Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Fully Charged

The 2016 RAV 4 is powered by the same drivetrain found in the Lexus NX 300h, meaning a 2.5-litre petrol engine, electric motor, continuously variable automatic transmission and a nickel metal hydride battery.
The model I drove costs around £30,000 so it's not cheap, it's not a plug-in-hybrid but I ended up really liking it.
www.patreon.com/bobbyllew?ty=h

[@SaffyMirza]

Haters are going to hate, ignore them, you do an excellent job, your interest and enthusiasm are infectious. As consumers we seriously need to move away from fossil fuels. You are one of the few reviewers who is not dependant on the car industry for a living and you report it as you find it, thank you!

[@PistonAvatarGuy]

The problem with people who really know cars making videos about them is that they're not usually very excited about them because they've already seen it all, so they often make horribly boring videos. Also, I know a lot about cars, and I don't want to watch some guy bumble through explanations of things that I understand perfectly well, or sometimes better than the presenter (looking at you, CNET). With you, we get to share in your excitement as you experience these cars, and that makes your videos very enjoyable to watch. So, you, Mr. Llewellyn, have a great talent for presenting these new technology cars in a way that makes them exciting and fun, and that's definitely a valuable role in our society, especially now. I'm really tired, it's late where I am, I hope this comment makes sense.

[@jaybou007]

You know the technology is getting better real fast when you watch this video and you go "meh, hybrids" while 3 years ago, I was saying "HYBRIDS ARE THE BEST! NOTHING WILL EVER COME CLOSE TO IT!"

[@CoolTies]

I will admit I haven't seen your acting but your friendly easy to understand approach to sharing information helped me make the leap to an EV. I now am on my second EV and lovin' it. I drive about 2,000km a month on pure electric. thank you for continuing your channel and I'm happy to contribute through Patreon.

[@betterspud21]

You may not be a "proper scientist", but you are an honest, considerate, intelligent and passionate human being and I value your opinion and enjoy what you're doing. Your content is just getting better and better and I am loving it.

[@marcop3517]

You keep doing what you're doing Robert. The enthusiasm of your mission is what is important. New Fully Charged videos always play first from my subscription list. Keep up the fantastic work mate.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

When you mentioned a big jump in subscribers, I had to check... Sure enough, from the last video or two, you've added around 30k subs, if I recall correctly. That's fantastic, and I hope it continues on this trend; you produce quality content, and I always look forward to the next video.

[@mudithmanu]

Don't think about the trolls that sit in front of a screen and complain! You are spreading the green knowledge to save the planet for the future children as much as you can from your knowledge and experience. You are doing something to save earth when trolls just sit and complain. Wish you good luck keep up your good work. Thank you.

[@Ludix147]

I like the show for not being just a numbers game! Your gut reactions and subjective impressions make the show. You look at cars the way that we do.

[@ColinRichardson]

I can't thumbs up this comment on mobile, but :thumbs up: anyway

[@flash-us9bn]

actor, scientist? Excellent communicator, definitely. keep going what you do. your show is why I'm following Riversimple's progress.

[@KalpeshPatel78]

Well said. Same here. Great show I don't mind following.

[@superhydrocarbon]

Sir, I greatly admire your videos and you are doing a fantastic job at it! There's nobody else that covers electric cars as you do.

[@kalpeshb1649]

Dear Sir, You are a mentor and the best presenter ever with great humer. The only thing you are missing is fake and artificial emotion and noise like conventional actors. You are simple and real and I have learned so much from your channel. Your hard work is not going untouched. have a nice day sir.

