2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In review
Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Excellent all-electric driving range
- Quick acceleration and passing power
- Firm, comfortable ride
Cons
- Ponderous handling in corners
- Braking distance too long
Battery range (EPA estimate)
42 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime excels in fuel economy
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs on the market. There’s a hybrid version, and then there's the RAV4 Prime, which is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). That means it has enough battery capacity to drive for about 42 miles on electricity alone before it uses any gasoline. Once the gas engine comes on, the RAV4 Prime returns an EPA-estimated 38 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. 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.
But that’s not the only reason to like the RAV4 Prime. This SUV also offers impressive performance with its 302 combined system horsepower from the gasoline engine and electric motors. Beyond that, the SUV’s smooth suspension and comfortable interior are a strong step up from other RAV4 models.
For the 2023 model year, the RAV4 Prime has the previously optional 6.6-kW onboard charger as standard equipment. There’s an optional larger touchscreen and digital driver display, too.
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 them.
All Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In years
What is new for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In?
- RAV4 Prime Plug-In trims have been upgraded with JBL Sound System as standard equipment this year.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In trims
SE:
- 302-hp, 165-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Automated Cruise Control
- Smart Key
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Power Mirrors
- Cloth Seats
XSE:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- Sunroofs
- JBL Sound System
5 reasons to buy the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In
What We Like
Excellent all-electric range: Buyers choose a plug-in hybrid to use the electric motor for most everyday driving, saving the gasoline engine for longer trips. The RAV4 Prime offers more electric driving range than the competition, so most people will rarely use any gasoline during daily driving.
Driveline horsepower: With 302 total system horsepower, the RAV4 offers much more exciting performance than most hybrid or PHEV SUV options. Combined with the extra electric-only range, the driveline of the RAV4 Prime is a standout feature.
Comfortable ride: The batteries add considerable weight to the RAV4 Prime, so Toyota gave it fresh suspension tuning. The result is a smooth, comfortable ride that pairs well with the impressive engine power. As an added bonus, the heavier vehicle and smooth suspension effectively damp out road noise in the cabin.
What Needs Improvement
Brakes and handling: The extra weight of the RAV4 Prime means that it takes longer to stop, and Toyota could have put more capable brakes on to address that. Also, the extra weight can make the RAV4 Prime a little heavy and clumsy when turning.
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Ratings & reliability
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
- 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
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
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
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In FAQ
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SE: Battery range of 42 miles.
- XSE: Battery range of 42 miles.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In has a maximum towing capacity of 2500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In:
- JBL Sound System
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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.
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