most informative,easy to understand independent reviews I have ever heard...100% satisfaction!

I sub to a few other reviewers and you’re by far the most professional and articulate. Thank you Alex!

I always appreciate your attention to detail with correcting your spoken mistakes with a caption on screen! Many others don’t, and IMO, lose credibility when rushing their videos out. Human error is natural.

Alex, thank you for the detailed reviews. It’s always appreciated and I always learn a lot. I’m super excited to get my RAV4 Prime after owning a trouble free 2007 Camry with 200,000 miles. Keep them coming Alex, thank you.

I am looking forwards to having RAV-4 Prime in the near future.

Alex, I'm a fan of your reviews.- thank you. Motorweek just turned in their 2019 RAV4 Hybrid test vehicle with over 17,000 miles and averaged 38.6 MPGe. If I had the opportunity to buy a Prime in Canada I'm there. However, it looks like with current rate of production and wait times are a year out. A lot can happen between now and Fall of 2021. Patiently waiting for this or the next big thing. Interesting times for Reviewers and Automotive Buffs.

This is a great review. Looking forward for more information on the RAV-4 Prime in July.

Looks really promising. Fantastic video, thank you

Thanks for enlighten us in this regard...appreciated!

*First KZfaq video I saw that shows the battery location of the Rav 4 Hybrid & Rav 4 Prime*. Thank You

Almost ready to get the prime. Thanks for the info.

Great video Alex!

Very insightful video. Thank you!

This RAV4 Prime is going to make a killing once they become widely available. Alex on Autos is absolutely one of the best automotive channels out there for getting the latest and greatest in the car world.

Great review as always

“Plugs are for butts.” Since I’m here early, thanks for sending me that media Taycan water bottle. Hands-down most knowledgeable and kind car channel.

In my use case a RAV 4 Prime wold allow me to use 100% electric almost 100% of the time, to and from work. For longer trips and towing the gas engine is there.

Great stuff Alex as usual. Hey Alex can you talk about snow chains and hybrids. When we bought our hybrid, we had to sign a document that said we wouldnt use snow chains with our vehicle. From my own research my understanding is when you buy any hybrid vehicles, honda, toyota, ford, they make you sign that same document to not use snow chains. Do you know why? And can we actually use snow chains?

Hoping we get one this year in the Midwest, they will be extremely rare folks.

Hi Alex I’m new to your channel, I live in Toronto, Canada. Between RAV4 Prime and Honda Clarity Touring which one will u recommend, thx in advance

You are the Best !!! Here in Canada finding a hybrid for sale at a dealer is like a needle in a haystack! unless you order one and wait! could not try one at 3 dealer..low supply vehicules...sucks~!!!!!!!!

Should have waited for the prime. Still love my 2019 XSE Hybrid.

great preview, looking forward to the test drive to specifically see how the battery size / weight impact the ground clearance, comfort and handling of the vehicle

SIMPLESMENTE FANTÁSTICO. Somente um DETALHE não VOA.

As you mentioned honda hybrid on the driveway, will you compare it to prime sometime? After all honda i-mmd drives like EV just sometimes ICE might be heard.

Performance hybrid is good up to the point when they enlarge ICE and make it less efficient.

My local San Diego County dealer has over 40 people on a waiting list for it. Expects fall availability. They should have a test model in the showroom by August. It looks like a perfect vehicle for short commutes. I've been looking at the Prius Prime, but the road noise is problematic. Looking forward to your July 1st driving test. I hope reality matches up to the hype. With a 150k battery warranty, it would make a great ten-year vehicle. You could easily save over ten grand compared to a gasoline SUV over that time period.

Ok, so now that we have our lovely 2019 Rav4 Hybrid the new shiny toy comes. Alex, can you talk about the financials for trading up to the Prime if you purchased your 2019 Rav4 Hybrid (we got the XSE with the max pkg, btw) and what the depreciation is going to look like for the current Hybrid? I guess that depends on what they sell the Rav4 Hybrid for in the lineup once this is released. We love our car, but we'd be on plug power pretty much all the time if we had the prime. Also, does your Hybrid suffer from the fuel tank issue? Thanks for the videos, can't wait for Part Deux of the review!

