About this episode
The redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 is now exclusively hybrid, including a powerful plug-in variant that enhances driving experience with a smooth electric-only range of up to 45 miles. The hosts discuss the vehicle's performance, emphasizing its quick acceleration and improved powertrain. They also touch on the importance of charging the plug-in to maximize efficiency. While praising the ride quality and spacious interior, they critique some usability issues with controls and the overall fit and finish. The episode concludes with insights on the RAV4's competitive standing in the compact SUV market.
We take an early look at the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE, which promises more power and a longer electric-only range than the previous versions called the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and RAV4 Prime. We discuss its EV capability, acceleration, interior feel, everyday usability, and where it is worth the $46,000 asking price. We also answer audience questions about how EVs balance horsepower and range, and whether smaller wheels are an effective way to deal with potholes.
00:17 - Toyota RAV4 PHEV first impressions
33:00 - how do EVs balance horsepower and range?
37:22 - how much does wheel size play in role in pothole damage?
2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV First Impressions: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review-a1016340226/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBdRy0utyaM
2026 Toyota RAV4
"So today we're talking about the redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4, and here's what you need to know."
The RAV4 is a small SUV made by Toyota. In 2026 it got a new look and new engine choices, including electric versions.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV that has been updated with new styling, technology, and powertrain options. It remains one of Toyota’s best‑selling models worldwide.
plug-in variant
"The RAV4 is offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, as well as a plug‑in variant..."
A plug‑in hybrid can be plugged in to charge its battery, so it can run on electricity for a while before the gas engine starts.
A plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) can be charged from an external source, allowing it to drive on electric power alone for a limited range before the gasoline engine assists.
hybrid powertrain
"I mean, I think we have to start with the powertrain. This plug‑in version specifically is powerful..."
A hybrid engine uses both a gasoline motor and an electric motor to help the car run better and use less gas.
A hybrid powertrain combines a gasoline engine with one or more electric motors and a battery to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
PHEV
"in a hybrid or PHEV, because so many vehicles these days have sort of that delay off the line"
PHEV means Plug‑In Hybrid; it’s a car that can be plugged in to charge its battery, letting you drive on electricity for a while before the gas engine kicks in.
PHEV stands for Plug‑In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, a hybrid that can be charged from an external power source to drive longer distances on electric power alone.
turbo lag
"whether it's a dual clutch transmission or some turbo lag, and this has none of that"
Turbo lag is when a car with a turbocharged engine takes a moment to feel more powerful after you press the gas, because the turbo needs time to spin up.
Turbo lag is the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing extra boost, caused by the time it takes for exhaust gases to spin up the turbine.
dual clutch transmission
"whether it's a dual clutch transmission or some turbo lag, and this has none of that"
A dual clutch transmission is a type of gearbox that can shift gears very quickly, making the car feel more responsive and sporty.
A dual clutch transmission (DCT) uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets, allowing lightning‑fast gear changes without interrupting power delivery.
electric motors
"even when it doesn't have a charge, or you don't have electric only driving, it has a large enough battery and those motors are bigger than a traditional hybrid"
Electric motors are the parts that use electricity to help move a car, often working alongside a gasoline engine to give you extra power or drive on electricity alone.
Electric motors in hybrids provide propulsion using electricity stored in batteries, supplementing or replacing the internal combustion engine for smoother and more efficient driving.
plug and hybrid
"But I'm glad you brought up the charging aspect, because as good as this thing is with and without a charge, like any plug and hybrid,"
A plug‑in hybrid is a car that can be plugged into a charger to fill its battery, so it can run on electric power for some miles before using the gas engine.
A plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) is a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be charged from the grid, allowing it to drive on electricity alone for short distances before switching to hybrid mode.
EV range
"but the trend has always been, it's going to be worse in that charge-sustaining motor when you don't have a EV range left."
EV range is how many miles a car can go on electric power alone before it has to start using gasoline.
EV range refers to the maximum distance a vehicle can travel using only its electric battery before it needs to rely on its internal combustion engine.
regular hybrid
"It's going to be worse than the regular hybrid in terms of actual fuel."
A regular hybrid is a car that uses both gas and electric power, but you can't charge it from an outlet; the battery gets charged while driving.
A regular hybrid uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, but its battery is charged only through regenerative braking and the engine, not by plugging in.
plug-in hybrid
"Why do you think that owners of plug and hybrids don't regularly plug them in? First of all, there's a aspect of not really fully understanding plug and hybrids..."
A plug‑in hybrid is a car that can run on electric power for a while, but it also has a gas engine. You can charge its battery from a wall outlet, so you don’t have to rely only on gas.
A plug‑in hybrid is a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be charged from the grid, allowing it to drive on electric power alone for short distances.
EV
"And it really even when I have an EV and I know I need the charge,"
An EV is a car that runs on electric power from batteries, so you need to plug it in to charge the battery.
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car powered primarily by electricity stored in batteries instead of gasoline.
charging
"And it really even when I have an EV and I know I need the charge,"
Charging is when you plug your electric car into a charger to fill up its battery so it can drive again.
Charging refers to the process of replenishing an electric vehicle's battery by connecting it to a power source.
charger
"And so the charger, you know, I do need to open up the garage and the car sits right outside in charge and all that kind of stuff."
A charger is the thing you plug into a wall or charging station to give your electric car power so it can drive again.
An EV charger is a device that supplies electrical power to recharge an electric vehicle’s battery. It can be a home wall‑mount unit, a public charging station, or a portable charger.
EV light driving experience
"And if you don't plug it in besides the efficiency, which is very important, you're also just losing out on that EV light driving experience,"
When people talk about the "light driving experience" of an electric car, they mean it feels very smooth and quiet, almost like a gentle glide, which is nicer than the rumble of a gasoline engine.
