If you are an electric car enthusiast and planning to buy a crossover that gives you a wholesome and rounded package but don't want to go with an all-electric crossover just yet, then Toyota RAV4 Prime is the best option for you. You would probably be thinking what makes this car so special? First of all, this car has been a hot topic since its arrival in the market. Part of the reason is its fast acceleration and great mileage which is usually rare in a car like this. The RAV4 Prime brings together the best of both worlds with comfort and practicality coupled with the engaging-adjacent driving experience that you'd typically find in a performance car.
Apart from its awesome features, you can also get off-roading capabilities that make this car second to none at this price point. Its competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Ford Escape (all plug-in hybrid models) do not have any specific off-roading abilities. The RAV4 Prime also boasts a spacious and luxurious cabin that makes you feel like you enter a different realm. If you are looking for a car that gives you peace of mind at a very reasonable price then the RAV4 Prime Plug-in crossover is worth looking into.
10 Powered By A 2.5-Liter Inline Four Engine
One of Toyota's quickest models is the RAV4 Prime. With some noteworthy upgrades from the regular RAV4 hybrid, this vehicle boasts a top-notch powertrain. At the heart of the Prime's powertrain is a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine that's been specially tuned for this model. The Prime is further set apart by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system which merges the internal combustion engine with two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor generators. It produces a remarkable 179 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque at the front axle. The Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV is driven by an energetic 89-pound-feet of torque in the rear motor with 53 horsepower which propels its all-wheel drive system. This impressive performance is powered by an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that promises plenty of miles of reliable operation. When combined, the motor and battery produce an overall 302 horsepower making the RAV4 Prime an excellent choice for those in search of a vigorous yet economical hybrid SUV.
9 42 Miles Of All Electric Range Is Impressive
The outstanding fuel efficiency and muscular engine of the Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in hybrid make it stand out from its competitors. It outperforms other plug-in SUVs such as the Hyundai Tucson PHEV, Kia Sportage PHEV, and Volvo XC60 T8 Extended Range, by a significant margin as these cars have only 33 to 36 miles of all-electric range. For a plug-in hybrid, the EPA-estimated 42 miles of all-electric range and 600 miles of total range is striking, and its gasoline fuel economy of 38 mpg city/highway combined is also remarkable. The other hybrid version of the RAV4 performs capably and matches the RAV4 Prime Hybrid's range. The RAV4 with a conventional engine, on the other hand, guzzles much more fuel. The all-wheel-drive Adventure obtains 32 mpg, while the front-wheel-drive RAV4s could potentially reach up to 35 mpg on the highway. The RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid keeps up its fuel economy regardless of its energetic motor and performance. In the cutthroat plug-in hybrid market, it takes between two to four hours to fully charge when utilizing a 240-volt charger and around 12 hours to do such utilizing a 120-volt home EV charger.
8 RAV4 Prime Looks Handsome
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a mesmerizing car that will turn heads wherever it goes. It has an aggressive appealing design that is unmistakably Toyota. Though there are a few changes from the 2022 model. The integration of new roof rails adds a menacing look. The dazzling headlights on the car almost appear to be linked to the Toyota blue shining badge on the front of the car. The bumper is eye-catching and adds to the car's overall appeal with its gloss black trapezoidal front grill. The vehicle is perfectly tuned for off-road adventures due to its substantial 8.2-inch ground clearance. A noteworthy component that enhances the total look of the car is the elevated tail light. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is awe-inspiring when viewed sideways and will surely make an impact on those who look at it. Overall, the Toyota RAV4 Prime's exterior appearance perfectly balances power, style, and utility.
7 Spacious Interior With Premium-Quality Materials
As remarkable as its graceful exterior, the Toyota RAV4 Prime's interior is decked out with top-notch materials. From the second you get in the car, you'll recognize the extraordinary regard for detail and top-notch craftsmanship. People of all shapes and sizes can easily enter and exit the car regardless of its stature. The front seats are highly adjustable and the headrests and armrests provide a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. Soft-touch plastic is found all over the cabin adding a luxurious vibe. Even though a few hard plastics on the dashboard, the quality is decent and doesn't detract from the overall premium feel of the interior. The slender pillars boost the cabin's coziness and spaciousness while improving visibility and security. Passengers can easily spread out their legs and enjoy a long journey with lots of headroom and legroom. The seat's thigh support is also praiseworthy providing extra comfort for lengthy trips. The RAV4 features the "SofTex" which is a signature synthetic leather upholstery that is luxurious yet resilient.