After moving along the spectrum of low fuel consumption cars I've left hybrids behind. I had two Prius hybrids which were great cars but they only got about 50mpg. Now 50mpg was really good 10 years ago but I consider it old technology today. For me a PHEV is a huge step in mpg which can easily be double that of a hybrid depending on the model chosen. So there is no contest here. I'd go for the RAV4 Prime any day. One of the biggest advantages of a PHEV is it can be charged at home. No more stopping at gas stations, standing in the cold, wind, and rain. I fill our PHEV with gas about 10 times per year instead of 50 times for a hybrid. We plug in at home and the car is always full of energy every morning and often in the middle of the day as well. It takes less than 10 seconds to plug in. For those, like us, who have a solar roof the car is charged with the cleanest power available, and it's free. I don't have a full breakdown but our solar system coupled with the PHEV is saving us about $2,250 per year.

In California the RAV4 Prime is not currently on the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project list. That being the case, no cash rebate. Also, every dealer I’ve talked with said the dealer markup will be at least $5,000. Most likely gonna be about $55,000 out the door for the Prime XSE. There is the potential $7500 federal tax credit for those that qualify, but if you don’t owe that much in taxes, it’s not much help.

I bought a Tesla Model Y, but I honestly hope that the Rav4 Prime sells well. It's a great interim vehicle to get people used to driving electric, without the range anxiety worries in case they need to drive far, or just simply forgot to plug in the previous night. I just wish Toyota wasn't so negative on full fledged plug-in electric vehicles, like the Rav4 EV they had about a decade ago.

Also depending on your region, good luck finding one.

Kinda related question. I'm considering one of these Rav4 Prime to replace a V8 BMW X5 (175kmiles on the clock). There is one thing that I use the X5 for that it does well at and I'm not sure how this Toyota will do. About once a month I make a run from Northern California to Northern Oregon (600 miles), I do it at times and with detection to drive fast. About 85 mph most of the time, but I cruse when I can at 95mph and pass at 110mph if needed. I stop once for gas and get about 17mpg. How do you think this RAV4 Prime would do for this?

I have a bike rack that needs a hitch. Will the automatic tailgate not work if the hitch is installed? Also, if I put in the bike rack, will the back camera be blocked by the bike rack? In other words, the two features of back camera and auto open tailgate would be undermined by the hitched bike rack. Instead, I should invest in a bike rack system on the top of the car (which is not good for me since I'm short and small and can't carry my bike up the roof of the car). Still deciding between the Prime and regular hybrid. Limited supplies and mark up prices will most likely lead me to a simpler one. Thanks!

You haven't talked about the refueling/range issue (gas tank design) with the RAV4 Hybrid or whether this has been addressed in the Prime.

it's going to be hot sell, but I really like the new venza and the slightest hope for the venza prime holds my breath to death

Alex, does the highlander hybrid get the heatpump as well?

If available of course get Prime. It will be more convenient for camping with it's giant battery and outlet.

Getting over 43 mpg after some practice in my new RAV4 hybrid! Initially, I was doing too much. I was trying to use the electric ability as much as possible. Watching the graphic engine power graphic...charging the battery/using the battery...trying to avoid the ICE. Shooting for the "Pulse and glide method." After about 2 weeks, I embraced some ideas that have earned 3mpg better. First, I learned that using the electric battery (process of charging the electric battery with the gas engine) is not without its own parasitic drain...and second, the ICE engine is very efficient in its own right. So, I started doing less jockeying of the vehicle to "stay in electric" and let it do it's own thing...It will do the work for you! It will choose the most efficient mode of operation. I do look ahead to anticipate stops and incorporate coasting time. I do speed up gradually. In forums and on youtube I've seen the proposal to: "get up to speed so you can coast and get off the ICE engine." This sounds well thought out...and I wasn't gunning it to get to speed either...just not delaying....anyway...it wasn't panning out. I just speed up gradually...slow down gradually and let the car do the rest. 43.6 mpg average now. It was enlightening to me to see the vehicle get its best numbers after taking a highway trip when it should be less efficient as hybrids go. But...the highway driving limited my ability to jockey the electric battery and I had to allow the vehicle to do its own thing. And surprise, surprise...the average mpg shot up. It's just that simple.

How does the ride quality/seat quality of the RAV4 Prime compare to the Volvo XC60 T-8R?

I live in a rural area where the grocery store is about 15 miles away. My usual travels are about 20 miles or more away. I am guessing that the plug in PRIME is best for me. I read that the other Toyota RAV4 regenerate their battery by the start and stop of traffic in city life. So with that consideration I am thinking that a plug-in is best for me. I drive on a highway and rarely see a traffic light. Could you to me if I am correct in my explanation?

Does the Prime ave true AWD or does it only work up to 42MPH like the Prius AWD?

