Toyota is arguably the largest title within the automotive trade, and the Japanese carmaker has been on the forefront of innovation for almost 9 a long time. It may appear to be hybrid and all-electric automobiles are the norm these days, however Toyota was on the entrance strains of this transition when it launched the Prius in 1997. Now, almost thirty years later, the corporate has mastered the hybrid model, and its plug-in hybrid electrical automobiles (PHEVs) offer a bridge between gas-powered models and complete EVs.

Perhaps the best PHEV under the brand’s name is the RAV4 Prime, which gives a brand new spin on the wildly in style SUV by combining an environment friendly hybrid powertrain with an electrical battery that is sufficiently big to energy it by itself. At first look, it looks as if a plug-in hybrid RAV4 is the very best of each worlds, because it gives the power to drive on simply the battery whereas fully assuaging any vary nervousness since its essential powerplant continues to be gas-powered, nevertheless it’s additionally in a little bit of a bizarre spot between ICEs and EVs. So is the brand new RAV4 Prime value it?

What’s New For 2024?

With how popular the RAV4 is year after year, Toyota did not make too many adjustments for the 2024 Prime mannequin. The greatest change of notice is the addition of Army Green as an exterior colour choice, which has been one of the crucial sought-after colours supplied on the Tundra and Tacoma vans lately. Toyota up to date the surface of the SUV with black accents and a brand new black grille on the entrance. The new RAV4 Prime additionally comes with the newest Toyota Audio Multimedia system customary, together with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.

2024 Highlights

• Army Green exterior colour is now out there
• Black exterior accents and entrance grille
• Bigger screens and shows within the XSE trim
• Latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of driver-assistance options

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Toyota)

Engine And Performance

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is on the market in both the SE or XSE trim, which each include the identical powertrain. The RAV4 Prime makes use of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine coupled to an 18.1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery that you could plug in and cost individually. With a tank of gasoline and a charged battery, the RAV4 Prime produces a mixed 302 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque, which is sufficient to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (MPH) in 5.5 seconds, which is faster than any other RAV4 trim out there.

The RAV4 comes with a 6.6 kilowatt (kW) onboard charger for the 18.1 kWh battery, and it may absolutely cost it in 2.5 hours on a Level 2 charger. If all you may have is an ordinary 120-volt outlet, the battery will take about 12 hours to be absolutely charged. The advantage of a PHEV is that even if you cannot cost the battery, you may nonetheless drive the RAV4 Prime like regular, and it will simply run on gasoline.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Toyota)

Towing and Payload Capacities

As a hybrid SUV, the Toyota RAV4 Prime does not provide any kind of towing performance that’s going to knock your socks off. Both RAV4 Prime trims max out at 2,500 kilos, which is sufficient to transfer a couple of issues round city right here and there, nevertheless it does not compete with one thing just like the TRD Off-Road trim that may deal with 3,500 kilos, and it is not in the same universe as the all-electric Rivian R1S and its 7,700-pound towing capability.

(Data sourced from Toyota)

Off-Road Capabilities

The RAV4 has all the time been one of many most popular SUVs on the market for off-roading and overlanding, and the Prime is not any exception. The apparent RAV4 mannequin that involves thoughts for going off the beaten path is the TRD Off-Road, however the Prime XSE truly performs simply as nicely, if not higher. With its 19.5° angle of method, 19.5° angle of departure, and eight.2-inch floor clearance, the RAV4 Prime XSE is a good off-road SUV. The Prime SE is almost nearly as good however gives ever-so-slightly worse efficiency throughout the board.

(Data sourced from Toyota)

Fuel Economy

With the RAV4 Prime’s 18.2 kWh battery, the hybrid SUV can go for 42 miles on the battery’s energy alone, with out utilizing any gasoline. Once it begins burning gasoline, the RAV4 Prime will get an estimated 38 miles per gallon (MPG) mixed according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), resulting in a complete vary of 600 miles. With the electric-only vary mixed with the gas-burning miles, the EPA estimates that the RAV4 Prime will get a formidable 94 miles per gallon equal (MPGe).

(Data sourced from Toyota and the EPA)

Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime

• Big panoramic sunroof
• Dual-zone local weather management
• Five USB ports
• Available 10-inch head-up show
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in XSE trim

Inside the SUV, you’ll be treated to a cabin that’s much like the remainder of the RAV4 lineup with a give attention to performance and practicality as an alternative of over-the-top luxurious, although Toyota does provide a couple of additional bits of favor and aptitude. Both trims include 5 USB ports, two 12-volt retailers, snug seating for as much as 5 adults, and heated entrance seats. The RAV4 Prime does provide barely much less second-row cargo house than the non-PHEV fashions as a result of battery below the ground, however the distinction is comparatively small.

