About the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota Rav4 Hybrid has been produced since 2012 and is currently in production today. US sales began in early January 2013.
Sales of the Rav4 PHEV (Rav4 Prime) have begun in Japan since the 8th of June, 2020.
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Drivetrain
All Toyota Rav4 Hybrids utilize a a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a powerful electric motor, a high voltage generator, a 204 cell nickel–metal hydride battery located under the rear seats, a power control unit, and a power split device.
Fourth Generation Rav4 Body Style
RAV4 Hybrids were available in both front and four-wheel drive variants. The four-wheel drive came equipped with a second, 50 kW high-voltage, rear mounted electric motor that offers increased traction and a 1,750-pound (790 kg) towing capacity. The rear’s electric motor operates independently from the hybrid system front’s electric motor, driving the rear wheels alone.
Fifth Generation Rav4 Body Style
A hybrid variant of the fifth generation RAV4 was announced available alongside the standard petrol variant and made available in March 2019. It comes standard with four-wheel drive and the hybrid system uses a 1.6 kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.
A plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) variant of the fifth generation RAV4 was also available. Called the RAV4 PHEV, RAV4 Prime in North America, it is powered by a 2.5-litre A25A-FXS engine, tuned a little differently, but with the same power output as the standard hybrid version and with uprated torque to 228 Nm, or 168 lb/ft, at 2,800 rpm. It has a total power output of 225 kW, or 302 hp, which equates to roughly 37% more than the regular hybrid version.
RAV4 PHEV claimed acceleration:
- 0–60 mph in 5.8 seconds and
- 0–100 km/h in 6.2 seconds
Consult your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Owner’s Manual
Please consult your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Owner’s Manual before beginning any repairs or modifications. We strongly recommend you purchase either a Reference Manual or a Factory Service Manual (we have included resources below).
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Shop Manuals on eBay
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Batteries
Drive Battery | 12V Battery | Key Fob Battery
Drive Battery / Traction Battery
Drive Battery Specs
| Battery Type | Nickel–metal Hydride (NiMH) |
| Battery Energy | 1.6 kWh |
| Battery Cell Count | 204 cell |
| Battery Location | Under the rear seats |
Drive Battery FAQs
How much do Toyota Rav4 Hybrid replacement batteries cost?
The price of a replacement battery for the Toyota Rav4 hybrid can vary.
- New replacement batteries typically cost $2,000 to $5,000.
- A reconditioned used battery may be had for $1500 to $3000.
- A used battery from a junkyard can be had for around $1000.
Where do I purchase a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid replacement battery?
Finding an electric car battery replacement can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. The following are a list of vendors to consider when replacing your Rav4 drive battery.
eBay – Often, eBay is a good place to look for replacement batteries, as they provide reputation scores and a transaction you can trust.
Shop Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Battery Replacements on eBay
Junkyards – When a hybrid is wrecked, it still goes to the wrecking yard. Often the batteries are still usable as even a light impact can send a vehicle to the scrap heap.
Car-part.com allows you to search wrecking yards all over the nation and has a great list of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Batteries available.
Here is a list of vendors that may offer replacement electric car batteries for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:
GreenBean Batteries – “Born out of the need for a better hybrid battery, Green Bean Battery was built around the core of creating a reliable reconditioned hybrid battery and extending the hybrid battery life. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown to create a proprietary hybrid battery reconditioning process that puts our hybrid batteries in a league of their own.”
GreenBeanBattery.com: Toyota Rav4 (2016-2018)
What can I expect when purchasing a replacement battery for your Rav4 Hybrid
The process for purchasing a battery for your Rav4 Hybrid can include a few surprises:
- Core Charges – A “core charge” is where a vendor charges you a fee as collateral until you send them the part that you are replacing, in this case the battery pack. It is not unusual to see a core charge be the same price as your used battery, typically around $1000-3000.
- Shipping Charges – Batteries are heavy! You can’t exactly toss one in the mailbox. Some vendors will include the cost of batteries in your purchase. Others may charge you anywhere from $100 to $300 to ship. You may also be assessed an additional charge to deliver to a residential address.
- Packaging – If you need to ship your battery to a vendor, you may want to consider the cost of packaging. Typically if you are returning a core, you can simply put your old battery in the same packaging that your replacement battery came in, and ship it back. Be extra careful when packing your battery as most vendors require a core battery to be able to be refurbished, and you may not receive back your core charge if the battery is damaged in transit.
12V Battery
12V battery Location
If the 12V battery goes bad, typically your vehicle will not start. To jump start your Rav4 Hybrid, you must access the 12V accessory battery. It is located in the rear of your vehicle, immediately to the right when you open the hatch. You will have to remove a
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid 12V Battery Size / Group
The genuine 2015-2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid 12V Battery is a Panasonic part #S55D23R.
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid 12V Battery Testing and Repair
Battery testers are an inexpensive way to save yourself time in repairing your Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. A healthy 12V battery will read between 12.6 and 12.8 volts when tested. Anything lower, and you may want to consider replacing your batteries or checking the battery fluid levels.
Key Fob Battery
2013-2018 Rav4 Hybrid Key Fobs
The 2013-2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid key fob uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin-style battery.
Shop CR2032 3V lithium batteries on Amazon
2013-2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Key Fob Battery Replacement Instructions
- To open the key fob, press the button to release the physical key
- Use a flathead screwdriver to twist the two halves of the key fob apart.
- Lift out the circuit board to find the battery.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to pop out the old battery.
- Replace with a new battery in the same orientation.
- Snap the two halves of the key fob back together.
- Replace the physical key and you’re done!
Join a Rav4 Hybrid Community
Rav4World.com / Rav4 Hybrid – A forum for the 4.5 RAV4 Hybrid (except Prime). Discuss anything Hybrid RAV4.5 (2019+) related.
ToyotaNation.com / Rav4 Hybrid – Discussion around the 4th and 5th gen Rav4, including the Prime. Technical issues, classifieds and more.
Reddit.com/r/Rav4Club – Here those of us who appreciate this fine automobile and want to learn more about it, share accessory sources, and show each other pics while bragging about our sweet, sweet RAVs and the adventures they take us on.