RAV4 Hybrid Towing Torture Test - Will It Survive The Climb??
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- We take the new 2019 / 2020 RAV4 Hybrid up 7,300 feet in elevation with 250 pounds MORE than the tow rating to see what happens!
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Alex, This test is so thorough that it makes me wonder whether your scrutiny surpassed Toyota's own engineering department. Other than a specific boat ramp test, you have certainly answered all my earlier questions about the RAV4 Hybrid's ultimate towing capacity. As an educational bonus, you assiduously included a timely reminder to follow 'Severe Service' fluid change intervals if we tow frequently. Heck, you even slipped in a hilariously germane reference to the Donner Party. Go ahead, invest in a case of authentic CZcams Video Award polish. Now we just have to wait for the Highlander Hybrid tow tests.
This channel is basically the car review equivalent of Gamer's Nexus. I'm really impressed with the thorough data collection and critical examination you've done here. Keep it up! This is the stuff that keeps me coming back for more! It also doesn't hurt that you're complementing the hybrid system in my car more often than not with these videos ;)
Install rear roof rack and a clamp on wind deflector. The is wind slip streaming right into that trailer. I did it on pickup topper an it improved my towing mileage by 1.1 mpg.
Your mileage numbers are about what I would expect towing. My experience towing travel trailers with gas engines has always indicated about a 50% drop in mileage compared to no trailer.
Filling in issues come in Toyota HEV starting from Prius. It looks like some nozzles at Costco and Sam's Club are really tight and when is really hot or cold outside the gasoline vapor pressure while filling the tank build up too fast and click the pump mechanism stopping thefilling process. The way around is to manually pull slightly the nozzle outside and twist sideways this allowing some building pressure in the tank to escape. Stay safe.
Okay, I just defended my PhD yesterday and I have to say, this video looked like you're defending your PhD on this topic. So well documented, highly detailed and you covered every possible question.
That is a very apt comparison. Alex is the most cogent purveyor of car reviews on CZcams . He does not add to the surplus of pandering hyperbole that pollutes this space. Alex admits to being a failed engineer but his consistent and scholarly attempts to lift us from our state of automotive ignorance are, at the very least, worthy of an honorary degree from a reputable institution of higher learning.
In Europe the rav4 hybrid is rate as follow
Awd models
Trail without brakes 750kg 1650lb
Trail with brakes 1650kg 3630lb
2wd with or without brakes 750kg 1650lb
So if you where towing 2000lb 905kg you where well with towing rates for awd model
Thank you for making this video. I really like how thorough you were. I occasionally want to pull a garden trailer that they sometimes put too much loam/bark mulch in so it may be overweight by as much as 300lbs. But I'm only going 2 miles on fairly flat pavement at 30-40MPH on a side street. I was going to buy the Adventure because of this, but I really wanted to get the hybrid. Your video is making me think I can get away with it as long as I'm careful and drive slowly and make slow starts and stops. The trailer weighs 800lbs empty and I put in around 2 yards of mulch which weighs around 1200lbs. Thanks again.
A kind response to your gas tank comment. I assure you its not the nozzle. I've put over 30k miles in the first 6 months of ownership. My weekly commute between home and work is 1200 miles weekly over 3 states. The result is the same across all gas stations. I'm short 3-4 gallons each fill up.
Great towing vehicle. I average 25mpg's +/-2 mpg at a much shallower grade (900m elevation change) with a 2000lbs trailer load when I have a trailer hooked up.
The Weber auto channel has some really good tear-down videos of the Toyota hybrid transmission. Once I understood how it functions, I was completely shocked at how simple the mechanism really is. Significantly simpler in operation than either a belt driven CVT or an automatic. Basically a planetary gear set with two motors and an engine as inputs. I’m sure this is why the Prius in general has a stand-out reputation for reliability even among other Toyota models. This RAV4 hybrid is an impressive machine.
Agreed. Our 2006 Prius has almost 300k and has zero issue with transmission. I've towed 1000 lbs UHual open trailer with 2 motorcycles in it. I've also towed trailer with 1 motorcycle during 100 degree in summer exact route Alex tested.
@@midnightsunturbo Over the last two decades Toyota has mastered their Hybrid system while other manufacturers are still experimenting on the public.
@@rightlanehog3151 Ford has been using the same type of hybrid transmission as Toyota since the mid 2000s. They even share some hybrid patents between the two manufacturers. FCA also has this same type of hybrid transmission in the Pacifica hybrid since 2017.