The giant panoramic sunroof supplies nice views of the day and night time sky, whereas dual-zone local weather management permits passengers to dial of their good stage of consolation. Red accents all through the inside assist set it aside from different RAV4 fashions, whereas blue ambient lighting within the XSE trim takes the vibes to the following stage.

Technology

The RAV4 Prime SE comes customary with a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster and eight.0-inch infotainment middle touchscreen, whereas the XSE trim enlarges these to 12.3-inch and 10.5-inch respectively, making the inside really feel that rather more tech-filled. Both trims provide wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto customary, and the XSE comes with a wi-fi charging pad to maintain your telephone juiced on the go. The SUV comes customary with a six-speaker system, however you may improve this to an 11-speaker {surround} sound system in both mannequin.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Toyota)

Safety And Reliability

Toyota is understood for producing a number of the most secure, most dependable automobiles on the highway, and the plug-in RAV4 Prime is not any exception. The 2024 mannequin has obtained an ideal 5-star total security score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it was named a 2024 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). There have been no recollects or investigations into the RAV4 Prime, however the NHTSA has obtained two complaints, with one a few faulty battery and one claiming the sunroof shattered.

Driver Assistance Features

The 2024 RAV4 Prime comes loaded with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a full suite of driver-assistance options designed to boost the general driving expertise. Although TSS 3.0+ is already out and supplied by Toyota in different fashions, the RAV4 nonetheless comes with loads of options, together with a surround-view digicam system, parking help, trailer-sway management, and extra.

• Panoramic view monitor
• Front and rear parking help
• Emergency automated braking
• Brake help
• Smart Stop Technology
• Trailer-sway management
• Hill begin help management
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Pre-collision avoidance
• Pedestrian detection
• Lane-departure help
• Active steering help
• Automatic high-beams
• Lane-tracing help
• Road signal help
• Full-speed dynamic radar cruise management
• Backup digicam with gridlines

IIHS Crash Testing

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 2
• Awards: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2024)

Warranties

The 2024 RAV4 Prime comes with Toyota’s new car restricted guarantee and hybrid guarantee, which mix to supply one of the most comprehensive warranties you will discover. The base guarantee gives bumper-to-bumper protection for 36 months/36,000 miles and powertrain protection for 60 months/60,000 miles. It additionally comes with complimentary scheduled upkeep for twenty-four months/25,000 miles, 24/7 roadside help for the primary two years, and corrosion protection for 60 months, regardless of what number of miles you drive.

Starting in 2020, Toyota upped the battery protection of its hybrid powertrains, and the RAV4 Prime comes with a formidable 10-year/150,000-mile guarantee. This replaces the previous 8-year/100,000-mile protection and makes the Toyota battery warranty one of the best.

(Data sourced from Toyota)

2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Versus Its Competitors

With the hybrid SUV market rising and plug-in variations rising in popularity as a bridge to electrical automobiles, the 2024 RAV4 Prime has some fierce competitors. The Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid is a extra reasonably priced choice and feels a bit sportier to drive, whereas the Kia Niro Hybrid has an all-electric brother that is likely to be value contemplating for those who’re able to make the bounce to EVs.

How The Toyota RAV4 Prime Compares To The Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid

• 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime

  Model

  Toyota RAV4 Prime

  Engine

  2.5-liter hybrid engine with twin electrical motors

  Transmission

  eCVT

  Horsepower

  302 HP

  Torque

  288 LB-FT

  Driveline

  AWD

  Range

  600 Miles

  MSRP

  $43,690 – $47,560

  Fuel Economy

  38 MPG

  Charge Time

  2.5 Hours @ 240V

  Towing Capacity

  2,500 Pounds

  0-60 MPH

  5.5 Seconds

• 2024 Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid

  Model

  Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid

  Engine

  1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain

  Transmission

  6-Speed automated

  Horsepower

  261 HP

  Torque

  258 HP

  Driveline

  AWD

  Range

  420 Miles

  MSRP

  $38,725 – $45,450

  Fuel Economy

  35 MPG

  Charge Time

  Under 2 hours @ 240V

  Towing Capacity

  2,000 Pounds

  0-60 MPH

  7.1 Seconds

Toyota and Hyundai are among the many two most dependable producers on the planet, and so they’re recognized for producing sensible, long-lasting automobiles, so you may’t actually go unsuitable with the RAV4 Prime or the Tuscon PHEV. That mentioned, the very first thing you will discover when driving each of them is that the RAV4 gives much better efficiency. Even although its 302-horsepower motor setup is not that rather more spectacular than the 261-horsepower configuration within the Hyundai, the RAV4 hits 60 MPH in simply 5.5 seconds, whereas the Hyundai takes 7.1 seconds. That mentioned, the Tuscon has a bit tighter suspension and gives a sportier really feel within the corners.

