2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in-hybrid SUV

The newest RAV4 Prime models are only two. The SE serves as entry-level trim and the XSE is its big brother. Both contain the same Inline 4 engine which produces 302 horsepower when combined with an 18.1 kWh battery. Toyota impresses shoppers by offering advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control without paying above the normal price of Prime.

Besides the features requested standard on the above trims. Toyota mainly focuses on bringing optional packages and options for XSE trim.

Weather Package

• Automatic wipers and de-icers
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear outboard seats

Audio package

• Weather package
• JBL audio system
• The built-in navigation system and online destination aid

Premium Package

• Panoramic sunroof
• Handsfree liftgate
• Adaptive headlights
• The surround-view parking camera system
• Household-style power outlet in the cargo compartment
• Head-up display 
• Digital rearview mirror
• Ventilated front seats
• Quicker hybrid battery recharging capability
• Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking
• Driver seat memory function

We Recommend

CARHP underwrites shopping for the basic SE trim. Without many upgrades, it ensures features that should be offered, especially when assisting drivers with advanced aids 18-inch wheels, Adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, an all-wheel-drive system, and much more to make it an appealing choice. Though, optional features only go with XSE trim that insists shoppers spend more above the standard price.

Release Date

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is about to be released in the next few months.

The RAV4 Prime makes 302 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque when the 2.5L Inline four-cylinder engine mates with the lithium-ion battery of 18.1 kWh. Paired with a single-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), the SUV runs with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system by default. Both gasoline and electric hands motivate this SUV to skip 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. When running at 100 mph it completes a quarter-mile run in 14-15 seconds. Gas-only combined average is 38 mpg while when combined with electric motors it shows 94 MPGe.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime price stands as the most expensive plug-in hybrid vehicle. The most affordable mid-size crossover is the Hyundai Tucson. RAV4 Prime's hp is the highest of all. It is also the fastest PHEV on sale. RAV4 Prime top speed is the dullest of all. Ford Escape PHEV and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV prices are almost identical. Ford and Toyota bring a CVT transmission, while Tucson pairs with 6-speed automatic transmission, and Outlander PHEV with single-speed automatic transmission.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Ride and Handling

The RAV4 is fast and one can feel the power of over 300 horses. The steering is not interactive, unlike the competitors. It is light though and serves a heating function as an option on XSE. The vague response from the steering column makes it hard to predict the amount of input given. Taking it in and around the city is fully worth it. Handling is unfathomable. The seats are comfortable, though some complain that the front passenger seat is less habitable. The seating position is comfortable and shows enough adjustments for the driver. Driving long distances does not cause much complexity for the driver, however, fewer adjustments on the front passenger seat derive a sense of disappointment. It is not heroic when the matter is turning around the corners, as it draws a turning diameter of 36.1 inches. Strut suspensions on the front provide structural support for vehicle suspensions, support the spring, and hold the tire in an aligned position. Multi-link on rear wheels allows the vehicle to flex more. RAV4 Prime plug-in drive modes are in total four. The EV (Electric vehicle) mode ensures driving the vehicle strictly on electric energy until it runs out. The HV (Hybrid vehicle) mode enables the driver to run the car with both gasoline and electric motors. The Auto EV/HV mode helps vehicles empower when they need electrical power or gasoline engine push to gain instant acceleration. When running on the charge mode, it generates electricity to be stored. Standard 18-inch wheels suited along tires of dimensions P225/60HR18.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Braking System

The standard anti-lock braking system on all four wheels helps stop wheels from locking in an emergency or panic braking situation. Toyota makes faces happy as it devises adaptive cruise control by default. The system maintains an eminent distance between the RAV4 Prime and the vehicle moving ahead of it. In an emergency, it also applies brakes to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Optional automatic emergency braking detects potential collisions with a vehicle ahead, provides forward collision warning, and automatically brakes to avoid the collision or lessen the severity of impact. The brake pedals are extra soft and its panic situation braking is also below average.

Heaviest PHEV on the market is the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The 2023 Ford Escape is the plug-in hybrid vehicle with the lowest curb weight. RAV4 Prime braking distance is the highest of all indicating the poorest braking system in the comparison. Mitsubishi Outlander brake calipers are the shortest of all and are comparable with the Toyota Rav4 Prime curb weight. Hyundai Tucson's braking distance shows it is a capable vehicle with an adorable breaking system for a panic situation. Looking at the curb weight of the Escape, an educated guess tells us that it might stop before or at an equal to that of the Hyundai Tucson. The shortest brake calipers on Outlander depict that it stops equally with the RAV4 Prime.