There is one on this generation of RAV 4 - and he says that the motors ARE cooled by the transmission fluid so.. Not sure why Alex says that they are cooled by water.
Eminem doesn't spit this hard. Damn Alex, you killed this review. Great job.
whoa I just happened to see this blue Rav4 with the recognizable A\A logo on the 580 today around the El Cerrito area in the East Bay. This was well after this video though.
See the Acura TSX on my profile pic? I towed about 2,000 lbs with that too. Yup, 900 lb motorcycle trailer and 2 motorcycles, one about 550lbs and the other about 430lbs. Took it to about 1,000 ft above sea level all while chugging along at about 80mph. Most vehicles can tow. I’m not the least but surprised the RAV4 could do this. I am very impressed by how the car managed cooling all of its components though. The hybrid system is a very complicated system that has clearly been mastered by Toyota.
But yeah, most vehicles can tow. The RAV4 Hybrid probably could have chugged 3,000lbs or more at sea level and MODERATE climbing grades up to 7,000 ft.
Unfortunately most auto manufactures are removing any and all tow ratings from non-truck vehicles.
Most of the Sam's Club stations and about 25% of other stations had a problem with my 2008 Toyota Prius. The nozzle shut off as if the tank was full , so I can only assume that the gas foamed in the neck of the tank fill tube and caused the auto shutoff to detect gas at the nozzle. I could turn the nozzle on repeatedly and eventually fill my tank. One solution I used was to turn the nozzle upside down and fill up until the gallon count was close to the full amount and then turn the nozzle right side up. Apparently, Toyota engineers do not understand that gasoline, especially oxygenated with alcohol, foams. I do know that Toyota dealers and the company could not care less about customers' problems with filling up.
Alex, you've slowly risen to the top of my go-to channels because of how thorough you are. I'm specifically looking for an SUV with decent towing and decent MPG and this combination is just about right. Was going to get the 21 Ridgeline (still might) but moving towards the RAV4 Hybrid. The Rav4 Prime is rated to tow 2500 Lbs and is crazy quick, but I can't justify the extra cost for the Prime. Sadly, the Venza still has no posted tow rating, but knowing it's on the same chassis, I will conclude the tow rating is similar to this hybrid. Only the battery is different since the RAV4 still uses NiMH batteries and the Venza has the upgraded Lithium pack. Also, I'm on my 3rd Prius since they came out and have to say, the planetary gear system is probably the most reliable "transmission" since there is so little going on. Even its oil never needs changing because the heat/friction levels never get too extreme. I hate CVTs like what Nissan uses, but the Planetary gear system controlled by the motors is pure genius. I love Honda and the Ridgeline is great, but I may stick with Toyota all my towing math adds up. Thanks again for your amazing work.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe all rav4s starting with the 2021s are lithium. 🤷🏻♂️
I tow 1000 to 2000 with my 2010 prius . still get 38mpg . LOL have for 80k miles now at 225k. no problems.
2000 is pushing it on one of those but doable with conservative driving.
Same mileage everything except I have a Honda Civic I towed a 5000 pound boat before for 2 hours and I got and oils leak over the valve cover I believe
🤴 King
Come on Alex, I know you have a RAV4 Prime video you're sitting on !
Thanks Alex! Looking to upgrade the Prius to one of these. As someone who will just occasionally want to tow a small uhaul this helps a lot!
The Prius itself can tow a 4x6 Uhaul.
Hi Alex, I do love your videos. Just a comment about the filling issue. It's real, but as you note, it doesn't affect all 2019 vehicles. I too have a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid, and it was one of the earlier ones to market . Those were made in Japan before the migrated the manufacturing to North America. Some of those Japan made units (like mine) had the issue with filling that prevented getting a full tank, and would also indicate an empty tank much too early. While having a reserve is normal, it should only be about 2 gallons out of the 14.5 gallon standard tank, and I estimate is was hitting empty with about 4 gallons. Toyota corporate has acknowledged the problem, but has not officially said what the fix is. However, just recently, Toyota approved replacing my gas tank to a new one that comes from a different supplier than what came with my car. Given I and everyone else isn't driving much, I haven't been able to go through a whole tank yet since the fix, but early indication seems to be the problem may be gone. Sorry for the long winded comment, but just wanted to offer that this isn't just a gas station pump issue.
