2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE - FULL REVIEW from an everyday tech nerd

Howdy people of YT! It's been a little over a month/1,600 miles, and I now feel confident in "reviewing" my new 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE.
As before, this will be a completely unprofessional, off the cuff, down to earth assessment of the Prime -- but that's sort of the point. Unlike most other reviews, this is purely for my fun and your information; I don't have any PR bullet points that I'm tracing through, and I'm not borrowing the car -- it's mine and I paid for it, so I can be completely honest with you about my likes and dislikes.
While I'm not much of a car dude, I am a guy with an extensive history (20+ years) of product review experience -- at various major tech and gaming websites -- and technology consulting work, which is my primary gig today. And as such, I do have a unique attention to detail and a critical/diagnostic mindset that helps me to pick these sorts of products apart and condense everything into cohesive thoughts.
So hopefully you like what you see here, but if not... haha, the joke's on you! ;-)
LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE! (this is a joke... kind of)

[@abushaheedal4202]

Thank you very much you never bored anyone You are 1 of the better reviewer On KZbin But I would like sometimes that you all give review of the more lower trims

[@OtherSteve]

I wish I had access to them! I bought this one with my own money 😁 I'll be doing a follow-up video soon as I'm actually approaching 15k miles + 1 year of ownership. Hard to believe!

[@christophersharpe1095]

I have the same loading problems on my 2023 R4P. And don’t like the clunky way you have to go between Android auto and Toyota screens. Excellent video! I learned something(s) new about charging! I have 14k miles after 1 year of ownership. Extremely satisfied with R4P’s performance and efficiency. Plug in hybrid is the best answer to hybrid vs. electric question. I don’t use gas except for long trips. And with the hybrid engine l’m not so concerned with wintertime battery power loss.

[@dslightam]

Very thorough and hilarious. Great review. Like you, I'm not just "some random dude" 😆, nor a car expert either, and i'm a software architect, and Dad, with 1000 miles on my 23 R4P XSE (non-PP) with lease cash. Basically all the same rationale you used. Toyota part of the infotainment is like a first release or beta. Gosh, I hope it can be updated with better usability/perf, but you're right, we may not be so lucky. Before this I had a 17 BWM i3 Rex. I also had a 2023 Honda Civic Sport Touring 6MT briefly, and the interior on that car... and especially the infotainment, was a cut-above, despite a smaller infotainment screen. No problems with Android auto, like with this. But in terms of the complete package of the vehicle, I prefer my R4P. The number of clicks to swtich from Android auto to radio is ridiculous and probably dangerous. Love the review. Thanks. We are completely aligned on our opinions of the prime.

[@MrRaitzi]

I only use android if navigating. Regular driving Toyota radio is very nice and clean.

[@teknightrider2586]

