What’s the Difference Between the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the RAV4 Prime?

Toyota is probably the brand that first comes to mind when somebody mentions a hybrid car. This is thanks to the Toyota Prius, which was the world’s first hybrid car. However, the Prius is no longer alone in the lineup of hybrid car options, and this year Toyota has introduced the RAV4 Prime to complement the existing RAV4 Hybrid. Now, the big question on everybody’s mind is in a comparison of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs RAV4 Prime, what is the difference between these two modern vehicles and which one is going to be the best hybrid option for you when you visit your nearest Toyota RAV4 dealer?

RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime Powertrains

Put simply, the difference between the RAV4 Hybrid and the RAV4 Prime is that the Prime is a plug-in hybrid. That means it has a larger battery pack and can be driven on electricity alone for short distances. When the battery is depleted, you can either continue running the Prime as a normal hybrid, or you can plug it in to recharge (hence the designation, plug-in hybrid). Plug-in hybrids offer the best features of both full battery-powered electric vehicles and traditional hybrids like the iconic Toyota Prius. However, there are a few other differences between these two eco-friendly RAV4 variants.

First, let’s take a look at the hybrid systems that power the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime. Both systems are built around the same 2.5L Dynamic Force four-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the standard non-hybrid RAV4. However, because the hybrids supplement their gasoline engines with electric motors, they are noticeably more powerful than the normal RAV4. The powertrain in the RAV4 Hybrid provides a combined output of 219 horsepower, while the RAV4 Prime has a generous 302 net horsepower. Combined with the instant torque of the electric motors, this is enough power to make the RAV4 Prime the second-fastest vehicle in the Toyota lineup after the Toyota Supra sports car.

The RAV4 Prime has so much more power than the RAV4 Hybrid because the electric portions of their powertrains are quite different. While both options use a 40 kW rear electric motor, the Prime has a 134 kW front motor instead of the 88 kWh front motor in the Hybrid. The Prime also powers these motors from a much more advanced 355V lithium-ion battery pack instead of the 244V nickel-metal hydride battery of the Hybrid. These upgrades to the electric components put the Prime far ahead of the Hybrid when it comes to raw performance, and have a significant impact on efficiency as well.

Fuel Economy and Range

Of course, these are hybrids, so you are probably most interested in how their different powertrains perform when it comes to fuel economy. However, the answer is a little more complex than you might think. If you simply look at their combined fuel economy ratings, then the RAV4 Hybrid comes out on top at 40 MPG against 38 MPG for the RAV4 Prime. However, as mentioned above, the RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid and doesn’t actually need to burn gasoline to move. In fact, it can go up to 42 miles on battery power alone.

The EPA attempts to take this advantage into account with its MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating, which includes electricity consumption. According to their system, the RAV4 Prime gets 94 MPGe, which is well over twice the 40 MPG of the RAV4 Hybrid. Of course, how much use you can get out of the plug-in hybrid system will depend a lot on your driving habits. If your daily commute is under 42 miles and you can plug in your car at home or work, then you will virtually never use any gasoline driving the RAV4 Prime. However, if you spend most of your time on the highway and do not have access to charging, then the normal Hybrid will have virtually the same efficiency as the Prime.

Purchase Price

Of course, the more advanced hybrid technology comes at a cost. While the exceptional fuel economy of the RAV4 Prime may still save you money over time, it will cost you more upfront. The 2021 RAV4 Hybrid is available in four different trims, starting with the LE trim at just $28,650. In contrast, the 2021 RAV4 Prime is only offered in two trims, and the base SE trim starts at $38,100. That is actually nearly $1,000 more than the top RAV4 Hybrid Limited. The higher RAV4 Prime XSE comes in at $41,425 or some $7,000 more than the RAV4 Hybrid XSE.

Although the price of the Prime is well in line with the incredible capabilities that it brings to the table, from stunning efficiency to surprising acceleration, it is an important point to consider when comparing these two vehicles. If you can make full use of the plug-in hybrid system, then the Prime can still save you money in the long run, but many drivers will find the Hybrid more affordable.

Which is Best for You?

While we have now covered the major differences between the RAV4 Hybrid and the RAV4 Prime, you may still be having difficulty deciding between the two models. Let’s go through some quick questions to help you determine which 2021 RAV4 variant is going to be best for you.

Does your daily driving between charges stay close to 42 miles?
Do you have a convenient way to plug in your RAV4 to recharge?
Do you enjoy driving a more powerful vehicle?
Are you okay with paying more upfront to save money over time?
Are you interested in reducing your emissions as much as possible?

If you find yourself answering yes to these questions, then you should seriously consider getting the RAV4 Prime. However, if that doesn’t sound like what you are looking for, then the RAV4 Hybrid may be the better option for your needs. Of course, we always invite you to visit our dealership for a test drive before making your final decision. But rest assured, whichever one of these vehicles you chose, you will be getting a reliable and efficient vehicle from the manufacturer that invented the modern hybrid.

Find Your Next RAV4 at Romeoville Toyota

If you’re ready to bring home your very own hybrid RAV4, then come on down to Romeoville Toyota. Whether you opt for the standard RAV4 Hybrid or the new RAV4 Prime, you’re in good hands when you work with our skilled team members. If you’ve already made the decision as to which RAV4 is best for you, that’s great! But if you still have a few questions and need help deciding which option best fits your lifestyle, let our team guide you on your car-buying journey.

We are conveniently located just off of South Weber Road in Romeoville, Illinois. Come see for yourself what makes Romeoville Toyota the best Toyota dealership in Illinois. We’ve got knowledgeable team members, a quality inventory, and state-of-the-art parts and service center. We’ve got your back throughout the entire car-buying process, from your first questions all the way to keeping your vehicle maintained several years down the road. So come visit our dealership and schedule your RAV4 test drive today!