The 2024 RAV4 Prime scores big on fuel economy and power. In our testing, we easily got the EPA-estimated 42 miles of electric-only range. The RAV4 Prime is also quick to accelerate to highway speeds and gets strong scores in regard to comfort, interior quality and technology.Read full review
Based on the fifth RAV4 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
10/13/2023
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular vehicles on sale today. The RAV4 Prime is the plug-in hybrid version that allows owners to reap some of the benefits of an electric vehicle while not having to contend with range anxiety. That's because the Prime can be charged like an EV and travel on electricity alone. Once the battery is depleted, it operates like any hybrid and still delivers impressive fuel efficiency. You're essentially getting the best of both worlds, and it's especially advantageous for those with shorter commutes.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV Insights
Trim:
RAV4 Prime SE
All Electric Range
42 miles
EPA Estimated Electric Range
The RAV4 Prime will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Boise, Idaho. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
10 yrs or 150,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Most people don't think of performance in relation to Toyota hybrids. The RAV4 Prime is a bit of an outlier in this regard, with a stout 302 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. It accelerates to 60 mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds, which is a full 3 seconds quicker than the standard RAV4. Despite this, the Prime is notably light on gas. On a full charge, the RAV4 Prime is estimated to offer 42 miles of electric range and in our testing it was easy to exceed that number. Once the battery is depleted, it gets a strong 38 mpg combined when running as a standard hybrid. Considering the average daily commute is 41 miles, you might rarely need to visit a gas station.
Competitors to consider
The RAV4 Prime stands out among rival plug-in hybrids with its powerful output, but we suggest also checking out some of the higher-rated choices. These include the PHEV versions of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Niro and Ford Escape. They offer similar fuel economy but hold an advantage for delivering more comfort, more features and better driving dynamics. Check out our Expert Rating to see where the RAV4 Prime leads and where it follows.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Performance
7/10
How does the RAV4 Prime drive? The RAV4 Prime gets up to speed much better than its standard or hybrid siblings. In Edmunds' testing, it reached 60 mph in an impressively quick 5.9 seconds. The regular RAV4, for example, needs a comparatively unhurried 8.9 seconds. The RAV4 Prime is also smooth and easy to drive in typical commuting conditions.
Unfortunately, Toyota has failed to back up the muscular powertrain with any sort of dynamic athleticism. Handling is pretty abysmal, with prevalent body roll and vague steering that makes it hard to judge the right amount of input. The electronic driver assistants also freak out at the smallest provocation. Another demerit comes from the brakes. The RAV4 Prime's pedal feel is overly soft. Panic-stopping performance in our testing was below average for a small SUV.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the RAV4 Prime? The driver's seat has enough adjustments to allow you to easily find a comfortable seating position. But the front passenger seat has fewer adjustments, which might lead to a few complaints on long trips. The available synthetic leather upholstery (Toyota's SofTex) breathes well and is definitely helped on hot days by the available seat ventilation. The rear seats are also praiseworthy for the better-than-average thigh support.
The RAV4 Prime's ride quality is biased more toward comfort than performance, delivering a smooth ride over road imperfections. Road and wind noise is abated to pleasant levels, though the gasoline engine sounds unrefined when you're aggressively accelerating. Otherwise, it's pleasantly muted.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? he RAV4 Prime gets strong scores here. The controls are well labeled and logically grouped for easy operation. The drive modes don't explain what they fully do (you'll definitely need to read the manual), but every other system is very intuitive. The ideal ride height and big door openings help with getting in and out. Shorter passengers can get in easily and taller people won't have to stoop to enter.
There is enough headroom and legroom for 6-footers in any seat. Forward visibility is praiseworthy thanks to narrow front windshield pillars, but the side view is obscured by the thick pillar between the front and rear doors. One other gripe is that the touchscreen is too far away from the driver.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $2,777 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $2,777 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the XSE trim.
How’s the tech? The available 9-inch screen makes most infotainment interactions quick, easy and distraction-free. It's quick to react, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard. The size and placement of physical shortcut buttons could be improved for less distraction. The JBL audio upgrade will get you stronger bass and clarity, but it's not all that impressive.
Toyota's advanced driver aids generally function as they should. We're especially fond of the traffic-adaptive cruise control that proves its worth whether you're on a free-flowing highway or stuck in traffic. But the lane keeping assistance feature tends to add too much steering effort for anything but straight highway cruising.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The RAV4 Prime takes a small hit when it comes to cargo capacity, accommodating 33.5 cubic feet as opposed to the standard RAV4's 37.6 cubic feet. Still, there's plenty of space for all your luggage, and you can fold the rear seats down with minimal effort. Interior storage is helped by some extra shelves cut into the dash, a wireless charging pad, and a good-size center armrest bin.
Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Likewise, tethering to the three upper anchors is straightforward. Forward-facing seats and boosters fit readily, but installing a rear-facing infant seat on the passenger side will likely require scooting the front seat up. The too-high front passenger seat is the issue.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
9/10
How’s the fuel economy? On our standardized evaluation route, the RAV4 Prime easily logged 48 miles of electric-only propulsion (6 miles better than the EPA estimate). That's enough to cover most people's average commute and daily driving. Once the gas engine kicked in, we averaged about 34 mpg, which is similar to the RAV4 Hybrid. You can also likely drive nearly 600 miles with a full tank of gas and fully charged battery.
Value
8.5/10
Is the RAV4 Prime a good value? The RAV4 Prime is quite a bit more expensive than the regular RAV4. It will take a while to recoup the cost of a Prime compared to buying a regular RAV4 Hybrid based on gas savings alone.
The Prime's build quality is good enough to justify the price, and some nice touches are exclusive to this plug-in hybrid model. The warranty for hybrid components is extended past Toyota's usual coverage. Two years of free scheduled maintenance is also included.
Wildcard
8/10
As disappointing as the RAV4 Prime may be when it comes to performance and driving entertainment, it's an admirable plug-in hybrid SUV. Its easily achieved 42-mile all-electric range almost doubles that of its closest rivals (Kia Niro and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). It certainly doesn't hurt that it gets up to highway speeds quickly, and the sharp styling might attract shoppers away from the less traditional competition.
Which RAV4 Prime does Edmunds recommend?
The base SE trim benefits from a long list of standard features, but for the money we think it's worth spending more to step up to the XSE trim. The upgrades include a digital instrument panel, a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless device charging and premium audio. It's also eligible for the Premium package that adds even more convenience features.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
We bought a 2023 plug-in Subaru Crosstrek and switched it out for a 2023 RAV4 Prime Plugin.
The RAV4 SE Prime has exceeded my expectations, and we have not yet bought gasoline, with 1,800 miles and it still shows and third of a tank of gas left in the tank. In an update 8/3/2024, we have now driven our RAV4 Prime near 11,000 miles and have only put in 33 gallons of gas. We have 3,800 … miles on this last tank of gas, purchased in a fill-up with a third of a tank still left. Again, we have taken lots of trips where we have use up electric and it just without feeling anything we are in hybrid mode, at the same speed. It appears that with 110-amp electrical plugin ever night we get on average 49-mile range of all electric driving. However, this is now summertime, and in the heat of the summer the batteries seem to collect a greater amount of the charge, giving us a greater range in all electric driving. Update of in the winter 2/06/2025 we are getting 44 mile range, with the RAV4 parked outside and In hybrid driving we appear to be getting greater than 45 MPG with some of our longer round trips which have been trips of 150 to 200 miles to the most part. My wife has a lead foot and her RAV4 is surely quick, but her driving at higher speeds and jump starts, cost in energy consumption. After I retired, we have had a 2008 Prius, and then a 2013 Prius V (great cars) and Tundra and Tacoma trucks. We had an Audi Q7, a great car but it was just too expensive to own and I drove it so little. However, we thought as seniors ageing in place, we might go with a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in and my wife was just not happy with that decision, as it was too small and the batteries left little room in the trunk space. The advance technology of Toyota in the Plugin/Hybrid vehicle is just so mature and is so much better, being able to drive the RAV4, 4,721 miles and putting in 10.5 gallons of gas, is something the rest of the pack of vehicles and companies in this space cannot achieve. This reduces total cost of ownership after purchase, where we buy maybe half the amount of gas, and put-up the lowest amount of carbon. We are now looking to install a Level II charging capability, so we can easily top of the batteries. We are now considering even a garage for the RAV4 Plugin, as it is a keeper.
It cost us some money, to swap out the Crosstrek with a RAV4 SE Prime, but now my CEO, CFO, and COO is now happy, and that makes life better. I should have been listening to my bride of 62 years 2/06/2025. The RAV4 Plugin is a hot seller, therefore the Toyota dealers offer lessor deals and have go $5K over MSRP and that was what shoved me to the Crosstrek. We just wanted a new more reliable vehicle at this time and at our age, to enable travel with and the grand kids are gone, and the 2013 Prius V had over 150K in miles on it.
Our son had recently bought a new all electric car, and within his lifestyle, and his kids now in college, he now is experiencing the limits of all electric range and this lack of charging stations in all of the places he and his wife go. It has forced him to take a very long look his mother's RAV4 SE Prime, as a result.
The lack of availability of the RAV4 Plugins and the ability for us to work a deal to switch out of the Crosstrek Plugin also influenced the features we got with the RAV4 Prime SE. We must say, that the RAV4 Prime has a bolder and better-looking car, and the functional space inside the vehicle is excellent and not compromised.
