2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV Is a Disrupter in the Crossover Segment, Again

The Toyota RAV4 compact crossover SUV, produced by Japanese automaker Toyota, holds the distinction of being a disrupter in the crossover segment as the first compact when it was first unveiled in 1994 in Japan and Europe and the next year in North America. It was engineered to meet a need for consumers who were not only seeking a vehicle that provided advantages like cargo space, heightened visibility, and optional full-time four-wheel drive typically found in larger crossovers, but who also wanted a vehicle that was fuel efficient and easy to drive. In 2019, the RAV4 clinched the title as the world's best-selling SUV and secured the fourth position among the top-selling passenger cars globally.

The nomenclature RAV4 is an abbreviation for the phrase Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive or Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive, underscoring the model's versatility, although not all models are equipped with the four-wheel-drive system. One of the strengths of the RAV4 brand that lends to its popularity around the world is the ability to meet the varying needs of roughly 90% of the consumers located around the world. The RAV4 is offered in 15 different trim levels and 3 distinct powertrain options including gas, hybrid, and Gas/EV Plug-in (PHEV).

My press loan for the week was the 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE Premium in the two-tone colors of midnight black metallic roof and wind chill pearl giving the premium package a rich and elegant look. To accent the elegant look, the Prime sits on 19-inch 5-spoke black-painted and machined sport alloy wheels. This is probably one of the best-looking RAV4s I've driven, appearing to steal a few cues from its Lexus cousins. This particular RAV has an MSRP of $51,918, which is top of the line for the RAVs; but when you figure in the styling and overall technology including the PHEV powertrain, this is a very competitive price in the compact crossover segment.

So what do you get for that MSRP? You will get an industry leading EPA-estimated rating of 42 miles on the EV-only powertrain. According to the Department of Transportation, the figure is well within the range of what Americans' daily commute, which is approximately 37 miles per day. So if you have a home charging system, you can easily and conveniently cover your daily commute with just your EV portion of the powertrain ... unless, maybe, if you live in Texas. If you are fond of 3-day travel weekends, the Prime powertrain will also accommodate that type of lifestyle as well. The combined gas/EV powertrain produces a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds and a horsepower rating (EV/gas) of 302hp. It also shines on the road with an EPA-rated 40 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 94 MPGe, making it the most exciting RAV4 in the fleet. And it's an AWD, so inclement weather is a non-factor as well.

The RAV4 is chock full of technology to keep any driver easily and conveniently connected to the world beyond the vehicle without distracting the driver. Seamlessly blending connectivity, convenience, and safety features to enhance the overall driving experience, its interior is equipped with an array of cutting-edge technologies. The Wi-Fi Connect feature allows drivers to stay in touch with the world outside, and the Panoramic View Monitor provides a 360-degree overhead perspective, while the 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) ensures that crucial information is right in the driver's line of sight. The 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system also gives occupants a concert-like audio experience, while next-level features like the 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a two-position memory function and a 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat provide comfort and convenience throughout. Overall standout features inside the cabin include:

Interior Technology

• Wi-Fi Connect
• 12.3-in Multi-Information Display (MID) with hybrid system indicator
• Panoramic View Monitor49 with 360-degree Overhead
• 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD)
• Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink universal transceiver
• 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio including subwoofer and amplifier
• SiriusXM® with 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• One 120V/1500W AC power outlet in the cargo area
• Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging
• Smart Key System on all doors

Interior Comfort

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close
• SofTex-trimmed seats with sporty red accents and stitching
• Heated and ventilated front seats; heated rear outboard seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with two-position memory function
• 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat

Safety Technology

• Eight airbags
• Safety Features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)
• Star Safety System
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)

If you are looking for an electric vehicle that will allow you to slowly navigate the new and ever-changing EV world, but you prefer a vehicle that offers luxury and comfort over the minimalist EV look that seems to be the design concept currently, you should head over to a Toyota dealer and test drive the RAV4 Prime XSE. After driving this vehicle, the EV world will seem less scary and maybe almost normal ... I promise.

Specifications

Engine: 302 horsepower 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder
Transmission: Electronic Continuous Variable
Wheels: 19-inch 5-spoke Sport Alloy
Sound: 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio
Touchscreen: 12.3-in Multi-Information Display (MID)
Color: Wind Chill Pearl
Fuel: 40/30 (mpg city/highway)
MSRP (shown): $51,918

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Toyota | RAV4

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 39 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.