In phrases of gasoline economic system, the RAV4 once more will get a slight edge, with the Toyota averaging 38 MPG in comparison with the Tuscon’s 35 MPG. Taking this a step additional, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid can stand up to 42 miles of vary on its battery, whereas the Tuscon is restricted to round 33 miles. With a charged battery and full tank of gasoline, the RAV4 Prime gives a class-leading 600-mile vary, however you will be restricted to only 420 miles between fill-ups within the Tuscon.

One space the place the RAV4 Prime falls quick is its worth, with the Hyundai Tuscon beginning at solely $38,725, almost $5,000 lower than the RAV4 Prime SE. For the higher efficiency, it is likely to be value it, however you would additionally get a top-of-the-line Tuscon PHEV for a bit greater than a base mannequin RAV4 Prime, so it’s kind of of a toss-up.

How The Toyota RAV4 Prime Compares To The Kia Niro Hybrid

• 	2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime	2024 Kia Niro PHEV
  Model	Toyota RAV4 Prime	Kia Niro PHEV
  Engine	2.5-liter hybrid engine with twin electrical motors	1.6-liter four-cylinder and one electrical motor
  Transmission	eCVT	Six-speed automated transmission
  Torque	288 LB-FT	195 LB-FT
  Driveline	AWD	Front-wheel drive
  Range	600 Miles	544-588 Miles
  MSRP	$43,690 – $47,560	$34,390 – $40,140
  Fuel Economy	38 MPG	108 MPGe
  Charge Time	2.5 Hours @ 240V	2.75 Hours @ 240V
  0-60 MPH	5.5 Seconds	9.1 seconds
  Horsepower	302 HP	180 HP

Next up is the Kia Niro PHEV, which shares a couple of similarities to the Hyundai Tuscon for the reason that two corporations are associated, nevertheless it’s one other worthy competitor for the RAV4 Prime. Right off the bat, the largest distinction once more is energy and efficiency, with the Kia Niro making a mixed 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This meager output is just sufficient to propel the SUV from 0 to 60 MPH in a sluggish 9.1 seconds, which falls manner wanting what the Toyota can do. The Kia Niro additionally suffers from the same 33-mile electric-only range because the Hyundai above, which once more falls wanting the RAV4 Prime.

Even extra enticing with the Kia Niro PHEV, nevertheless, is its beginning worth, which sits at only $34,390 for the bottom mannequin. At this worth level, you are saving almost $10,000 by choosing the Kia over the RAV4 Prime, which could actually make you suppose. Plus throughout the Kia Niro household is the Niro EV, which is an all-electric model of the SUV with a beginning worth of $39,600. If you are contemplating any of those plug-in SUVs, you may need to take into consideration one thing just like the Niro EV and dive all the best way into all-electric.

How Much A 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Costs

The base mannequin Toyota RAV4 Prime SE has a beginning worth of $43,690 earlier than including any choices, which positively places the plug-in hybrid at a better worth level. Upgrading to the XSE for some nicer inside facilities and touches will carry that worth as much as $47,560. With the value for the common Toyota RAV4 Hybrid beginning at simply $31,725, you may see how much extra you’re paying for the fun-to-drive Prime.

(Data sourced from Toyota)

Is It Worth Buying A Toyota RAV4 Prime?

The Toyota RAV4 title speaks for itself, and there is a motive it is one of the crucial in style SUVs 12 months after 12 months. That mentioned, the excessive price ticket on the RAV4 Prime is a bit powerful to swallow, and it is not likely value the additional price over the common hybrid until you are dead-set on shopping for a plug-in hybrid. If that is the case, the RAV4 Prime is definitely among the best choices you will get your palms on, although it nonetheless sits on the greater finish of the value vary.

Anyone prepared to spend the cash on a RAV4 Prime ought to actually contemplate taking a look at a number of the new all-electric SUVs hitting the market. The greatest situation with most EVs today is the excessive worth of entry, however with how a lot one in all these RAV4s goes to set you again, you will be at across the similar worth. I’ll never recommend going against a RAV4 since they’re such nice SUVs, however you would probably get a greater worth with a unique mannequin or by going all-electric instead.