[@MrSeamusMurray]

My mother always said it takes all kinds of people to make a village. So screw the critics. Don't be so sensitive, you do a great job. Your descriptions and explanations are what make fully charged a great show and why I keep looking out for your updates. I currently have a 9-year-old tiled a Prius which I purchased brand-new. It continues to serve us well and your are 100% correct that Toyota did a fabulous job trailblazing hybrids. Recently I test drove the RAV 4, I got as far as the gate of the Toyota dealership and turned around and went back in with the car as the salesperson told me that this car did not have active cruise control. I told him I was not interested in test driving a card that was not up to date. So we went and took out the latest Prius which had active cruise control. I genuinely enjoyed the test drive but if the truth be known I really would not be happy unless my replacement car had the ability of auto pilot. So I went home and put a reservation on the Tesla model 3. Hoping I can get another 3 years out of my Toyota Prius as I believe it will be that long before the model 3 comes to Ireland.

[@cardboardmechanic2019]

no nonsense show can't have enough of it & the presenter's enthusiasm for the subject is amazing great job

[@hariking22]

Mr Fully Charged, your show is the best electric car guide out there. Pragmatic, real and intriguing delivery of information. I'd like to offer you some butter chicken.

[@ruirodtube]

I can tell those twits got under your skin. Don't let them. I like your show because you're genuine and funny. Furthermore you have more experience in electric cars than any other tester. Keep it up!

[@bored1980]

"If it was a plug-in Toyota Hybrid Rav-4 it would be much better" I agree.

[@DWC966]

Scientist or not. Actor or not. I like your video's and trust your opinion.

[@RinoaL]

11:00 youve always done the best engine sounds, ever since scrapheap challenge.

[@fineartz99]

I shall respect you, Mr. Llewellyn by saying, "You're a class act." Please continue to be unique and therefore very valued commentator on this subject.

[@retro1n2screwdarest]

Robert, you are my favourite media presenter regarding green tech specifically, and in general as well! You are really talented indeed! I think that despite you not being a scientist, you are an effective introductory communicator and advocate of pro-environmentalism. I find you very personable and charming!

[@rcralphpfister]

Whatever you are supposed to be, its working for me and I will keep watching your great videos!!

[@dashercronin]

Go Robert! Great comic actor and great presenter. Look at the presenters on any other car or KZbin subject, Robert beats the pants off them.The only programme I seek out and look forward to each week.

[@charlesphillips1045]

Thank you for doing this Robert, I currently own a diesel but thanks to the information I have gained from your channel I will be going electric next! Keep extolling the virtues of the electric car industry and dispelling the myths spread by those companies that are not keeping up!

[@TerranMetal]

"Sometimes you just want to grab hold of a knob. " My immaturity aside, like everyone else here, I love your show and think you are a fantastic presenter!

[@SeanLeach]

The one really neat aspect of this hybrid that you overlooked is the AWD system. Typically there is a center and rear differential (full of oil) that work together to power the rear wheels. Those differentials add weight and complexity. The RAV4 hybrid powers the rear wheels via a rear electric motor (motors?). There are only wires that connect the front and rear. Neat! Keep up the good work Robert. You have a fantastic channel!

[@SilvisSamitis]

I love your reviews because you are who you are and not pretending to be somebody else.

[@MegafOfficial]

As a scientist and actor you are a great electric/hydrogen/hybrid car reviewer.

[@ken6337]

I never seen Red Dwarf or read any Celebrity magazine. I watched many Fully charged before you slipped in to a video your off to make Red Dwarf. Then I had to do some googling. This proves I care little about Celebrity culture and find your do a show I find very informative. Naturally I do not agree with everything you say but I do listen carefully to keep up to date with changing technology.

[@IOUaUsername]

Actors can understand science. Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) has a masters degree in engineering. Now there's a great idea for a guest co-cost ;)

[@gene978]

I have followed FULLY CHARGED since the BEGINNING and as much as I am not into Science I have always been truly Impressed at how much you have given to Society and and How much you care about the future of our planet. I love everything you stand for. I truly Enjoy your Chanel and please don't let negative BS comments get to you. We all enjoy you! :)

[@1975Chinook]

Actors, scientists, doctors, workers... at the end of the day we're all just... humans.

[@CharlesGregory]

Except Kryten.

