I watched a TON of Rav4 Prime videos over the last year and finally got one last month. Already 2500 miles in and loving it. Great video and fair review. I installed a Level 2 charger. With my schedule and commute, the 11-12 hours wasn't cutting it for me. The fact that I've been to the car wash more than I've been to the gas station is worth it for me....getting about 700-900 miles of range per tank so far. Coming from an FJ Cruiser, I'm already pocketing gas money with the Prime. Great purchase compared to all the other cars I was considering. EV only range was the top selling point for me.

I've owned my Rav4 prime for about 6 months. I do a lot of highway miles. So, the electric 40 mile of all electric really helps save at the pump. After 10,000 + miles my average gas/electric mpg is close to 60! I have a dc stage 2 charger and the full charge only takes about 2 hours. This thing fast and comfortable. No range anxiety. Always get hybrid mileage if I use all the electric juice. Love it!

This is the BEST PHEV out there! No other competitor can come close!

My RAV4 Prime SE gave me 72 mpg over the past year (Mix Hwy/city). I charge overnight when needed. Our electricity grid is also 99% green. It's gentler on the environment while giving me no range anxiety. Two year wait to get, though.

Nice video, appreciated your fairness in analysis 👍

I just purchased a rav4 prime XSE and I love it!! It’s so fast and it maneuvers so well. Favorite car I’ve ever had. I sold my Infiniti to get this car and it was so worth it!

I mean there is a reason that there’s a 2 year waitlist for the Rav4 Prime, everyone wants it

I was amazed at the fuel economy of a 2021 Rav4 AWD 2.5 8A I rented for a week for some cross-country driving. I was seeing mid 30’s mpg per the cluster. I would have accepted high 20’s for something with awd and a higher profile. The acceleration, even in the non-hybird model, was adequate for freeway passing as the powerband stretches pretty high. An acquaintance has a prime on order since about October 2023 and should take delivery in summer 2024. Thanks for the review, and yes, absolutely bring on the sun 🫥

Just got myself a used 2021 SE. It is quite the inconspicuous sub 6 second 0-60 car! While much lighter on features, I’m pleased to report a lightly used SE is in “rational” price/availability territory. Was actually able to spend a week watching inventory come up in my area and got my first choice color and a fair price.

I like this trim you're driving, the total package including its two-tone color. And, I actually trust Toyota when it comes to hybrid more than any car manufacturers.

I have 2021 Prime XSE with Premium Package. I love, love, love, this car. Would I buy it today? No, it's too expensive without the $7500 tax credit I got on my 2021. At $50,000+, I can't justify the price. Can I afford it without tax credit? Yes. Do I WANT to afford it? No. So glad I bought it when I did, and did get it as MSRP which was difficult at the time as some dealers were charging $10,00 over MSRP, so $60,000!!!!. The 42 mile EV range does all my daily commuting. I use gas briefly when entering a highway for the added power, and for a couple longer day trips a month. Overall, I use about 5 gallons of gas per month. My electric bill went up $30/month. Overall, I spend about 1/3 on fuel (electric/gas) than I did on my previous Rav4; but without tax credit, I doubt I would recoup $7500 in fuel savings over 10 years. There is a chance in 2025/6 it will be built in USA, and be eligible for a tax credit again. Its is so quiet in EV Mode, and accelerates so smooth, very enjoyable. I do think plug-in Hybrid is the best of both worlds, if on long vacation, you never have to charge it; its just a hybrid then. When anyone considers an EV or PHEV, you need to think about your situation and your needs, these types of cars are not for everyone, or every environment. I bitter cold, EV range is greatly diminished; so PHEV is the no-worry solution. If I did not have a garage to charge it it; I would be less likely buy it. I I lived in an apartment, I would not buy it since no place to charge it. Public charges cost more per mile than gasoline, so charging at home is only way to save money. If you commute within or near 40 miles in total, this can be a good choice. I like the muscle cars of yesteryear, but only choice these days is a Dodge which I would never buy; so this satisfies in acceleration of 0-60 in 5.5 seconds with 300 HP. Stock tires are OK, but if you live in snow country, you will need to upgrade the stock tires. I've seen others do some light off roading with it; I would not, too expensive to do that in my opinion, and I did not buy it for that. I was going to get a sedan, but found getting older this was easier to get in and out. I like being able to use EV or Hybrid when I want. On a long trip, I'll put it in Hybrid, to save my EV for me destination for around town driving; which I prefer the EV mode a lot for that. You can leave in AUTO; which will run in EV mode only unless you need more power, or until EV runs out, then it's hybrid only. There is a Lexus version if you want something more luxury; but was a huge step up for me, coming from a 2005 RAV4 with 200,000 miles. Something to consider for any car; my area dealer and nearby States had huge markups on cars. I took a one-way flight several states away, paid MSRP and drove it home; much cheaper than paying markup. Car only worth so much, if you overpay and get into accident that totals the car; good luck collecting all the money, even with gap insurance. I am 6'3" and am very comfortable in this car. Drove 600+ miles in 1 day, I was fine.