Mine is also a Japanese made model and an early 2019.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Interesting, and a good data point. However, I do know that the new tank did correct my fill issues, and Toyota corporate does agree there is an issue . My best fill (using the same pump at Costco each time) was about 9 gallons. First time after replacement, it was 12. So gas tank vendor may not come into it, but there is a hardware issue on some of these. interestingly enough, the GM at the dealer I purchased this at also purchased one for his son, happened to have the same issue. Perhaps then just batch related. But lest this sound like complaining, I actually love this vehicle. From styling to technology, I am quite impressed.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Alex, Please check your own video from Sept 28, 2019. Your RAV4 is made in Woodstock , Ontario , Canada which is not generally considered to be a part of Japan. Canada is the land of the dropping hockey puck not the land of the rising sun.
unreal detail on this ! can you do the 2020 highlander hybrid as well?
I have a 2019 Rav4 Hybrid LE now with 27K miles on it. Rated for 1,750 max towing. I added an aftermarket hitch and Toyota factory trailer wiring to pull a 5 x 10, single axle, v-nose cargo trailer camper conversion. It is 7 ft tall behind the SUV. I set it up with a kitchen in the back like a teardrop trailer. I am careful about weight, balance and tongue weight. The scale weight is 1,420 loaded for camping. I am getting about 24 - 27 mpg depending on terrain, speed and headwinds and only take it out occasionally. I also carry a roof cargo box on my factory roof rack which I think breaks up the wind resistance a bit for the trailer. I am an easy driver and get 40 -42 mpg average without the trailer. This review by Alex is great re-assurance that my pre-planning buying the hybrid Rav4 as my daily driver and light camper tow vehicle is an optimal setup. I couldn't be happier. I have learned so much from Alex about my car and how it is designed. Thank you!
Thank you for a great video. I'm from the UK and the mpg would differ with imperial measurements. It's nice to know that my RAV is well capable at towing. Also, we in the UK, have never had a fill up issue.
Don't they sell petrol in litres over there?
@@rightlanehog3151 yes but speed and distance is in miles and we still refer to miles per gallon for fuel usage. Goes back to before we went metric.
Hey TFL, Alex just kicked your butts when it comes to DETAILED towing tests . Mic drop!!!
Right Lane Hog Alex is more technical and a touch of fun. TFL is fun and a touch technical.
@@freed14760 Well said. I am a fan of both approaches.
@@freed14760 TFL is a streaming pile of clickbaity crap.
This is much more entertaining than just a car review. Excellent job!
Maybe the specifics has changed with over 10 years of Toyota hybrid generations, but I'm certain that with the iconic Prius hybrids, engine braking or B-mode is operated by using the electricity generated by regenerative braking, and sending that power to the smaller enegine generator (MG1) to run the engine as a vaccum pump. This braking affect is of course limited by the maximum power capacity of the generator, which is ~54hp for the Prius. Maybe there's also a mechanical gear ratio reduction on the engine too.
A benefit I feel that a PHEV has in spades is that long downhil mountain runs are a blessing given the larger battery capacity that can gobble it all up. Maybe until next time when the RAV4 Prime comes.
With this type of hybrid system, there is no serial mode. So whether you are powering the vehicle, or engine braking it is always a mixture of mechanical and electrical path.
Hey Alex, i've got a RAV4 Prime. I'm towing a 2,100 pound A-Frame Camper. I'm very interested in being able to get the MG1 and MG2 numbers as well as transmission fluid temps. What's the tool you we're using? Hope you can help.
Alex, what tool did you use to get your data from? If you have a link to the product you used that would be great. Thanks.
BMW from 2001 - if you attach a trailer it will switch off rear center parking sensors. The ones at the corners are still active. measuring trailer to bumper distance.
Love the reviews on Toyota Hybrid RAV4. My wife and I own a 2013 LE. Nice to see, because we might buy a hybrid to replace our RAV4 LE.
Keep your better looking '13 and especially less mechanically complicated , even if it has over 200k km
Strange....Alex repeatedly, explains how much simpler that Toyota's hybrids are than their non-hybrid ICEVs, that have complex transmissions... but some ppl will never learn...
Most likely the same ppl prefer cars with "points and condensers" too :)
martin martin The 5th Gens are better looking and much safer. I’d buy the gas model.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q There a new electronically variable control systems for the thermostat, water pump, oil pump . All this are more complex than the old sytem , and 2 more gears for the transmission also adds to potential issues
Good job on that! 👏🏼 driving hybrid RAV4 2019 Was surprised what this vehicle can do...just WoW
RV dealers are painting a grim picture on the only thing I could tow with my brand new 2020 RAV4 hybrid is a pop-up camper. There are none others it could tow.