[@klaxoncow]

Except, in Rob's case, he plays a non-human on the TV. ;D

[@jeales895]

Not an actor, not a scientist, not even an automotive journalist. A KZbinr, and proud of it.

[@priyadarshianu]

ignore the trolls... your videos are awesome

[@ztefan314]

Your channel is really good. You should have millions of subscribers.

[@Vellik]

So you've mentioned that "You prefer Koch" and now you "Want to just grab a knob." I'm beginning to wonder if there's something you'd like to share with us Robert. Great episode as always.

[@ampinstein]

You're far more than an actor or scientist, you're working tirelessly to help bring humanity into the future!

[@alikhajuee]

You are a great guy trying to show the world how electric and sustainable energies are the answer. I really really appreciate it and am so happy that a scientist like you has acting skills too to be able to make such a brilliant show. Keep it up and please do much more. More why electric videos. More infographs and more.

[@0-Will-0]

Of all the motoring actors, or even journalists, you sir, are my favourite. Imagine my elation when I was grumbling about how there were no decent reviews of the Rav4 Hybrid and I open KZbin and there on my subscription list is this video! Thank you! With regards the lack of plugin, this doesn't bother me too much against many plugin alternatives to the Rav4, which lose boot space as a result and cost more on a spec for spec basis. I'd wager a large amount of Outlander drivers for example, aren't charging regularly and I have doubts about my dearest listening to me reminding her to always plug the car back in when she gets home, while two young children wail to get out of the car. Maybe this will change when it's a fully electric Rav4 and she knows she won't be going anywhere until it's charged up again.

[@GriffinPearson]

I love this show!! Keep up the great work!!

[@s0567840]

Loving the new camera angles and attention to detail - i.e boot space etc. Although your presentation skills are really what keep me coming back! :-)

[@newlinkdirect]

2B or not 2B actor or scientist, bollox to twits on twitter, you do a grand job... More fun being a hybrid of knowledge ;) great show. +1 subs.

[@pedrobotinasguedes]

keep on the good work you're doing. your videos are really good, because your approach is exactly as a regular consumer report, but fun, interesting, and dynamic, without going into too much details. If you were too technical, then you.would be like thousands of auto shows out there.

[@pbasswil]

You're an entertaining mid-point between the typical internet big mouths, and the character-less non-offenders. You have your own thoughtful point of view, which is down to earth, but pleasantly conveyed. Subscribed.

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

I like the way you present your reviews and opinions. Anyone can criticize.

[@sanjaydhokia]

bought one last month and must say I am very impressed. mpg is really good and you'll notice the difference if you've only petrol before. fab motor.

[@TheGizmodude]

Brilliant, keep up the real world , real average Joe evaluations! Cheers from Canada

[@ToumalRakesh]

The quick overview during the first 50 seconds is great! Gets the job done. Me likes!

[@michaelsummers9579]

I love your views & the way you present them.

[@roshan9881]

Thank you for your effort on creating this video. You gave a honest public opinion and thats what i care for.

[@cheg753]

Really enjoyed this informative piece. I have a garage that is en-bloc so access to an electric socket is out of the question. That’s why this type of hybrid will be brilliant for me.

[@travism6731]

I'm glad I found your channel for two reasons. First, your reviews of Tesla as I have reserved a model 3. Second your reviews on cars are perfect for the lay person. very informative.

[@mick21778]

I reckon you do an excellent job of presenting very worthwhile tech.

[@JayeDee_Gr4]

I don't care what people call you! . You are just brilliant and you gave an honest review. I drive the Toyota CH-R 1.8 Hybrid and its opened my eyes. I don't think i will ever go completely Ev as I still like the sound of an engine and its reassuring to have the use of both in case the battery ever runs low . The Ev mode came into good use on a journey down to London a couple of months ago and we got stuck on the lovey M25 . I switched it to Ev only and spent the following couple of hours using no petrol until I got to croydon . I look forward to seeing a review of the CHR Ev , when it comes to the uk next year.👍

[@elektrotehnik94]

Thank you for the boot space excursion :D hope to see your videos go (also) in that direction

[@FullgasNoTraction]

You are a pioneer and a hugely interesting individual who takes great pride in your work. Just because there isn't a label for this, feeble Twitter twits can't rationalise this to fit their insecurities. As they say from where I come from, "keep her lit"

[@elguapo432]

Come on out to CA and i'll gladly let you review my Rav4EV. It's simply the best car i've ever owned! It's a shame Toyota only made 2600 of them.

