When the search for my next vehicle began in early 2023, electric vehicles (EVs) were high on my list. After test driving several models, the current EV technology felt just shy of perfectly aligning with my needs, particularly with an elderly parent living a four-hour drive away. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), offering a balance of all-electric driving for daily commutes and the reassurance of a gasoline engine for longer trips, appeared to be the ideal solution.
Toyota, with its 25-year legacy in hybrid technology since the introduction of the Prius, stands as a leader in both conventional hybrids and PHEVs. Beyond the standard Prius Prime, Toyota offers the RAV4 Prime, the premium plug-in hybrid variant of their popular crossover SUV.
Related: PHEV Review: 2024 Toyota Prius Prime
My preference for SUVs began about a decade ago, driven by the need to transport multiple dogs. While the RAV4 had always been a consideration, it wasn’t until my exploration into EVs and PHEVs that it truly emerged as a compelling option and a strong value proposition.
In early 2023, the PHEV market was still developing. I also considered the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (which I found significantly overpriced) and the Kia Niro (which lacked an all-wheel-drive option at the time).
Silver Toyota RAV4 Prime parked in a residential driveway
The Toyota RAV4 Prime: A plug-in hybrid SUV offering a blend of electric and gasoline power.
Navigating the Compromises with RAV4 Prime Features
Shopping for a car in 2023 presented unique challenges due to industry-wide chip shortages. The base trim level of the Toyota RAV4 Prime, despite its $43,000 price tag, felt surprisingly basic in terms of features. At one point, Toyota was even providing only a single key fob with new purchases. The RAV4 Prime SE featured a small digital display for its infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and missed out on increasingly common features like wireless phone charging and wireless CarPlay, often found in more affordable vehicles.
Upgrading to the higher trim level, the XSE, brought a larger display, wireless charging, wireless CarPlay, and a moonroof for an additional cost. However, neither trim offered parking assist sensors or driver seat position memory, features that were becoming increasingly standard across the market.
While some of these features have made a return in newer RAV4 Prime models and competitor vehicles, it remains crucial to verify the inclusion of desired features before finalizing any purchase agreement. Ensure the car you intend to buy is equipped with the amenities you expect and value.
RAV4 Prime Charging Experience: Level 1 and Level 2 Options
The RAV4 Prime, like most plug-in hybrids and EVs, includes a Level 1 charger that utilizes a standard 110V household outlet. This is generally sufficient for PHEVs, allowing for a full recharge overnight. However, for those driving longer distances daily, a Level 2 charger, operating on 240V, significantly reduces charging times to just a few hours for this battery size, or overnight for a full battery EV.
Close-up of a Level 2 EV charger displaying charging amperage
Level 2 EV chargers dramatically reduce charging times for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.
A wide variety of Level 2 chargers are available from reputable brands like Anker to more budget-friendly generic options. Prioritize safety by choosing chargers that are UL listed, FCC certified, or CSA certified. I opted for a charger with a NEMA 6-20 plug for 240V outlets but also included a NEMA 5-15 adapter for universal compatibility with standard 110V outlets across the US. This ensures charging availability wherever I travel, with the added benefit of faster 240V charging when accessible.
Many public charging stations in the area are Level 2, including locations like the Sciencenter, Treman Marina, Ithaca College visitor lot, and various parking garages in Ithaca and Cornell. Note that parking fees may apply at some locations to utilize the free charging, depending on the time of day.
Related: Welcome to Ithaca! Now, where to charge up that EV?
The Positives of RAV4 Prime Ownership: Efficiency and Performance
In the initial four months of owning the RAV4 Prime and prioritizing EV mode, I covered 3,400 miles and only needed to refuel twice. Daily driving, including commutes, errands, and local trips, is easily managed on electric power alone, without gasoline consumption. Even round trips from Ithaca to Aurora are primarily electric, with the regenerative braking system recouping battery charge on hilly routes. I consistently achieve 40+ miles on a single charge, sometimes reaching 50 miles in favorable weather conditions when climate control is minimized. Longer journeys in hybrid mode average around 45 mpg, which is impressive for a substantial and weighty SUV.
With electric mode dominating daily driving, the car frequently registers fuel economy figures of 85-99 miles per gallon. Charging at home on standard electricity is also cost-effective, leading to significant savings compared to gasoline expenses.
The RAV4 Prime delivers a comfortable ride and comfortably accommodates up to four adults, or five in closer quarters. Engaging “sport mode” unleashes the rapid acceleration characteristic of EVs, making highway passing effortless. “Eco mode” prioritizes fuel and battery conservation, resulting in slightly more restrained acceleration for optimal efficiency.
Addressing the Downsides: Technology and Reliability Concerns
While I opted for the higher-tier RAV4 Prime XSE for features like wireless CarPlay and wireless phone charging, their performance has been disappointingly unreliable. Issues were reported shortly after purchasing the vehicle, and resolving the wireless CarPlay problem required multiple service visits, persistent follow-ups, and nearly 18 months before Maguire Toyota finally replaced the head unit (the car’s infotainment system). This lengthy resolution process was far from ideal.
The wireless charging pad continues to be inconsistent. Service staff at Maguire have offered unconvincing explanations, suggesting phone cases interfere (the issue occurs regardless of case usage) or blaming the iPhone’s camera bump. However, the problem persists across multiple phone models and with and without cases, while the same phones charge flawlessly on other wireless chargers.
The FM radio also exhibits intermittent silence, a known issue reported by numerous RAV4 owners. Brief periods of silence frequently interrupt radio playback. While head unit replacement was hoped to resolve this, the problem remains unaddressed, and there’s no indication of planned action from Maguire. While seemingly minor compared to other glitches, the unreliable radio is a basic feature that should function consistently.
One of the most significant frustrations is the limited-time trial for connected services via the Toyota app, including remote start. While convenient for pre-conditioning the car’s temperature, this functionality, along with features like door lock/window status, charging completion alerts, and remote range display, becomes unavailable after the trial period expires. The built-in navigation with live traffic updates also becomes limited, though less critical as CarPlay/Waze navigation is preferred.
While subscription models for connected services are not uncommon, the absence of permanent remote start and charging status features is a notable drawback, especially for an EV. Prior Volkswagen experiences included comparable app functionality without subscription fees. An EV that cannot notify users upon charging completion feels like a significant oversight.
Final Verdict on the RAV4 Prime: A Solid PHEV with Caveats
Despite the technological shortcomings, I remain satisfied with the core driving experience of the RAV4 Prime. Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology is evident, and the RAV4 Prime is a fundamentally well-engineered vehicle. For those prioritizing driving dynamics, it’s a strong choice, particularly when favorable lease or financing options are available. However, I would advise against opting for the higher trim level, as the value proposition for the added cost was not realized in my experience. The RAV4 Prime is reportedly available at Williams Toyota of Elmira, Williams Toyota of Sayre, Fox Toyota, and Gault Toyota.
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