You said you had 250 pounds over what RAV4 was rated at but here in New Zealand our RAV4 is rated at 1500 kgs which is around 3300 pounds.
Enjoyed your video.
Thank you for providing interesting and informative reviews. In the current situation they help even if I'm not always interested in the car being reviewed.
Hi Alex,
@ 11:45
I believe the speedometers on modern cars are set by the manufacturers to display a bit more km/h or mph from the true speed in order to help the drivers avoid speed tickets. For example if the speed limit is 60 mph and you are doing 60 mph the car will actually be doing ~56 mph meaning you'll be 4 mph under the limit and there for you won't be in danger to get a ticket.Also that helps with the cruise control, if you'd suddenly started going a bit down on a decline the cruise won't immediately reduce speed so you get a small buffer there too.
This depends greatly on the car, not every vehicle does this
Great test! This is near my occasional max use case. I am curious to hear how we might extrapolate this test to the highlander hybrid. I know you guessed it had a larger rear motor but Toyota is not sharing all the specs. Of course I would love to see this test on the hi-hi when able. Thanks!
The Highlander Hybrid is rated to tow 3,500 lbs.
Jeep renegade won’t fill up at certain stations as well, it’s the nozzle design at some stations
Hi from Sacramento! 👋 you stopped just around the corner from me on your way back! Great video as always
Great Video. Which datalogger did you use ? Im interrested on having the same for my RAV4 Hybrid 2019
Do a highlander hybrid towing test
i was wondering about hotter summer temperatures, thanks for addressing that and higher speeds
We are also wondering/worrying about this since recommendations comment not to drive in too hot weather. Kind of impossible in the summer mountain/desert west.
I drove from southern cali to oregon on 5 with a bigger trailer than that and never went below 75 and frequently got passed by people towing at over 80.
Instant like for the video starting xD Love you Alex! I hope you keep reviewing cars forever.
Reminder. The transmission on this hybrid and just like the ford escape has a transaxle type transmission. Its more like a standard. No bands or solenoids etc. Just bearings and a some planetary gears. With the electric motor and generator integrated in. Not like a regular cvt not like regular automatic transmission. The electric motors are what change the gear ratio.
Can you repeat this test with the rav4 prime?
What exactly did you use to get the data on the engine and transmission temps?
Hi Alex, can you please share what scan tool you are using to gather information from the vehicle?
Thank you Alex. I was always sure the RAV4 Hybrid is a good chose I be making in the not to distance future. Other videos you did and this one enforce my decision to get it. As you said also, TFL did a MPG test video a few day ago and CZcams and it also enforce my decision to get the RAV4 Hybrid E-AWD. This thing will fit in with my lifestyle perfectly.
Toyota has had a little over 20yrs (globally) with basically the same hybrid system. They started off with a really good design and have improved it over the years, so I'm not surprised to see that the hybrid system faired well on the trip. I'd have been curious to see what the engine oil temperatures did on that climb, since I'm pretty sure they don't have an oil cooler and 0W20 is not exactly awesome at high temperatures.
My concern with that much towing weight on a hybrid SUV is brakes. Hybrids in general usually have undersized brakes compared to a comparable non-hybrid since it helps reduce rotational mass/improves fuel economy and they can get away with it due to the fact that regeneration will be dealing with a lot of the braking during normal driving and hybrids typically aren't driven that hard. Properly maintained and functioning trailer brakes would be an absolute requirement.
Did you watch the video? This trailer has brakes.
I heard Alex was moving 400lbs of the most stickiest cheech you can get your hands on to NV. Bless up to movers and shakers like you alex 🙏🙌✨❤
Alex,what is the obd 2 reader you are using? I assume its Bluetooth connected to your display? Thanks.
What are you using for OBD2 data logging and display? That's really good information! I would like to see this information while climbing hills on the trails. Thanks Alex!
im so glade you are making this video i'm looking at getting a rav4 TRD to tow my boat so i'm interested in how these things tow.
DZ Farms I have the Trail & it does great towing my ATV,not much weight but...
@@penvon cool good to know the boat and trailer I want is only about 1800lbs
@@dzfarms8110 The TRD has a tow rating of 3,500 lbs which is double the rating of the Hybrid.
A+ ! You and TFL are giving us the tow tests we need to see.
Nobody in the uk has had an issue. I think it's, more about when they hit empty they expect to put 55ltrs back in but don't the know that manufactures of hybrid car have to put a large reserve in because if you run out of fuel its a dealer job to fix the car and you can cause major damage the rav4 shows red light with about 20ltr remaining.