[@giovannibrondani1992]

The most usefull review of hybrids car! Thank you!

[@mind2727]

nice review 👍 I really enjoy watching your videos😃

[@howardsly6174]

You are not just an actor you are visionary.

[@greyareaRK1]

I didn't realise these hybrids use a different kind of battery, and had wondered if it was possible to 'hack' them to become plug-in chargeable. Whoa, you're an actor?! How DARE you know things beyond acting!

[@Miata822]

It's good to see more efficient cars for the "normal folks" who are slow to adapt to new things. On the other hand I did stop by a Tesla showroom by accident (honest!) and got to touch and bond with a lovely red P90. Oh my. that's very nice. not yet, but soon.

[@steves5382]

It would make a lot of peoples day if you suddenly turned into Kryton lol, very good reviews thank you Robert.

[@theocy1986]

Well done sir, amazing review. Thank you

[@mattobadia]

this should be called Partially Charged

[@emailsaudi1]

or half charged :)

[@MrHuleback]

There is no propper sientist nor a propper actor i am subscribed to on the internets. So there you are, i kind of like your hybridish show :)

[@johntisbury]

Agree 100% with your comments and sentiments on the car. We have a 2017 hybrid model and love it, it's a great car. Perhaps I may be a little biased and just looking for buyers confirmation, but even so, I feel you gave it a fair and even handed review.

[@GeGs63]

That was delightful country ramble, thanks Bob.

[@thegeoffreak]

I'm going to try and buy my wife one of these next weekend. I'm getting the Tesla Model 3 next year and wanted to get her something that gives her a taste of the EV experience. PHEVs just aren't there yet and she's not ready to mess with the plug. Thanks to this video you've sold me on this car being an acceptable compromise! Hybrids are a gateway drug.

[@LivingDownUnder]

driving an Outlander PHEV for 6 months now on an average of just 1.7l/100km (235mpg) plus around AU$40/month on electricity here in Australia. I think PHEVs are quite there yet. Right now......

[@thegeoffreak]

Yeah, those of us in the US aren't quite as fortunate with PHEV availability

[@thuvarakan2]

Your videos are well shot and edited, also informative looking for a hybrid but they seem expensive for what they are

[@ViLLiJa]

Gosh, how people could be so hateful? How on Earth is it possible to hate You?

[@johngallenstein1467]

Don't let the haters get to ya. You are good. I like the vids. From USA

[@DavidHanhandyj443]

In today's episode of Robert's out-of-context quotes: "Sometimes, you just want to grab hold of a knob." Love this show, I think few actors or scientists could present as well as you!

[@AlanFrance21]

