Let's Get to Know the Toyota RAV4 Prime

Let's say you have one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs on the road, which drivers have embraced for more than two decades—what do you do then? If you're Toyota, you make it even better by adding more options with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain, which is exactly what you find with the RAV4 Prime.

If you've been looking for a Toyota RAV4 Prime for sale, then you might already know how remarkable a vehicle this is. Whether you are already familiar with the RAV4 Prime or not, it's still worth taking a moment to check out the differences in the two trim levels available for it. Let's look at what they have in common and what sets them apart so you'll have a good sense of which one is right for you.

Overview of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Before we get into the details of the two trims available for the 2023 RAV4 Prime, let's review some details you'll find on both. The RAV4 Prime is a PHEV and both versions come with the same powertrain: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor that delivers a combined 302 hp for a terrific driving experience; this is excellent performance for such a small vehicle, and it ensures that driving the RAV4 Prime is fun and rewarding whether you are simply getting around the city or going on a long road trip.

You get an electronically controlled CVT (continuously variable transmission) with this engine, giving you a quick and responsive drive, and on-demand all-wheel drive is standard on both models; this is perfect for ensuring the RAV4 Prime feels great to drive, and it keeps you in control even when dealing with rough weather or if you find yourself on dirt or gravel roads. As a plug-in hybrid, the RAV4 Prime supports both Level 1 and Level 2 charging; plus, you get an estimated 42 miles of all-electric driving range without ever touching the gas tank. When you use both gas and electric performance, you can get an estimated 40 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway, and 38 MPG of combined fuel efficiency.

Just like the standard RAV4, the Prime is a two-row compact crossover with seating inside for up to five passengers, making it the perfect choice for city driving. You get more than 33 cu.ft. of cargo space in the back of the RAV4 Prime behind the rear seats, with nearly 70 cu.ft. of total cargo volume inside behind the front row. Both models of the RAV4 Prime also come with Toyota's fantastic warranty protection, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. You also get a 120-month/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty, which tells you just how strongly Toyota believes in the quality of the battery system used in this model.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE

Now, let's get into some of the differences between the two trims offered for the RAV4 Prime, starting with the standard model: the SE. The RAV4 Prime SE comes with 18-inch tires wrapped in All-Season Mud-and-Snow-rated tires, which are perfect for handling anything life throws at you. You get a height-adjustable power liftgate on the SE, along with LED daytime running lights and accent lighting. The SE comes with black interior door handles, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and LED tail lights for a gorgeous overall look and first impression.

Moving inside, you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, along with a 7.0-inch digital Multi-Information Display (MID) with a digital speedometer and instrumentation. The SE features a Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate, with push button start, remote keyless entry, and remote illuminated entry. You get a leather-trimmed steering wheel with red stitching and controls, fabric-trimmed seats with red stitching, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, and more. When you take this SUV on a test drive at your local Toyota dealership, you will be sitting in luxury.

The 2023 RAV4 Prime SE also comes with an 8.0-inch version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia Infotainment display, along with a six-speaker sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You get Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with the RAV4 Prime SE, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, a Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The SE also comes with a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and more, though some additional safety tech is only offered on the XSE.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE

Speaking of which, even from the outside, there are some important differences to note with the 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE; for starters, it features larger 19-inch wheels for a more imposing look. The XSE comes with a power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close functionality, which is available for the SE but not standard. You can also get a panoramic glass roof on the XSE instead, along with a foot-activated power liftgate, both of which are not offered on the SE. The XSE comes with silver interior door handles, red-painted shock absorbers, a two-tone exterior, and vertical LED accent lights, which are exclusive to this trim.

Inside the XSE, you'll find a similar dual-zone automatic climate control system, but this one features front-center vent flow controls you don't get on the SE. You get a significantly larger 12.3-inch MID screen as the driver in the XSE, which includes customizable settings and digital indicators for the fuel gauge, hybrid energy monitor, battery charge meter, and more. A Smart Key System on all doors—not only the front doors—is available for the XSE, and you get blue ambient interior lighting; you also get a soft-touch dash, door, and armrests with a red-accented interior for an added touch of dramatic comfort and luxury.

A digital rearview mirror is available for the XSE, and you get a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters that you won't find on the SE. The XSE also comes with a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charger, with an available 10.0-inch color head-up display to provide you with more information while you drive, and you get SofTex-trimmed seats that are heated and ventilated, with gorgeous details throughout the interior. You'll find a larger 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia Infotainment display in the XSE, along with an 11-speaker JBL Premium sound system that includes a subwoofer and amplifier for a fantastic audio experience.

You'll find the same Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system in the XSE, ensuring you're as safe as possible on the road. With this trim, you can also get a Panoramic View Monitor with a 360-degree Overhead View, which gives you a virtual vantage of your surroundings—and this isn't available on the SE. You can also get Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, which makes parking and maneuvering at low speeds easier and safer. Overall, the XSE delivers on everything the SE has, plus more for you to take advantage of.

Which RAV4 Prime Has You Hyped?

As you can see, there's no such thing as a bad Toyota RAV4 Prime; the right one for you simply comes down to whether you want the extra features of the XSE. We'll admit that we're partial to what it adds, particularly the larger interior displays and the stunning panoramic glass roof.

That being said, if these extra niceties aren't things you're looking for, then the standard SE is a fantastic choice that you'll enjoy driving for a long time. If you're still unsure which trim has everything you've been looking for, we're here to help. Contact us at Toyota of Manhattan to learn more about the RAV4 Prime and the rest of the Toyota lineup—we'll make sure you drive away in the perfect vehicle.