For a while, getting a hold of RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to test and film was challenging due to ongoing supply constraints and strong demand, especially considering the RAV4’s dominant position as a top-selling vehicle in the competitive and popular small SUV market. Even as the automotive market slowly returns to some normality and production gradually climbs, demand is still high for the RAV4 Prime. Thankfully Toyota was gracious enough to lend us the RAV4 Prime for a week to shoot for our WheelsTV Automotive Overview video.
The RAV4 is already well-reviewed, and the Prime model receives especially high praise from reviewers as well as consumers. The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid’s appeal stems not just from its fuel efficiency but also from the added power it delivers. The RAV4 Prime PHEV powertrain produces almost 100 more horsepower than the conventionally powered RAV4, and automotive critics have noted that the extra power makes for a more dynamic driving experience.
It’s ironic if you think about it, in their quest for fuel efficiency, Toyota ended up winning over critics with performance. It also shows that with electrification, you no longer have to sacrifice one for the other.
Here are some quick highlights of the Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Available in SE and XSE grades, the RAV4 Prime boasts a sporty and adventurous design with short front and rear overhangs and up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The XSE adds vertical accent lights and a gloss black roof, while both grades offer a foot-activated power liftgate.
Inside, the RAV4 Prime features a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating for 5 passengers. The SE comes with fabric-trimmed seats with heated front seats and red contrast stitching, while the XSE features SofTex synthetic leather-trimmed seating. The rear seat can be folded down to increase cargo space to almost 70 cubic feet.
The RAV4 Prime SE gets a standard 8-inch touchscreen. The XSE comes equipped with a 9-inch Audio Plus touchscreen and can be upgraded to include Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation. All Trims include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Under the hood, the RAV4 Prime is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with two motor/generators producing a system net 302 horsepower. Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive comes standard and utilizes a rear-mounted, independent electric motor to power the rear wheels. The RAV4 Prime also has a driver-selectable Trail Mode for tackling slippery conditions. The RAV4 Prime has impressive fuel economy, with up to 42 miles of all-electric driving range when fully charged.
Across the line-up, Toyota doesn’t skimp on the standard safety features. The RAV4 Prime is no exception featuring Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also standard.
The RAV4 Prime is backed by a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The hybrid components are covered for 8 years and 100,000 miles, while the hybrid battery is covered for 10 years and 150,000 miles.
There are many reasons why the RAV4 sells so well in the compact SUV market – it’s reliable, safe, and efficient. If you’re thinking of testing the EV waters but aren’t ready to fully commit to an electric vehicle yet, the RAV4 Prime should be a consideration. Plug it in nightly, and you’ll get enough charge for most commutes. But if you’re planning a long trip, you won’t need to worry about charging.
A bit of extra power doesn’t hurt either.
