Toyota RAV4 Prime

Toyota has been applying a "Prime" moniker to its Toyota Prius for a few years now. That plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Prius has a slightly higher price and a somewhat bigger battery that enables 25 miles of electric driving before the engine comes to life. It's sensible — if you can plug it in and recharge it nightly — but that's about all. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime shares that nondescript suffix, and perhaps unfortunately so. This is a much more interesting and more compelling plug-in hybrid than the Prius Prime.

The reason why boils down to two points. The RAV4 Prime's battery is significantly bigger, and that gives this small SUV an estimated all-electric range of 42 miles. That's a truly useful number that will cover most daily commutes — especially when you know you can safely run it to zero and let the gasoline engine seamlessly keep the party moving. On top of that, the RAV4 Prime has bigger electric motors that make it significantly quicker than any other RAV4. Or just about any other small SUV for that matter.

Even with 302 horsepower, the RAV4 Prime isn't particularly fun to drive. But it is a compelling plug-in hybrid that delivers exceptional economy and practicality.

Which RAV4 Prime does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid variant of the standard five-passenger RAV4 that is classified as a small SUV. It is offered in SE and XSE trims that are equivalent to the higher trims available on the standard RAV4.

SE The base SE trim is well appointed with feature highlights that include:

• A four-cylinder engine plus three hybrid electric motor-generators
• 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery back
• Combined output of 302 horsepower
• All-wheel drive
• Power liftgate
• Heated front seats
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The SE also includes:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the RAV4 Prime and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the RAV4 Prime back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

XSE The XSE adds several niceties, such as:

• Two-tone roof (black)
• Sunroof (optional on SE)
• Paddle shifters
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• 9-inch touchscreen
• Wireless charging pad
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Interior ambient lighting

The Weather package starts off the RAV4 Prime's bundled options with:

• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Automatic wipers with de-icers

The Audio package is only offered with the XSE trim and includes:

• Weather package
• JBL audio system upgrade
• Built-in navigation system and online destination help

Finally, the Premium package (also XSE only) rounds out the add-ons with:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Hands-free liftgate
• Adaptive headlights
• Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking
• Quicker hybrid battery recharging capability
• Ventilated front seats
• Driver-seat memory settings
• Head-up display
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• Household-style power outlet in the cargo area
• Surround-view parking camera system