2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE AWD

Worth paying the extra cash for a plugin hybrid? Let me know your thoughts. Thank you to Team Toyota of Princeton for allowing the channel access to this vehicle for review.
Team Toyota of Princeton
2871 Route 1 South
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
[phone]

[@jxmar_]

There’s wireless android auto too. This RAV is missing the premium package.

[@AFRetPA]

Thanks for the review. I am on the verge of ordering one, Prime, XSE, w/Premium package. The ~600 miles total range is one of the biggest selling points for me. We have family that is a 630 mile road trip. That's one of the biggest things that keeps me clear of EVs. Toyota has years of experience building hybrids, so I trust them. I know there is a considerable delay in receiving the vehicle. I'm willing to wait. This is the car I want.

[@chabbysrides]

Thanks so much for watching. Best of luck with your purchase.

[@ianpollard184]

There is no ordering a car with Toyota these days. It’s a waitlist with random inserted packages and accessories that come into dealerships. It’s basically take what you can get basically.

[@AFRetPA]

@@ianpollard184 Yeah, that’s what I meant. Deposit paid. Waiting…

[@BucoBucolini]

Plug-in hybrid for me is the only way to go at the moment. I really wanna go electric but live in a condo building so can't charge overnight. Our usual daily driving is much less than the Prime EV range so with charging once a week, most of the time I can be in full EV mode. Whenever I compare Rav4 Prime to other PHEVs, it comes on top in my view. Test drove Lexus NX 450+ because with the markups for Rav4 you approach the 450+ price and Lexus dealers in the area are going back to MSRP. Nicer interior of course but you also sacrifice the head room and leg room, feels a little too snug. But it's like you're sitting in your living room when you're driving with the engine on, its that quiet. However we went back to Rav4 because this is going to be a main family car and we want all the interior space we can get. And Rav4 Prime XSE with Premium package is an upscale car in every way. People who complain about the 50K Rav4 aren't seeing it for it is. They just imagine a working class SUV, which you can still get a basic gas engine Rav4 around 30K. But Prime, especially the XSE with Premium package isn't that car, it only shares a name but is a different class of vehicle in every way. Some Toyota dealers are also back to MSRP so that's the trend. Inventory is way better than 6 months ago. I'm still waiting because we want a specific color (red) with the trim and package I mentioned earlier at MSRP. I actually contacted Princeton Toyota a day ago because they're getting a car we want and have it advertised as MSRP. But they only sell to locals. Which is the ongoing thing, if the dealership is advertising at MSRP, means they're selling to locals only. If they sell outside of their local area, means they'll mark it up, between 3-10K during my research. In my area (Virginia, DC area) nobody is taking orders so you can't get it that way around here. A bit of a drag but you just need patience and things are slowly going back towards the buyers market as inventory gets better. Edit; finally found what we're looking for in New Jersey at DCH Toyota. Was never this happy with the new car, this thing is ridiculously awesome in every way.

[@YZERPLAN]

Hi, which colour you like better wind chill pearl or magnetic grey metallic? TIA

[@russelllinda1]

5,500 km and only $150:00 in gas (Canadian) to boot. Love it

[@user-vs7ec1wz5d]

The cost of the RAV4 Prime XSE AWD, is fine if you are constantly on the highway for long commutes and trips, but not for just every day driving to work and back, etc. Enjoyed your video.

[@chabbysrides]

Thanks for watching. Much appreciated.

[@user-vs7ec1wz5d]

@@chabbysrides You are very welcome!

[@gladiatoralmousa5689]

Nice video , i make order since April 22 no update 😢 that long time to wait

[@Boombah49]

I have a 2021 Prime XSE with 25,000 miles on it. 5,000 gas miles, 20,000 electric miles. I can recharge it in about 2 hrs. If I’m going back out again in the same day.

[@Frostbbitten]

So you didn't test the single biggest thing that would drive someone to spend the extra $$$ on a PHEV and that would be how it performs in all electric mode for commutes under 40 miles.(Sorry if I missed it, kind of skipped through as that was all I was really looking for) Hate CVT. Wish they would just make an all electric with a gas generator for charging like the Volt was. 300HP from electric motors would be a rocket.

[@gatorfishin3079]

That did t look like 5 sec 0-60. More like high 6’s.

[@user-dy3uy2bv7r]

The gloss black is rancid. Not at first, but when you look at it for more than just a fraction of a second. It screams, “Wash me!,” with every glance. It’s one of those design choices made by people who don’t have to deal with the ramifications of their choices. It’s going to spot and, sadly, look like total crap at every turn. For the life of me, I haven’t a clue as to Toyota’s infatuation with piano black “buttons” in their vehicles and gloss black plastered at every spot prone to dust and dirt accumulation on the outside.

[@henryhonda8408]

I have the same exact color as this one and love it. After 3 years the gloss black still looks like new even after three brutal long winters where I live. They pour salt like crazy during our long winter. I just try to wipe as much salt off it once a week. I find that the Rav4's with the normal fender flares look like crap & very dirty. Also looks very cheap.

[@user-dy3uy2bv7r]

@@henryhonda8408 I appreciate your feedback, sir! I’m sure it still looks nearly showroom new. My complaint is that gloss black requiring constant attention or its penchant for spottiness detracts from an otherwise attractive vehicle. But I do agree that the regular Toyota plastic around the wheels usually leaves something to be desired.

[@henryhonda8408]

@@user-dy3uy2bv7r ok.... fair is fair. If someone doesn't do much do diligence or have time to keep the gloss black nice & clean then you are correct...... it's NOT for you. In my case I love it.

[@user-dy3uy2bv7r]

@@henryhonda8408 🙂👍🏻

[@bossb2539]

You can’t buy one, why push them….?