The race to a fully electric automotive future is gradually heating up, and hybrids are making the transition quite seamless. Notably, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) dominates this segment. However, unlike in HEV, where the battery is charged mainly by the onboard internal combustion engine-powered generator and other sources like regenerative braking, in PHEV, the battery is charged mainly by plugging the car into an external electrical outlet.
Hence, as part of the fifth-generation RAV4, Toyota unveiled a RAV4 PHEV also known as the RAV4 Prime at the LA Auto Show, in December 2019. Available in two potent trims of SE and XSE, the RAV4 Prime is the most powerful, most fuel-efficient, and the quickest RAV4 ever. Buoyed by its sport-tuned suspension, unique design features, and other amazing attributes listed here, the Toyota RAV4 Prime has unlocked a new level of RAV4-performance, all for an enthralling driving experience.
10 Robust Powertrain
The RAV4 Prime is well-loved for its robust powertrain setup which is similar to that of its hybrid variant, as it features a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four that produces 177 horsepower. However, the great leap in power over its other variant comes from two front AC motor-generators that combine to produce 179 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.
Adding the 53 horsepower generated by the rear motors, then the RAV4 Prime easily outputs a combined 302 horsepower. Insane!
9 Performance
The RAV4 Prime has an amazing performance, which ranks it higher than its hybrid variant and other rival models. Notably, RAV4 Prime is the most powerful and the quickest RAV4 model ever built, and not even its 4,400-pound weight could slow it down.
The crossover SUV PHEV is capable of acceleration from rest to 60 mph in a mere 5.7 seconds, and it covers a quarter-mile distance in 14 seconds, all at a top speed of 100 mph.
8 Range & Fuel Efficiency
The importance of range in EVs can’t be overemphasized. As such, the RAV4 Prime is an ideal car for a variety of road trips, irrespective of distance. Short trips, long trips, interstate trips, and so on, the RAV4 Prime possesses an adequate range profile to handle them all.
Notably, the EPA-estimated range for the car is put at 42 miles for its electric prowess alone. However, having the power of two, the RAV4 Prime can switch easily between hybrid and EV modes for an EPA-estimated 94 mpge.
7 AWD
Driving in bad weather conditions could be quite challenging, however, the RAV4 Prime courtesy of its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) feature is adequately equipped for such. With electric motors fixed on all four wheels, the RAV4 Prime in essence can get power to the ground smartly and efficiently.
The RAV4 Prime’s All-Wheel Drive system helps it to precisely regulate power on all four drive wheels for optimal traction and performance, even in the harshest of conditions.
6 Luxurious Cabin
With an awesomely crafted exterior and an enviable powertrain, Toyota had to give the RAV4 Prime a befitting interior. The SE trim features an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and heated cloth seats, while the more expensive XSE trim adopts the wider 9.0-inch display, heated leather front seats, and accent lighting.
Furthermore, the RAV4 Prime has robust infotainment with features that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. JBL audio system boosted by 11 speakers placed in nine locations is also available.
5 Digital Rearview Mirror
The ability to offer seemingly mundane features in an innovative, yet technologically advanced way is another reason we love the Rav4 Prime. A classic example of such a feature is the Rav4 Prime’s camera-based digital rearview mirror, which displays a high-resolution view captured from a camera mounted at the upper section of the rear window.
The camera captures a wider view due to its elevated position on the rear window, and it can also be controlled at the flip of a switch.
4 Panoramic Glass Roof
Cruising in a RAV4 Prime gets even better with a feature that provides the best view of the sky, irrespective of the seating position. The plug-in hybrid car has the panoramic sunroof feature that comes with the Premium package, which is specially curated for the XSE trim.
The package also features some other add-ons that include a hands-free liftgate for easy loading and unloading of the cargo area, adaptive headlights for active reaction to changing conditions, and driver-seat memory setting, among others.
3 Wireless Charging
Another awesome reason to love the RAV4 Prime is its Qi-compactible wireless charging pad. Also, the SUV has a 3.3 kWh onboard charger, available as a standard feature both on the SE and XSE trims. However, the Premium package provides the XSE with a quicker charging ability through an upgrade to 6.6 kWh, while also adding 120 volts household-style power outlet in the cargo area.
Toyota estimates the total charging time on the 240 volts charging outlet to be 2.5 hours, a massive leap over the standard charger.
2 Hybrid Battery Warranty
Automotive enthusiasts are gradually catching on with electric vehicles. That’s said, a large percentage of enthusiasts opting for EVs are first-time buyers. Being an unfamiliar vehicle type, opting for an electric option then becomes a dicey venture. But Toyota has offered some succor for all its RAV4 Prime and other Toyota EV customers.
The company offered a mind-settling warranty covering 10 years from the day of first use or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first) for all hybrid batteries from the 2020 model year.
1 Advanced Safety
Incorporated into the RAV4 Prime is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, the newest advanced active safety package which among other things addresses the three most common accident types; frontal collisions, unintended lane departures, and nighttime accidents.
The TSS 2.0 consists of six active safety and driver assistance features. These include a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control, all working in synergy to greatly reduce the frequency of accidents in Toyota cars.