Toyota Rav4 Prime (side view) / https://www.toyota.com/
For more than two decades, Toyota has been building a reputation for environmental friendliness, largely on the back of its successful hybrid-electric propulsion technology that debuted in the Prius.

Today, almost every high-volume Toyota except the sports cars and body on frame trucks and SUVs are available with a hybrid option. However, despite that green reputation, the Japanese automaker has largely eschewed plug-in vehicles. It currently only offers two in North America, both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the Prius and Rav4.

Toyota Rav4 Prime (front view) / https://www.toyota.com/
Toyota has been dragged into the world of plug-in vehicles reluctantly on several occasions over the past quarter-century. In the 1990s, it built a battery-powered version of the first-generation Rav4 in response to the original California zero emissions vehicle mandate that also spawned the GM EV1.

Then in the early-2010s, it partnered with Tesla TSLA to build a second electric Rav4 using batteries and motors supplied by the California upstart. That program didn’t last long after Toyota could not come to terms with Tesla’s haphazard approach to quality control.

Toyota Rav4 Prime (interior) / https://www.toyota.com/
RAV4 Prime takes fuel efficiency to the next level by plugging it at home, at work, or at any nearby public charging station. With up to an EPA-estimated 42-mile EV Mode driving range on a full charge, you could potentially drive using only electricity for short commutes. And don't worry—if you can't or forget to charge, RAV4 Prime will still run on its efficient gas engine as long as you have fuel.
More miles, less fuel.
Peace of mind for the long road ahead. From the 2020 model year forward, every Toyota Hybrid Battery Warranty [hybrid_battery_warranty] provides coverage for 10 years from the date of first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. RAV4 Prime XSE shown in Supersonic Red with Midnight Black Metallic roof [extra_cost_color] with available Premium Package. Prototype shown with options.
  • Performance
RAV4 Prime is our quickest, most powerful RAV4 yet, with an impressive 302 combined net horsepower. And with its standard AWD providing added traction, inclement weather won’t put a damper on your drive. RAV4 Prime XSE shown in Supersonic Red with Midnight Black Metallic roof [extra_cost_color] with available Premium Package. Prototype shown with options.
  • Technology
With standard tech, it’s easy to stay connected. Available features such as a 9-in. touchscreen, JBL®-tuned sound system, and Head-Up Display (HUD) give you one powerful driving experience. RAV4 Prime XSE shown in Black SofTex® [softex] trim with available Premium Package. Prototype shown with options. SofTex® is a registered trademark of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
  • Interior
A cockpit designed with drivers—and style—in mind. Available Black SofTex® -trimmed seats with red contrast stitching help emphasize the sporty side of RAV4 Prime. Standard heated front seats help make it easy to dial in the right amount of comfort. RAV4 Prime XSE shown in Supersonic Red with Midnight Black Metallic roof [extra_cost_color] with available Premium Package. Prototype shown with options.
  • An Electrified Drive
The benefits of an EV with the go-anywhere capability of a hybrid. RAV4 Prime brings the best of all worlds with an EPA-estimated 42 miles of EV-only driving, and an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe in hybrid mode. 
  • Multimedia on the Move

Enjoy a multimedia system that provides Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone®, Android Auto™ for compatible Android™ devices, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM® 90 (includes 3-month All Access trial subscription).

The Rav4 Prime is plenty quick and although it won’t keep up with the Model Y Performance, it will hit 60 mph in about 5.7-seconds. Modern Toyotas including this one also handle surprisingly well and come with lots of standard safety features including radar adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking and blindspot monitoring with cross traffic alert. The Entune infotainment system is uninspired but the Prime does have support for Android Auto and Apple AAPL Carplay so the built-in system doesn’t matter so much. 

The ability to drive electrically also means that acceleration is largely silent, avoiding the motor-boating effect of traditional Toyota hybrids where the engine revs up and stays at constant speed as the vehicle catches up. The Rav4 Prime is a really pleasant vehicle to drive. 

The Rav4 Prime SE starts at $39,400 delivered while the XSE that I drove starts at $42,700. The loaded test model I had maxed out at $49,776 which is a bit steep, but since this vehicle has such a large battery, it’s still eligible for full $7,500 federal tax credit plus whatever additional state credits you may be eligible for. 

So who should buy the Rav4 Prime? Anyone that has access to charging at home and wants to do most of their driving electrically while also having hassle-free road trips. In many parts of the US, public charging infrastructure is still very limited and it might be premature to go all electric if you need to go longer distances, especially during the winter. If you rely on street parking or have to park in a public garage, a PHEV is probably not the best option. If you can’t charge daily, there is little point in hauling around a couple of hundred pounds of extra battery. In that case, just get the standard Rav4 hybrid.