I have a Yaris Hybrid, my second in 4 years. The Toyota hybrids have a dual electrically driven, single speed epicyclic gearset [ or sets in the Rav4 ]. This is not a new idea and was used, in a cruder form, in some WWII battle tanks. 2 electric motors drive the inner and outer rings of the simple epicyclic 'gearbox', controlled by a computer, to change ratios - with the petrol engine arranged to add power as required through a hollow electric-motor shaft on one side of the gear-set. The relative speeds of the 2 electric motors is all that is needed to 'change gear' or indeed reverse. The ratios are thus positively infinitely variable, within the range, with no clutches, slip, fluid-flywheels, vee-belts or other complicated mechanical gubbins - just 2 electric motors, inverters and a computer. The economy of the drive-train comes from its utter simplicity and low weight, the ability to recharge the battery from braking energy to save fuel and from always being in the 'perfect' gear. The petrol engine has an Atkinson cycle arrangement [ google it ] for miserly consumption, but those electric motors plus the ic engine can put down 100hp [in my Yaris] over a 2 mile stretch for brisk acceleration when needed, which is a bluddy sight more than my old Mini-Cooper of sacred memory could do! My best performance in my Yaris is about 70 mpg, but I usually get around 60mpg in normal use - you can't drive like you're taking your driving test all the time! Pure ev drive is not intended, except for very low speeds, as in starting off. The changeover is, as Robert says, imperceptible, but the disconnection between engine revs and speed takes a bit of getting used to. It never 'runs out of puff' on long trips, as one comment on here claimed. The ic engine cuts-in at about 10-30mph depending on the weight of your boot, sustainable top speed is close to a ton in the Yaris, if you care not a jot. The battery required for this design is much smaller than that needed for a pure ev. The NiMH unit has such a long service life because it is never under or over charged - for practical purposes it runs between 25% and 75% of capacity, always keeping 'space' for braking recuperation while retaining a minimum to run the gear-set. This gives it a very long service life. A 'plugin' model would need a far bigger battery - the plug-in versions of the Prius family have Li-ion batteries, cost a lot more - and have a very short ev range, under 20 miles. Hope this helps!

[@marksmith762]

I really like these. I’ve had an Auris hybrid and that was impressive

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Another enjoyable presentation.

[@TheEVGuy85]

Older video, but Toyota released a full electric RAV 4 EV twice and it was shot down here in the states. I am actually looking at a Prius Prime next week because a full EV just isnt supported in my state unless you are a tesla, even then the network is fairly limited. I am also looking at a Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In this weekend as well which I will most likely go with due to the long distances and the lack of charging stations. The only gripe I have with the Prius and Pacifica plug ins is the lack of dc rapid charge. Awesome video, love them!

[@srturner]

Love the wit... keep it up. Thanks

[@locoo1]

You are a great actor and more of a scientist than most of bad Twitters .Red Dwarf my favorite :)

[@deathpony698]

"Sometimes you just wanna grab hold of a knob" #IPreferKock

[@AndreVandal]

Not scientist or Not actor... who cares, I love watching this show and I don't even drive. Thanks for all the great stuff you do.

[@kootenayevfamily4208]

A gazillion thumbs up for "it should have been a PHEV"!!

[@PaulVanGaans]

Yay! Thanks for the nod to the Outlander PHEV. :)

[@deanallenjones]

feela LOT better about signing one of these on the Motability scheme now, thank you :)

[@jilljillaiwa6937]

What ever u r . U r awesome sir. Love ur videos love ur channel.

[@robertcrouch7328]

Living a condo - with only a nearby carport - I couldn't stretch a charging cord across the sidewalk to charge the car--- so the electric charge vehicle is only desirable for those with a private garage... and the Prius system allows use of the car 100% with just gas- and the FREE charging of the system is amazing..on a long trip you never have to stop to charge- the car charges itself! I totally think you missed the boat on the benefits of the system. Much rather you told us about the CVT ( ugh!) and know the info about the all wheel drive system. Appreciate having a dedicate knob for certain functions as opposed to moving through a screen grouping of options. Setup a race between the Hybrid and the petrol RAV4 or Tucson- you'll be amazed at it's speed. Seems your personal preferences spoiled the review!

[@wilsnich02]

I love the series and this review, you seem well informed - it must be the script you are reading. I suppose you are only as good as the writers make you - funny that !! I think you are doing an outstanding job in educating us. After seeing one of your episodes (sorry is that the correct term as I am not an actor) it really sparked my interest in electric cars. We don't have any in Australia as Sydney has 3 recharge stations !!! I think this is a variable alternative and I hope we get on board with the programme - we have lots of Hybrids but no recharge, shame on Oz.