Great video!!! We just bought the Prime XSE Sky metallic yesterday. There were no other colors available but it’s a classic color. I’ve had a Honda pilot and several CRVs though the years. Honda doesn’t have a plug in as you know in the USA. We were ready to get a plug in Hybrid 💙

Thanks for this great review guys! Any thoughts on the RAV4 Prime vs the BZ4X?

Great review, I was hoping to hear more about electric only mode, how it drives and when the gas engine kicks in and all that jazz. Also curious about its Lexus counterpart, and if you think it’s makes sense to pay up for the luxury.

A cool Milwaukee, no wonder that snow looked familiar.

Is there a timing chain that will need replacing in the gas motor?

Nice review but nothing about offroad capabilities compared to others ? What about the cabin noise ? what about the driving experience in a twisty mountain road? Additionally which would you choose the prime or the trd ? Does the prime goes better offroad due to its stronger rear electric motors? And you forgot to mention nissan rogue in the equation.

Well done you two. Good reviews and you speak well. I just got a CX-5 over the CX-50, both were great. CX-5 had better build quality… for now.

i just got a 2024 rav4 prime xse. I really like it...but im also coming from a 20 year old, no frills 4runner. the mileage is great, the teech is awesome. my only complaint is i wish it was a little brighter inside (maybe 2 dome lights instead of just the one)

We might go with this. We have a CX5 and are looking for something at least same size but prefer bigger and need something with great mpg

The center consul is two inches two wide on both sides so it puts uncomfortable pressure on your knees and the roof is two inches too low.

Hold A/C will heat the cabin in cold weather too

You get that much snow in Texas? If so are you in the Panhandle? I'm in northern Ontario where most winters we get snow for 6 months but this year snow didn't arrive until after Jan 1st which is record breaking.

Can you adjust passenger seat height on any Prime trim? How tall are you with pink pullover?

You forgot to mention the Rav4 hybrid has a spare tire. That aspect alone ruled out the Tucson and the CRV hybrids for me.

No space tire on the Prime model. That may not be a killer but it certainly is attractive. We had a poor experience with a flat tire even though we were in a city at the time. A spare tire is an important check off on my list.

We have owned the Prius prime for a year and we love it. We will upgrade with Rav4 prime later.

I have looked all over Toyotas website, how do you get the panoramic sunroof option on the 24??????

all that snow in Texas??

CR-V and RAV4 are the top shots on this category, with absolute justice. They aren’t perfect, but they’re an overall outstanding product.

This is the best EV in the world, no range anxiety whatsoever.

Nice smart RAV4 yes it is

Cx50 is good looking. I agree

The XSE is unobtainable, but dealers have a fair number of SEs now.

I would not worry about plug in reliability. I owned a PHEV Honda Clarity for six years and had zero issues with the power train. Loved that car - worked pretty much the same way as the Rav4 Prime. My key maintenance cost was that the special, fuel efficient Michelin tires wore much more quickly than expected. Just over 30,000 miles - tires finished. I test drove both the Rav4 Hybrid and Plug in and there are differences besides price (big ouch!!) and additional equipment. The plain Hybrid had booming, annoying (to me) engine noise when the gas engine accelerated. The ride was OK, not great, nothing special. The PHEV, which is much heavier, drove with a much more solid feel and the engine noise a fraction of the Hybrid. The acceleration was fantastic. Perhaps the double layer glass made an acoustic difference. Yes, it's more expensive and very difficult to find, but I got a much better price when using the Costco no haggle Auto Buying program. There's also currently a Toyota $6500 program if you lease the Prime (Expensive financing, but you can pay off the lease immediately and refinance elsewhere if you want) All this made a big difference to the price I test drove the Honda CRV Hybrid (no plug in available) - nicer all around than the comparable Rav4 Hybrid . However, the Honda CRV also had the booming engine noise on acceleration. The $7500 federal rebate does not apply to the 2024's because the Rav4 PHEV is made only in Japan. That may change in a year or so. I heard Toyota is building a battery plant in the US.

The prime is Uber sexy! I have the hybrid XSE just because the prime is so hard to get up here in Canada.

5.86 sec 0-60 in less than 2nd gear is crazy

Special thanks to our Patreons for their support of the channel! Would you splurge for the Prime or get a RAV4 Hybrid? Or get something else?

My Rav4 Prime will be here in about a week. I wanted to buy one two years ago but availability was the issue so I bought a RAV4 hybrid. I getting $6500 off for leasing my new XSE.. So between my trade value and the TFS cash 6500 I am in. Two years free maintenance is also another Pro that you won't get with a CRV.

“The strangest people come to the park” says the people at the park.

Not long to wait for new RAV4 reveal in November 24.

