2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime debuts – and it’s the second fastest Toyota

MANILA: Toyota isn’t one to waste time. Shortly after the Los Angeles Auto Show kicked off, the Japanese automaker unveiled the latest addition to the RAV4 line. We’re talking about none other than the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid that runs on fuel and an electric-powered battery.

The RAV4 variant was first teased a month ago, so we had an idea of what was coming. Toyota earlier announced that it was the “most powerful RAV4 yet,” adding that it would be a plug-in hybrid.

Indeed, the brand stuck to its words. Once it hits the market, RAV4 Prime will replace RAV4 Hybrid as the new range-topper – at least, in terms of performance. It cranks out a maximum output of 302 horsepower, compared to only 219 hp on the Hybrid.

RAV4 Prime has the same engine as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – a 2.5L inline-four mill. But thanks to the upsized lithium-ion battery and the addition of a boost converter, it can deliver up to 83 hp more than the Hybrid variant.

Acceleration has also been improved. According to Toyota, it can go from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kmph) in just 5.8 seconds. This means that RAV4 Prime is the second fastest accelerating model from the automaker, beaten only by the 2020 Toyota GR Supra which can accelerate to the same speeds within 4.1 seconds.

In spite of its impressive performance, the compact crossover is touted to have excellent fuel efficiency. During its unveiling at the LA Auto Show, Toyota said that it can travel up to 38 kilometers per liter when running on fuel.

If you switch to electric power, the RAV4 Prime can travel 39 miles – or about 63 km – before it runs out of charge. Toyota says this is the best electric range that any plug-in hybrid SUV in the market can offer.

Unlike Toyota Prius Prime which loses luggage space to the battery, there is no such sacrifice made on RAV4 Prime. The large battery pack was instead mounted under the floor to preserve the cargo space.

Toyota RAV4 Prime will be offered in two trim levels in the United States – SE and XSE. Prime SE feels closer to home, and doesn’t look much different from existing RAV4 variants. Prime XSE stands out more with its two-tone paint, 19-inch alloy wheels, and vertical LED daytime running lights. Other extra features on the XSE trim include a larger 9-inch infotainment system and paddle shifters.

The battery pack in the plug-in hybrid will come with a 10-year or 150,000 mile warranty.

RAV4 Prime will be available in the U.S. market on the summer of 2021. Pricing has yet to be announced, but you can expect it to cost more than the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid which starts at USD 29,220 or roughly Php 1,486,000.

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