2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE: A Closer Look (with Video)

One of the most fascinating models to come out of the Toyota pipeline in years will arrive soon. The fastest and most powerful RAV4 to date. Also, the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly of all time. This is going to get really good and really fast.

Ladies and gentlemen get ready for RAV4 Prime.

People interested in buying a new 2021 RAV4 Prime can decide between SE and XSE trim levels. Today we take a deeper look at XSE.

2021 RAV4 Prime XSE Specs

Since “they” say first impressions are everything, the best way to tell RAV4 Prime XSE from SE is by looking at exterior highlights for differences. XSE comes with a unique two-tone black roof like RAV4 XSE Hybrid.

Also, vertical LED accent lights decorate XSE front end. It also comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, which is a first for any Toyota RAV4. RAV4 Prime SE has 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior highlights start with SofTex synthetic leather seats and a 9-inch multimedia touch screen. Like current 2020 RAV4 models, XSE has built-in Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa capabilities.

The cabin is open and spacious and features wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with garage door opening function, along with interior ambient lighting.

An optional XSE Premium Package really pushes the bar of technology, comfort and convenience with a slew of added extras. Look for heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Premium Audio with dynamic navigation and JBL sound system, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, digital rearview mirror, memory front seat, power passenger seat, 5-door smart key technology, hands-free kick-operated power liftgate, bird’s eye view, and head-up display.

This is a tremendous amount of added equipment. I wonder how much extra this RAV4 Prime Premium Package will cost.

2021 RAV4 Prime XSE Performance

Both RAV4 Prime trim levels offer the same strong performance that has impressed fans and enthusiasts pre-launch.

302 horsepower is achieved through the combination of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motors. It can reach 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. This is the fastest Toyota RAV4 of all time, even faster than the old RAV4 V6 engine people still talk about.

VIDEO: See my 2021 RAV4 Prime XSE review, showing interior and exterior highlights and video clips. Also learn about RAV4 Prime XSE Premium Package.

You should enjoy very much the savings you will see at the gas pump, as 2021 RAV4 Prime will be rated at 90 MPGe for fuel efficiency. Remember, owners already love 40 MPG from their current RAV4 Hybrids. Imagine now.

Since RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), it can be plugged in and is able to drive a certain distance on electric power alone. Up to 39 miles on one single charge, to be exact. No gasoline.

No word from Toyota yet on how far someone can drive on one single tank of gasoline. I suspect somewhere in the 500-600 miles range, though.

Time for your thoughts on 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Thanks everyone for reading my story. I hope it was helpful and will aid you in your research of RAV4 Prime. I, for one, cannot wait to test drive and evaluate it fully.

What do you think of Toyota RAV4 Prime so far? What features or benefits are you most looking forward to?

Do you think you will have an easy time finding one, or do you suspect it may be more challenging initially?

See you next story when I go under the hood to investigate RAV4 Hybrid gas tank fix.

Follow Jeff Teague on social media:

- Torque News Toyota - my regular column
- YouTube channel - My "Toyotajeff" Toyota reviews
- Facebook page "Toyotajeff"
- Instagram page @toyotajeff1
- Twitter @toyotajeff1

Thank you everyone for following me.