Worth pointing out that the heat pump will have reduced effectiveness in freezing weather due to frost buildup on the heat exchanger. Toyota acknowledges this themselves in the RAV4 Prime owner's manual. I'll be curious to see how it performs and the improvement it yields over the non-plugin hybrid when winter comes around.

I'm sure you can find several on eBay at a generous markup when the time comes.

Excellent

Hey Alex (or anybody), does the RAV4 Prime also have a sprague clutch on the ICE shaft, so that MG1 can provide torque? (That, like on the Prius Prime.)

Good luck getting one unless your on the west or east coast. Dealer called me last week and said none in the mid-west until 2021. They had me on list to contact and said they just got off conference call with Toyota and told none for this area this year. Much disappointed.

I watched the video and I'm not sure if I understood correctly... So in fact, "inside" a RAV4 PHEV there is a RAV4 HEV? Is this analogy correct? From what I understand, when the first charge of the PHEV ends (the charge that was made at the home socket) it will automatically start acting as if it were a RAV4 HEV, that is, the car itself will manage the recharging/usage/recharging of the battery. Is that it?

I’ve got a 2020 Ford Escape titiume hybrid awd is it worth a upgrade to the prime

Hopefully the regular RAV4 XSE Hybrid will be available in atomic red for 2021. I plan on buying one this fall and hear getting a prime is going to be difficult because of high demand.

I think it’s going to be nearly impossible to buy one as the demand is going to be insane and not nearly enough supply. Good Luck!

So glad I spent 50k on a rav4 hybrid xse with gas tank issues 8 months ago... NOT. Would have loved to use that money towards a prime.

Do we have torque numbers on the Rav4 Prime?

Performance approach gives an additional solid incentive to folk out extra 2 grand.

I want the prime! In 🇨🇦 it is a two year wait! Some dealerships, longer.

This interesting! Any chance of a Venza Prime? I like the look better . . .

Is the Prime a 2021 version of the RAV?

1.5 year waiting list here in Kansas. Without the EV tax credit, $38k is too high a price for the average consumer...

best opener ever

Alex, I have never been more excited for a video review as I am for yours on this Rav4 Prime. I hope you post that video up at 12:01 AM! Ha ha! I honestly wished that Toyota would make a Limited or XLE model with smaller tires, maybe like 260 horsepower (as they send an extra 42 HP to the rear motor instead for stronger AWD), and increased EV only range. I feel that Toyota really outdid themselves with this powertrain. I would NOT be surprised if this powertrain replaced their beautiful V6 engine in the future. This is a much more efficient, non-regretful way to enjoy a 300+ HP vehicle. I have a couple of questions though. Could the gasoline engine recharge the battery you would normally charge when you plug it in? In other words, is there a part of the battery or a separate battery that would never get charged if I don't plug it in? Sorry for the maybe stupid question but I am new to hybrids/EVs. Also, can you elaborate on the air conditioning system? Does it have electric air conditioning and can the a/c be operated on electric power only? For example, if I took the car camping and wanted to sleep in it at night, could I run the a/c without using the gasoline engine much or maybe not at all?

Alex thanks for your videos. Can a Rav4 Prime be flat towed behind an RV?

Being able to plug in a hybrid vehicle is interesting. There would be more battery-only range, but also increased costs 🤔

question, can you please measure how much current kWh is needed to full charge an from 0 to 18kwh battery, it is about the current losses during charging

A year and a half later, my shopping trips for a 2022 Prime vs hybrid RAV 4 is you can't always expect only a $2000 difference between the two. Dealer greed aka "acquiaition fee" is ridiculous around MA (Woburn=$47000, god knows what else). Once you add up options, despite the Fed. rebate, the Rav is going to remain well over 40K before tax, unless you find a "barebones" stripper model (which I don't think exists. Plus, if you don't have access to a nightly plug in, the economic advantage in mileage drops substantially for the Prime. Clearly, the Hybrid is the practical choice, the Prime a performance small SUV whose price is marginally below the Highlander, at decidedly less "unique" trim (seats, dash, appearance). Maybe they'll have a lot of bling for the aftermarket in Prime-o-vera line. I see it as too barrent in terms of appearance to shell 50k, for a second per 0-60. Yes, it does handle better with the low battery in the Prime, but my wife held the chequebook open for the Rav Hybrid, saying below $40k is (* ()$# enough! Granted she bought a Forester Limited in 14 for 25K all taxes, but that car was an oil burner like the old butter movied popcorn machines...got the engine swapped at only 40K miles (Suburu-Share The Cheap=shoulda fought for a new car from them), btw. Either car, you are subject to colors and options on the basis of whether the dealer can be convinced to actually care to look. Now that ECU and other chip components (and shipping from that moronic CA blockade of our US economy) are over, you may be able to decide on the seat of your pants speed, or all rounder, and just a little bit better pricing. All in all, the dealers are playing hardball about prices well to go up at least 750-2200usd every model year....whether you wanna burn rubber or less gasoline! J.H-Boston area: 2022 SLE Hybrid, Bluepoint Blue, all other conditions were at least until summertime (i.e 4-6 month wait for our colour choice).

