May 10, 2024

The Toyota RAV4 has been one of Toyota’s most popular SUVs in the last few years, so it makes sense that drivers and critics are excited about the new 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime. This PHEV enhances the incredible fuel economy of the original RAV4 and stands out as one of Toyota’s most eco-friendly models. 

A First Look at the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime: The Peak of Plug-In Hybrid Innovation

The baseline Toyota RAV4 Prime is the SE model. This PHEV has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can generate 117 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, along with a powerful electric motor that provides 179 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels and 53 horsepower with 89 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The combined output of this PHEV powertrain is 302 horsepower. 

The gas mileage for this model using the combustion engine is 40 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the interstate, and 38 MPG combined. When the PHEV motor is fully engaged, the combined EPA-estimated fuel economy for this vehicle is 94 MPGe. 

Exterior

The SE has key exterior features like a power liftgate with jam protection and height adjustment. With this liftgate, you can pick how high the tailgate opens to make it easier to load and unload cargo. This model also has bi-LED projector headlights that easily switch between low and high beams thanks to automatic high beam technology, which adjusts your headlight illumination to fit your current road conditions. 

Interior

This PHEV SUV has a spacious and comfortable cabin. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and soft fabric-trimmed seats with red accent stitching. The air conditioning system has a built-in pollen filter to help control allergies, and rear-seat vents so the backseat passengers can enjoy a comfortable cabin temperature. 

A 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seat is also standard, along with a height-adjustable cargo area so you can customize your cargo space to hold more items. 

Safety

The SE has key safety features such as a rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines to make parking a breeze and a vehicle proximity notification system, which emits an audible warning when vehicles or pedestrians approach your vehicle. Features such as pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and lane tracing assist are all standard.

The lane departure feature works by identifying visible lane markers and emitting a warning to drivers when the vehicle sways into another lane. The PHEV will automatically engage steering support to prevent unplanned lane departures, which can help prevent an accident. 

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is an excellent example of stellar PHEV fuel economy and technologically advanced safety standards. Test drive this plug-in hybrid at Pedersen Toyota in Fort Collins, CO.