Import Only From Japan RAV4 PLUGIN Hybrid

[Pablo]

Anyone school me on this.

Wife was prattling on about a (new?) Import Only From Japan RAV4 Hybrid

PLUGIN!

How is this vehicle different from generic RAV4 Hybrid??

 

[Owen Lucas]

IDK but I want one now! Maybe JDM build quality is better?

 

[skyactiv]

Who knows if this legit info.

 

[JavierH19]

So she wants a right hand drive rav 4 imported from japan? but you can't register the thing here.

 

[THORROMIG]

My 2023 Rav4 Hybrid was built in Canada. I see there other plant is in Kentucky.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I believe the PHEV version of the Rav4 is still only made in Japan.

My 2019 ICE was made in Japan. In 2019 you got Canada or Japan depending on the option set. Kentucky opened sometime in 2020.

I know that for a long time if you ordered the pano sun roof or the auto wipers on the Limited trim it came from Japan - not sure anymore.

 

[Pablo]

I left the plugin part off the OP

When I get back to my pc I will search

Thanks!

 

[GRjdm]

You wife is referred to what was formerly sold as RAV4 Prime (now called RAV4 PHEV).
Comparing my Toyotas assembled at Motomachi, Japan vs. TMMI (in Indiana), yes the Japanese assembled ones have better fit and finish.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Isn't the plugin sold here? We call it Rav4 Prime.

Does Amsoil make 0w8? Yes, they actually use oil that thin in Japan!

Maybe you can claim you're importing it for "research" if you had a higher position within Amsoil

 

[Pablo]

Isn't the plugin sold here? We call it Rav4 Prime.

Does Amsoil make 0w8? Yes, they actually use oil that thin in Japan!

Maybe you can claim you're importing it for "research" if you had a higher position within Amsoil

Yes and yes top model is called Prime

Yes viscosity is 5.7 cSt starting TBN is almost 10

It’s kinda funny I think it would be easier as an independent contractor than as an employee. Thanks for the idea!

 

[We're Metals]

Isnt that the Rav4 Prime?

My 2020 Hybrid is a J VIn.

 

[Pablo]

Isnt that the Rav4 Prime?

My 2020 Hybrid is a J VIn.

Prime was just the top model in 2025. Unknown 2026.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Prime was just the top model in 2025. Unknown 2026.

So were you looking at the current Rav4 Prime (now they simply call it Plug in), or the 2026?

2026 is new model - hybrid or plug in only, same footprint, with some upgrades - but they haven't said a whole lot yet. This is likely the most details your going to get. https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/42758168.html

As to where its made, it will likely be made in all the factories it was made before - so 2 in Japan, KY, Ontario, China, Russia. Well who knows with Russia anymore. Last generation KY was a new plant - it used to make Camry and other sedans, so it didn't come online till 2020 and we got a lot of Japanese builds while they were working on it. Given its already up and running, it wouldn't surprise me if the majority of US sold Rav's come from there - its a huge plant. However whether the Prime continues to come exclusively from Japan - maybe.

 

[Pablo]

2026 PHEV for sure. I’m on their notification list. Basically dots all the i’s for the wife

 

[02SE]

I'd look it over closely before buying, to see whether or not they went the excessive cheapening route, and poor fit and finish, like they have on the 6th gen 4Runner.

 

[We're Metals]

2026 PHEV for sure. I’m on their notification list. Basically dots all the i’s for the wife

What does it do different than the Prime?

 

[Pablo]

What does it do different than the Prime?

TBD but see SC Maintenance link above