
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE AWD SUV
Vehicle Type: SUV/Minivan Hybrid
77
overall score
Category Ranking: 11
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$41,425
Price as Tested:
$49,776
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Electricity/regular
Fuel Capacity (gal): 14.5
120V Charge Time: 4.1 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 9.3 miles per hour
EPA City mpg: 40
EPA Highway mpg: 36
EPA Combined mpg: 38
EPA Combined MPGe: 94
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 42

with specific headlights
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
- Advanced Headlights [S]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
- Blind-Spot Warning [S]
- Forward-Collision Warning [S]
- Lane-Departure Warning [S]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
- Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
- Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional
Overall Observations
One of the original SUVs, Toyota’s RAV4 has been around since 1996.
It got a hybrid variant in 2016, and in 2021, Toyota introduced the
RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, which has a larger, rechargeable battery
pack. Unlike some PHEVs, the Prime has a truly useful all-electric
range: It can travel up to 42 miles solely on battery power.
The RAV Prime’s hybrid powertrain puts out 302 hp total,
accelerating from 0-to-60 in less than 6 seconds. The Prime also gets
an EPA-estimated 38 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Inside,
the nicely laid-out interior uses quality materials, has plenty of room
for 4 passengers, and offers up to 63 cubic feet of cargo space. Other
pluses include a long list of standard driver-assistance features and a
rearview-camera display in the rearview mirror.
On the minus side of the equation, although the Prime may be
a supremely practical vehicle, it’s not much fun to drive. It leans too
much in turns, and high levels of wind and road noise invade the
cabin. It’s also expensive, with a base price more than 10 grand higher
than that of the standard RAV4 Hybrid. However, at press time the
RAV4 Prime was eligible for a federal tax credit of $7,500.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- Very good fuel economyratings and range
- Spacious and roomy forpassengers and cargo
- Stylish exterior
Weak Points
- Excessive body roll
- Excessive wind and roadnoise
- Outdated infotainmentsystem
- Expensive
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2021
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 4420.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 180.9 / 73.0 / 67.2
Wheelbase (in): 105.9
Number of air bags: 9
Warranty (months/miles): 36/36,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Yokohama Avid GT
Front and rear tire size: 235/55 R19
Max towing capacity (lbs): 2500
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Hybrid drive
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 2.5L 4-Cyl. Dynamic Force
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 177 @ 6000
Electric motor horsepower: 179 front/53 rear
Combined system horsepower: 302
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
8.70Fuel Efficiency:
8.70EPA Emissions Score:
7.00Acceleration:
7.77Braking:
4.43Handling:
6.69Ride Quality:
6.95Interior Size:
3.35Easy of Entry and Exit:
6.84Visibility:
7.40Interior Noise:
6.09Cargo Capacity:
3.11
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Car Guide Categories:
- SUV/Minivan |
- Large |
- Midsize |
- Small |
- Pickup |
All Makes:
IIHS Top Safety Pick Vehicles: