As a brand, Toyota prides itself at being at the forefront of innovation and social responsibility. It invests in technology that will produce the most reliable and functional vehicles, and likewise, contribute a long-term solution to the global environmental crisis that we are all experiencing today. This is the thrust of the Toyota Beyond Zero program, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across all products and services. One of the foundations is, of course, through the continuous development of low and zero emission vehicles, achieved largely through the move toward electrification.
While Toyota has already introduced hybrid (HEV) variants for most of its well-loved nameplates, the biggest marker was the launch of its first full-electric (BEV) product in the Philippines, the Toyota BZ4X. Quite frankly, this came at a surprise, especially after the brand has always kept mum about launching a fully electric product. As expected, it posed the question of whether this would be the beginning of Toyota Motor Philippines finally bringing in more HEVs and BEVs that are already available in other markets.
The answer is a resounding yes.
This year, in one fell swoop and at the heels of the BZ4X, Toyota added 3 new products to the electrified line-up in the Philippines: the all-new Toyota RAV4 in the Limited and Adventure variants and the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser. Aligned with its brand philosophy of sustainable responsibility and in a bid to show solidarity in the midst of the current global oil crisis, Toyota Motor Philippines coordinated a localized drive, dubbed “Go Electrified,” that allowed us to experience the full capacity of the vehicles, while supporting the hidden gems and cuisine of the province of Pampanga.
The flag-off was from Solaire North in Quezon City, a family-friendly hotel-casino that is committed to energy efficiency and integrates sustainable practices in its services, products, and operations, further aligning with Toyota’s theme of an eco-friendly, low to zero emissions drive.
The star of the show was undoubtedly the all-new Toyota RAV4 HEV, a nameplate that made a long-awaited comeback and is now sporting a standard all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain for both the Limited and the Adventure variants. Both variants run on a hybrid 2.5L gasoline engine and Lithium Ion battery motor, with a total output of 239 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. The driving performance was everything good about a Toyota, with its signature maneuverability, easy steering, and fully responsive braking and light suspension.
The beauty of the all-new RAV4 also lie in the details. Toyota did its homework when it came to elevating the nitty-gritties to match the preference of the generation of drivers today. It kept things simple, which is how most of us still like it – physical knobs and buttons for the standard controls, strategically positioned storage and charging ports that are easily within reach of the driver, and a proper-sized infotainment monitor that is, finally, a breeze to navigate as compared to that of previous models like the Yaris Cross.
The Limited and Adventure variants each have its unique characteristics, with the Adventure having a sportier, more rugged vibe; and the Limited, as the top-of-the-line variant, exuding a more sophisticated personality.
On the other hand, the BEV line has expanded to include the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser. The Urban Cruiser is a compact SUV that is designed, as the name suggests, to take you through the daily grind of the city streets without worrying about high fuel costs and emissions, especially considering the consistent volume of traffic in the metro. It fully runs on a Lithium Ion motor and offers a maximum output of 174 horsepower and 193 Nm of torque. Being fully-electric, it has an EV range capacity of 475-kilometers from a 100% charge and can be topped up using a Type-2 charger.
Toyota created the Urban Cruiser to have an appeal that is different from the usual EV. It has a more rounded, streamlined, and overall, younger silhouette, as compared to the RAV4 and BZ4X. The interior concept is also contemporary, with two-tone contrasting wood-grain inspired details and hidden compartments.
While the Urban Cruiser is a 5-seater, it has a smaller cargo hold than the RAV4 and seems to be made for solo drivers, making it perfect as a first car option. It drives considerably well within the city and has the same responsiveness that you would expect from a Toyota. However, the suspension is stiffer than we would like and was admittedly a challenge when driving down uneven highways and over unexpected road obstacles. It is definitely best for urban settings, where road conditions are more predictable.
With the newest addition of electrified products, Toyota has set the benchmark once again, delivering a line-up of vehicles that is not only innovative, but also answers to the demands of modern times – cars that are high-performing, functionally advanced, and of course, sustainably aligned with the brand’s foundational philosophy of going Beyond Zero. This poses a challenge to the rest of the market, as the Philippines’ automotive leader continues to set the course on yet another new path.
