This Budget Plug-In Hybrid Will Make You Rethink Speed and Affordability

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are becoming an ideal choice for families seeking a practical, eco-friendly, and affordable alternative to traditional SUVs. By combining electric motors with gasoline engines, PHEVs deliver impressive efficiency without sacrificing the range or dependability required for daily commutes, school runs, and road trips. These vehicles are designed for modern drivers who value reduced emissions and fuel savings while maintaining the versatility of a gasoline-powered car.

PHEVs stand out for their ability to adapt to various driving needs, whether it’s all-electric trips around town or hybrid mode for longer journeys. Many models also offer advanced safety and convenience features, making them perfect for family-oriented buyers.

Among the growing list of PHEVs, one particular SUV shines for its outstanding practicality, advanced hybrid technology, and reputation for reliability. This family-friendly vehicle not only meets the demands of everyday driving but also offers cutting-edge features that enhance comfort and convenience. Backed by a leading automaker with a strong legacy in hybrid innovation, this SUV is setting a new benchmark for efficiency and usability in its segment. Whether it’s for the daily grind or weekend adventures, this PHEV delivers in every way imaginable.

UPDATE: 2024/12/07

The article has been updated to more relevant and insightful information.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and other authoritative sources.

What Makes The Toyota RAV4 Prime A Sleeper

The Toyota RAV4 is many things, but exciting is hardly the word that its fans would use to describe the best-selling small SUV model. Instead, it’s best characterized by its affordability, practicality for small families, and reliability. The RAV4 is a sales hit because it’s exactly what many American families are searching for in a small SUV. On the other hand, many of its competitors offer high power outputs and provide more exhilarating driving experiences.

The RAV4 was never intended to be exciting. Consumers can upgrade the small SUV through configurations and options to make it more appealing, but it was never a performance vehicle. With its many iterations and the availability of many different packages, the RAV4 has become more refined and even more capable. Now, the Japanese automaker has also found a way to make it performance-oriented via a plug-in hybrid powertrain system.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Specifications

The RAV4 Prime is a sleeper because it has the exterior of a typical RAV4 small SUV but the performance specs of a sports car. It’s incredibly quick for a small SUV. The RAV4 Prime is the second-quickest Toyota model in the brand’s portfolio, behind the Toyota Supra. The RAV4 Prime and Supra couldn’t appear more different, yet both models provide exciting driving dynamics for consumers. Unlike the Supra, the RAV4 Prime doesn’t scream speed. Its two electric motors pack the small SUV with enough power to put many of its rivals to shame. The Toyota RAV4 Prime produces 99 more horses than the internal combustion engine Toyota RAV4.

Why The Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Seriously Underrated

When you think of exciting SUVs, the RAV4 is hardly the first thing that comes to mind for most drivers. The RAV4 isn’t as adventure-ready as the Ford Bronco or as luxurious as the Genesis GV70. It isn’t as quick as a Porsche Macan or as durable as a Land Rover Defender. The Toyota RAV4 is a best-selling SUV in America because it’s affordable to refuel, reliable enough for families, and has a low starting price compared to many rivals. The RAV4 Prime is seriously underrated due to its close relation to its internal combustion engine predecessor.

Though the RAV4 Prime may have a very similar body style to the RAV4, it has an entirely different heart and soul, making the small plug-in hybrid SUV unique. It is underrated because many consumers expect the performance of a typical RAV4 from the RAV4 Prime. Additionally, drivers can look past its substantial electric-only driving range.

The RAV4 Prime’s ability to travel for 42 miles on just electricity
makes it incredibly efficient. This electric-only driving capability could save drivers hundreds of dollars a year on fuel. Many of the RAV4 Prime’s best features are unknown to drivers who aren’t auto enthusiasts. This could cause them to miss out on the most exciting iteration of Toyota’s small SUV yet.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Starts At Under $45,000

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $43,690
. It’s available in a base SE configuration and an XSE final configuration ($47,560). The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE includes more advanced technological features and creature comforts. The RAV4 Prime seems expensive for a RAV4 model, but its plug-in hybrid powertrain system changes the small SUV’s value proposition.

Since it’s a plug-in hybrid, it is much more powerful and efficient than any internal combustion engine or hybrid RAV4 configuration. So, its pricing is fair compared to other small plug-in hybrid SUVs like the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid ($39,280). If a brand-new Toyota RAV4 Prime seems too expensive for you, plenty of great used options are available.

Toyota RAV4 Prime Trims

Toyota RAV4 Prime Used Prices

Depreciation can make vehicles much more affordable over time. The depreciation of used vehicles allows consumers to acquire exciting automobiles at heavily discounted rates (at times). Carvana has a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime model listed for as low as $32,990 before taxes and additional fees. This model has accumulated $81,000 miles. CarMax has a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime with 38,000 miles listed for $37,998 before taxes and additional fees.

According to Kelley Blue Book, a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime with under 51,000 miles has a fair purchase price of $32,134. It has a typical listing price of $33,334. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime’s original MSRP is $38,350. It has

depreciated around 13-percent
of its original MSRP in just a few years. So, getting a used model may be a great decision for drivers looking to save thousands on a RAV4 Prime.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Features

A plug-in hybrid powertrain is just part of the RAV4 Prime’s appeal. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is loaded with great standard features. Furthermore, it has a long list of advanced features via its final configuration. The RAV4 Prime is easily the most technologically advanced version of the small SUV in existence (thus far).