I'd like a restyled Ford S-Max with Toyota Hybrid tech. It would be a perfect car for me.

Has the gas tank problem been solved?

Someone knows if we can put 17’’ wheels (for winter) on the prime? Does the brakes are too big for 17’’ wheels?

Is the RAV4 Prime quieter than the non plug-in RAV4's ?

Very nice cosmetic improvements! My Corolla GR (Europe version) looks superior better than the regular Corolla (better, cleaner front, interior style etc)

Is it true that the heater will not work in electric mode only?

If they could produce these at volume, they will be the highest sold car in America. Easy..😀 Thanks for great review as always, can’t wait for July.

The towing capacity is disappointing on the Prime. Wish it did 3500 lbs. Looking at the 2021 Kia Sorento now.

Could you review new Toyota Sienna hybrid, please? Thanks in advance

Just because the car is faster does not rate it higher in my mind. I do not buy a car to see how fast it can go in 6 seconds. Few if any really care and every reviewer seems to parrot these facts as a big plus to buy the vehicle. I thing it is stupid to even stress this point as a major plus.

I would like to see it’s towing capacity. I’m getting a Caravan ( 1500kg ) max weight

We need many more places to plug it in, before I would even consider buying just the plug-in.

what color is that rav4 prime? gray or silver?

How many times can you charge the battery before you need to buy a new battery?

Alex, for me personally I'd rather have a higher bump in EV range than have the extra power. I did a video on my Clarity PHEV which I think might still be the better PHEV if you don't need the high trunk height of a crossover.

I have 50mpg (without stopping)in a 2015 (old)outlander on 100-300miles road trip, 60mpg under 100miles!

Alex, when you say that the payback time may be long because electricity is cheap, maybe you mean it's because gas is cheap? Cheap electricity would actually shorten the payback time.

How do you retail all that information?

down the rabbit hole

doest hat mean that motor doesnt charge the batteries unless you plug it?

Could i just feel it with gas and never charge the hybrid batter is that possible?

I'm really surprised to hear about waitlists and deposits. I called two of the bigger Toyota dealers in the greater Boston area today. Both claimed no knowledge of when Primes would arrive or would even be officially released, nor were they keeping waitlists. Is this a west coast vs east coast policy difference?

RAV4 is great but all this tech excites me for a hybrid Tundra.

Didn’t Honda try the performance/hybrid angle in the mid 2000s with the V6 hybrid Accord?

how much more does the Prime weigh?

RAV 4 Hybrid is more than adequate for me as a retired senior

Is the Prime always 302 HP or only when it's fully charged?

Why would I get this instead of the cybertruck?

Maybe in the future I would get a prime but right now it's outside of my budget and plug in charging is not convenient right now.

How do we know if we are eligible for the $7500 federal tax rebate as that will be the deal breaker breaker for me. I live in Ohio so not sure how it works from one state to other. can someone please advise ? TIA Neelesh

I hate the fussy Toyota styling of late, but the package is really good. Forty-two miles of EV range is good, and the performance is even better. Can't lose basically.

If you are able to get the tax credit, the prime is a no brainer. You get plug-in ability, 300HP, and SE AWD trim for only $2,300 more.

So the difference between the 2 is the Hybrid is both gas AND electric, but electric portion of it is self-charging while the Prime is totally 100% electric ONLY and needs to be plugged in to charge it . . . . . . do I have that right???

The Prime would definitely be a better choice if it was selling at MSRP or below. It is, however, selling $8k-$9k ABOVE, while Regular Hybrid is selling BELOW MSRP. Unless anyone has different information, I'll take the regular hybrid at more that $10k less than the Prime.

Thanks for this comparison. Aside from the Supra, Toyota doesn’t seem to want to stray too far away from 300hp for some reason.

Does sofyan have one