2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime Off-Roading In The Snow In EV & ECO Mode

[@JamesKlafehn]

What is your definition of off-road? Everyone seems to have a different opinion. By Websters definition, what I did was off road. Here is another opinion. 4wheelsandamotor.com/general/how-do-you-define-off-road/

[@CumBrianFries]

What mpg number have you been getting with these new wheels? Also, do they have an impact on acceleration?

[@raiden000]

off road means its not maintained imho. to me "road" assumes regular maintenance, paved or not.

[@SergeyKasimov]

more of on road then off road

[@highserenity49]

yea, I was smiling, thinking "is that what they call off road in NY?" I was searching you tube to see if anyone documented this vehicle off road and this popped up. You are on a road. LOL anyway, absolutely, especially first time out testing to see what your car will do, you should not be alone imo......thanks for your bravery. I would have been very nervous as it didn't appear the "road" was wide enough to easily turn around if you had run into trouble (like a tree over the road, or all of a sudden too deep.

[@laptopturbo]

That car is so badass man. I want to get the rav4 prime one day.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thanks!

[@jaydog5509]

Thanks for posting this I just bought a rav4 prime and love it.

[@Nonlethal106]

“Freezing temperatures, 31 degress” Wow, 1 degree below freezing lol

[@JamesKlafehn]

Yes. Thanks for watching!

[@graveyj2000]

Hey! Don't assume his temperature scale...he may have meant 31 degrees Kelvin...

[@HugePlays]

Lmaooo this comment killed me 😂😂

[@sl600rt]

That's a warm winter day in Wyoming

[@MrChrisOcean]

Never thought the Prime is this much capable of. Thank you so much for your video.

[@JamesKlafehn]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@danhex]

Got a 22 prime xse with all the bells and whistles. Great truck.

[@Kee_Didnt]

Dude, best Rav4 Prime content by a mile. Nice work. This is SO helpful! Question: Do you know if the starter battery is tended by the EV battery? Or is the EV battery hooked directly to the starter?

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thanks for watching! Please feel free to share to help get the word out. The 12v is only recharged when the car is in "ready" mode or when the car is using "room mode". It is not topped off while the car is charging like other EVs.

[@mpoisot]

There is no "starter". One of the EV motors starts the engine when needed, using electricity from the hybrid (traction) battery.

[@Kee_Didnt]

So then what is the point of the 12v battery? Does it literally just power the systems then, rendering the car useless when the 12v battery dies simply because the start button isn't on?

[@mpoisot]

@@Kee_Didnt The 12v battery powers all the non-driving stuff in the car, like power windows, computers, keyless entry, lights, etc. This lets automakers reuse all the existing components without coming up with some new voltage format. Yes the car is "dead" if you let that 12v battery die, just like in a normal car.

[@Kee_Didnt]

@@mpoisot That just confuses me so much. Just install a little converter to get 12v out of the main battery back. The only compelling argument I've heard so far is for safety reasons, but still there's gotta be a safe way of doing that. It's such an annoying thought that you could go camping deep in the woods and still get screwed because your tiny 12v battery died lol

[@AndroBoy17]

I wish i was there with my rav4 :’’’( Excellent video

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thank you so much for your positive comment and thank you for watching!

[@AlexRapada-ft6tm]

That was exciting!! Such a good real world review of this awesome car. Can't wait to see more!

[@dr.hassansaeed5100]

I think quiet sound is much better in woods. You make no sound and did your track. Didn't disturb any nature around. No noise pollution. ❤

[@erichtisnado1536]

Wow, you got that thing all farkled out. Stairs to the roof, hitch step. Looking swank!

[@JamesKlafehn]

Whats a farkle? lol

[@erichtisnado1536]

@@JamesKlafehn Farkled is a word motorcycle touring folks say when they throw on tons of accessories, like lights, gps, power, comm, and racks and stuff. www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=farkle

[@Noypi54494]

Glad to know it's capable in the snow. I'm awaiting delivery of a 2024 RAV4 Prime XSE. I totaled a 2021 Highlander Hybrid hitting a deer last week and I was shocked it took less than a few calls to dealerships in-state to find one available using Smart Path. The dealership is 2 hours away

[@JamesKlafehn]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@Noypi54494]

@JamesKlafehn Can I ask what viscosity of oil you use in your Rav4 Prime in your neck of the woods?

