The Prime plug-in hybrid transforms the driving experience of Toyota’s small RAV4 SUV, giving it abundant power and a comfortable ride to go along with its fuel-economy benefits. We think it’s a good option for buyers who are looking toward an EV but don’t want to worry about re-charging the battery when taking long trips.
We were able to drive the Prime about 40 miles on electric power alone, and we got 34 mpg overall when it transitioned to hybrid mode. By switching between the Prime’s drive modes, drivers can choose when they use the electric portion, for instance to save the electric propulsion for later if city driving is anticipated. It takes nearly five hours to charge the battery on a 240-volt outlet (or 12 hours on 120-volt) for the standard 3.3 kW onboard charger; the optional 6.6 kW charger shortens that time.
The Prime’s combined 302-hp makes it quick, with lush, effortless power; its scoots from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. The electric drive gives enough assist that the gas engine rarely has to strain, which mostly eliminates the rough engine noise the regular RAV4 suffers from. The Prime comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Whether due to the Prime’s added weight from its large battery, or suspension changes Toyota made, the Prime rides more comfortably than the regular RAV4. Handling remains responsive and secure, but this is not a sporty-driving SUV.
Stopping distances are a bit long and the brake pedal is overly touchy at low speeds, and it will take some familiarity to make smooth stops.
The interior isn’t much different from a regular RAV4, aside from the upgraded soft-touch surfaces and synthetic leather seats in our XSE.
Most controls remain clear and easy to use, and the cargo and passenger room are unchanged.
All RAV4 Primes come standard with a multitude of advanced safety and driver assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition.
While it’s true that the Prime is considerably more expensive than the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, its price premium is somewhat offset by the $7,500 federal tax credit, which is available to buyers because of the Prime’s large battery.