Overview

Fans of the Toyota RAV4 are in for a surprise: for the 2021 model year, the two-row crossover will offer a variation bearing the Prime distinction, meaning it will be offered as a plug-in hybrid. Unlike the regular RAV4 Hybrid, the Prime will have a larger battery that you can charge from an external power source. The RAV4 Prime’s all-electric range will be up to 42 miles on an all-electric charge, which is more than sufficient for most commutes. Of course, the gas tank will always be there should you deplete the battery, and that’s the great appeal of plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Trims and Powertrain

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is an all-wheel drive five-passenger crossover that’s sold in two trim levels: SE and XSE. Their powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and three hybrid electric motors that deliver a hybrid-hefty 302 total system horsepower. EPA estimates indicate that both trims will return 40 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, as well as 94 MPGe (miles per-gallon of gasoline equivalent).

Comfort and Convenience

The base SE is appointed with LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, heated side mirrors, roof rails, a power liftgate, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 60/40 split fold-flat rear seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote keyless entry, and push-button ignition. A heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, rain-sensing wipers with de-icers, and a moonroof are available with the Weather and Moonroof Package. The XSE adds the moonroof, vertical LED accent lights, a two-tone exterior, simulated-leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, paddle shifters, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The optional packages available for this trim include the Weather Package (heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and rain-sensing wipers with de-icers), the Premium Package (a head-up display with a 10-inch screen, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, adaptive headlights, faster hybrid battery recharging capability, ventilated power-adjustable front seats, memory functions for the driver’s seat, a digital rearview mirror that allows you to see out the back even when the cargo area is full and blocking your view, and a household-style power outlet in the cargo area). If you know you want a hybrid RAV4 but are stuck between the conventional gas-electric and the PHEV, it may help your decision to know that the RAV4 Prime has a bit more in the way of premium options than you can get on the RAV4 Hybrid. Those include the head-up display, 19-inch wheels, and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Active Safety Features

The SE gets forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane keeping assist, and road sign assist. The XSE outfits a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and with the Premium Package, it’ll come with front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The SE receives an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, a USB media port and 4 USB charge ports, a six-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. The XSE comes with a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a premium JBL audio system. The available Audio Package supplies an upgraded JBL audio system with 11 speakers instead of six, and integrated navigation. As mentioned earlier, a head-up display with a 10-inch color screen is offered within the Premium Package.

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