[@thecrazylifeofkim]

I drive to work during winter storms and blizzards ... on a fwd 😂😂😂 you’ve got a very able ride... 😍😍😍

[@Nonlethal106]

Nothing is more stressful than trying to drive to work in roads covered with snow and ice in a vehicle that’s not awd/4wd

[@DryUrEyesM8]

From Iowa here and no way you should get stuck in that, but I'd get a hitch mounted winch for emergencies.

[@Lostsomewhereincolorado]

You should use OnX off-road for your maps way more reliable when off-roading

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

You should install the protection plates from Toyota, I saw I’m the face group someone ordered the oem rav4 trd plates and install them in a hybrid, you should update thst

[@JamesKlafehn]

Im not sure they would fit on my prime. I vaguely remember hearing someone say they wouldnt fit a hybrid.

[@erichtisnado1536]

Protection plates... you mean like underbelly skid plates? I would totally get a set if they made them for an R4Prime. I got the Diesel Geek super thick aluminum belly plate for my Audi A4 to replace them stock plastic one when it got trashed, and I love it. The plastic belly pan does almost nothing to protect the engine. Of course, the oil sump in my car rides like 4 or 5" from the road without it being lowered, and it just takes one loose chunk of asphalt to punch a hole and grenade the engine, then needing a flatbed truck tow it to a shop.

[@danhex]

​@@JamesKlafehnyou ever look into it ?

[@JamesKlafehn]

@@danhex no

[@TWARDOWSKY.]

Mad max car 😉

[@petegalindez9961]

Where upstate NY are you near? My parents are about 40 miles from Oneonta and my sister is in Livonia. Looks like you’re in the finger lakes area from the trail map (and the Bills hat!). Nice country! Great review as my parents get serious snow in the mountains where they are....

[@JamesKlafehn]

This is filmed right next to Greek Peak. I live in Ithaca. Thanks for watching!!!

[@petegalindez9961]

@@JamesKlafehn Awesome. Where did you score a RAV4 Prime? I live in VA, where they don’t sell many PHEVs since we’re not a green state, so I’ll need to shop near my parents’.

[@gtrul3s387]

Just got my first Prime 2024! Loving it so far! Seeing this makes me wish to be at your place! How’s your Cable Gate holding? Heard they get oxidized real quick on the hybrid/prime😢

[@JamesKlafehn]

cable gate?

[@superlight47]

Nice! been waiting for more videos. Happy New Year.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thank you! You as well!

[@cbothearchitect]

You’re in New York too? Cool 😎 👍🏽

[@hphillips7425]

Good video and you are correct it’s beautiful country. Is it a wild life management area or similar ? Looks like the prime does good. The only negative is the regenerative braking could cause problems in icy conditions

[@JamesKlafehn]

It was a seasonal road in Virgil NY.

[@whoakhonga6780]

Love your set up! Great video. Where did you get your ladder? I hope you have a walk around (inside and outside) on your set up.

[@richardwild-realtorwithace7837]

Just a fyi shut off traction control in snow/ice it will cause more problems than do any good.

[@pilot1226]

Awesome! +1 for Diode Dynamics stuff as well

[@JamesKlafehn]

Im hooked. I want more lights now. haha

[@avz46]

fresh dry snow is not too hard to drive through. wet snow is not as easy, but crusted snow is stuck city

[@1ENDUSER]

How much MPG lost to having bigger tires and rigged out?

[@graveyj2000]

He actually mentioned that-he said he hadn't seen any decrease yet, but wasn't sure what the end result was, as it is winter, so. I will also be interested to see how everything pans out-it is definitely pretty awesome for utility, all kitted out like that!

[@JamesKlafehn]

As James Graves said, I mention this in the video.

