Used 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Toyota makes some great vehicles, but the company doesn’t usually go in for powerful engines. Back in the day, mechanical muscle and fuel economy were mutually exclusive.

That’s all changed, and Toyota played a big part in the transformation by bringing hybrids into the mainstream. The RAV4 Prime takes it to the next level, mixing in more electric power with a battery that can be recharged from an outside source.

As a gentle introduction to electrified personal transport, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is an attractive choice. The RAV4 Prime can travel up to 42 miles on battery power alone, further than any rival. Yet there’s still a gasoline engine on board, so there’s no need to worry about finding a charger.

The RAV4 Prime retains the attributes that have made the regular RAV4 compact SUV such a big seller and KBB Best Buy Award-winner — things like space, reliability, safety features, and strong resale values. It just happens to have a substantial 302 horsepower as well. And even without the 42 miles of EV range, the RAV4 Prime averages around 38 mpg when operating as a gas-electric hybrid.

Both the non-hybrid RAV4 and the RAV4 Hybrid variants have their own reviews.

There are similarities between driving a 2023 RAV4 Prime compact SUV and a combustion-only RAV4. It has the same raised driving position, good outward vision, and an easy feel to the steering and brakes.

The combination of a slightly sport-tuned suspension (it’s still comfortable) and one of Toyota’s most powerful drivetrains is more fun in theory than practice. The extra hardware adds weight, of course. Nevertheless, this remains our favorite RAV4 variant.

The electric motors help to move off crisply from a standstill, and reaching freeway speeds happens without much effort. This plug-in hybrid SUV is quicker than expected. There’s some road and wind noise at this point, although not enough to put a RAV4 Prime out of consideration.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of compact SUVs, including this Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV.

Having debuted for the 2019 model year, the fifth-generation RAV4 is now among the oldest entries in the compact SUV segment. We’ve never counted interior look and feel among its strong suits, and the art of interior automotive design has evolved in the years since. Rivals from Hyundai and Kia are looking sharper, and their higher trims have better-quality cabin materials. For example, the simulated leather in the 2023 RAV4 Prime’s top XSE trim feels disappointingly thin.

Nor does the RAV4 Prime lead the class in terms of cabin space. That may not matter, though, since there’s still quite a lot of it. Put an adult male of average size in the driver’s seat, and someone of the same build sitting behind will have enough legroom by quite some margin.

Cargo space takes a minor hit because of the extra PHEV components: 33.5 cubic feet behind the 60/40 rear seats, expanding to 63.2 when folded. The combustion and regular hybrid models have 37.5/69.8 cubic feet. Even so, that’s enough room for strollers, sports equipment, the weekly shopping run, and most other tasks.

Infotainment
Upgraded this year with larger touchscreens and over-the-air updates, the infotainment systems in the 2023 RAV4 Prime SUV also come with Amazon Alexa compatibility, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, Bluetooth, voice control, and five USB ports.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Another standard tech upgrade for 2023, smartphone integration ditches the cable connection. Phones can stay in pockets or purses.

All-wheel drive
Standard with every 2023 RAV4 Prime PHEV SUV, this is an electric form of all-wheel drive with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. It results in the same kind of grip and traction as a conventional all-wheel-drive system, but without the penalty in fuel economy.

Underbody aerodynamic panels
One of the ways the RAV4 Prime optimizes its fuel efficiency is by being as aerodynamic as possible. This plug-in hybrid variant smooths its way through the air with underbody panels the non-hybrid version does not have.

12.3-inch digital driver information display
As a new feature this year for the XSE model, this customizable instrument cluster can show information like how the hybrid system is functioning, navigation directions, as well as the usual things like speed, fuel levels, etc.

Front and rear parking assist with automated braking
Parking sensors at both ends are joined by automatic emergency braking if the driver ignores the audible warnings and carries on maneuvering toward an obstacle. This is optional with the top XSE trim.

The main difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid like the 2023 RAV4 Prime is the battery. A hybrid’s battery is recharged by the gasoline engine and recaptures some energy from braking. Same thing with a PHEV, but its battery has a greater capacity and can take on more charge when plugged into an outside source. It then has the ability to run for a decent distance on electric power alone.

With the RAV4 Prime, that distance is a class-leading 42 miles. With a full battery and a full tank of gas (regular 87-octane gasoline), the RAV4 Prime can travel for 600 miles.

The powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, accompanied by an electric motor that also adds muscle to the front wheels and also acts as a starter/generator. A second electric motor drives the rear wheels. Total system output is 302 horsepower, making the RAV4 Prime one of Toyota’s most powerful vehicles.

Charging the battery to full using the XSE’s optional 6.6-kW/240-volt arrangement takes about 2.5 hours, or 4.5 hours with a 3.3-kW/240-volt setup. A domestic 120-volt outlet would need about 12 hours.

In case anyone was wondering, the RAV4 Prime can tow up to 2,500 pounds. That’s better than any rival.

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine/dual electric motors
302 total horsepower
EPA combined fuel economy: 94 MPGe (PHEV), 38 mpg (regular hybrid operation)
Range in EV mode: 42 miles

More RAV4 Prime PHEV fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Every new Toyota has a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain has a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, while the battery has its own warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. Toyota also includes 2 years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.