Powered only with a gasoline engine, the car shows a combined mileage of 40 mpg while giving 38 in the city and 36 on the highway. When running only at the 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, the electric-only driving range of 42 miles. A 3.3 kWh charger is standard while 6.6 kWh is an option. When running on both electric and gasoline powertrains, the SUV manages a range of 94 MPGe. A fuel tank of 14.5 gallons.

When running on both gas and electric powertrain, the Ford Escape is the most efficient PHEV on market. Even when running with gas only, it again tops the list. Toyota RAV4 Prime EV only range is the highest of all. Toyota RAV4 Prime fuel economy is the largest in the comparison. Mitsubishi shows more electric range than Hyundai Tucson and the Escape, but its gas-only mpg is the dullest in the segment. The combined MPGe of the RAV4 Prime is better than Outlander and Tucson.

Inside the RAV4 Prime, the cabin is well-outfitted. Decently cushioned cloth material seats get simulated leather upholstery on XSE trim. The ash grey finish on the dashboard and across the cabin looks dull, but Toyota prioritizes practicality over style. Both front and rear doors open wide enough to easily acclimate people of standard height without stressing on passenger space. Second-row door panels derive window controls mounted parallel to the armrest on it. First doors also identify the same phenomena, but with the splash of seat controls for the driver and passengers. Toyota only shelters a single interior trim option. Seats are cozy enough to make seated on long drives. Driver seat allows several adjustment options to deliver a gentle seating position to drive and monitor the road. Visibility outside the vehicle is average in the segment. Things get biased with the front passenger seat as it boasts fewer controls– standard heated front seats. Optional on SE and standard on XSE, the simulated leather upholstery elevates the experience when it brings ventilation on a charge. The dashboard though is not premium looking but ut scores extra marks for properly symbolizing controls over it. A standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on SE extends and becomes a 9-inch on XSE. Two AC vents underneath that, complete a count of four– two on either end of the dash. The steering wheel is manually tilted and telescopic and gets a heating function with a weather package. The center console with a beautifully lifted armrest also contains a storage compartment hidden underneath. Glass holders, a center rotary knob for infotainment, and other controls surround the console. Because the car is a plug-in hybrid, the serenity inside is one level above that of a normal gasoline vehicle. Cargo carrying capacity also gains attention.

The 2023 Ford Escape submits the highest amount of legroom in the front row seats. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Tucson walks a step ahead of the rest with its best front and second-row space in the segment. Toyota RAV4 Prime cargo capacity behind the front row is greater than that of the Ford Escape of the same. When all seats are at their respective places, Escape escapes everyone, and comes to the top. Outlander is the PHEV with the lowest cargo capacity. Behind the front row, Tucson shows the most space for cargo storage.

Highlights of the interior features.-

• Heated front seats
• 8-way driver seat
• 60-40 folding rear seats
• Manual tilt and telescopic steering column
• Power rear windows with fixed third-row window
• Front and rear cupholder
• Proximity key for doors and push button start
• Keyless entry 
• Cruise control with steering wheel controls
• Dual zone front automatic air conditioning
• Full cloth headliner
• Daynight rearview mirror
• Driver and passenger visor vanity mirror with illumination
• Front and rear map lights
• Fade-to-off interior lighting
• Full carpet floor covering
• Cargo space light
• Roll-up cargo cover
• Power door lock with auto lock
• Outside temperature gauge
•  Manually adjustable front and rear head restraints 
• Front and rear center armrests
• Immobilizer
• Two 12V DC power outlet
• Air filtration

How intuitive is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Infotainment System?

SE model equips an 8-inch infotainment display while XSE showers the same functionality with a 9-inch touchscreen. The screens are bright and maintain easy operation. Based on the latest Toyota interface, it is fast too. Supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto as well as Amazon Alexa. The Standard 6-speaker audio system can be replaced with an 11-speaker JBL sound-on option. Other physical buttons on the dash and center console are well placed and properly named, but the extra large size creates distraction sometimes. Other advanced safety features work as they should.

