireless phone charger is also fitted. As with other RAV4 grades, the GXL PHEV comes with Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features and Connected Services.
Both hybrid and PHEV RAV4 models receive an updated Drive Mode Select system. All-wheel drive models, across PHEV and HEV configurations, will adopt a revised AWD system that replaces the previous Trail/Snow mode with Rock & Dirt and Mud & Sand modes starting from the fourth quarter of the year.
The addition of the GXL 2WD PHEV expands the RAV4 line-up to 12 distinct options when trim, 2WD or AWD and HEV or PHEV powertrains are counted. The GXL's equipment and technical specification mirror the existing XSE 2WD PHEV, and Toyota has scheduled the new grade to go on sale in Australia during the first quarter of 2027.
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