Amazing similarities!!! Part 2 of 2 🤪 Continuing 5. I agree… LOVE all the simple controls that do not take a person’s eyes off the road. Sometimes change for change sake or to be more “designer” or tech-y just is not near as efficient. Like when Apple changed from color icons in the side bar (where a person’s eye could and would instantly catch the “green” Download Folder)… then they changed it to all monochrome… so now (even though it is a very slight pause or delay)… still it takes a person’s mind just an extra unnecessary moment away from production and a lil’ less efficiency every day, multiple times a day, week after week. 🤪 6. Charge Mode - Just so a person is aware that there is a 23% loss in energy to purposefully use the gas engine to charge the battery compared to plugging it in. So it’s usually better to just let the computer do its thing. However, I personally use Charge Mode, like a Launch Control if I really want her to fly from the line! ha ha 🤪 Alex on the Auto Buyers Guide (which BTW, Alex is a fabulous detail car guy who seems to notice every little tinny thing that I notice on every car rental I’ve ever gotten when flying all over… or any car I’ve ever purchased Alex is right on the money). Anyway, Charge Mode will keep the engine ON, then put it into Sport Mode and boom you are gone from the line in 5.4 seconds. Which again the RAV4 Prime is currently Toyota’s 2nd fastest vehicle… 2nd only to the 3.0L Supra (BMW), but still the RAV4 is quicker than the 2.0L Supra. And still gets amazing MPGs! 7. No Black Screen, Syncing or Crossfade Problems for me personally. So I really don’t have any problems w/my iPhone 15 Pro (again not trying to be dork) 😇 And I do have 4,400+ contacts that sync. So again, a person’s milage may vary. I also typically do NOT use Apple CarPlay. I just bluetooth and talk to Siri if I want it to do anything. And then for music track “Crossfade” a person just goes to Settings > Music > Crossfade > then select 1-12 seconds (but again that’s on an iPhone). But I’d think Android would have that, maybe? 🤷🏻
 8. ECO Heat/Cool - Helps quite a bit with efficiency, as the manual explains quite a bit about that. 🤓
 9. Parking Inside - Parking inside makes a HUGE difference. I’ve owned two (2) Prius’; one (1) Camry Hybrid; one (1) Avalon Hybrid Limited w/Tech Pkg. and my beloved Accord Hybrid Touring… and the Accord sat outside in the Northwest… having to heat the cabin was a killer where normally I’d get 42.3 MPG… I’d get down to 36.6 MPG in the winter. But if parked inside that made a 4.0+ MPG difference. Just like the F-150 Lightning hates the cold as was discovered later. RAV4 with it Heat Pump is amazing… again if a person wants super detailed info about how the Prime’s Heat Pump works… a person should check out The Car Care Nut with AMD (a big time Toyota Master Diagnostic Tech).
 10. Squeaky Shoes - Unless it’s the soles… just put Baby Powder under a person’s insoles and the squeaking goes away! 👍 
 11. Lease for $6,500 is VERY Smart!!! We were blessed to do the same thing. Next we’ll get $5K from our state… so basically $40,500 for the XSE w/PM Prem. Pkg.
 12. Premium Package (13) Features - So for those that would like to know every detail, the below is what the $2,585 package gets a person (keep in mind this was 2023, not sure about 2024 pricing that’s gone up again). We only waited 4 months and got it configured exactly like we wanted without anything extra added to the window sticker. - 10-in. color Head-Up Display (HUD) with speedometer, navigation and Hybrid System Indicator - 6.6 kW onboard charger - Panoramic glass roof with front power tilt/slide moonroof - Panoramic View Monitor w/360-degree Overhead View in low-speed drive and reverse, and Curb View. - SofTex - trimmed* seats w/sporty red accents and stitching. - Heated & Ventilated Front Seats. - 8-way Power Driver's Seat w/Two-Position Memory - 4-way Power Passenger Seat w/Seat-back Pocket - Digital Rearview Mirror w/HomeLink - Smart Key System on All 4-Doors - One (1) 120V/1500W AC Power Outlet in Cargo Area - Height-Adjustable, Foot-Activated Power Lift-gate w/Jam Protection - Front & Rear Parking Assist w/Automatic Braking PA 13. Maui Jim’s - Again I totally agree… fantastic! ha ha 🤪😇 Hope my novel will be helpful!!! 😇🤓🤪 Again sorry for any eyestrain for anyone!

[@jpdoc5722]

nice 👍

[@OtherSteve]

Awesome reply. Love that you took the time to put all this together. Glad you enjoyed the videos, I'll probably make more when I actually have a few minutes to do it, lol

[@djaztec97]

Digital rear view mirror is something that people actually need. I tend to travel with a lot of suitcases and speakers for my job and as a result they block my view. I have to setup the cargo space so that it doesn't block my rear view. The digital rear view will eliminate those issues and allow my to put as many stuff in the cargo area without affecting my view.

[@OtherSteve]

I may have fixed the problems with my infotainment by unpairing and repairing my phone and denying permissions to restrict connectivity to Android Auto only. I'll make a short video about it soon once I'm positive it's fixed for good!

