2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

History/Overview

Introduced in 2021, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is the compact crossover model’s first-ever plug-in hybrid variant. It’s based on the fifth-generation platform shared with gas and conventional hybrid versions of the RAV4 covered in a separate buyer’s guide article.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime gets upgrades to its connectivity features and suite of driver safety assists.

Available Trims

Toyota sells the RAV4 Prime in SE and XSE trim levels. Both are powered by a 2.5L engine, electric motors, and plug-in charging. All-wheel drive is standard.

Standard Features

RAV4 Prime SE comes with a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, heated seats/steering wheel, passive keyless entry, six-speaker audio, dual-zone A/C, LED headlights, a 7.0-inch driver info display, a sunroof, power tailgate, and rain-sensing wipers.

Also included is the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure prevention, radar cruise control, forward collision mitigation, oncoming vehicle detection, and automatic high beams.

XSE trim’s additions include a 10.5-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker audio, digital gauges and rearview mirror, wireless phone charging, heated rear seats, Softex seating, and 19-inch wheels.

Key Options

In XSE trim, a tech package adds an 11-speaker stereo, hands-free tailgate, ventilated seats, a sunroof, head-up display, rear cross-traffic braking, Softex upholstery, surround-view cameras, and a 120-volt power outlet.

Fuel Economy

RAV4 Prime’s fuel consumption estimates are 5.7/6.4 L/100 km in hybrid driving, and 2.5 Le/100 km when using its promised 68 km of electric driving range.

Competition

You can cross-shop the RAV4 Prime against a niche of other PHEV compact crossovers that includes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Ford Escape PHEV, and plug-in hybrid versions of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.