The Toyota RAV4 Prime appeared suddenly and then surprised us. The plug-in hybrid setup makes it one of the fastest Toyota models ever made and offers an impressive electric range. Introduced in 2021, the compact crossover receives a major update for 2023 along with the RAV4 and Hybrid gas models. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime's rivals include other PHEV compact SUVs such as the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Crosstrek.
Excess
The fastest non-sports car made by Toyota
Impressive EV driving range
Abundant range of safety equipment
After receiving a redesign for 2023, the RAV4 Prime is the successor for 2024. Major tech upgrades gained over last year's model include standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air update capability, dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity, and Toyota Security. Sense 2.5 suite of driver assistance features. A 10.5-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices are among the RAV4 Prime's new optional equipment.
Faster and more efficient than the RAV4 Hybrid, the RAV4 Prime may be the best way to buy Toyota's popular compact crossover. The downside is that it is expensive compared to the RAV4 Hybrid. Prime also doesn't offer many trim levels. Luckily, Toyota makes up for the lack of available customization by equipping plenty of standard technology across the lineup.
A larger infotainment display and gauge cluster were introduced for the 2023 model year. The Prime is further enhanced with a new version of Toyota's multimedia system complete with over-the-air update capabilities and voice commands, which will keep it feeling fresh for years to come. The addition of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite is expected to provide additional peace of mind with a variety of driver assistance equipment.
Not only is the RAV4 Prime a strong value, but we think it's the most attractive RAV4 variant from a driving enthusiast's perspective. It boasts the best chassis tuning in the lineup, and it's a blast to take around a twisty road. That said, efficiency-focused tires don't give this crossover much of an advantage in terms of test numbers. A thoughtful interior and an electric range of more than 40 miles contribute to excellent daily drivability. Purchasing the RAV4 Prime comes with our sincere recommendation.
RAV4 Prime vs. bZ4X
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How does Toyota's PHEV compare to its all-electric SUV, the oddly named bZ4X? The RAV4 Prime is more powerful and quicker to start, with 302 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The AWD version of the bZ4X produces 214 hp and accelerates to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds.
Of course, the bZ4X has the RAV4 Prime ahead in terms of all-electric range. The XLE FWD model can travel the longest distance on a single charge with a range of 252 miles, while the Limited AWD model is the most limited with a range of just 222 miles. Meanwhile, the RAV4 Prime battery can carry it as far as 42 miles before the petrol engine starts. However, the total range of the PHEV crossover is an impressive 600 miles.
Lastly, the RAV4 Prime is more spacious than the bZ4X. Not only does it offer more rear legroom, at 37.8 inches to 35.3 inches, but it also offers greater cargo capacity. The RAV4 Prime can haul 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats while the bZ4X can haul 27.7 cubes of gear. Until Toyota finalizes its EV formula, we recommend sticking with the RAV4 Prime.
The RAV4 Prime is a very safe car. The IIHS named it a 2023 Top Safety Pick, an honor we predict we'll continue to carry in future years of crash testing. There's also a robust suite of standard driver assistance technologies; Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 is equipped on every RAV4 Prime. Features include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, road sign assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear park assist with braking. automatic. A 360-degree camera system is also available.
There aren't many plug-in hybrid compact crossovers, but the RAV4 Prime is one of the roomiest crossovers on sale today. Cargo space with the seats up compares favorably with the 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV, and with the rear seats down, there's more space than the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV offers.
Leg room (front/rear) Cargo room (upper/lower seats)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime 41.0/37.8 inches 33.4/63.1 cubic feet
2023 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid 42.4/38.9 inches 34.4/60.8 cubic feet
2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid 41.1/39.5 inches 31.9/71.8 cubic feet
Technology
Post-redesign, the 2024 RAV4 Prime continues to have excellent feature-per-dollar value and its standard tech content is a big reason why. An 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air update capabilities are all included on the base RAV4 Prime SE. There's also a larger 10.5-inch display available. The SE model uses a 7.0-inch instrument cluster, while the top-end XSE model receives a fully digital 12.3-inch unit. A six-speaker setup is equipped on the RAV4 Prime SE, and the XSE trim gets a premium 11-speaker JBL setup.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is again available in SE and XSE trims. We expect slight price increases for both, pushing prices for the base model above $45,000 and the top model above $49,000.
Every 2024 RAV4 Prime is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, dual electric motors, an 18.1 kWh battery, and standard all-wheel drive. The total system output is rated at 302 hp. According to our First Test data, we ran 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. This makes the RAV4 Prime faster than other Toyota models besides the GR Supra sports car.
While its impressive performance is a plus, the RAV4 Prime is also very efficient. The EPA rates the 2022 model at 94 mpg-e and 38 mpg combined, and we expect that to remain true for the 2024 model as well. The RAV4 Prime's all-electric range of 42 miles is segment-leading, and the total combined range is an incredible 600 miles. normal.
