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In the automotive world, sometimes news of a vehicle’s potential launch date is met with lukewarm response from fans and enthusiasts. Other times, it is the complete opposite reaction. People wait for every little bit of news and updates, because they know the vehicle they are waiting for is going to be exciting, revolutionary or that it will just look incredible.
With the case of the 2021 RAV4 Prime, let’s go with the latter. This specific sport utility vehicle will break automotive barriers and will set sales records to some yet-unknown degree.
But when will we see it? It was tentatively planned to reach retail dealerships in the United States this upcoming summer of 2020. I had most recently heard talk of an August delivery target. However, with current world events such as they are, I feel we can safely expect a delay with both incoming RAV4 Prime news from Toyota and with a corresponding launch date.
2021 RAV4 Prime Specs
With the RAV4 Prime, Toyota is taking a giant and important step in the evolution of both the RAV4 itself and in its vehicle philosophy. The RAV4 is currently the best-selling SUV in the entire country, known for its dependability, versatility and ride comfort. Now, with a brand new plug-in option and its aggressive power potential, we may be talking, in the cliché world, about “taking things to the next level here.”
Plus, Toyota has made a strong declaration to produce more hybrid and alternative fuel cars, trucks and SUVs than ever before. In fact, varying stories indicate the willingness to produce anywhere from 25% to 30% of all its vehicles with some form of hybrid or alternative fuel powerplants.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime will be the fastest and most powerful RAV4 to-date. Yes, even faster than the legendary RAV4 V6 engine of yesteryear. Similar to the Prius Prime, it will offer drivers the ability to utilize gasoline and the ability to plug it in to take advantage of electric power only. Daily commuters and carpool friends, take note here. This is a game changer.
Highlights:
• Total system power of 302 horsepower.
• Can accelerate from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds (only Toyota Supra is faster).
• Driving range up to 39 miles on one electric charge.
• Fuel efficiency of 90 MPGe (combination of gasoline and electric).
• Offered in SE and XSE trim levels.
Launch date for 2021 RAV4 Prime
Toyota recently announced a suspension of all its North American plants through May 1, with production expected to resume on May 4. This will not only push back delivery of vehicles currently being manufactured, but without a doubt vehicles scheduled to be released this summer and potentially into the fall.
How will this affect the 2021 RAV4 Prime? Toyota has not yet revealed this information, and it may be more of a fluid situation at this time. In my opinion, potential buyers should expect quite a wide window here, with the first RAV4 Prime models hitting retail dealerships anywhere from the fall to end of 2020.
VIDEO: Learn more about 2021 RAV4 Prime as I highlight important specs.
Please bookmark Torque News / Toyota News page, as I will be giving you continual updates as I get them from Toyota so that you may be as informed as possible.
Time for your thoughts on 2021 RAV4
I would love to hear your feelings on this potential delay and if it will have any impact at all on your desire to buy a new 2021 RAV4 Prime. What features and specs are you most excited about? If faced with the prospect of waiting, will you now turn your attention to a RAV4 Hybrid instead?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I detail your 3 cargo area configuration options in the 2020 Toyota 4Runner.
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Comments
Hi Mgeinitz,
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In reply to So Anonymous, Did the senior by Mgeinitz (not verified)
Hi Mgeinitz,
No, I did not inquire about the U.S. allocation.
The senior rep was from Toyota Canada as well, and probably would not have had insight on U.S. distribution.
I believe in the US, the distribution is handled by multiple companies, each occupying a certain U.S. region. For example, if you watch ToyotaJeff's videos, on his vehicle stickers, they will say "distributed by Southeast Toyota LLC" or something like that, as opposed to Toyota USA Inc.
In Canada, all Toyota vehicles are distributed and imported by Toyota Canada Inc as far as I am aware.
Thank you. I just hope its
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In reply to Hi Mgeinitz, by Anonymous (not verified)
Thank you. I just hope its not delayed to much
I'm curious what the plans
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I'm curious what the plans are for USA. On May 1 - Doug Howe says their plant in Canada is tooled up production; 10 hour/6 days per week schedule.
I will definitely wait on the
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I will definitely wait on the Rav4 Prime. I was looking at the Rav4 Hybrid in 2018 but went with the Prius Prime for the plug-in capability. I live 3.5 miles from work and don't do a ton of weekend driving. It is now May 15 and the last time I filled up on gas was labor day 2019.
A later rollout just means a couple more bucks saved up for the down payment. Although I would really rather have it today.
I live in Quebec ordered my
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In reply to I will definitely wait on the by Rick Stoll (not verified)
I live in Quebec ordered my RAV4 XLe last year in October the dealer just called me and told me the car is ready to be picked up on June 1.
Does anyone think or know if Toyota is going to lower their prices on their cars because of the virus.
Thanks
Frank
I have been looking for
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I have been looking for literally every single feature in the Rav4 Prime in a vehicle for approximately a year. I need something big, but not too big; good gas mileage but also good for harsh Alaskan and offroad driving; and something that will last a long time that has been tried a true. I am thankful Toyota has hammered out the EV technology and put all the extras in areas where other car manufacturers don't. However, I am extremely disappointed with the timeline. Obviously, treating employees right during a pandemic takes precedence but if I can't buy it by August of this year, I will need another car since I am on a timeline, which is incredibly disappointing to me. If there is a way to avoid purchasing a different car until the prime comes out, I will avoid doing so, but I can't see a cost-effective way to wait. I also anticipate a shortage in available vehicles in my area, so I may wait and not be able to get my hands on one anyway.
Have not purchased a new
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Have not purchased a new vehicle since 2005. Was excited to have a plug-in with 42 mile estimated battery/electric range. Wont opt for non-plug-in. We will likely wait - both of us currently drive Toyotas :)
Have not purchased a new
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Have not purchased a new vehicle since 2005. Was excited to have a plug-in with 42 mile estimated battery/electric range. Wont opt for non-plug-in. We will likely wait - both of us currently drive Toyotas :)