First things first, here’s a question for you. Which is the best-selling SUV in the United States? In 2019, the RAV4 came on top of the CR-V and Rogue with 448,071 units. In other words, it’s the fourth-best selling nameplate in America.
Already available as a hybrid, the compact crossover from Toyota enters the 2021 model year with plug-in hybrid technology in the guise of the RAV4 Prime. Revealed in November 2019 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and in January 2020 as the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid in Europe, the newcomer starts at only $38,100.
Coming as standard with Electronic On-Demand AWD and up to 42 miles (67 kilometers) of electric driving range, the RAV4 Prime promises 94 combined MPGe. Yes, ladies and gents; it’s the most efficient RAV4 ever produced!
In addition to that and the highest EV range of any plug-in hybrid SUV on the market, the newcomer is also the most powerful RAV4 thanks to 302 horsepower (306 PS). Even though it’s not set up for straight-line performance, you can hit 60 miles per hour (97 kph) in just 5.7 seconds.
Two trim levels will be available at launch, starting with the SE. 18-inch painted and machined alloy wheels, a lower spoiler up front, an “exclusive grille design,” and piano-black garnish are some of the goodies that come standard. A 3 kW on-board charger, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a power trunk door, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob plus red stitching, a power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment; there’s a lot to like about it.
Add $1,665 to the tally for the Weather & Moonroof Package, and you’re also treated to a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, rain-sensing wipers with de-icer function, and so forth. Higher still, Toyota offers the XSE trim.
At $41,425 before destination charge, the RAV4 Prime XSE levels up to 19-inch alloys, two-tone paintwork, vertical accent lights, paddle shifters even though we’re dealing with an e-CVT, a moonroof, SofTex upholstery for the seats, wireless charging for your mobile phone, and the 9.0-inch multimedia system.
If you want the 6.6-kWh Enhanced Charger, prepare an additional $5,760 because it’s bundled with the so-called Weather with Audio and Premium Package exclusive to the XSE grade.
Coming as standard with Electronic On-Demand AWD and up to 42 miles (67 kilometers) of electric driving range, the RAV4 Prime promises 94 combined MPGe. Yes, ladies and gents; it’s the most efficient RAV4 ever produced!
In addition to that and the highest EV range of any plug-in hybrid SUV on the market, the newcomer is also the most powerful RAV4 thanks to 302 horsepower (306 PS). Even though it’s not set up for straight-line performance, you can hit 60 miles per hour (97 kph) in just 5.7 seconds.
Two trim levels will be available at launch, starting with the SE. 18-inch painted and machined alloy wheels, a lower spoiler up front, an “exclusive grille design,” and piano-black garnish are some of the goodies that come standard. A 3 kW on-board charger, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a power trunk door, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob plus red stitching, a power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment; there’s a lot to like about it.
Add $1,665 to the tally for the Weather & Moonroof Package, and you’re also treated to a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, rain-sensing wipers with de-icer function, and so forth. Higher still, Toyota offers the XSE trim.
At $41,425 before destination charge, the RAV4 Prime XSE levels up to 19-inch alloys, two-tone paintwork, vertical accent lights, paddle shifters even though we’re dealing with an e-CVT, a moonroof, SofTex upholstery for the seats, wireless charging for your mobile phone, and the 9.0-inch multimedia system.
If you want the 6.6-kWh Enhanced Charger, prepare an additional $5,760 because it’s bundled with the so-called Weather with Audio and Premium Package exclusive to the XSE grade.