Update 02/02/2024, and edited, we went 3,200 miles before we had to buy gas, with the RAV4 Prime and it took only 10.5 gallons and I hand filled the gas to the brim, as I thought that it would take more gas. As we drove the RAV4 into the winter conditions, we only went 2,500 miles before we again had to put more gas into the vehicle and it took again, 10.5 gallons of gas. In winter condition, driving with the RAV4 Prime, and to get the full benefit defrosting and heat it needs the engine to warm up to aid in making that happen, so we are using the gas engine more in the winter.
However, the big difference between Crosstrek Plugin, is that it goes from EV to gas with with much less EV range and with barely attempting to go faster, so you are using the gas engine 90% more, with the Crosstrek Plugin. Also, the Crosstrek Plugin "batteries" reduce the net cube of rear storage area by maybe 40%, which made it much more difficult for my wife as she could not hold all of the shopping bags and our standard poodle when going to the store.
The total cost per mile of the RAV4 Prime is just excellent in comparison too, the Crosstrek Plugin. For Edmund's to rank a Crosstrek Plugin, higher than a RAV4 Plugin, is something that I cannot understand. In owning both of these 2023 Hybrid - Plugin vehicles and now getting close to 50 miles in all electric EV range with the RAV4 Plugin and having a total of 650-mile total range with a full charge and a full tank of gas is hard to replicate with any Hybrid Plugin cars. The ROI, and we get just continues and continues and it just reduces the total cost of ownership, to me makes the RAV4 Prime SE Plugin a Best Buy.
The RAV4 Plugin is my wife's car, and she is not a slow driver, and zero to 60 MPH in 6.5 seconds is a wow! Her on a the freeway driving she is going 75+ MPH in EV mode, as she has this lead foot. She likes how RAV4 performs and handles and as a small person in stature, she can get the seat up and forward and she likes the good vision she gets of the road. However, the only downside is me, in the passenger seat, as it is not as equally adjustable. When I am driving, I get advice of how to take advantage of its performance and I am not talking about mileage.
We have had some great cars, and my wife had a new Porsche 944 and we loved it, up and until these grand-kids that could not fit into it. The recently Audi Q7 and this was again a great car, and the Q7 had these great memory seats that you could adjust anyway you wanted with both front seats. My wife could get into the Q7 and press one button and it would restore the seat to exactly where she liked it the best. When I got into the Q7, I could do the same thing. If the RAV4 Prime had that, there would be no drawbacks, where couples share their vehicles.
The only change for those who want better luxury would be to look at the Lexus version of the RAV4, as a choice. On this Plugin/Hybrid with all wheel drive, I would live to see an affordable sports car, like the GR86 styling. with improved all electric range, of 100+ mile. We loved the Porsche 944, and Toyota could take this RAV4 Plugin-platform and take a lot of the marketplace, in the middle range of stylish sports cars that you could have fun with and justify.
Rav4 Prime XSE
4 out of 5 stars
Ray, 08/18/2023
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
Pros
Smooth car to drive, very comfortable on a long trip.
The hybrid system giving good power & acceleration when needed.
Cons
The many display options are not intuitive nor easy to set up.
Owner’s manual is poor.
Got my dream RAV4 Prime in 2 Months !
5 out of 5 stars
Rex Alexandra, 02/12/2023
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
Let me start by saying I’m a huge RAV4 Fan ! I bought my 1st one in 1997 and still own it. Old and well still good around town not best for lung highway trips. So when a good, highly functional RAV4 Hybrid finally came out a few years ago, I knew that’s what I’d be getting. After 25 years in my original RAV, I was ready. Then my brother told me about the RAV4 Primes. After loads of … research and a test drive, I was gaga & all IN !! Even though they told me the wait to get my dream Supersonic Red SE trim with a Moonroof would be 10 to 16 months ! WHAAAT ?? I was determined to get it sooner & I just happen to find the right dealer. Even then it took 2 months to arrive !
The wait was worth it ! The handling is smooth & with the weight of the huge battery, it is so solid & stable. At the same time it has incredible power and acceleration. It felt like a rocket-powered tank in the best sense.. The incredible All-Wheel-Drive goes up hills effortlessly that I’d have to get a running start with in my 97 RAV.
The comfort & warmth of drivers’ seat, & warmth of the heated steering wheel on cold mornings is so delightful and luxurious. The storage is ample & exactly where I need it. The back-up camera is a lifesaver. The overhead rear door is power-operated with buttons rather than brawn.
It charges perfectly in 8-9 hours. One of the YouTube hybrid experts points out that LITHIUM Batteries do NOT like sitting around @ 100% charge for long periods of time. So charging it eight hours, or only up to 85% if it’s going to sit for 2-5+ days before driving, helps increase the battery life & increases speed of charging to the perfect level. He also points out: never block the vents under the rear seat. Keeping that huge battery cool is critical.
