Toyota has a brand new plug-in hybrid (PHEV)! The 2021 RAV4 Prime is more powerful, faster and more fuel-efficient than it’s gas-guzzling or hybrid RAV4 siblings. This 302-hp, 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, 94MPGe* powerhouse is geared up to be the crown jewel of the Toyota lineup. Only the Toyota Supra is quicker and only the Toyota Prius Prime gets better overall mileage. But with the new RAV4 Prime, you get more cargo and passenger space plus better off-road capability. Did we mention 302 combined horsepower? A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) differs from a hybrid in that you can drive in full electric (EV) mode. Most hybrids either don’t offer any all-electric range, or it caps out at about 1-2 miles before the gas side of the engine kicks in. With the 2021 RAV4 Prime, you can go up to 42 miles† in full EV mode, on one charge. This is plenty of range for most commutes and if you do run out of battery, the gas engine kicks in seamlessly. The plug-in variant allows for true flexibility in how you drive. If you forget to charge the battery, you can easily drive on gas, while still getting great fuel economy. Smart drivers can also save the battery for use in specific circumstances, for instance, before on-ramps and after off-ramps, to maximize efficiency and battery life. Powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, Toyota designed the 2021 RAV4 Prime for those interested in handling, capability and performance. The RAV4 Prime recalibrated the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gas engine from the RAV4 Hybrid which, paired with electric motors, creates a combined 302-hp with 165 lb-ft engine torque and 199 lb-ft electric torque. Electronic On-Demand AWD is standard. For enhanced up-hill performance, use Trail mode to send torque to the wheel with the most traction for assistance in tricky maneuvers. Plus, the RAV4 Prime can tow up to 2,500 lbs. Since the large Lithium-ion battery is stored under the floor, you don’t sacrifice any passenger space for all that electric capability. They’ve done so well with this new model, that it may take over the title of best-selling passenger vehicle in the US (that is not a truck) from the gas-powered Toyota RAV4**. The 42-mile battery range makes the 2021 RAV4 Prime the highest EV range of any PHEV SUV on the market^. While the base price is higher than the RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid, once you factor in the Federal Tax Credit of $7,500***, the prices are comparable. Since the Toyota Prius has been around for 20+ years, Toyota has built up a network of more than 26,000 charging stations around the U.S., so you’ll also benefit from their established, convenient EV charging system and the knowledge that comes from decades of successful electric vehicle technology. Toyota is only offering the RAV4 Prime in its sporty SE and XSE trims, which feature these main differences:

RAV4 Prime SE

• 8.0-inch touchscreen
• Heated front seats
• 18-inch wheels
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Power back door

RAV4 Prime XSE

• 9.0-inch touchscreen
• Qi-wireless charging pad
• Synthetic leather seats
• 19-inch wheels
• Paddle shifters
• LED accent lighting
• Two-tone exterior paint

Some great options available for either trim include:

• Power moonroof (SE)
• Panoramic glass roof with moonroof (XSE)
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Head-up display (XSE)
• Bird’s Eye View Camera (XSE)
• Rear outboard passenger heated seats
• Heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel

Every new Toyota comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), featuring the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The XSE Premium Package adds Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Braking

Call or visit Freeman Toyota in Santa Rosa, California to learn more about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will happily go over all the features and benefits of the Prime and help you compare it with the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid so that you get the perfect Toyota for you. Freeman Toyota, dog-gone friendly since 1963.

DISCLAIMERS:

*EPA-estimated 94 combined MPGe for 2021 RAV4 Prime. MPGe is the EPA-equivalent of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric operation. Manufacturer-estimated 38 combined gas-only mpg. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive.

†EPA-estimated 42-mile all-electric driving range when fully charged for 2021 Rav4 Prime. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG will vary for many reason, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive.

**4 fast facts about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid by Robert Duffer, Senior Editor, The Car Connection. August 3, 2020.

‘A hit for 25 years, the Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV is the best-selling passenger vehicle that is not a truck in the U.S.’ https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1129100_4-fast-facts-about-the-2021-toyota-rav4-prime-plug-in-hybrid

^”2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: Primed and Ready for Electrified Traction,” from Toyota Newsroom. July 1, 2020.

‘The RAV4 Prime also has up to a manufacturer-estimated 42 miles on battery alone on a single charge, making it the highest EV range of any PHEV SUV on the market.’ https://pressroom.toyota.com/2021-toyota-rav4-prime-primed-and-ready-for-electrified-traction/

***Government incentives are for informational purposes only. They are subject to change without notice, and do not constitute tax or legal advice. Government incentives are not within Toyota’s control. Consult with your tax professional to determine eligibility, if any, and details. State incentive data is updated regularly by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and is available at https://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/state. All credits and rebates subject to approval by issuing entity. Please check with your local, state, or federal agency (IRS) and/or a tax professional for eligibility requirements.