Exploring the Differences: RAV4 vs. RAV4 Prime

When you’re looking for a compact SUV, the Toyota RAV4 and its plug-in hybrid vehicle counterpart, the RAV4 Prime, are smart choices. Both SUVs offer impressive gas mileage, and the Prime gives you an all-electric driving range of approximately 42 miles, ideal for commutes and short driving distances. Our team at Classic Toyota in Tyler, Texas, created this comparison of the RAV4 and RAV4 Prime so you can decide which one best fits your lifestyle.

About the Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Prime

a white suv is parked in the snow by Michael Steinman is licensed with Unsplash License

In the realm of compact SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 reigns supreme. This model comes in three versions: standard gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. Toyota launched the gasoline-powered RAV4 in 1994, followed by the hybrid version in 2016 to meet the growing need for fuel-efficient vehicle choices. As demand for more sustainable SUVs grew, Toyota introduced the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid in 2021, which also blends electric and gasoline power.

Here’s a quick look at the differences between the three types of RAV4s. The RAV4 runs exclusively on gasoline, while the RAV4 Hybrid blends a gas-powered engine with an electric motor and a battery pack for power. This battery stores energy for all-electric driving and recharges itself while you drive.

The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid model, like its hybrid counterpart, also has a gas-powered engine combined with an electric motor and a battery pack. The main difference is that the plug-in hybrid vehicle can only be recharged by plugging it into your home’s 12-volt power outlet or at a public charging station.

Performance and Powertrains

The RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, and RAV4 Prime all deliver impressive power output. Under the hood of the gas-only models, you’ll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower. The hybrid version has the same gas engine mated to electric motors for 219 horsepower.

The plug-in hybrid vehicle’s 2.5-liter engine is paired with electric motors that deliver 302 horsepower. Front-wheel drive comes standard on the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, while the RAV4 Prime comes with traction-grabbing all-wheel drive, which is available for the other models.

All trims and models come with a multi-terrain select system, though the TDR Off-Road has additional modes for mud/sand, rock/dirt, and snow. If your adventure calls for a small boat or trailer, any RAV4 can tow between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Charging and Fueling

If you have the gas-only RAV4, you can expect to get up to an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and a combined 30 mpg, depending on the trim. With the RAV4 Hybrid models, the EPA estimates you’ll get 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and a combined 39 mpg, depending on the trim. The RAV4 Prime can get up to 42 miles in the all-electric driving range.

You can charge the RAV4 Prime in about two and a half hours with its onboard charging system when plugged into a 240-volt public charging station. At home, using a standard household 12-volt plug, expect about 12 hours to get a full charge.

Technology and Features

Toyota adds advanced technology features to its RAV4 lineup, including an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touch screen as part of its infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration come standard, and subscribing to Wi-Fi Connect turns the RAV4 into a 4G LTE hotspot for up to five devices. Optional features found standard on select upper trims include navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a premium 11-speaker JBL sound system.

With safety in mind, all RAV4s come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver-assist features, including:

• A pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
• Automatic emergency braking.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Lane-keep assist.
• Automatic high-beam headlights.
• Road sign assist.

Additional driver-assist features include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Front and rear parking assist.
• Hill-start assist control.
• Downhill assist control.
• Trailer sway control.

Interior and Cargo Space

Spaciousness reigns supreme among the RAV4s to accommodate passengers with ease. Each model offers two rows of seats that can fit up to five people. Higher trim levels offer various attractive features, such as SofTex-trimmed seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and heated and ventilated front seats.

With the 60/40-split reclining fold-flat rear seats, you have plenty of room and flexibility to carry all types of luggage and supplies. If you keep the second-row seats upright, you get 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the gas-only models, 37.5 cubic feet in the hybrid versions, and 33.5 cubic feet in the RAV4 Prime. Fold the second-row seats flat for 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space across the entire RAV4 line.

Pricing and Trim Levels

You’ll appreciate the premium value you get with this compact SUV. Whether you choose the RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, or RAV4 Prime, you get plenty of upscale features, innovative technologies, and capabilities for both on and off the road.

RAV4

The RAV4 comes in six trims: the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road. The starting MSRPs for these trims range from $28,675 for the base model up to $38,295 for the top-tier TRD Off-Road.

RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 Hybrid comes in seven trims: the LE, XLE, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited. The base MSRPs for these hybrids range from $31,725 for the Hybrid LE to $40,030 for the top Hybrid Limited.

RAV4 Prime

Toyota offers the RAV4 Prime in two trims with base MSRPs of $43,690 for the SE and $47,560 for the XSE.

Experience the RAV4 Lineup at Classic Toyota

The RAV4 lineup impresses with its Toyota dependability, outstanding performance, and top-notch fuel efficiency. Stop by Classic Toyota in Tyler, Texas, to learn more about the RAV4 SUVs and schedule a test drive of your favorite model and trim. Once you choose the perfect RAV4 for your lifestyle, our finance team will find an auto loan to fit your budget. Contact us today to discuss our auto services, inventory, and lease options and get a trade-in estimate  for your used vehicle.