How Comfortable is 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime? An Inside Look at Space

Thanks for the video. Planning to purchase the Prime later this Spring from an out of state dealer. When you test drive would be interested to know if you use the shifting paddles. I also have a Volvo XC60 Recharge and even though it only achieves 20 miles electric, I use the available shifting paddles, while in town driving to achieve additional EV miles.
Was this video done in Raleigh? Noted Texas plates. I am located in Western N.C.

Hi Jeff,
I've had mine since August and am thrilled with it. Two things I would like to know. In cold weather and EV mode at startup, there is a super load groan and vibration for several seconds, the suspect is the heat pump. The other item, Toyota says no added regen from using the paddles, however in EV mode again, OBD readings of current flow absolutely indicate increased regen using the paddles to slow you down.A bunch of us would really like to know what Toyota has to say on these issues, thanks.

RAV4 Prime Questions:
Is a front passenger assist handle standard?
Width in inches of rear storage space (for fold-down walkers with built in seats used by elderly)?
Uses regular gas?
Thanks!

I've recently ordered an XSE model for the larger wheels and higher ground clearance than the SE, and for the Prime's towing capacity for our little RV trailer. Glad to hear you find it comfortable.

I've had mine for almost 2 months in SoCal. Mostly city driving. Pretty awesome vehicle. I can say it feels a little heavy to drive, but this may be because i used to drive a civic. Interior is pretty comfortable as well. What i can also say is my first few charges were giving me ~38 mile range but this range adjusts depending on your driving habits. My last 3 charges have been giving me 49 mile EV range! If you can take advantage of the tax credit or don't care for the price, i would definitely recommend it.

I have been driving RAV4 XSE Prime since September. Very happy so far, but have been wondering about its regenerative braking mode which other EVs have. Like the e-pedal on Leaf, or B drive mode on eGolf - they go into regenerative braking when you release gas pedal. Is Charge that mode? I believe that paddles only take you into sport mode but maybe not. I wish their manual was easier to understand.

What are the diagonal dimensions of the cargo area?? Like from top right of the hatch to bottom left??

Hi Jeff,

I own a RAV4 Prime XSE since early January 2021 in Ottawa, Canada.

I love the vehicle for all the reasons it was announced and purchased for, it really meet my expectations.
I will go directly to my single review of minor hiccups which are not complaints, just want to share.
1- the key fob does not remote start my engine with the 3 press/hold on the door lock. I wish it did to warmup the inside on cold mornings. Basically I don’t have a remote start the warmup the interior.
2- the A/C button on the key fob only start the battery/ light heat but nothing like a heat pump at all. Way too cold after the 20 minutes A/C remote button. The APP does exactly the same poor heating.
I believe the A/C button and the app would be only convenient for the summer A/C.

2- head room: the passenger seating had very limited head room. I am 6 feet tall, not considered very tall these days and my head is only one inch from the roof. Anyone taller than 6 feet tall should not consider purchasing this vehicle unless getting the XSE UPGRADE PACKAGE which allows for more passenger seat ajustement.
3- on the winter below minus 15 Celsius (5F), even if running only on EV mode, the gas engine kicks in, therefore unable to run on battery only for these cold days. Unfortunate since I bought this vehicle to avoid the need of consuming gas since I work 5 km from my home. There are maybe only 30 of those cold days at worst per year.
This is my experience so far, loving this ride and the performance and cannot wait for the summer to keep it clean.

Thanks

I have had my RAV4 Prime SE since Sept. 2020. Before buying the RAV4 Prime, I considered and test drove the Mercedes GLC 350e, BMW X3 and Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 all plug in hybrids. I live in California, so the coldest weather I have experienced is about 33F, when I noticed at full charge I only get 40 miles of EV. I suspect this would be worse in colder weather. That aside, the car is perfect. The ride is comfortable both in driver seat and passenger seat. It handles potholes and bumps very well. Flexibility of driving modes is perhaps where RAV4 prime shines the best. Most of my trips, to and fro, are within the 42 mile range. Therefore for a full tank of gas I have been able to get just under 950 miles. Another way I look at it, is that for 40 miles on all electric mode, I am paying about 4.5c/mile to charge the battery whereas for the same distance with a gas engine car that offers 30MPG, I would have to pay 12c/mile. By the way, there are not many gas engine cars that would offer 30MPG, where the roads are quite hilly! But I have tried to be as conservative as possible in my assessment. I have also learned that if my trip includes small sections that are hilly, for all the short Hill climbs I change to HV mode and for downhill and flat sections I go back to EV. This allows me to get better efficiency on the combined EV/HV without burning too much gas and yet get extended electric range. There are still quite a few things I have to learn about the RAV4 Prime, such as how it fairs on long hilly drives. On long highway rides best option I have had is the auto EV/HV mode. The car's control system is quite clever to switch back and forth between the modes without me having to do a whole lot of thinking and the switchovers are seamless. When gas engine kicks-in the noise is of course noticeable but it is by no means intrusive. The battery is never fully depleted so, it is always available for any on demand accelerations. This is by far the most practical car I have ever owned and belive me, I have owned a few! The cargo space is perfect for my needs. I often load my bicycle in the back without having to take the front wheel off after I lower only one side of the rear seats. My only complain about this car is that the interior could do with a little more lighting on some of the switches at night, or at least some accent lighting to make them a little more visible. Visibility throughout the car is excellent. The rear view camera could be a little better in terms of Visibility, particularly at night. In general,, I am very happy and I love driving this car and give Toyota close to perfect score for it.

Why keep advertising this vehicle when is not available
I go to a dealership or visit online and they don’t even advertise
Anyhow my area is south Florida

I'm completely thrilled with all the reviews, my basic question is when does Toyota plan to make them more widely available, does anyone know?

Is there a way to make the rear seats lie perfectly flat? I know in the video you said the incline is "nothing to write home about" but for people who consistently travel with items for their living or who might want to sleep in the back this is actually a really important question. Not being able to put the back seats flat is a deal breaker for me.