6 The RAV4 Prime Has A New Infotainment System For 2023
The Rav4 Prime was updated with new features for 2023. One of the most noticeable changes is the upgraded infotainment system which includes a larger more engaging 10.5-inch display and a digital instrument cluster that measures 12.3 inches. As a result, you will have immediate access to all the info you need to be displayed in an intelligible manner. But that's not all, the RAV4's infotainment system also supports cloud updates which guarantees that you always have access to the updated features. And if you're someone who likes to use voice commands you'll appreciate the addition of Toyota's Intelligent Assistant which lets you control the system hands-free. Other cool systems include the Cloud Navigation system which always keeps your map updated and dual Bluetooth phone connectivity that lets you seamlessly connect multiple devices. Moreover, there is also standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Furthermore, if you're traveling with a group, the available 4G WiFi hotspot can connect up to five devices. Also, Apple and Amazon music is also an add-on feature that you will appreciate in the latest model.
5 Offered With TRD-Tuned Suspension
The finely tuned TRD Suspension grants the RAV4 a wonderfully balanced ride and handling. As you drive over the highway or bumpy terrain, you'll experience a smoothness that will make you feel as though you are in total control. Furthermore, the improved body control makes the steering response snappier, and the overall driving experience livelier. TRD engineers invested a huge amount of effort to ensure that the suspension offers a perfect harmony of comfort and agility, and this is evident in the RAV4's impressive handling.
4 RAV4 Prime Has Excellent Off-Roading Capabilities
This Rav4 Prime is actually great for mild off-roading. With the Prime plug-in hybrid version, traversing off-road is straightforward without stressing over running out of fuel. However, in 2023, Toyota also brings out a special trim called the Woodland Edition with some off-roading tweaks. This model features Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires and a TRD suspension with distinctively tweaked springs, shock absorbers, and a bump stop. This makes it a superb option for those who want to go on an off-roading adventure. The TRD Off-Road variant is also available if you prefer a conventional fuel-powered vehicle for off-roading.
3 Toyota RAV4: A Plethora Of Safety Features
No matter how many features and excellent performance a vehicle comes with, its most important aspect is whether the vehicle can keep the driver and passengers safe or not. And in this case, the Toyota RAV4 provides you with full safety features so that you can enjoy your car ride without any safety concerns. In fact, the 2022 RAV4 has also received the Top Safety Pick + award from IIHS. And in continuation of this legacy, Toyota has integrated its Prime model with the latest safety features. The Rav4 Prime is equipped with its iconic Safety Sense 2.5 suite which is a great driver assistance technology. And the best part is, apart from the driver and passengers, it ensures the safety of the other people as well. In this safety suit, you get pre-collision assistance with pedestrian detection, which ensures the safety of not only the people sitting in the car but also the people outside of the car. Apart from this amazing feature, you can also get adaptive cruise control with steering guidance, automatic high beam, lane departure warning, road sign detection, blind spot monitoring, and 8 airbags. The Rav4 Prime also features a 360-degree camera, so you can get a full surround view while driving and parking the car. These safety features work in amalgamation and ultimately increase the efficiency of the driver which results in accident prevention.
2 RAV4 Prime Has Loads Of Cargo Space
Despite not having the largest cargo capacity among its peers, the Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid the overall space optimization and layout are impressive. Allowing for the easy loading and unloading of bigger items, the boot space offers 33.5 cubic feet behind the back seats and a massive 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Furthermore, the seats can be flatly folded to form a level loading platform for bulkier items. Plus, the vehicle has a plethora of small item storage solutions, such as extra dashboard shelves, storage space below the wireless charging pad, and a good-sized center armrest bin. The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid comes with a standard power lift gate, and you can opt for a hands-free lift gate.
1 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is An Excellent Value For Money
In terms of cost, the Toyota RAV4 Prime offers exceptional value, especially when you consider its remarkable attributes and abilities. The starting prices for the Prime SE and Prime XSE versions of this plug-in hybrid are $42,340 and $46,210, respectively. Besides these plug-in hybrids, you have the choice between the LE, XLE, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited hybrid trims, which are priced from $30,725 to $39,030. The RAV4 Prime is an outstanding option for those who are eligible for the $7500 electric vehicle tax credit as it provides more power and a significant amount of electric-only driving range, while having a much cheaper price due to this incentive. The XSE is the more feature-rich of the two Prime models, including 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, and a 10.5-inch infotainment system screen as standard equipment.