Write about them for a lot longer, and you'll realize nobody usually takes that advice: what they're really hoping for is validation of whatever they've already decided to buy. So, imagine my surprise when several of my friends actually went out and bought a RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, citing — at least in part — my thoughts on the matter. Sales of the 2026 RAV4 PHEV have been so brisk that Toyota is apparently struggling to meet demand. Chris Davies/SlashGearGiven the 2026 RAV4 PHEV starts at $43,095 (including $1,595 destination) or nearly a full $10,000 more than the regular, hybrid-as-standard RAV4 — not that there's any guarantee dealers will offer those base trims anyway — you're potentially looking at a near-$50k compact crossover. So the question has to be, does this plug-in hybrid really live up to the high demand?