Toyota RAV4 Prime or Hyundai Tucson PHEV: Which One To Choose?

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I often search for good plug-in hybrid SUVs as they sometimes are more preferable then EVs. And these two models, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, and the Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid stand out.

What do you do if you are hesitant between the Toyota RAV4 Prime, and the Hyundai Tucson PHEV?

At Hyundai, it is true that the presentation in the new Tucson PHEV for example, is more modern and that the price, including financing rates, is to its advantage. That said, the performance of the hybrid system is less impressive and the reliability of certain mechanical elements remains uneven. But this is a relative problem since Hyundai offers a reassuring 5-year 60,000-mile warranty in the United states or 5-year 100,000 km warranty in Canada. That said, parts shortages can cause considerable repair times.

Sadly, the Toyota RAV4 Prime comes with one major irritant. That of a high insurance premium, the consequence of an alarming theft rate. "It is therefore important to protect the RAV4 Prime well with, at a minimum, a good tracking system, an OBD-II socket lock, a steering wheel lock and a home wave jammer, in which you will place your keys," writes Antoine Joubert in Le Guide De L'Auto.

Hyundai just delivered a new Tucson hybrid, not the PHEV, on my driveway, which I will review here at Torque News. So look forward to seeing it. Looks like a nice SUV with 36 MPG on the highway. Pretty good for an SUV of that size.

Here is a little comparison guide of how the new RAV4 Prime and the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid behave on the road.

  1. Suspension and Handling: Both the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime feature front-strut, multi-link rear suspension systems, effectively isolating the cabin from road imperfections. This design contributes to a smoother ride quality, providing comfort for occupants during various driving conditions.
  2. Performance and Speed: The RAV4 Prime stands out in terms of speed and power, boasting 302 horsepower and achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. In contrast, the Tucson PHEV offers a more modest yet efficient performance.
  3. Electric-Only Range: The RAV4 Prime impresses with an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 42 miles, followed by 38 mpg in combined city/highway driving when switching to hybrid mode. Comparatively, the Tucson PHEV demonstrates competitive electric-only range capabilities.
  4. User-Friendly Interior: The Tucson PHEV stands out for its incredibly user-friendly interior, featuring superior-quality graphics. This aspect contributes to an enhanced driving experience, focusing on the driver's comfort and convenience.

A few years ago we asked new owners of the red-hot 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid about the mpg they are getting. You will not believe some of their responses. It is crazy.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.