[@PaleHearse]

Actually you can set the climate control for the S off the thumb wheel on the right side. Just press and hold the menu button on the lower right on the steering wheel and a selection will come up to set either the fan speed or climate control. You can control the sunroof that way as well. The one thing I would like is for them to allow the suspension to be done off that wheel. I would actually leave it there normally as I do find I raise the suspension fairly frequently. It is nice that the S remembers your suspension location. Anyway.. nice review as usual.

[@zipeppe1]

Great review , and you are a great person too

[@stephen_101]

55+ mpg is very good for the size of vehicle. Nice to see a SUV which isn't a filthy diesel too. I'm envious if I'm honest. I got my Fiat 500 twinair and Fiat claimed I would be getting about 55mpg. In the real world it barely scrapes past 35mpg. And this big SUV gets 55mpg effortlessly. Very impressive.

[@I.S.electric]

are you trolling?

[@AshleyWilsonAU]

You have to take into account the difference in elevations between points A and B. When I drive to work in my Camry Hybrid (2012 model), I get 11 L/100km (I know, weird unit. It's 21 mpg or 9km/L) because it's uphill, and when going back, I get 3 L/100km (78 mpg or 33 km/L) because it's downhill. The average of the two is 7 L/100km (33 mpg or 14 km/L). On highways, I get 5.5 L/100km (43 mpg or 18 km/L).

[@I.S.electric]

Ashley Wilson Yeah the rav4 gets an average 35mpg which isn't bad. But just because this guy ones got 65mpg doesn't mean you will get 65mpg always.

[@jhr2112]

Real world miles per gallon in a large city (Austin Texas) and an occasional highway drive, not looking at the instant MPG on the dashboard which is usually incorrect, by using the odometer , actual gas used according to the gas pump and a calculator, my 2016 Rav4 Hybrid actually gets 31 MPG highway, 32 city. This is actually spot on for what the manufacturer claims. I'm surprised I get this good since our local toll road speed limit is 80 miles per hour, City speed limits are usually around 45 miles per hour. Using the instant miles per gallon read out, I did get 60 miles per gallon going down a Mountain in Colorado only to have 19 MPG going up the next one. These are measured with US MPG and not Imperial. I've owned the Rav4 4 months and would definitely purchase it again.

[@thenextjam]

Thank you for creating.

[@simonjtyleruk]

good stuff...keep up the good work. thank you.

[@Glatroz]

Hahaha, Robert is such a good sport. Lovely to see someone who simply shrugs off the hate. Keep it up! :)

[@sherrattsp]

you are really clever, your video on the Bosch mower proves that

[@peterbuchan628]

Yes, that episode inspired me to take up gardening

[@Ajajambo]

Nice review! Were you driving the car in Eco mode or just normal mode if there is one? I guess getting on the motorway would require the sport mode which would be a tad quicker I hope!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Great show & wonderful host! Would you mind mentioning the difference between an Imperial Gallon and a US Gallon, once in a while? It always seems that UK cars get amazing mpg's, but that's using the Imperial gallon.

[@bonytone]

Ordered one yesterday. Can't wait

[@FrozenDung]

Hybrid version? Looks like a great car, if I had to get a hybrid car this would be on the list!

[@bonytone]

Mikey yea hybrid. Pick up on 25th

[@voodoobean1973]

Totally agree with you Robert, I wish Toyota would step through that door and went back to making a fully electric vehicle and more plug in hybrids. Like you say they have a RAV4 hybrid with the tesla engine in it, but also the fully electric IQ out in Japan but Toyota deemed at the time that the battery's was too expensive to make fully electric vehicles and stoped altogether that adventure. I mentioned to the RAV4 hybrid designers that they should of made a plug in version of it last year at the Frankfurt car show. Also they have the Prius Prime plug in with its 30 plus mile plug in range before the hybrid side kicks in out later this year. I just wish Toyota wouldn't put all its hopes on just hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell car but include better ranged plug in hybrids and full Evs as well. Spot on Robert with your review !!!!

[@DSON89]

My parents bought a Toyota Yaris Hybrid. I just love that car. When I can afford one, I will buy one. :)