[@avz46]

tow strap, come along, tire chains, traction boards, winch, git some gear.

[@anthonylavelle7229]

Thanks for this video, it is the R4P first winter, nice to see how it handles... I think if you would have taken that right turn, it would be done fine with the AWD but not alone, just in case... Enjoyed that James, thanks :-)

[@JamesKlafehn]

I just wasnt sure what would be there or how long it was. With it getting dark I thought turning around was a safe thing to do.

[@anthonylavelle7229]

@@JamesKlafehn Understood, easy for me to say, I was not there ;-)

[@wlee2689]

where is it to try mine?

[@aaronmeyer9170]

What rack do you have on there?

[@axxelhunter1077]

good video,,thanks

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thank you for watching! Dont forget to hit that thumbs up for me. :)

[@pilot1226]

Hey James, I just bought an Outback XT but the fuel economy is awful. Under 20 combined with mostly highway. How is the storage in the Prime? That is my biggest issue is usable space. I need to fit my kids in the second row and all our junk in the... back... Willing to trade the OBXT in towards a Prime if I can find one. Thanks for your videos, if I end up going for an SE, I will use your DIY videos to upgrade certain components like the Homelink Mirror! The electric “economy” is pretty good in the cold weather? I’ve heard EV’s are dreadful once it gets winter.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Cargo space is phenomenal. Very usable. I had a Tesla Model X before this and I love that the rear of the Prime is squared off. It gives you so much more usable cargo space.

[@stephenfiore9960]

*What do you think about the fact that the RAV4 Prime had no Temperature Gauge???*

[@camel9]

So James, you basically left it in EV mode the entire duration of your trip, am I right? If you'd set it to HV mode, then it would have been switching between electricity-only and gas, am I right?

[@JamesKlafehn]

Yes.

[@CSIG1001]

Model y would get stuck with pure winter tires

[@JustMyVisionCEO]

I would love to see more on this build

[@JamesKlafehn]

Check out my channel. I have a ton of videos about it.

[@FTL83781]

James, Are you able to download a topographical map app or get topographical maps for your area so you could check out the right hand turn road before you go down it?

[@JamesKlafehn]

Idk. Ill have to ask some friends who actually do this. I am pretty sure there are high tech systems that offroaders can buy.

[@zerokool-2058]

I need to pick up new tires for my rav4... want something more rugged but not too aggressive.. but like an ATT that is good for on road 90% of the time, and some off road 10% of the time.

[@lmnopqrs321]

Do you have a skid plate?

[@JamesKlafehn]

no

[@graveyj2000]

YOLO, dude! If I were inclined to chance my Prime in an offroading adventure, I would still go poking around out there by myself. :) Out of curiosity, had you considered bringing a winch with you? Seems like there are enough trees to pretty well drag you out of any trouble you get into and back to an area that is workable. (I'm not an offroader either, just know that tow trucks usually drag people out of ditches with winches anyway, so...)

[@JamesKlafehn]

I have. I havent looked into one yet though. Can I get one that isnt mounted to the vehicle?

[@graveyj2000]

@@JamesKlafehn sure. I spotted one on Amazon called the Warn Easypull. Had a 1000lb pull, so you might want something stronger. However,I think some straps and a come along would work well also, and be a lot cheaper. A 4 ton come-a-long is about sixty bucks.

[@davemeise2192]

One can get a winch that has tree straps so one doesn't damage a tree. They pull pretty hard and one can winch their vehicle out of a tough bind with them. I've even used a jackal when I didn't have a winch but a winch is much better. I've used snatch blocks to multiply the pulling power of a winch so even a 1000 lb pull is capable of pulling double its rated maximum with a snatch block. They're just slower is all.

