All-weather capability, top-level performance and exemplary fuel economy pretty much sum up of the 2021 RAV4 Prime. All three strengths confirm ToyotaB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s stature as the preeminent leader when it comes to hybrid powertrains.
Following the launch of the fifth-generation RAV4 for 2020, Toyota has followed up with the Prime for 2021. ItB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s part of an expansion of the brand that now includes the standard RAV4 Hybrid along with the RAV4 TRD Off Road with special suspension bits, tires and other add-ons to help tackle the rough stuff.
The RAV4 can attract a crowd with rugged good looks that are reminiscent of ToyotaB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s brutish-looking (and off-road-capable) 4Runner utility vehicle.
The RAV4 Prime is an all-wheel-drive hybrid, and itB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s a plug-in, so it has more power and electric range than the regular RAV4 Hybrid. Of the PrimeB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s competitors, only the Ford Escape can be had with plug-in and non-plug-in systems, and the plug-in is front-wheel-drive.
Along with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine thatB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s used in all RAV4s, there are front and rear electric motors. Net output is 302 horsepower, 83 more than the standard RAV4 Hybrid.
The Prime also outmuscles the competition by a significant margin.
Fully charged, the Prime can operate for up to 68 kilometres on battery power alone, according to Toyota. The l/100 km-equivalency rating is 2.5, calculated using the average cost of a charge and the distance that will take you.
In regular hybrid mode, the electric motors assist the four-cylinder to the tune of 5.7 l/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway and 6.0 combined. The non-hybrid RAV4 AWD is rated at 9.4/7.1/8.4.
Plugged into a 120-volt outlet, the Prime takes about 4.5 hours to charge, or roughly 2.5 hours when using a 240-volt outlet. ThatB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s not bad to get 68 kilometres of range, which is likely more than whatB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s needed for the average daily commute. If you forget to plug it in, the Prime wonB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™t leave you stranded because itB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s also a regular hybrid that runs on gasoline.
As with nearly all hybrids, the Prime uses a regenerative system that converts kinetic energy to electrical energy when coasting or braking. It does help replenish the batteries, but in the PrimeB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s case, the brakes tend to be grabby.
Beyond its fuel frugalness, the Prime loves to kick up its heels. According to Toyota, zero-to-60-mph (96 km/h) takes 5.8 seconds, which is two seconds quicker than the non-plug-in hybrid.
Considering the Prime weighs about 340 kilograms more than a non-hybrid RAV4, the acceleration is remarkable.
As with the rest of the RAV4 lineup, the Prime uses a continuously variable transmission with eight built-in steps. With it, thereB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s plenty of engine roaring under full throttle, but thatB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s a small price to pay considering its contribution to fuel efficiency.
The base Prime SE starts at $47,000 (including destination fees), which is about $12,000 more than the regular Hybrid. That includes amenities such as heated front seats, eight-way power driverB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s seat, roof rails, a power liftgate and 18-inch wheels. ToyotaB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s Safety Sense suite is also standard and includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection and automatic high-beam headlights.
The XSE differentiates itself with steering-wheel-positioned paddle shifters, a power moonroof, faux-leather seat covers, wireless phone charging and 19-inch alloy wheels.
An optional XSE Premium Package includes a JBL-brand sound system, navigation, panoramic moonroof and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.
The RAV4 Prime is the quickest and most fuel-efficient utility vehicle in its class, which gives it a leg up and buyers plenty to brag about. Dialing in all-wheel-drive functionality makes this Toyota the total package.
What you should know: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Type: All-wheel-drive midsize utility vehicle
Engine (h.p.): 2.5-litre DOHC I-4 plus two electric motors (302, net)
Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT)
Market position: The RAV4 lineup is the most extensive in the compact-utility-vehicle class. It includes both plug-in and non-plug-in hybrid systems and a TRD model aimed at buyers who venture off-road.
Points: Toyota claims itB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s the second-quickest vehicle in its entire lineup. B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Electric range is the highest of any hybrid on the market. B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Standard all-wheel-drive is a big plus. B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Continuously variable transmission saves fuel but reduces driving enjoyment. B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Base price is on the high side, but fuel-cost reduction is an offset over time.
Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); Emergency braking (std.); inattentive-driver alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian detection (std.)
L/100 km (city/hwy): 5.7/6.4
Base price (incl. destination): $47,000
B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media
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