The RAV4 is up for a refresh next year, but even so, it’s kind of curious that nothing has been done to the RAV4 Prime for 2024. The attached press release doesn’t mention anything new in terms of equipment, although the pricing did change.
Excluding the dealer processing and handling fee of $1,395, the plug-in hybrid crossover is $43,440 for the SE trim level. Step up to the better-equipped XSE, and you’re looking at $47,310 before destination charge and options. At the moment of writing, the 2023 model year Toyota RAV4 Prime is listed with MSRPs of $43,090 and $46,960.
To arrive in US dealer showrooms later this year in limited quantities, the 2024 model offers the very same all-electric range as before. Toyota claims 42 miles (68 kilometers), with said estimate confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency. In combination with the internal combustion engine (a 2.5-liter I4 naturally-aspirated mill running the Atkinson cycle), the fuel-sipping crossover promises a total range of 600 miles (966 kilometers) from 14.5 gallons of gas and an 18.1-kWh pack.
The high-voltage battery is connected to a couple of electric motors. Electric all-wheel drive is – of course – standard. What’s most intriguing about the RAV4 Prime is the zero to 60 figure. Toyota estimates 5.5 seconds, which is pretty sweet for something developed to be as efficient as technically possible. By comparison, the GR Supra 3.0 is much obliged to reach 60 in 3.9 seconds.
The Supra, however, is a totally different animal. Not only does it feature a BMW-sourced engine, but the Japanese coupe is produced in Austria alongside the Z4. The rear-drive Supra further sports a ZF automatic rather than an Aisin eCVT.
Photo: Toyota
Capable of 38 miles to the gallon (make that 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers) in hybrid mode, the RAV4 Prime belts out 302 horsepower (306 ps) at full chatter. As for the internal combustion engine, that would be 176 horsepower at 5,700 revolutions per minute. The front-mounted electric motor is good for 179, whereas the rear unit makes 53 ponies.
Listed with 33.5 cubic feet (948.6 liters) of rear cargo volume and 8 inches (203 millimeters) of ground clearance, the RAV4 Prime features a Trail mode that works in a rather simple yet effective fashion. More specifically, in case a rear wheel somehow loses contact with the ground while driving off the beaten path, Trail mode brakes said wheel and sends torque to the grounded wheel.
What are you getting for your money, though? In the SE’s case, 18-inch alloys open the list. A 7.0-inch display for the driver, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 6.6-kW charger, a power liftgate, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, cloth upholstery, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and heated front seats are standard as well.
The XSE upgrades to 19s, paddle shifters, a 10.5-inch infotainment system with JBL speakers, 12.3 inches of Multi-Information Display for the driver, SofTex upholstery, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting for the interior. Oh, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink!
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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