Toyota RAV4 Prime FAILS Moose Test - VIDEO

Debuted in 1994, Toyota RAV4 is among the best selling compact SUVs that are on sale in the international market. This model is not available in our market. However, according to some reports, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is considering bringing this model to the Indian market next year. Before Toyota spills more details about the India-spec Toyota RAV4, we are here to check out the international-spec RAV4’s performance in a moose test.

Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid performs really poorly in the moose test

Moose tests are designed to assess vehicles’ stability and handling over a sudden change of direction. A Swedish Youtube channel, Teknikens Varld, has uploaded a video showing the performance of Toyota RAV4 Prime during the moose test. The model used on the test is a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Just a heads-up, what we will see in the video is less than perfect.

Toyota RAV4 Prime has failed miserably in the first test at 70 kmph. The vehicle lost control and the rear wheels swerve uncontrollably after the first shift of direction, hitting two corns placed on the right side. In the next few rounds, the speed was lowered to 68, 67 and 65 kmph. Despite the lower driving speed, the SUV stills showcased a poor handling capability over the direction change situations. It was only at 63 kmph that the Toyota RAV4 was capable of keeping its body under control.

Europe-spec Toyota RAV4 Prime did not pass the moose test 

According to the test moose, it is verified that the maximum speed at which the RAV4 Prime can remain stable and calm. In other words, the Toyota RAV4 Prime has failed the moose test. To be fair, the host also compared the results of the Toyota RAV4 Prime to its direct competitors including the Volvo XC40 T4 Recharge and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. These vehicles did not perform well during moose tests. It is noted by the test drivers that most SUVs are usually not made with good handling capability. However, both of the rivals displayed a much more composed behaviour and managed to clear the course at a higher speed than the RAV4 Prime.

In the international market, the Toyota RAV4 is offered with four powertrain options, 2 petrol, one hybrid and one plug-in hybrid unit. The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid variant of RAV4. This model is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine. There are also two electric motors which draw power from an 18.1 kWh battery. When combined, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor can generate up to 302 BHP, making it the most powerful in the range.

Previously, the channel has carried out a moose test for the RAV4 hybrid which also performed badly at first. After the video was published, Toyota has responded by upgrading the ESP system for the RAV4 hybrid. Later on, this model has shown significant improvement in terms of handling capability. Hopefully, Toyota will do the same for RAV4 Prime in the future.