Searching for a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: You Will Not Believe These Stories

One of the hottest cars to hit the Toyota pipeline in recent decades is the RAV4 Prime. Fans of hybrids and of Toyota and of the RAV4 have fallen head over heels for it. They love The Prime.

And here is the kicker. It is not even out yet.

People should begin seeing 2021 RAV4 Prime hitting dealerships by August in some areas. Other areas will not see them at all, unfortunately.

This RAV4 Prime is fast. It delivers 302 horsepower, making it the fastest Toyota RAV4 ever produced. Look for it to accelerate from 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds.

RAV4 Prime is efficient. It can take drivers up to 42 miles on one single electric charge. No gasoline during this electric drive. Imagine the immense benefit coming to commuters and carpool parents. Fuel estimates are at an incredible 94MPGe.

But can you get one? And if you are lucky enough to find one, can you afford it?

People comment on 2021 RAV4 Prime

Since Toyota first announced RAV4 Prime, interested potential buyers have been searching the internet and other sources for more information on this exciting new model.

Now that delivery to dealerships is within sight, people who have fallen in love with the RAV4 Prime are searching far and wide to get their dream car.

I figured the best place to look for real-world Prime anecdotes is from those who are most passionate about the car – “Official Toyota RAV4 Prime Group” on Facebook. They should know best, right?

Let the hunt begin.

Gary found out some news for the group. “Just thought I would pass this along. The XYZ dealership in Annapolis is getting TWO RAV4 Prime XSE. My understanding is they will be offered on a 1st come 1st serve basis. They should arrive on 7/30th. However, they will be adding a dealer markup of $7,500.

I won't pay more than MSRP. Maybe next year for me when the market calms down.”

By the way, I will not use specific dealership names in my story. It is not fair to them since it is based on secondhand accounts.

Maybe a different model?

LA had this to say. “4th call today of an offer for a RAV4 Prime SE with 10k markup in SoCal. I'm officially giving up and purchasing a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid XSE tomorrow. I wish everyone the best of luck in their pursuit to buy the car.”

Actually this is great advice LA. I wrote a recent Torque News story on why it makes sense to consider a RAV4 Hybrid instead of RAV4 Prime.

VIDEO: I take RAV4 TRD Off-Road on some challenging off-road trails. You will not believe it.

“Experienced the same regarding markups by Dealers. Very disappointing. I have also given up.” Lamented Joseph.

Jim had quite a story to tell. “I have an update for you guys for the state of New York.

I have my name 1st and 4th in line for the Prime at my local dealership. I am 4th in line at another dealership. All are charging MSRP.

Only 22 dealers in the state of New York have been allocated RAV4 Primes for the initial wave. All but 2 are SE models.

I really wanted an XSE, so I called (XYZ) Toyota because they are one of the two that are getting an XSE. They wanted a $1000 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit and couldn’t tell me if or when I’d ever get a car. I would be 4th in line. Cannot be legal.

The first wave is supposed to arrive on August 4 here in New York. I am buying an SE, and if I can get my hands on an XSE I’ll pass the SE to my wife.

No one is sure if there will be a second wave or how soon it will be. I was told it could be months until the second allocation wave is released by Toyota.

Multiple people have told me, though, that Toyota has told them that New York will be getting more cars than any other state.”

This might not be good for publicity

“Giving up on a RAV4 Prime for now. Dealers (stealers) are going to ruin this launch for Toyota and leave a bad taste in people's mouths. My local dealer is insisting I come in, during a pandemic!” Said Isaac.

Eric had a similar experience. “I too got an offer with a $4,800.00 markup. So, off to another brand if I HAVE TO BUY a new vehicle soon. Until then, I'll wait for a Prime when the hype is over.”

Chris went in a different Toyota direction. “So just put down on a 2020 Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD. It wasn’t my first choice, the RAV4 Prime, but seeing how hard those will be to get in Canada outside Quebec, and production delays, I decided I’d just upgrade to one of these. Crazy for the size how good on fuel these are. Pretty excited.”

Congrats on your new ride Chris.

How much did you say for RAV4 Prime?

“Just got an email from local dealer. They will get XSE in red... 20k mark up!” Thanks for the info Kevin.

“Dealerships in Long Island, NY are marking it up 10k smh.” Commented Bruce.

2021 RAV4 Prime Price

Yes, you can definitely get a RAV4 Prime for under $40,000. Well, without any dealership markups, that is.

RAV4 Prime SE has a factory MSRP (without destination charge) of $38,100. XSE comes in at $41,425.

Premium Package for the XSE will be $5,760 additional since it is absolutely loaded with extras.

All of Toyota’s initial 5,000-unit allotment of RAV4 Prime models will be going to Zero Emission Vehicle states.

Southeast Toyota, responsible for the country’s largest volume of sales, is being completely shut out. Not one single 2021 RAV4 Prime will be sent to dealerships in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia before the end of 2020 calendar year.

Other states are feeling the sting of being left out, too.

I have received emails from people in Colorado and Washington that said their dealerships have told them they are not getting any and they should look at other states.

And these are ZEV states.

Time for your thoughts on 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

As they say in The Hunger Games, “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

Good luck to all the RAV4 Prime treasure hunters out there in the world. I hope you find the trim level, options and color that is perfect for you and your family.

Please bookmark my Torque News / Toyota News page so you can keep up with my running updates on RAV4 Prime and other popular Toyota models.

Let me know how your search is going. Have you reserved one yet and when are you getting it? Have you decided to switch to another Toyota model instead?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I review 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition.

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