Amazing 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Will Beat Current RAV4 Hybrid in These Categories
How do you find ways to top your previous successes – especially when you are already the best-selling SUV in the entire country? The Toyota RAV4 is best-in-class and has been setting records since it was redesigned for the 2019 model year. With a rugged sporty exterior and modern interior styling, along with many new safety and technology features, the RAV4 is incredibly appealing to buyers.
Much of this success can be directly attributed to the RAV4 Hybrid. The Hybrid gets 40mpg combined, has very good power and is a strong value for the cost.
Things just got a little spicier too. Toyota just debuted its newest offering – the 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. It has received plenty of attention to say the least. Since it will be coming to dealerships in the summer of 2020, which is right around the corner, let’s see how RAV4 Prime compares with the current 2020 RAV4 Hybrid.
The RAV4 Prime fills an important role
Potential buyers should be intrigued by many benefits of driving a new 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. To me it is interesting because it will appeal to both daily work commuters and families who go love going on outings and road trips.
The main philosophical difference with the 2021 RAV4 Prime and the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid is that one is a conventional hybrid that uses both gasoline and electric power. RAV4 Prime will be a plug-in hybrid, meaning you can plug it in at home or work and it will build up electric power. You can drive for up to 39 miles on one full charge without using any gasoline. This is what makes it attractive for commuters.
Gas mileage comparison between Hybrid and Prime
One of the main reasons for choosing a 2019 or 2020 RAV4 Hybrid is fuel economy. Drivers can take full advantage of 40mpg combined (41 in the city and 38 on the highway).
The 2021 RAV4 Prime is measured in a slightly different way, using a measurement called MPGe. This is the miles per gallon “equivalent” and it factors in both gasoline and alternative fuel sources. In this case it is electric. RAV4 Prime gets an amazing 90 MPGe. The 2020 Prius Prime, in comparison, gets 133 MPGe.
Power versus power
Both vehicles utilize a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower. When combined with electric motors, RAV4 Hybrid produces 219 total net horsepower.
A month ago Toyota promised the 2021 RAV4 Prime would be the most powerful RAV4 yet. They delivered on that promise. This newest RAV4 model will produce a total of 302 net horsepower.
Previously the fastest RAV4 was the old V6 engine, which reached 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. In fact, at the time back in 2012 it was the quickest Toyota in the entire lineup.
RAV4 Prime will make its debut next summer as the second fastest Toyota, behind only the 2020 Supra. Supra is “Toyota-rated” with a 4.1 seconds 0-60 time, although most would agree that is a conservative figure. Prime will make the 0-60 test in just 5.8 seconds. The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid accelerates from 0-60 in 7.8 seconds.
Learn more about Toyota's alternative fuel plans in this video review. Subscribe to Torque News YouTube channel for daily automotive analysis and Toyota news.
Time for your thoughts on all things Toyota RAV4
The beauty of this comparison is that both models will be available for the public to choose. It is not like one will be replacing an outgoing vehicle. This new RAV4 Prime should only help Toyota build on the tremendous popularity of the entire RAV4 lineup.
What RAV4 model do you think is the one you would pick if you had the choice? Would you pick a gasoline-only RAV4, a RAV4 Hybrid or a RAV4 Prime?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.
See key highlights for 2021 RAV4 Prime in my video review.
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