The RAV4 Prime combines Toyota’s decades of hybrid vehicle experience and builds upon this solid foundation with a compelling evolution. Toyota’s new RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid capable of taking on short trips in an EV-only mode while offering impressive acceleration in hybrid mode. This unique combination means that you can reap the benefits of an EV around town, without range anxiety on longer trips.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime features a hybrid drivetrain that combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Dynamic Force inline-4 with a front and rear-mounted electric motor for a total output of 302 horsepower. This impressive drivetrain means the RAV4 Prime offers a 42-mile EV range with an MPGe rating of 94. In hybrid mode, the RAV4 Prime returns 40 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined. All of this fuel-sipping tech helps the RAV4 Prime sprint from 0 to 60mph in only 5.4 seconds and 0 to 100 in 14.0 seconds making it one of the quickest Toyota models, on sale today. With a Toyota RAV4 Prime, you can cut your fuel bill and still have some fun accelerating between stop lights.
Toyota RAV4
- 42 Miles Of All-Electric Range
- 0 to 60 Mph In 5.5 seconds
- All-Wheel-Drive Traction
- Hybrid Powertrain For Range On Longer Drives
- Model: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
- Engine:: 2.5 L Inline 4
- Power Output: 302 HP (Combined)
- Torque: 288 LB-FT (Combined)
- Range: 42 Miles In EV Mode
- Transmission: CVT
- Driveline: AWD
- MSRP: $45,460
- MSRP (As Tested): $45,460
- EV Range Is Enough For Short Trips
- Plugging In To Charge Is A Breeze
- Hybrid Powertrain Eliminates The Need To Rely Nn Dodgy Public Chargers
- Exciting Acceleration
- Infotainment Resolution Lags Behind Competition
- Engine Sounds Rough When Cold
Enough EV Range For Short Trips
Wiith the RAV4 Prime, owners have the option to plug in their SUV to charge up the 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is also charged during hybrid driving. The RAV4 Prime offers 42 miles of pure electric range which means you can accomplish a short commute or a day’s worth of errands without ever using a drop of fuel. In EV mode the RAV4 Prime relies on its front and rear-mounted electric motors, the front electric motor provides 179 horsepower 99 pound-feet of torque while the rear motor musters up 53 horsepower 89 pound-feet of torque.
Together these electric motors give the RAV4 Prime an impressive wave of thrust off the line, good enough to even smoke a Supra 2.0. During our testing, we found the RAV4 Prime could easily keep up with traffic in both city and highway driving while in EV mode. During highway driving the plug-in-hybrid SUV has enough torque for passing in the left lane.
The RAV4 Prime has the rear motor to help the SUV get off the line before transitioning to front motor-only mode during cruising and low-performance driving. When you need more traction, the rear motor can spin up to provide an extra boost, but efficiency is always a top priority.
Your Antidote To Range Anxiety
If range anxiety is keeping you from purchasing an EV, then the RAV4 Prime could be the perfect vehicle for you. Its ability to offer many of the benefits of an EV without the drawbacks making the RAV4 Prime a compelling package. With enough EV range to take on short commutes and the ability to lean on a gasoline engine for extended trips, the RAV4 Prime allows you to have your EV and fuel it too. With a full battery and tank of fuel, the this Hybrid Toyota SUV can cover far more ground than any EV on sale today. After you run low on fuel, you can stop at a gas station and keep on driving just like a traditional car making the RAV4 Prime a great road trip companion.
Charging Is A Breeze
When you return home from work, you can simply plug in your RAV4 Prime and enjoy the benefits of EV charging to help reduce your fuel bill. For 2023 all RAV4 Primes come standard with a 6.6kw onboard charger for reduced charge times. On a 120v standard outlet, Toyota estimates that you’ll need 12 hours to fully charge. If you step up to a 240v charger, times reduce to only 2.5 hours.
Toyota provides a charging cable which allows you to easily plug in where ever you go. Once plugged in the charging cable locks into place to keep any pranksters from unplugging you in the middle of the night. Simply unlock when you’re done charging, remove the cable, and enjoy your 42 miles of pure EV driving.
An Impressive Performer
Although the RAV4 Prime’s EV capabilities and fuel economy may grab headlines, it’s actually the SUV’s performance that stands out. It proves that you can have your cake and eat it too. Not only will the SUV Prime help you reduce your fuel cost and emissions, but it’s also one of the quickest Toyota’s on sale today just behind the inline-6 powered Supra and the splendid GR Corolla.
Off the line, the RAV4 Prime moves with genuine authority and feels far more powerful than its 302-horsepower net power figure would suggest. The torque of the electric motors combined with the 2.5-liter inline-4 makes it a fun fuel-sipping SUV that can beat a few sports cars off the line.
The instant torque of the electric motors makes passing on the highway a breeze with the gasoline engine filling in the top end of the power band. Since the RAV4 Prime’s all-wheel-drive system relies on a rear-mounted electric motor rather than a driveshaft, the response from the rear motor is instant helping during low traction situations while reducing complexity.
Just Enough Room For The Whole Family
The RAV4 Prime is the perfect fuel-efficient family car with a healthy dose of performance. It is a platform is a practical SUV with room for a family of four with plenty of trunk space. Thanks to its ground clearance and all-wheel-drive system, owners can rely on the Prime as an all-weather companion.
The interior is similar to other RAV4 models besides the buttons in the center consul used to control the hybrid system. The center screen offers apple car play and android auto with the use of a USB cable. This screen is functional, but the resolution appears to be a generation older. The gauge cluster also features a center screen that displays information about the vehicle's mpg and range. A heads-up display rounds out the suite of informative graphics to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.
The Perfect Convergence Of Hybrid Tech
So, if you’re looking for an EV driving experience, but don’t want to rely on a charging network to take on long trips, then the Toyota RAV4 Prime is the perfect SUV for you. Thanks to its combination of Toyota’s reliable hybrid tech, with a larger lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors, the RAV4 Prime delivers an impressive driving experience with limited use of fossil fuels. If you usually drive short distances, the it will rarely need to use its gasoline engine thanks to its ability to charge right in your garage.
The RAV4 Prime gives you the torque of an EV, the range of a gas-powered car, and the practicality of an SUV to create the perfect green family car. On long road trips, you don't have to sit with your family for hours to charge up, and at stoplights, you can beat out most hot hatchbacks. This unique combination of green tech makes the RAV4 Prime the perfect family vehicle of the moment.