Additionally, Toyota has paid particular attention to making the RAV4 Prime as refined as possible, providing a luxury experience that can’t be found in a typical RAV4. So, what features come standard on the RAV4 Prime, and what are the best optional features the small plug-in hybrid SUV offers?

Toyota RAV4 Prime Standard Features

• Electronic on-demand All-wheel drive.
• Roof rails.
• Height-adjustable power liftgate.
• Front door handles w/ touch-sensor lock/unlock.
• Heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators.
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel.
• Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Lane departure alert.
• Lane tracing assist.
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines.

Clearly, the RAV4 Prime has plenty of standard safety and driver assistance features. These features make the small plug-in hybrid SUV safer for its occupants and easier to drive. The RAV4 Prime also features plenty of creature comforts like a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The 2024 RAV4 Prime SE offers ample features for most drivers, but some of the best features are reserved for the 2024 RAV4 Prime XSE.

Toyota RAV4 Prime Optional Features

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close.
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters.
• Wireless smartphone charging.
• SofTex-trimmed seats.
• 11-speaker JBL premium audio sound system.
• Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer.

The RAV4 Prime XSE is an easy choice for drivers who want to experience the best version of the plug-in hybrid small family SUV. Paddle shifters enhance the driving experience. SofTex-trimmed seats make for a more opulent cabin. Wireless smartphone charging and an 11-speaker sound system add to the final configuration’s completeness, proving Toyota threw in everything but the kitchen sink. While the RAV4 Prime SE provides plenty of value for the money, the XSE includes features that are tough to pass on.

Toyota RAV4 Prime Safety Features And Ratings

Safety Features

The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes equipped with an impressive array of safety technologies, anchored by Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes key features such as:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps detect pedestrians and vehicles, providing automatic braking assistance.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead by adjusting speed automatically.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Warns if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane and can provide corrective steering assistance.
• Road Sign Assist: Detects and displays road signs on the dashboard for added convenience and awareness.

In addition to these, the RAV4 Prime includes essential safety features like:

• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots.
• Backup Camera: Provides a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle when reversing.
• Emergency SOS System: Automatically contacts emergency services in the event of a collision.
• Advanced Airbag System: Offers multiple airbags throughout the cabin for enhanced occupant protection.

Safety Ratings

The RAV4 Prime has performed admirably in safety tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has earned strong ratings across various categories:

• NHTSA Overall Frontal Star Rating: 4 stars
• Overall Side Star Rating: 5 stars
• Rollover Resistance Star Rating: 4 stars
• NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 stars

The RAV4 Prime also meets all performance criteria for advanced safety assist systems. These include:

• Forward Collision Warning: Detects potential frontal collisions and alerts the driver.
• Lane Departure Warning: Warns if the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
• Crash Imminent Braking: Automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.
• Dynamic Brake Support: Provides additional braking force if necessary to avoid a crash.

Additionally, the RAV4 Prime has received no recalls for the 2024 model year, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and well-engineered vehicle. Backed by Toyota’s trusted reputation for safety and quality, this PHEV is designed to offer both peace of mind and performance.

How The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Fares Overall

Toyota’s first-ever small plug-in hybrid SUV may seem like a great deal, but there’s a reason it hasn’t become a best-selling model yet. There are just as many cons to getting a RAV4 Prime over an internal combustion engine or hybrid RAV4. So, what are the pros and cons of getting a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime?

Pros

1. Electric-only driving range.
2. 302 horsepower.
3. Plenty of standard features.
4. Quick acceleration.

Cons

1. High starting price compared to gas and hybrid RAV4 models.
2. It needs to be charged to get the full benefits of the powertrain.
3. The best features are reserved for the final configuration.
4. Handling could be better for a performance-oriented vehicle.

Toyota’s RAV4 Prime may be one of the most exciting SUVs in the automaker’s lineup, but it isn’t perfect. Traits like its high starting price will deter many consumers from getting one. Is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime worth the money to you, or is a gas or hybrid RAV4 model much more desirable?

How The RAV4 Prime Stacks Up Against Its Rivals

Toyota has long been a leader in the hybrid market, and the 2024 RAV4 Prime exemplifies its commitment to innovation and reliability. Offering a standout combination of power and efficiency, the RAV4 Prime delivers an impressive 302 horsepower and an electric range of 42 miles, making it a top choice for drivers seeking practicality with a touch of performance. With a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and Toyota’s trusted reputation, the RAV4 Prime sets the standard for what a plug-in hybrid SUV should be.

RAV4 Prime vs. Hyundai Tucson PHEV vs. Ford Escape PHEV Specifications

When comparing the RAV4 Prime to rivals like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Ford Escape PHEV, its strengths become even more apparent. While the Tucson offers a competitive 33-mile electric range and the Escape boasts an affordable price, neither can match the Toyota’s class-leading power and EV capability. For those who prioritize a balance of performance, practicality, and Toyota’s signature reliability, the RAV4 Prime clearly stands out in this competitive segment.