Tale of the Tape: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs RAV4 Hybrid
There is a lot to look forward to the remainder of this year if you are a Toyota fan. There will be a big announcement about two brand new hybrids next week May 18th. That is exciting enough on its own.
Plus, we have the much-anticipated launch of the 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
Today we compare some RAV4 Prime specs vs RAV4 Hybrid specs. Time for a tale of the tape.
RAV4 Prime vs RAV4 Hybrid performance
RAV4 Hybrid is powered by the combination of a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors. It produces 219 horsepower.
In contrast, RAV4 Prime has already generated a tremendous amount of excitement with its announced 302 horsepower. Although it is similar, RAV4 Prime features a re-tuned version of RAV4 Hybrid’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine.
Toyota RAV4 0-60 times
Just like John Travolta’s character in the movie Grease, we think both 2021 RAV4 Prime and RAV4 Hybrid can win at Thunder Road.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is fast. In fact, it will quickly become the fastest RAV4 of all time. Even faster than the mythical RAV4 V6 engine of yesteryear.
RAV4 Prime 0-60 time is a crazy 5.8 seconds. Even the super quick 3.5-liter V6 engine “only” achieved 0-60 in 6.3 seconds.
Please do not think this means I am raining on the RAV4 Hybrid parade. It is a zippy, swift SUV. Its 0-60 time is 7.8 seconds.
RAV4 Prime trim levels
Toyota introduced a full new lineup of RAV4 Hybrids for the 2019 model year. Buyers can choose between LE, XLE, Limited and the one-of-a-kind XSE.
Look for 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime to feature two trims: the SE and XSE. We are not sure if the pictures we have seen so far are for the SE or the XSE Prime. I suspect XSE. Most launch announcements highlight the highest grade initially with the rest of the lineup to follow.
MPG for RAV4 Hybrid vs RAV4 Prime
For an SUV, the current 2020 RAV4 Hybrid models get fantastic fuel efficiency. If you buy one you can expect somewhere in the range of 41 city / 38 highway and 40 combined. I always say somewhere because a good portion of MPG depends on your driving style and how much of a leadfoot you are.
RAV4 Prime MPG is rated a slightly different way than most of us are used to. Instead of MPG, look for MPGe ratings. This is a combined fuel score using both gasoline and plug-in electric efficiency.
Imagine the places you can go in your Toyota RAV4 Prime when it averages 90 MPGe. Yes I said 90.
Give me “RAV4 Potpourri” for $800 please
A few other random notes of interest.
RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This means it can be plugged in and recharged while you are work or sleeping at home overnight.
Charging times are not yet available. However, to give a baseline the Prius Prime produces a full charge in about 5 hours and 30 minutes with a standard 120V outlet, and 2 hours and 10 minutes while using 240V.
RAV4 Prime drivers will be able to travel up to 39 miles on just electric alone. Put in your advance orders for yours if you have a commute-to-work distance of under 40 miles.
VIDEO: I give a 2021 RAV4 Prime review of specs that I have so far.
We are not sure yet of the RAV4 Prime release date. I think it would be wise to plan on sometime between September and end of year until we have a firm date.
Pricing has not been announced yet. Factory MSRP for RAV4 LE Hybrid is $28,350, XLE Hybrid $29,645, XSE Hybrid $34,300 and Limited Hybrid $36,880.
Time for your thoughts on Toyota RAV4
What do you think about RAV4 Prime? Does it fit your lifestyle and how you would use it? Have you any experience yet with either 2020 RAV4 gasoline or RAV4 Hybrid versions and how do you like them?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I compare 2021 RAV4 Prime SE vs XSE.
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