Can this be used only on electricity or do always have to use gas? Sounds like if you don't have to drive farther than 42 miles and always charge it up then you don't need to use gas? Is that correct?

Excellent video, but $51Gs? Expensive!

I pass on the plug in hybrid.

We’ve had six Toyotas over the years. Love my 2021 Prime, BUT, door handles are way too far forward, rear hatch is very slow, and Toyota REFUSES to heat the steering wheel all the way around. I told the dealer I would only pay 2/3 the price for that feature, as that’s all that’s heated 🤓

mspr is high then the $5-10k of stealership markup

2012 prime. Gets 47 mpg no charge

The HUGE plastic piece around the spodo… why!!? Just make a simple flat screen. Done.

You showed that the Rav4 Prime has the hold AC function, but does it have a regular remote start like a regular vehicle for heat that is with the remote and not the Toyota app?

I bought my first plug-in hybrid in 2013

I drive 9 year old rav4? 🤷🏻‍♀️good review 😊

Why can’t they blend the center screen into dash instead looking like a iPad screwed to the dash as a second thought

Blue is not available 😞

Spare tire?

Rav 4 Prime XSE even get a 120V1500ww Outlet

Cup holders don't work well for Starbucks coffee. Not good cup holders.

If you really need phev this's the best one, but for the price, i rather get a land cruiser.

No maintenance on an electric motor...?

@10:40 At least Toyota recognized the importance of a rear view mirror camera. That's something the VW Tiguan has yet to adapt. In fact, that's true with all the German manufacturers. It really is something desperately need in all SUVs and many sedans to compensate for their poor design. @14:40 Sorry, but performance is not something you get on any mid-size SUV, with the exception of the Hyundai Kona N. At present, they're the only manufacture that has attempted to actually add sport to their "S"uv. However, the Kona is a sub-compact, where the Sportage is the direct competitor to the RAV4. The interior is very dated, and there's a lot of scratch plastic in the touch areas. In addition, most manufactures have moved away from the big shifter in the center to free up more usable storage space

What's the benefit of this over a regular hybrid that you don't have to charge?

The big error of own an Plugin Hybrid or Electric vehicle is charging inside a garage, You can lost de car and the Home.... Don't play with probability because we always loss for sure.

What did the guy in the Lexus? do?

No Calvary Blue sadly for the Prime

How about the price as the biggest negative

The price gives me depression. 😢

They've been making hybrid cars for so long they outcompete other makers. I have a Subaru Crosstrek Plug In Hybrid and it's no where near the Rav4 Prime.

1x(2/5/24)…..7:00…..10:00…..

Mpg?

Why not opt 4 the Lexus NX at the ridiculous RAV prime price 😂

the beeps in these videos during cuts are way too loud compared to your voices.

This Prime is short of supply and dealer insanely smashes so hard on buyer with whopping 4k or higher mark-up MSRP...

Car and Driver has always favored Honda over Toyota. In reality, they are both great.

CX70 hybrid might be the way to go now with all the room

Id never pay that much for a rav 4.

how noisy this car is on a freeway?

I wish this got the EV tax credit😩

Annoying 7 bips whenever you open/close a door. when wife and childrens are moving around, even the neighbor asked me if this F…. can shut up. Non-existent towing eyelet in front, even if the owner manual says its there. Obey, yes : Obey traffic… really ? a car telling me to Obey ???, annoying bip/message in console after driving and recurrent: take a coffee break. and i dont like coffee. Yes i have one for reliability, value… but the electronics are turning me off. and i wont even talk about the S.. Toyota App and Carplay, would be another para.

Not sure why you keep comparing the prime against the CR-V touring hybrid model Big price difference why didn’t you compare Toyota limited HYBRID closer in price. More Apples to Apples!!””

$51,000! Such a ripoff. Toyota is only known for their engine quality and that’s all you get with them. The rest of the vehicle is below average.

the strange people do go to the park, specially if they don't have kids. Look at you guys going to the park to do reviews in the park 😅

Silly review , off after Honda showed up with their first gen hybrid. Note Toyota is on its 5 th get with 6th in the works . I'm gone by

I get 50 miles of electric range not 42 miles

Please leave the comedy to professionals. Tighten it up! People have zero time to waste.

but you dont mention the most important worst thing of ALL rav4. its front passenger headroom !!! as 6ft my head wont fit lol.. that is so embarising.. fking paid reviewers dont mention it..

Language guys. You could have got your same point across about the guy in park without swearing.

Prime review was bad choice - how many of those will be sold? ICE and hybrid much more useful.

Overprice! NO EV for me.

These guys are inventing issues. Prime has no teliability issues. Go back to your unreliable Audi and stop making reviews, you know nothing about cars

90+% of us are not midgets or crawling on the ground like toddlers do. So can you shoot a video from the outside from a NORMAL human height? Do it normally by walking around the car (180 degrees). WE WANT TO SEE HOW THE CAR LOOKS when viewed normally.