[@graveyj2000]

Hey, I had to repair my privacy fence this weekend and had to drag a 4x4 post that I set in concrete out of wet (damp) ground. I used a come-along and a strap to pull it out, as the suction and 60lbs worth of concrete and post make it an SOB to get out. Thought I would make a video to show how effective a pretty simple setup can be: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d53Fc2einJWpfqc

[@johnny_w]

I have a Greifzug 516 D (see Google) , also called as Tirfor winch. It is a cable hoist, operated by hand, that can pull 1600 kgs. If you order it with a snatch block, the power doubles. In the kit is a 20 meter steelcable with hook. You can put it in your trunk ,with a tree-strap and some shackles, for emergency use. Great quality, maybe a bit expensive, but a tow-truck service isn't cheap either..... 😉

[@danhex]

Nice vid

[@andrewyang1446]

Wonderful video! But what is EV and Eco mode? Is that where the car uses electricity and a little bit of gas? Thanks!

[@JamesKlafehn]

EV mode is when the car uses electricity only to drive. Eco mode changes the throttle response and lowers fan speeds. Im not sure exactly what it does to the climate control system but it makes it more efficient so it uses less power.

[@andrewyang1446]

@@JamesKlafehn i drive a Prius so i am acquainted with the system but i couldnt understand because it sounded like a simultaneous operation of EV/ECO. Thanks for ur reply.

[@JamesKlafehn]

@@andrewyang1446 yes both settings can work at the same time or independent of each other.

[@andrewyang1446]

@@JamesKlafehn thats right cuz even in ev mode eco mode just means slow throttle response. Thanks 😊

[@graveyj2000]

Hey man, not to get too personal, but what in the world do you do for a living? It looks like you live in the middle of nowhere, seem to have some pretty decent fabrication skills, and have managed to own some really amazing vehicles. Some type of engineer?

[@tb693ny6]

noticed you're from NY, what's the cost per kilowatt to charge the rav4 prime? says it takes 12hrs on 120v charger

[@danhex]

Cost couple bucks a day for a full charge

[@33jaimini]

Hey, man, beautiful truck and excellent video. Just wanted to know how efficient the electric heating is? I am asking this because I have heard that the electric heating unit is insufficient to heat the cabin. Thanks

[@JamesKlafehn]

I talked all about that in one of my latest videos. Here it is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpjSZauIbt2Ve5I

[@kenlee2374]

Would you please do that again in trail modes? To see if there is a big difference in handling.

[@JamesKlafehn]

There is only one mode and its "Trail Mode". I did it in this video and I didnt notice a difference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poiYoKh6hcSfqac

[@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

Fun times....awesome video man (Subscribed)...😎✌🏽

[@JamesKlafehn]

Awesome thank you!

[@Dkbhouse]

Have you driven a Subaru? How does the awd compare? Judging from this video With the stability kicking in so often I feel like a Subaru does a lot better. I had a crosstrek and considering a prime

[@JamesKlafehn]

I have driven them but not in conditions like this before.

[@kimtruong4676]

Does the ICE engine ever turn on during your drive in the cold?

[@JamesKlafehn]

Yes. It comes on here and there. Normal for a PHEV. Sometimes is not delivering any power though. Sometimes it is using up some electric power if for example if your battery is full and you are going down a big hill. It has to use up the regen. It also turns on if temps are below 10ish degrees F.

[@maxsu8795]

People usually lift at least one inch and AT2 tires for off loading.

[@JamesKlafehn]

I am thinking of installing air suspension. I dont want it to be always raised because that will effect fuel and electricity efficiency. I want to be able to do both. Raise it for offroad and lower it for the highway.

[@erichtisnado1536]

@@JamesKlafehn ... Not to mention handling in the dry. I'm already concerned with that extra 800 pounds affecting the handling. It's fast in a straight line... I'm worried about how hard I can push in a corner if I have to evade some knucklehead who pulls out in front of me without looking. The R4P did not do well in the Moose Test.

[@JamesKlafehn]

@@erichtisnado1536 Did you not see my track videos? It handles very well.

[@jacquelynnacopoulos1278]

Hello, I have been thinking about EV and ECO Mode For Snow. I am impressed. Rav 4 Prime Hybrid LE has Snow Mode... Only. But, Rav 4 Prime Hybrid XLE has Both EV and ECO For Snow. Is It successful? Did It work? 100%?

