With automakers starting to focus on electrified powertrains, they’re coming out with multiple versions of a single model. Take Toyota for instance. The Japanese automaker offers the RAV4 with an internal combustion engine, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. If you’re interested in learning more about the differences between a hybrid and PHEV, check out our comparison.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime was one of the first compact SUVs to be available with a PHEV powertrain. Despite its focus on being a fuel-efficient vehicle, the RAV4 Prime is also the most powerful model in the lineup. For consumers that aren’t interested in shelling out extra money for the RAV4 Prime, Toyota also sells the regular RAV4. In this comparison, we’ll see if the RAV4 Prime is worth the extra money over the RAV4.
See a side-by-side comparison of the Toyota RAV4 & RAV4 Prime »
What the Toyota RAV4 Prime Gets Right
The RAV4 Prime is the more powerful option of the two — as surprising as that may be. The PHEV comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors for a combined output of 302 horsepower. That’s 99 more horsepower than the regular RAV4’s 2.5-liter engine. The extra power is abundantly clear with the RAV4 Prime and makes the compact SUV feel quick on the road.
Unlike the regular RAV4, the RAV4 Prime can travel 42 miles on electricity. Drivers that commute less than 42 miles a day will find that the SUV’s all-electric range allows them to drive around without using any gasoline. Hooking the RAV4 Prime up to a 240-volt charger with the optional 6.6-kW charging system results in a full charge in just 2.5 hours.
As the tech-forward option, the RAV4 Prime comes with more high-tech features as standard. An 8-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital multi-information display, and five USB ports are standard on the RAV4 Prime. The regular RAV4 comes with a 7-inch touchscreen as standard.
What the RAV4 Gets Right
For shoppers looking to stick to a tight budget, the RAV4 is the obvious choice. Pricing for the RAV4 starts at $27,425 with destination, while the RAV4 Prime costs $39,425. That’s a massive $12,000 difference between the two models.
Because of the RAV4 Prime’s battery size, the PHEV is eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit. With that in mind, the RAV4 Prime is only $4,500 more than the regular RAV4. That’s still a hefty difference, but far better than $12,000.
Toyota offers the RAV4 in six different trims, while the RAV4 Prime is only offered in two trims. Consumers that prefer to have more choices will find the RAV4 to offer more variety.
While the RAV4 and RAV4 Prime offer a similar amount of interior space, the RAV4 has a larger cargo area. With the second row folded, the RAV4 offers up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The RAV4 Prime, because of its trio of electric motors and large battery pack, offers up to 63.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Have a Short Commute?
If you regularly travel less than 40 miles a day, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is the clear choice. You’ll spend less time at gas stations, less money on fuel, and have more power to enjoy. Additionally, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that you’re doing something good for the planet.
Our Verdict: Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a ton of upsides, but its high price tag makes it hard to justify for the majority of consumers. For most drivers, the regular RAV4 is an excellent compact SUV, as it checks a lot of boxes with decent performance, good fuel economy figures, a spacious interior, and plenty of trims to choose from.
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