The "light driving experience" refers to the smooth, quiet, and responsive feel of an electric vehicle compared to a combustion engine. It highlights how quickly the car accelerates and how little noise or vibration is felt.
19-inch wheels
"And this does have bigger wheels, so that one had 19s."
The car’s tires sit on 19‑inch rims, which are a bit bigger than the usual size. Bigger wheels can make the car feel tighter but also more noticeable when hitting bumps.
Wheels measured by diameter in inches; 19-inch wheels are larger than the typical 17 or 18 inch wheels, affecting handling and ride feel.
20-inch wheels
"This one has 20s with a lower aspect ratios, meaning a shorter sidewall."
The newer car uses 20‑inch wheels, which are a bit bigger than the previous set. This can make the ride feel a little bumpier on rough roads.
A 20‑inch wheel is even larger than a 19‑inch wheel, providing more grip but also increasing the impact of road imperfections.
aspect ratio
"This one has 20s with a lower aspect ratios, meaning a shorter sidewall."
The tire’s sidewall is shorter because its aspect ratio is lower. Shorter sidewalls can make the car feel more responsive but also a bit harsher on bumps.
Aspect ratio is the height of a tire’s sidewall expressed as a percentage of its width. Lower aspect ratios mean shorter sidewalls, which can improve handling but reduce comfort.
wheelbase
"Well, and the reality is a lot of that interior space comes down to wheelbase, right?"
Wheelbase is the length between the front and back wheels. A longer wheelbase usually means more room inside the car and smoother driving.
The wheelbase is the distance between the centers of a vehicle's front and rear wheels. It influences interior space, handling balance, and ride comfort.
spirit tire
"[737.0s] Spirit tire. [738.0s] A temporary spirit tire."
A spirit tire is a tiny spare wheel you keep in the trunk. It’s lighter and takes up less room than a regular spare, so cars that need to be super light—like hybrids or electric vehicles—can use it until they get a proper tire.
A spirit tire is a small, lightweight spare tire that can be stored in the cargo area of a vehicle. It’s designed to provide temporary traction until a full-size tire can be installed, often used in hybrids and plug‑in electric vehicles to save space and weight.
blind spot warning
"And blind spot warning and rear chrome."
It’s a safety feature that tells you when there’s another car beside or behind you that you can’t see in your mirrors, helping prevent side‑sweeping accidents.
A blind spot warning system uses sensors or cameras to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and alerts the driver with visual, audible, or haptic cues.
Toyota Camry XSE
"We had the XSE from Toyota, which is a pretty high level trim."
The Camry XSE is a version of Toyota’s popular mid‑size car that comes with nicer seats, better wheels, and extra features to make it feel more sporty.
The Toyota Camry XSE is a higher‑trim version of the mid‑size sedan, featuring sportier styling cues, upgraded interior materials, and often more advanced technology packages.
stadium effect seating
"[1785.0s] And I say oddly because, you know, there's this sort of stadium effect seating that a lot of SUVs have."
Stadium effect seating means the seats in a car are set up so they’re higher and a bit forward, like rows in a stadium. It helps people see out better and makes the cabin feel more open.
Stadium effect seating refers to a design where the seats in an SUV or similar vehicle are arranged higher and slightly forward, creating a tiered look that mimics the seating in a sports stadium. This layout improves visibility and gives passengers a more elevated, open feel compared to flat or low seating.
electric only driving
"But if you are interested in, you know, electric only driving and all that, like this, and you have plug and hybrid specifically,"
Electric only driving means you’re using just the car’s electric motor and battery, not the gasoline engine.
Driving exclusively on electric power, using the vehicle’s battery and motor without engaging the internal combustion engine.
C-rate
"Research something called the C-rate of a battery basically. How quickly can I discharge or charge that battery?"
C-rate tells you how fast a battery can be charged or used up. If the C‑rate is 1, it takes one hour to fully charge or drain the battery.
C-rate is a measure of how quickly a battery can be charged or discharged relative to its capacity. A 1C rate means the battery will fully charge or discharge in one hour.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
"I mean, aside from some of the earliest EVs that Consumer Reports tested, the early Leafs, the Mitsubishi IMEV and all that stuff"
The Mitsubishi i‑MiEV is a tiny electric car that people use for short trips around town. It was one of the first cheap EVs on the market.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a small, city‑focused electric vehicle that was one of the first affordable EVs available in the U.S. and Europe.
Nissan Leaf
"I mean, aside from some of the earliest EVs that Consumer Reports tested, the early Leafs, the Mitsubishi IMEV and all that stuff"
The Nissan Leaf is a small electric car that many people use for everyday driving. It’s one of the first cars that ran only on batteries.
The Nissan Leaf is a compact all‑electric vehicle that was one of the first mass‑produced EVs, known for its modest range and affordable price.
wheel size
"[2262.0s] The Audi A6's we drive are available in multiple wheel sizes."
Wheel size is how big the wheels on a car are. Bigger wheels can handle rough roads better, but they also make the car feel heavier and can affect ride comfort.
Wheel size refers to the diameter of a vehicle's wheels, typically measured in inches. Larger wheels can better navigate uneven road surfaces but may increase unsprung weight.
winter tires
"[2607.0s] Yeah. [2608.0s] Certainly. [2609.0s] And Ryan Pistolkowski will be very excited to know that you are going to get winter tires. [2614.0s] Thank goodness for you."
Winter tires are special shoes for your car that grip the road better when it’s cold, snowy, or icy. They’re softer and have extra bumps to help you stop and turn safely in winter weather.
Winter tires are specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns designed to provide better traction, braking, and handling in cold temperatures, snow, and ice compared to all‑season or summer tires.
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