We speed o meters are calibrated about 10% less than actual this is to prevent manufacturers being being brought into court for speeding cases
I believe the Toyota Prius this year has a towing capacity I saw a video from Toyota UK with a Toyota towing a camper
I have a 2000lb boat with no electric breaks ! But it's more aerodynamic. I really want to save money and get the rav4 rather than Highlnader. What to doooo
The towing capacity goes down to only 1000 lbs if the trailer is not equipped with brakes. Nobody seams to know that.
(according to owner's manual in Usa and Canada for the hybrid as well as the gasoline models).
What software did you use to display this data?
Awesome video. Been a long time follower! Great info and thanks for sharing. I would be interested in getting that raw data you collected for doing some analysis
Watch out TFL
Unfair comparison to Alex. TFL is clickbait garbage.
What app and OBDII adapter did you use for this? I can't seem to get any MG data in Torque Pro
I’ve seen about 30 people asking what obd2 scanner you’re using for the temp reading and I’ve yet to see a response 😂 come on dude
On the Rav4 Hybrid refilling issues. You just have to give it like 30 seconds after the first fill to let the fuel settle. It will literally give you like an entire extra gallon. It's silly, but it works.
Toyota already came out with a fix, I got it fixed few weeks ago and it’s great
Excellent!!! More towing.
Agreed.
surprising results , a lot more efficient then i anticipated! Excellent job by the way !! Very Impressive~! :-)
Great Alex ! I love this video. Can you do same for Honda CRV hybrid?
The CRV hybrid has no rated towing capacity
@@AAutoBuyersGuide no problem, you'll be the first to find out!
So impressive!tho I have no idea of how those data means,I just know its good because of your great reactions lol.I cant wait for my rav4 to arrive on july😍
Good choice.
Quite impressive. I would not have thought it would do that well, although it did look like it was perhaps close to what it could do--much more weight and it would not be holding speed in the hills. On flat ground, it probably would have been fine with more weight, but it would have shown up in the hills--you take a double whammy in the hills, having to pull the weight up plus the air drag.
Quick look at Toyota's website indicates that the hybrid has a 1,230lb payload capacity--that is what my Tundra has, believe it or not! Where things get funny is when I compare against the Adventure model with its 3,500lb towing rating. The Adventure has but 1,050lb payload. Unfortunately Toyota does not care to list GCWR on its site, after listing both curb and GVWR. One is left assuming that J2807's 300lb of occupants + 100lb hitch stuff is all that is inside the vehicle, leading a min GCWR of 400+curb+trailer. That implies GCWR of 7,555lb for Adventure and 5,840 for Hybrid.
Given that the GVWR is higher for the hybrid, I would hazard that the issue is not tires, not suspension or brakes, but rather horsepower: the Adventure simply has more hp at 203 vs 176 from the gas engine. On a long hill, eventually everything has to come from the gas engine, plus any limits from the heating of routing power through the electric motors. The hybrid may have more peak hp, but once those batteries run out... I bet on flat ground, the hybrid likely would feel faster due to the higher hp and more than hold its own. It'd only be in the hills were continuous power requirements hold it back. Pure swag on my part.
All around, rather impressive. Pulling an enclosed trailer is a tough test, as it's just shy of towing a barn door. Try this again but at 65mph and those hills might seem much harder.
Does the Ford Escape hybrid tow? If so, do a test and compare results if applicable. If it doesn't tow maybe do a hill climb fully loaded and lock at data results.
The escape hybrid is rated to tow 1,500 pounds
Great review. Wondering how the seat comfort was during all those miles. In an earlier vid you said that for tall people the driver seat was uncomfortable. I'm 6 ft and plan to do a lot of long highway driving.
It might be a good idea to rent one for a weekend to see how it suits you.
Alex living life on the edge during the lock down. 😂
Very interesting. I'm holding out for the Prime, but it would be nice to see the data without a trailer compared to this data with the trailer. I've got a small aluminum bass boat that would be nice to tow with this or the Prime occasionally since my lifted 96 truck gets about 10-13mpg on a good day. Mostly 30 mile drives (60 round trip) and no extreme hills, but would like to go to even further if the Rav4 Prime or Hybrid could handle it.
Prime isnt good for long distance only save money in around town driving on either pruis or rav4 prime.
please do a review for the 2024 Venza hybrid
Isn't it common for speedometers to be conservative too keep drivers from speeding as much?
This was excellent. Liked the format and the test and answered a lot of questions. For me, living in the north, the question now is, 'how does it perform below freezing temperatures'? If you live in a climate where only 6+ months of the year it's above freezing, is the hybrid still a practical option..?
