2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Vehicle Description

Overview
Plug-in hybrids are excellent for drivers who want electrification without tight range restrictions. These models use all-electric power for a specified number of miles before bringing a gas engine into play. You’ll find plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) versions of popular SUVs such as the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Kia Sportage.

Toyota RAV4 Prime is part of the current class of plug-in-hybrid SUVs. Like the standard RAV4 on which it’s based, the Prime excels at providing comfortable transportation. The seats offer pleasant support, and both rows are roomy enough to fit adults easily. Plus, the SUV’s cushioned ride keeps bumps and jolts from disturbing the cabin.

The RAV4 Prime’s outstanding all-electric driving range sets it apart. It travels more than 40 miles using just electric power. That means if you have a commute of 10 miles or so each way, you could drive to and from work in the RAV4 Prime without ever needing to use the gas engine, provided you can recharge at night. It travels longer on a fully charged battery than PHEV variants of the Escape, Tucson, Outlander, and Sportage.

The RAV4 Prime costs more than the Outlander and Tucson PHEVs. And its lackluster handling won’t add any thrills to your commute. But its strong driving range, smooth ride, and spacious cabin make it excellent for drivers seeking an SUV offering comfort and efficiency.

Positives
All models have all-wheel drive for improved wet-weather traction. Outstanding all-electric and overall driving range. Handsome cabin with roomy seats.

Considerations
Rivals cost less. Dull driving dynamics.

Verdict
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime has the roominess and utility of the RAV4 crossover but adds a frugal plug-in-hybrid powertrain with an impressive all-electric driving range.

What's New for 2024
After receiving updates for 2023, the RAV4 Prime carries over into the 2024 model year with no major changes.
Trims and Pricing
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is available in two trim levels: SE and XSE. The XSE is more popular, but we’ll explain below why we prefer the SE.

SE
The SE model starts at $44,790 (including a $1,350 destination fee) and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, a power liftgate, keyless entry/ignition, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Tech features include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. All models have driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Options include a heated steering wheel and a garage door opener.

XSE
Starting at $48,660, the XSE adds 19-inch wheels, a garage door opener, a sunroof, fog lights, and imitation leather upholstery. Upgraded tech includes a 10.5-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system.

You can dress up the XSE with appealing options. The list includes a head-up display, a surround-view camera, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, and parking sensors.

The XSE adds plenty of extra conveniences, but we prefer the SE. It’s the better value, combining plug-in efficiency with essential features and nice extras, at a significantly lower price than the XSE.

Engine and Performance
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined 302 horsepower. The engine pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard. For a compact SUV, this combination is potent. It gives the RAV4 Prime snappy acceleration, allowing it to dash from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. For comparison, the regular RAV4 takes about 9 seconds. The Prime’s extra shove is especially useful on the highway, where it keeps plenty of power on tap for passing and merging.

The Prime’s power may be potent, but its steering and handling are dull and lifeless. Most drivers don't expect compact SUVs to deliver fast turns and driving joy, but the Prime is especially uninspired, with ample body roll and nebulous steering feel. Fortunately, the ride is smooth, quiet, and comfortable.

Fuel Economy and Range
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency to deliver 38 mpg for city and highway driving on its gas engine. Electric efficiency is rated at 94 MPGe (MPGe is a rough estimate comparing battery efficiency to one gallon of gas). More usefully, the RAV4 Prime is rated to travel up to 42 miles on battery power alone and cover 600 miles of total range (using both gas and electricity).

That’s more than the Ford Escape PHEV, Hyundai Tucson PHEV, or Kia Sportage PHEV. Rated at 36-kWh per 100 miles, the Prime also uses less electricity to travel 100 miles than the Hyundai, but a bit more than the Ford. A 6.6-kW charger comes standard on both trims. It can fully charge in roughly 90 minutes on a Level 2 charger.

Interior
The Toyota RAV4 Prime's interior is roomy and comfortable. Despite its compact looks, it can comfortably seat five adults. Front seats are supportive, plush, and well-suited for longer distances. With only two well-equipped trim levels, there's no stark version of the RAV4 Prime. A power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel come standard.

Attractive contrast stitching and high-quality materials give the RAV4 Prime a techy, sporty vibe, complementing its electric-hybrid traits, and the ride is smooth and composed, with minimal wind or road noise. When it comes to cargo, the RAV4 Prime offers 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and expands to 63.2 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded down. The comparable Ford Escape PHEV provides 34.3 cubic feet behind its rear seats, and a maximum of 65.4-cubic feet when the rear seats aren't in use. The Kia Sportage PHEV has 39.6 and 74.1 cubic feet, respectively.

Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2024 RAV4 Prime has the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, which bundles cloud services with traditional infotainment functions. A virtual assistant, awakened by the phrase "Hey Toyota," allows for more advanced and nuanced voice commands, such as changing the cabin temperature, zooming in and out on maps, or finding the nearest sea salt caramel macchiato. The system can also pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, store multiple user profiles and preferences via a mobile app, and stream audio from Apple or Amazon music services.

SE trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, while XSE models have a 10.5-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a Wi-Fi hotspot. The XSE also offers a wireless phone charger and a premium 800-watt, 11-speaker JBL audio system. Cloud-based navigation is included for one year with the XSE, and it’s an option for SE trims.

Safety
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), although the standard 2024 RAV4 has earned a full five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t yet tested the 2024 model but gave the very similar 2023 RAV4 Prime a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. Front and rear park assist with automated braking is optional.

Key Features

• Full Service History
• HPI Clear
• MOT until 2027-04
• Multi-point Inspection