Just like the non-plug-in model, this Toyota's cabin is one of the better offerings in this segment, being attractively designed and made of quality materials. Inside the RAV4 Prime, there's not much to get excited about, and that's a good thing. This plug-in SUV's pedal has nice weight to it and is easy to modulate, with no discernible weirdness when transitioning from regenerative to friction braking. The Prime is, however, extremely quiet inside thanks to laminated front side glass and additional sound deadening, alterations that make for a serene driving experience. The steering is light to the touch, though it's not as crisp as in other RAV4s. To accommodate that additional mass, the vehicle's chassis has been retuned. At about 4,300 pounds in XSE trim, this vehicle is around 500 pounds heavier than the bulkiest RAV4 Hybrid, thanks to its much larger battery pack. This is likely because of its softer ride, which is partly due to loads of extra weight. When navigating corners, the Prime feels like it has a touch more body roll than the RAV4 TRD I reviewed recently. Potent and efficient, what more could you ask for? Craig Cole/Roadshow Drivers are further shielded from repair bills by a separate, 8-year/100,000-mile guarantee that covers other hybrid components. It's cooled using air-conditioning refrigerant and is backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. Serving as an electron reservoir is an 18.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, mounted under the main-cabin floor in a way that does not detract from passenger space. The latter provides on-demand all-wheel drive by turning the aft tires.

Without going too far into the technical weeds, it's augmented by a trio of electric motor-generators, two in the front transaxle assembly, and a third at the rear.

And thanks to ample low-end electric torque, it feels even fleeter.ĭelivering that strong performance is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an Atkinson-cycle unit borrowed from the RAV4 Hybrid but retuned for Prime time. With 302 horsepower on tap, it can zip from a standstill to 60 mph in as little as 5.7 seconds, a time that is legitimately swift. This plug-in hybrid SUV is the automaker's second-quickest model after the Supra sports car. I mean, they can be, but Toyota has proven that performance and efficiency aren't mutually exclusive. Gasoline-electric vehicles don't have to be boring and slow.

Toyota rav4 prime review