2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Toyota mostly fulfills its reputation for building efficient and exceptionally reliable vehicles. Most of their models do well in our testing, thanks to their impressive fuel economy, comfortable rides, quiet cabins, and ease of getting in and out. All of this makes Toyotas among the best options for used vehicles. The brand was a hybrid pioneer, starting with the original Prius. Toyota has evolved and expanded that technology, and most vehicles in its lineup are available as a hybrid. Toyota also sells a number of plug-in hybrids, which were once called Prime but are now simply referred to as Plug-in. The company also knows how to add a dose of excitement into its lineup. The GR86, GR Corolla, and Supra are legit, fun-to-drive sports cars. However, some models we’ve tested have been disappointing. The company’s EV, the bZ4X SUV, is mediocre.

The new for 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid version of the RAV4 that comes only in all-wheel drive. With its electric drive and 2.5-liter engine, the Prime produces a combined 302-hp, making it feel very quick. It can travel about 40 miles on all-electric power alone. It takes nearly five hours to charge the battery on a 240-volt outlet. The RAV4 Prime transforms the RAV4 into a quick, quiet, more upscale SUV. Thanks to its relatively large battery size, it qualifies for the federal $7,500 tax incentive EVs get, making it a sensible choice. It is available in SE and XSE trim lines. All RAV4 Primes come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, and road sign recognition. For 2025 the RAV4 Prime is renamed RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.