beebs

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Extended all-electric range
  • Quick acceleration
  • Comfortable and quiet ride

Cons

  • Heavy handling
  • Disconnected steering feel
  • Longer-than-average braking distance

Battery range (EPA estimate)

42 miles

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime offers performance with economy

2022 was the second model year for the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The newest version of Toyota’s favorite compact SUV arrived with great fanfare, and customers bought so many that this model remains difficult to find. As a PHEV, the RAV4 Prime comes with enough battery capacity to drive for about 42 miles on electricity alone. Once the electricity is expended and the gasoline engine starts up, the RAV4 Prime returns an EPA-estimated 38 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Actual mileage will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

In addition to excellent range and fuel economy, the RAV4 Prime delivers quick acceleration. The SUV offers 302 combined horsepower from the gasoline and electric driveline. Beyond that, the SUV’s smooth suspension and interior are a strong step up from other RAV4 models.

The RAV4 Prime competes with other PHEV compact SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Hyundai Tucson PHEV, and Kia Sportage PHEV, but it offers more electric range than any of those competitors.

All Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In years

What is new for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In?

  • Rear Seat Heaters, Memory Seat(s), Tow Hitch, and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In trims

Curious how Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE:

  • 302-hp, 165-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Smart Key
  • Power Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Cloth Seats

XSE:

  • Includes all features available on the SE
  • Sunroofs
  • Leatherette & Cloth

5 reasons to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In

What We Like

Electric range: The EPA estimates the RAV4 Prime can drive about 42 miles on a full charge before using any gasoline, but in real-world testing drivers have achieved up to 48 miles on the electric motors.

With that kind of range, most people will only use gasoline on long road trips, saving a lot of money.

Impressive performance: With 302 combined system horsepower, the RAV4 Prime gets to 60 mph faster than any other Toyota except for the Supra sports car. That’s in stark contrast to most hybrid and plug-in compact SUVs, which can be a little weak. This makes the RAV4 Prime a fun choice as well as a smart one.

Comfortable and quiet ride: The Prime is a little heavier than other RAV4 models, but it delivers a smooth, comfortable ride that inspires confidence when paired with the increased driveline horsepower. The RAV4 Prime is at its best on the open highway, where its low cabin noise and smooth ride make it a very pleasing vehicle to drive.

What Needs Improvement

Heavy handling: Toyota could do some more tuning on the RAV4 Prime's steering and corner handling. The extra weight can give the RAV4 Prime a heavy feeling in corners, with steering that feels somewhat unresponsive.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In features and specs

SE 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • JBL Sound System
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Running Boards
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

302

Torque (ft-lbs)

165

Engine type

Plug-in Hybrid

Fuel capacity

14.5

Wheelbase

105.9"

Overall length

180.9"

Width

73"

Height

67"

Leg room

F 41"/R 37.8"

Head room

F 39.5"/R 39.5"

Front tires

P225/60HR18

Rear tires

P225/60HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

250/2500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In FAQ

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.