2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE AWD: The Brand’s Plug-In Compact Crossover

Highlight: This plug-in hybrid is capable of driving off of a 45 mile electric range.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $50,731 (Base XE Model: $41,515)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; pre collision system with pedestrian detection; a lane tracing assist; automatic high beams; a lane departure alert system; a radar activated cruise control system; a road sign assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist control; a trailer sway control system; anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer and a spare tire

Standard Equipment (SE): 18-inch wheels; LED projector headlights; color-keyed upper and black-painted lower front bumper; color-keyed heated power windows; silver -painted front lower spoiler; color-keyed outside door handles; lower profile black roof rails; height adjustable power liftgate; active grille shutters; dual chrome exhaust tips; a dual zone automatic climate control system; heated front seating; cloth trimmed front seats; a leather trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel; fabric trimmed headliner; black interior door handles; a push-button ignition system; a smart key system on front door and liftgate; and an 8-inch infotainment system

Standard Equipment (XSE):19-inch wheels; an automatic day night rearview mirror; color-keyed upper and black painted lower front bumper; two-tone exterior color; black painted heated power outside mirror with turn signals; color keyed outside door handles with touch sensor lock/unlock feature on the front doors; a power tilt/slide moonroof with one touch open/close; low profile black roof rails; red shock absorbers; wireless smartphone device charging system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; leather-like seats with fabric inserts; heated front seats; a power driver’s seat; 60/40 split rear seat w/cup holders and center armrest; a leather trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel; steering wheel mounted paddle shifters; silver interior door handles; blue ambient illumination for in-dash shelves, console cup holders and in front footwells; a 6-speaeker 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM

Options: 9-inch touchscreen infotainment center with navigation; a 11-speaker JBL audio system; a heated leather trimmed steering wheel; a panoramic glass power roof; a 360-degree camera; leather like front seats; power front seats; power driver seat with memory function; a keyless remote system; power activated liftgate; front and rear parking assist with automatic braking; carpet floor mats/cargo mats; door sill protector; rear bumper applique; mudguard; wheel lock; and roof rack cross bars

Other Trims:

N/A

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Depending on trim

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/177-hp

Maximum Towing: 1,500 lbs

Recommended Fuel/Electricity: Regular Gasoline + Electricity

Standard Fuel Mileage: 94-MPGe/38-cty/hwy

What’s New: The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a carryover model for 2022.

Why: 

Stylish design

AWD

Easier to maneuver than full-size SUVs

Runs off gasoline and electricity

Up to 45 miles of full electricity, before gas engine kicks in

A peppy 4-cylinder engine

18-or 19-inch wheels

A panoramic roof power roof standard on XSE trim

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Great for trips around town or road trips

A wireless charging system

Compatible with all smartphones

A high-level of standard driving features

Comfortable roomy seating

HUD (a heads up display) windshield system is available

A power rear lift gate is standard

But: 

Has a higher base starting price than its competitors

We’re ready for the RAV4 Prime to go all-electric.

No longer eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit

Verdict: Its no wonder why Toyota’s RAV4 is the number one vehicle in the compact crossover segment. The popular RAV4 straddles the fence between being a compact and a midsize crossover. The roomy compact crossover is available in a variety of powertrains: a gasoline model, a hybrid and a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).

And as the auto industry transitions from gasoline to electric, Toyota RAV4 Prime finds itself right in the mix. In fact, Toyota’s stylish five-seater crossover is one of four vehicles playing in the electrified lane. In fact, Mitsubishi just joined this exclusive field with its three-seater Outlander PHEV. Yet, despite the vehicle being promoted as a three-row crossover, its still no threat for the RAV4. The RAV4 offers a 45 miles driving range, before the gasoline engine kicks in, making it the longest electrified driving range vehicle in the segment.

Moreover, we found that by using a Level 2 public and or home charger, the RAV4 Prime takes literally 3 hours to charge-up, when the battery is fully depleted. For those who can commute back and forth daily within 45 miles, the RAV4 is a perfect option to consider. And for those who are seeking longer road trips, there is no range anxiety here. 

Furthermore, the RAV4 Prime, which is available in two trims, can be outfitted with everything from a panoramic operated sliding roof to heated rear seats to a heated steering wheel.

Lastly, while the RAV4 Prime has a higher base starting price than its competitors, the standard AWD system separates itself from the competition. Being that Toyota has a proven track record with the plug-in application, its an indicator that an all-electric RAV4 is literally around the corner.

Competition: 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle); 2022 Ford Escape PHEV; and 2022 Kia Niro PHEV