Characteristics of the infotainment system-

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Optional 9-inch touchscreen
• Standard 6-speaker audio
• Optional 11-speaker JBL sound
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility
• USB Media port
• USB Charging ports
• Music streaming via wireless Bluetooth connectivity
• FM Radio
• Speed-compensated volume control
• Steering wheel control
• Voice activation
• Radio data system
• External memory card
• Streaming audio
• Integrated roof antenna
• 2 LCD Monitors in the front

An SUV filled with elegance and some sharp-edged corners at the back–we would say when interrogating about the exterior styling of RAV4 Prime. The lifted front hood holds an Inline four-cylinder engine. On top of that, the bonnet lid is flat with cladding above the front headlights on either side. The front fascia showing the Toyota logo in blue ( plug-in hybrid vehicle) surrounds the front grille hexagonally. A line connecting the logo and front lights showcases chrome accents. Strong looking front spoiler carries clear coated body paint over it. More traces of chrome underneath. Auto on-off projector beam headlights with automatic low and high-beam headlamps. The side profile is plain with thin chrome bordering around the doors and window trims. The 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels emerge with tires of measurement P225/60HR18. The exterior can be shaded into six themes, we prefer its Supersonic Red body. The rear end is subtle with linear tail lights, and LED Brakelight on the diffuser. The Toyota logo finished in blue accents sits at the center. RAV4 Prime badging on the left corner, and SE badge on right. Two visible exhaust tips on either side.

Hyundai Tucson is the PHEV with the longest wheelbase. Mitsubishi Outlander is the SUV carrying the longest body. Toyota RAV4 Prime and Mitsubishi Outlander show wheelbases of equal length. Ford Escape carries the lowest ground clearance, but it has an extended wheelbase than the RAV4 Prime and Outlander. Tucson lifts the highest ground clearance. Ford Escape is the lightest vehicle, while the RAV4 Prime is the heaviest. 

Highlights of the exterior styling–

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Compact spare tire mounted under the cargo
• Clearcoat paint 
• Body-colored front bumper
• Body-colored rear bumper
• Black body-side cladding
• Front black grille
• Body-themed door handles 
• Outside rearview mirrors with manual folding and turn signal indicator
• Deep tinted glass
• Black side window trim
• Variable intermittent wipers
• Galvanized steel panels
• Power liftgate rear cargo access
• Roof rack rails only
• Fixed third-row window and fixed-interval wiper and defroster
• Auto on-off projector beam headlights with low and high beam headlamps
• LED Brake lights
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Laminated glass

It has not secured any safety ratings from NHTSA but adapts various safety features on a standard basis. Forward collision mitigation warns the driver of an impending collision and applies the brake in foolproof situations. Blind spot monitoring invigilates your blind spot for other vehicles and illuminates a warning signal on the outside rearview mirrors. The post-collision safety system mitigates additional damages that may occur after a collision. Adaptive cruise control impels a significant gap between the RAV4 Prime and the vehicle ahead of it. In an emergency, it also applies the brake.

Key highlights of the safety system-

• Blind-spot monitoring 
• Lane departure warning
• Pre and Post-collision safety system
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Front and rear head airbags
• Airbag occupancy sensors
• Stability control
• ABS and driveline traction control
• Child seat anchor
• Rear door child safety locks
• Front and rear ventilated airbags
• Automatic emergency braking
• Tire pressure warning
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• 2 front and 3 rear headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrest
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Engine immobilizer

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2023 Ford Escape

RAV4 Prime is expensive and brings more power to justify the hike in price. Escape provides more cargo capacity and also has more combined electric and gasoline MPGe. Toyota possesses the class-leading fuel-carrying capacity. The dashboard layout on both is pretty identical, while the infotainment touchscreen of Escape is slightly larger. Toyota brings standard 18-inch wheels, while Ford provides 19-inch wheels by default. With the lightest body, the Ford has a longer wheelbase.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson

With less price, the Hyundai Tucson is a more premium-looking vehicle from exterior and interior as well. RAV4 Prime brings ruggedness from the outside, while Tucson carries a modern appeal. Prime delegates the highest amount of power, but the Tucson is the fastest SUV in the comparison. Toyota RAV4 Prime styles with extra cargo capacity. It is also a more efficient vehicle no matter if you are running it on gas only, EV, or combined. Both carry a 6-speaker audio system.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

With a nominal gap in price, the RAV4 Prime brings a huge gap in power and performance figures. Outlander is induced with an enlarged body and its comparatively lighter body brings a shorter braking distance. Toyota showcases more ground clearance to easily trail over uneven terrains. There is no such significant difference in the interior space. The Cargo carrying capacity of Toyota takes it one step further. Outlander pairs with a single-speed automatic transmission, while Toyota is seen with a CVT.

When it comes to power, this plug-in hybrid SUV is ahead of the competition. Above average MPGe, a best-in-class fuel capacity, an impressive interior, and storage space are features that ensure it is a valuable option. Driver aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure assist, and blind spot monitoring help gain eternal safety inside the cabin. The exterior appearance and cabin material might disappoint shoppers. It has power, but Hyundai Tucson is one of the fastest PHEV SUVs serving exquisite beauty from inside and outside. Going for Ford Escapes adds extra MPGe with less money. Mitsubishi Outlander confers an underpowered spirit that plays with the extra large body.