[@JamesKlafehn]

The car worked great! I love it in the snow!

[@sohampatel2302]

it a good car

[@JamesKlafehn]

It is!

[@jacquelynnacopoulos1278]

Hello, It is interesting. Cool.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thank you so much for your positive comment and thank you for watching!

[@jlawr4427]

How come you didn't choose the Cooper Tires?

[@JamesKlafehn]

They are noisier. I wanted a quiet tire and these Destination A/T2s are the same noise level as stock. Which is very rare to find.

[@jlawr4427]

@@JamesKlafehn I'm happy for your choice. Just was wondering how you knew the Firestone tires were quieter than the Coopers. Did you try both? Thanx.

[@Anavllama]

@@jlawr4427 Too funny I am running pirellis with studs in my 2008 Honda Van, VERRY noisy. Traction on ice is well worth the extra noise.

[@chloesamclutch]

Have Cooper Destination AT3 on my Tacoma. No real road noise, run like stockers, probably a bit better winter traction. But considering they've been to Central Florida and back twice, and it's a daily driver, not terrible

[@JamesKlafehn]

It will be hard to compare road noise to you apples to apples. “No real road noise” means there is some. Mine aren’t any louder than my oem tires which were a very mild tire meant for mpg. You are comparing yours to oem because that’s what you were used to. Your oem tire was probably still designed for mpg but without a doubt was more aggressive than my crappy oem tires. There are a bunch of reviews I read online that said the Destination A//T2 s were quieter. Also, the tire rack chart says they are quieter. And lastly when I spoke with reps at tire rack they confirmed. To me my tires checked all my boxes. I’m very happy with them.

[@chloesamclutch]

How's the hatch open with the ladder?

[@JamesKlafehn]

Just like normal. No changes.

[@calmjm]

Car stays in EV mode but not in EV only. Topmost EV light is lit maybe half of the time there meaning that ICE is running when it is not lit.

[@JamesKlafehn]

True! I didnt notice that. Was that when I was trying to go up the hill? Ive been driving this car for 4 months now and I can say the gas engine comes on a lot when in EV mode. It happens randomly. Sometimes it isnt actually giving any power. Sometimes it is using up power if you are going down a hill with a full battery and regen power cant fit into the battery. It also turns on every time you turn on the front defroster which sucks.

[@BoxOfChocs]

@@JamesKlafehn I've just ordered one of these - although it's called the RAV4 Hybrid Limited in New Zealand. The one I took for a test drive kept jumping out of EV mode and into ICE mode at the slightest head wind (slight exaggeration). Was impressed to see how you managed to (seemingly) stay on battery all that time. I ordered the Graphite colour - now got 2-3 long months to wait...

[@Broot18]

James, do you have an Instagram account? I live in NY as well and have some questions about the wheels/tires you have on your rav. I just got my wife a 21 RAV4 and want to do the same wheels you have.

[@stephenfiore9960]

*You should have TURNED ON “snowflake” LANE ASSIST…to keep it steady 😉*

[@zxxirt]

Love the videos. Though I'm really curious and can't find an answer anywhere. With the Prime, are you able to use EV mode with hold charge enabled?

[@JamesKlafehn]

Charge Hold uses the gas engine to charge the battery. So no.

[@JimE.1]

It feels more rough due to the ground being frozen. 🇺🇸👍🏼🇺🇸

[@menguardingtheirownwallets6791]

I drive through double that depth of snow in my 2008 Corolla almost every week in the winter. Maybe I should make a video about that?

[@JamesKlafehn]

If you want to. Thanks for watching!

[@1millionstartups]

It's time to crowd fund a 2" lift for James (to see how deep in snow and woods it will go), and maybe a coilover (to see how good handling can be). Great video/job James. Good to know we got a snow plow in the Rav4 Prime.

[@JamesKlafehn]

I do have a Patreon page if you were interested. :) www.patreon.com/JamesKlafehn I am actually thinking Id like to add an air suspension but its like $4000

[@1millionstartups]

@@JamesKlafehn C'mon people lets get on Pateron to help James get a better camera so we can see beautiful upstate NY.

