Normal. Even though it was a warm day the coolant temperature was probably still too cold to start in EV mode. Living in New England you might want to get used to the engine starting up. In cold weather it won't be able to switch to EV mode nearly as often since it needs the engine to warm up for heat and to meet emissions requirements..

 

Yep, cool outside temps they always start in ICE mode. Once it's warmed up then it will depend on state of charge of the battery pack

 

Normal, your vehicles will start in ICE mode whenever the temps are cold and if your traction battery is low enough (about 3 bars or less) for the engine to come on.

 

I also agree, that there is nothing wrong with your RAV4 starting in ICE mode. My 2022 VENZA starts 50% of the time in the ICE mode ans also my wife's 2023 RAV4 Premiun. This will happen more in the cold weather.

 

Like the others have said above . Another thing to be wary of is that in very hot weather or anything that causes the traction battery to become fairly warm the car will start with the ICE. Make sure the vent filter under the rear driver side seat is clean. Cabin air is drawn through the vent to cool the traction battery. On hot days it might be helpful to run the aircon, even if you feel you don't need it, to cool the cabin air used to cool the traction battery. If the traction battery is too hot or too cold it will nor be used to drive the wheels.