How far North?
Same mileage everything except I have a Honda Civic I towed a 5000 pound boat before for 2 hours and I got and oils leak over the valve cover I believe
I’d be overloading that RAV4 towing capacity by 750 pounds just towing my zero turn mower on my single axle utility trailer. That combo is 2,500 pounds. 1,750 or even 2k towing capacity is a joke! The 20.8 on flat towing and 12mpg (terrible) on the climbs likely wouldn’t yield you better mpg than the non-hybrid versions.
After watching this video and your comment I'm looking at a highlander with the v6
Alex, This is a fantastic video for detailing the RAV4's capability but I would like to know whether this 'torture' video will be deleted when you inevitably put this 'low mileage, gently driven' RAV4 up for sale. ;)
Nope.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide :)
Question: what software were you using for the data logging? I'm using CarScanner Pro, but it does not yet have a profile for my Rav4 Prime, so I have been using the Prius Prime and BZ4X profiles, but neither one includes the MG1, MG2, and MGR Stator temps. And I have not been able to find a post on the Internet with the complete PID's for the Rav4 Prime, so I haven't been able to program custom CarScanner gauges for them. I am looking into getting an Aliner, but don't want to risk towing a trailer until I can get a solid solution for reading critical drivetrain temperatures from the OBD-II port. Great video, though! If your Rav4 Hybrid can tow a 2,000 pound box trailer, my Prime, with it's 180 hp MG2 motor, should be able to tow an Aliner at 55 without worry about overheating.
Hi Alex so so alex if i have a loaded car for the trip plus 5 people it counts so I can towing no more like (800 kg 1700 lbs ), but when I have only 2 passenger in rav 4 I can pull more than 1000 kg e.g. 1200 how do you think?
I think if you use the cruise control downhill it would just use engine braking and you would not have to use the foot brake
What is in the sun roof opening? Looks like a plastic bag.
Amazing video!!!!
Very impressive engineering. Another great A\A video, though I wish you would have stayed below the tow rating. Sure enough, somebody will see your video and fry his RAV4.
As we covered in the video, the reason for the tow rating has to do with Tongue weight, Not capability. In Europe the system is rated to toe twice what it is in America so we are well within the range
@@AAutoBuyersGuide to tow twice
I love hat you guys are doing!!! I would love to know how an accord hybrid sport performs towing under 1200 pounds like a kayak trailer etc
This is awesome, please do more
Just towed a 1400 lb teardrop for 1850 miles ended up with 24 mpg
Wow that guy, i like him. Finally, somebody who says the right data. Thank you so much and just wow for the awsome job
nice video as usual! could you add the numbers in the video with their metric equivalent for your viewers outside the US?
Alex, you had the windows up, so I'm assuming you had the air conditioning on, especially in California? Is that how your Rav4 Hybrid normally driven, and MPG are with the A/C on?
Great content! More torture tests in the future I hope.
Hi, Alex. Might want to change your transmission fluid after torture-testing it. See the manual.
Actually because the transmission fluid stays much cooler than in the non-hybrid vehicle there is no special duty cycle fluid change until 60,000 miles. The non-hybrid fluid change schedule is different.
Yes, but does it do burn outs.
I don't get it. I travel over mountains almost anywhere I go and what goes up ---(lots of gas) must come down. (very little,, if any,, gas), depending on the mtn. I loose mileage, of course, going up, but gain at least that much back coming down.
Alex can you make video of towing with 2021 Honda crv? How it responds with engine and cvt transmission? Thanks.
Alex.. wondering how you think the Rav4 Prime would compare to the Hybrid in towing capacity.. and how it would do.. I'm assuming with the greater weight and power.. that the prime would be superior to the hybrid. Looking to be able to tow a small popup camper - under 2,000 lbs dry.
Just noticed your rav4 dies not have the digital dash. Wow all rav4 in Europe have the large digital dash as standard. What else don't you get.
Did you tried the apps Hybrid assistant and hybrid reporter? They provide some good information.
8.9 MPG is pretty terrible though it is good it survived. I assume you would get better gas mileage with a Highlander pulling this trailer?
Nice post, but I missed the part, about how long the battery charge lasts while when towing it up the hill (with no down hill regen)? And how long the regen braking, lasted going down hill, before the battery was fully charged?
BTW if they used resistors the MG units could act as brakes even when the battery is full... Are sure they don't have that capability (to assist engine braking on long down hills while towing)?