[@petergazarek9466]

TOYOTA BEST 👍

[@pbear216]

It can plow its way thru over 3 feet of snow with stock tires.

[@pbear216]

Still, the AWD sucks and the system cannot figure out which wheel to send power to.

[@JamesKlafehn]

I doubt that. it would get stuck. It only has something like 8" of clearance.

[@pbear216]

@@JamesKlafehn , it didn't. I had to back up and hit it again a few times but it was able to clear over 100 feet if 3 foot deep snow to get out of my driveway to the road. Both my 2019 Rav4 and the 2021 Rav4 Prime, though the 2019 did it alot easier. The Rav4 Prime awd system sucks and cannot transfer power to wheels with grip efficiently.

[@pbear216]

I also had a 2020 Rav4 Hybrid and that had by far the better awd system. Probably should have kept it instead of "upgrading" to a Rav4 Prime.

[@JamesKlafehn]

@@pbear216 Its probably the tires. The torque from the electric motors is excellent. Consider upgrading your tires. Just a thought. Im not an expert on AWD systems but this system seems great to me.

[@NebelNebelov]

In Russia, in winter, I take children to kindergarten every day))

[@ПетроБудко]

Ну это несерьёзные испытания , приезжай к нам у нас такие фантастические места -60 снега полно испытаешь своё авто ,вот это испытание запомнишь на всю жизнь , тебе будет казаться что ты на другой ПЛАНЕТЕ побывал.

[@jeremiahoreilly6025]

Go bills

[@JamesKlafehn]

Go Bills!

[@peteryosilee6787]

I can do it with toyota matrix AWD with new snow tires.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Those are nice cars. I used to sell new toyotas back in the day. Their AWD system wasnt the greatest though. They were also really low to the ground.

[@antdx316]

Road tires doing an off-road test is dumb. Everything should perfect the same.

[@javierruiz1710]

I do have one serious issue with all this how come everybody keeps making a comparison between Eevee and gas mode or petrol mode or whatever they want to call using an engine and they don't make the one comparison it really matters to the person buying it which cost less I don't give a damn about carbon emissions I give a damn about cost in my wallet

[@JamesKlafehn]

I just like being able to use power at my house and never standing out in the cold to refill a tank.

[@oliveringram3056]

Dead flat, proper tyres, why all the excitement..? Just buy a Subaru, they will handle snow twice that depth.

[@marcingodlewski9954]

I could do that with a Camry 😂😂😂😂

[@gss89x]

I could do it with my bicycle....question is would you make it? Lol

[@danhex]

Lol Sure you can

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

Men your RAV4 is 🤤🤤🤤, your set up it’s just too good, I love it, RAV4 is soooo sexy, I’ll be watching your adventures

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thank you for watching! If you liked it feel free to share. Thanks!

[@SwaggingWithBen]

Cool video! I'd love one of these. I took my lifted 2WD Prius wearing all terrains into the Aussie Outback. Most recently I've taken it to the tip of the Australian mainland during our wet season (crazy): kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3Wbnp-ti6uintU

[@AveiroDan]

Don’t try this with a Honda CR-V!

[@JamesKlafehn]

Do they not have a good awd system?

[@theone4042]

I wish you went to the right...

[@JamesKlafehn]

Another time.

[@underdog8896]

Next time try going off road.

[@JamesKlafehn]

4wheelsandamotor.com/general/how-do-you-define-off-road/

[@Anavllama]

@@JamesKlafehn I think he meant you should be stating, "RAV4Prime Going off Paved Road" ;-) The hat is great!!

[@JamesKlafehn]

@@Anavllama That is getting to be a little confusing for a title. Titles need to be clear or people will skip past your video

[@K1600-l7f]

Drama, drama, drama.

[@auto-data-net]

Where is this "offroad"?!?!?! 5 cm snow.. and if this cannot take - why actually do you drive SUV?!?