2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE AWD

Toyota’s compact RAV4 is an SUV pioneer; it’s been traversing America’s roads since 1996. The RAV4 Hybrid debuted in 2016, and the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid arrived 5 years later. The RAV4 is Toyota’s best-selling vehicle and, in recent years, the best-selling SUV in the U.S. But it’s beginning to show its age. There’s no denying that the RAV4 Prime still has plenty of good qualities. For instance, it has a decent-sized cabin, and its all-electric range is genuinely useful - up to 42 miles. A 3.3-kWh onboard charger is standard, but a 6.6-kWh charger is optional on the XSE trim. The Prime is fast, too, capable of hustling from 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds - in Toyota’s lineup, only the sporty Supra bests it. Its combined mpg and MPGe ratings (38 and 94, respectively) are commendable. For a compact crossover, the Prime has plenty of cargo space - up to 63 cubic feet. Another plus is its full suite of advanced safety features, including optional adaptive LED projector headlights with auto level control and auto on/off. Finally, 2 years/25,000 miles of ToyotaCare scheduled maintenance is complimentary. If only the story ended there. The Prime’s handling and ride are unimpressive, with lots of body roll in turns and subpar braking, roadholding, and acceleration in EV mode. Steering feel and feedback, too, are lacking. Finally, the interior design, controls, instrument cluster, and infotainment system feel outdated