Toyota RAV4 Prime
The RAV4 Prime starts with Toyota’s excellent compact crossover SUV, the RAV4, and adds a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, giving it not only class-leading fuel efficiency (including up to 42 miles of all-electric range) but also sports-car-like acceleration, thanks to a combined 302 horsepower. Owners of the RAV4 Prime rave not only about its get-up-and-go but also its ride comfort and generous allotment of driving aids, which includes adaptive cruise control as standard equipment. On the downside, the plug-in hybrid sport-ute commands a hefty price tag (even on the used car market) due to its strong desirability and somewhat limited supply.
The RAV4 Prime starts with Toyota’s excellent compact crossover SUV, the RAV4, and adds a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, giving it not only class-leading fuel efficiency (including up to 42 miles of all-electric range) but also sports-car-like acceleration, thanks to a combined 302 horsepower. Owners of the RAV4 Prime rave not only about its get-up-and-go but also its ride comfort and generous allotment of driving aids, which includes adaptive cruise control as standard equipment. On the downside, the plug-in hybrid sport-ute commands a hefty price tag (even on the used car market) due to its strong desirability and somewhat limited supply.
Toyota RAV4 Prime Model Lineup
The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid variant of the RAV4, a compact crossover SUV with room for up to five passengers. It’s one of two plug-in hybrid vehicles offered by Toyota; the other is the Prius Prime, a compact hatchback.
Toyota sells the RAV4 Prime in two trims, which are both well-equipped with features. The entry-level SE includes a power liftgate, heated front seats, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The XSE adds a sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger, and a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, among other items. Both versions also provide a suite of active safety tech, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning.
The RAV4 Prime’s plug-in hybrid powertrain utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 18.1-kWh battery pack and three electric motors. Together, they drive all four wheels, providing a combined 302 horsepower and up to 42 miles of all-electric range, according to the EPA.
Popular Trims
Toyota RAV4 Prime Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2021
4.3
165 verified owner reviews
Top 2021 Reviews
Joshua O. from CA
Verified Owner · Jan, 2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
It's a great car overall. Lots of fun to drive, very smooth, comfortable, and accessible. The charging options menu needs improvement and additional features. The Chevrolet Volt has a much better user interface for setting up vehicles charging. The dash has silver trim that annoyingly reflects off the windshield. The doors are difficult to close from inside with the handle being so far forward. The pedestrian alert sound is outrageous and embarrassingly loud, especially while in reverse. Many interior buttons are not backlit and are difficult to find at night. I love the seat heaters and heated steering wheel. It annoys me when the engine turns on with lots of battery range left, such as when I have a full charge and go down a steep hill, the engine turns on for no reason. Also, using defrost requires the engine to turn on. It doesn't feel as eco friendly burning gas for no apparent reason. The adaptive cruise control and lane keeping is pretty good and helpful but requires quite a bit of intervention for steering. The charging port location is inconvenient on the rear left quarter panel. It should be located on the drivers side. I hate that there is a cover over the charge port in addition to the lid. The extra step to remove that is time consuming and frustrating when your hands are full carrying things from the car. The built in media player feels very dated and slow. I only use the Apple CarPlay functionality because it's so much better. There's lots of storage bins that are convenient along the dash. With catalytic converter theft on the rise, Toyota should address this issue and protect it better. On this vehicle, it's easily accessible and stolen if you don't have third party protection put over it.
Roy D. from CA
Verified Owner · Dec, 2020
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
If you want a vehicle that is reliable, economical, and stylish, this is the one!
Adam T. from CA
Verified Owner · Dec, 2020
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Expensive but the plug-in hybrid feature is nice!
Greg S. from NJ
Verified Owner · Dec, 2020
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
I'm extremely satisfied with its performance, features, and comfort.
Wa H. from MD
Verified Owner · Oct, 2020
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Great car!