Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV will become the most powerful SUV in the electrified family

Plug-in hybrid crossovers make sense, but most conventional car manufacturers have avoided them. That is changing today, as Toyota has used the Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil its new Toyota RAV4 Prime.

It is set to reach dealerships next summer. Notably, the Toyota RAV4 Prime takes everything good about the production model and even improves on it. As a result, the new RAV4 has become the most powerful, most fuel-efficient and fastest SUV ever created.

To achieve these seemingly conflicting performance and fuel-economy goals, Toyota gave the model a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is loosely based on the RAV4 Hybrid’s, but features more powerful electric motors and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine has also been retuned to produce 178 CV and 228 Nm of peak torque.

Like the RAV4 Hybrid, the new Toyota RAV4 Prime has an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system that uses a rear-mounted motor to drive the rear wheels. The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a combined output of 306 CV. That is 84 CV more than the RAV4 Hybrid, and the extra power allows the crossover to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.

Toyota RAV4 Prime, a new electrified beast is unleashed

The impressive numbers don’t stop there, as the RAV4 Prime has an estimated electric range of 63 km. Toyota says this is the longest range of any PHEV crossover on the market and is only 13 km less than the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. In addition, the model has a very competitive estimated fuel-economy rating.

Thankfully, practicality has not been sacrificed. As Toyota pointed out, the battery is mounted under the floor, meaning interior space is not compromised. It also helps lower the centre of gravity and improve stability.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime will be offered exclusively in SE and XSE grades. The SE features a unique grille, an aerodynamic front spoiler and piano-black accents and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Upon entering the cabin, drivers will find a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and an 8-inch infotainment system with compatibility for Amazon Alexa, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other standard features include an 8-way power driver’s seat, a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring and a 7-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster.

If that is not luxurious enough, buyers can opt for the Weather & Moonroof Package. It adds a power moonroof, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. Other additions include rain-sensing wipers and a windshield de-icer.

The XSE, meanwhile, is the more stylish of the two, sporting a two-tone exterior with a contrasting black roof, vertical LED daytime running lights and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. The latter are exclusive to the model and are the largest wheels ever fitted to a RAV4 Hybrid.

The interior has an exclusive ambience, as there are synthetic leather seats, ambient lighting and a moonroof. Toyota also fits a wireless smartphone charger, a larger 9-inch infotainment system and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated garage door opener.

Last but not least, there are paddle shifters, which are a first for the RAV4. While they generally feel gimmicky on crossovers, Toyota said drivers can downshift to increase regenerative braking.

An optional Premium package raises the stakes by adding ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a panoramic moonroof. Other additions include heated second-row seats, a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. Rounding out the highlights are a power passenger seat, a Bird’s Eye View monitor and a premium JBL audio system.

In addition to the equipment mentioned above, the SE and XSE come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance systems. It includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The suite also features lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist (lane centring) and road sign assist.

So, that is everything we need to know about the latest and greatest addition to the RAV4 range: pricing excluded, of course, which should be revealed closer to launch.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadToyota RAV412 versions · from 46,500 €