So if you’re interested in owning a RAV4Prime, which I highly recommend, take a few months & learn everything you can by reading reviews & watching YouTube vids. Do your research BEFORE you get it. Plug-in hybrids are a different breed of car & they need to be handled, treated & cared for differently than original combustion engine cars. Do your homework while you’re waiting to get the one you want.
The electric/hybrid/combustion engine is an amazing combination with the most versatility & an astonishing 500 to 600 miles per tank of gas !!! Plug-In Hybrids are the cars we should ALL be driving: and the RAV4 Prime is the PERFECT plug-in hybrid ! Go For It !!
Japanese built cars are the best
5 out of 5 stars
RWM189sr, 08/03/2023
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
Best experience ever in buying a new car. We actually went in just to look and try sitting in a new Rav 4, we liked it but decided we wanted a Plug-in hybrid in a color they didn't have. Hybrids have a 3 month wait list, the plug in even longer we were told. HOWEVER, the sales rep stated he checked inventory before he left home and exactly what we were describing had just arrived on the … dock from Japan in the model, color features we wanted if we were to special order. We bought the car no wait! This car is quick and now almost 2000 miles on it, we plug it in when its down to 0. we finally got our first tank of gas at 1625 miles taking 8 gallon exactly. Not a cheap car by any level, but a smooth ridding and peppy little great gas saver car. First 51 miles is all EV then it swaps over automatically, no muss no fuss.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime, so we've included reviews for other years of the RAV4 Prime since its last redesign.
The Best Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrids On Sale Today | 2022-2023 Hybrid Cars & SUVs
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime, but since the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Not ready to make the jump to a fully electric car just yet but want something more efficient and eco-friendly than a regular gas car? Not to worry: There are plenty of hybrid and plug-in hybrids on the market for you to choose from, and we’ve narrowed it down to the best in each category. Join Edmunds’ Lauren McCay as she walks you through the best hybrid and plug-in… hybrid vehicles on the market in the video above!
94 MPGeMPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.
Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Hyundai Tucson is currently one of the top-rated plug-in hybrid SUVs. It's estimated to offer 33 miles of electric-only range and 35 mpg combined when running as a hybrid. The RAV4 Prime can travel 42 miles in EV mode and gets an estimated 38 mpg combined as a hybrid. Despite the lower efficiency, we prefer the Tucson for its more spacious and comfortable interior, generous features list and lengthy warranty.
The Kia Niro is another top-rated plug-in hybrid, but it's smaller than the RAV4. It's a great pick for those who don't need as much cargo space and are drawn in by its futuristic style. It's not as powerful as the RAV4, but it's estimated to return 33 miles of EV range and 48 mpg combined with gas and costs several thousand less.
The Ford Escape PHEV is estimated to travel 37 miles on electricity alone and get 40 mpg combined when the battery is depleted. It's not as powerful or quick as the RAV4, nor is it available with all-wheel drive, but we still give the Escape an edge for its higher levels of comfort and more intuitive tech features.
Not to be confused with a certain Autobot, the RAV4 Prime is simply the plug-in hybrid version of the immensely popular RAV4. It's also significantly quicker off the line than the gas-powered model, and the current RAV4 Prime offers a generous all-electric range of 42 miles. We like its refined ride and generous interior proportions, too. It's not exactly a thrill to drive, but it is easily one of the most competent PHEVs in its class.
For 2024, we don't expect that to change very much. The RAV4 received a mild face-lift for 2022, and that means that we'll have to wait at least one more year for an all-new model to arrive. If you need a RAV4 Prime, you won't miss out on anything significantly new, and holding out for a new model will take you to at least 2025.
Edmunds says
We like the RAV4 Prime, but the Kia Sorento PHEV and Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, which offer slightly more room and similar powertrains, are also worth a look in this segment.
FAQ
Is the Toyota RAV4 Prime a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 RAV4 Prime both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 RAV4 Prime gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 35 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RAV4 Prime has 33.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota RAV4 Prime. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime:
The RAV4 Prime is unchanged for 2024
Based on the fifth RAV4 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Toyota RAV4 Prime is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RAV4 Prime. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RAV4 Prime's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 RAV4 Prime and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 RAV4 Prime gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 35 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 RAV4 Prime is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime?
The least-expensive 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $43,690.
Other versions include:
SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) which starts at $43,690
XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) which starts at $47,560
What are the different models of Toyota RAV4 Prime?
If you're interested in the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the next question is, which RAV4 Prime model is right for you? RAV4 Prime variants include SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT), and XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT). For a full list of RAV4 Prime models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more