[@dslightam]

please do

[@supermodestmouse]

really apreciate your vids. i just got mine saturday so i'm working on learning everything. my previous car was 20 years old and was pretty basic.

[@zi0cat]

Sharing with the Facebook Official Rav4 Prime Group. I have a 2021 XSE PP 25K miles, am delighted. I live in NY no problem with original tires, but will get CC2s when I change. I got ceramic, it looks gorgeous but I do have a few paint chips. Yes XSE PP is way into Lexus territory. I also have S23 Ultra, don't use the charging pad because it gets very warm (maybe they fixed). Enjoy your car!

[@SlickJWilly]

As an avid Android user who happens to rent vehicles very frequently. The black screen, trouble connecting etc happens on many vehicles. Ive noticed if i have many apps open in the background or havent power cycled my phone in a while those errors happen very predictibly. Phone is currently set to power cycle automatically on Monday mornings at 3AM and its habbit now to close all apps while im entering the address into google maps and only having maps and KZbin music open. No issues.

[@OtherSteve]

Yeah I've been scheduling power cycling mine nightly for a while now as well. But the specific problems I had here were indeed specific to this vehicle; I resolved it by having the head unit swapped under warranty!

[@Yellowbasterd]

I wish they put this plugin rav4 prime in to Toyota sienna

[@MrRaitzi]

BTW if you don't use ICE much, get higher octane gas with less ethanol so gas last longer in tank before issues.

[@0135827]

Thanks bro, one of the best plugin review out there 👍🏽

[@charlesgreen7408]

Was going to buy a Tesla model y but my research made me decide to buy the 2024 Toyota Rav4 hybrid . HSE trim same color as yours. Wish i looked at your video first, $43,000 salesman took off all the extra charges, $1900 protection package lol 6.5% 66mo $10,000 down. Deer hit my 2021 Venza but thats another insurance nightmare lol thanks for the info, way different than my Venza. Personally i think the Toyota will hold its value better than Tesla next 2 years, after that Tesla will dominate. 120 miles commute 5 day's a week. Trade or sell in 2 years and buy a Tesla model y juniper refresh updates with next generation batteries.

[@Alohakurt]

I am an Ioniq 5 owner. Frickin Fantastic vehicle! My wife has a 2013 Rav 4. Rough ride, loud interior noise, but a nice vehicle! I’m looking in to getting her the Rav 4 Prime XSE with the Premium Package, and every option available. She loves her 2013 Rav. The Ioniq 5 is perfect for me. We have solar so my charging is free. Fast, super quiet etc etc. I’m hoping this Rav will have in quietness, comfort and maybe near the acceleration on my I5. If it’s close, we’re in. Only because of her love of her present vehicle. Like you, I’m a tech guy. Love tech!!! I’m not good at it but I love tech! Drive an Ioniq 5. Double dog dare you!!! Thanks for the vids!!

[@dakotaburns7551]

Nice job on the video. Have been studying the Rav4 Prime XSE over the past couple days - looks sweet! Love the integrated tech + performance increase over standard Rav4. The Lease-Cash deal sounds cool though apparently it expires on the 4th of January 2024; (may just be something Toyota added to get buyers into the deal asap.)

[@OtherSteve]

Don't worry, it didn't expire and it probably won't anytime real soon. It's a tax loophole ultimately, and as long as the US government hasn't plugged the loophole it should continue. We all know the government takes forever to do everything, so it'll probably be several months before they even get around to it, assuming they even care.

[@vincent-vm7si]

Thanks for your video , I like you , you are very sympathetic and you certainly got some talent to speak to the camera. I got the same truck in order and I was seeking for more in depth review , your video did the job :) .

[@teknightrider2586]

Amazing similarities!!! Part 1 of 2 Also I hope the below answers/solutions and comparisons might be helpful to you and others… at least coming from anther “Tech Guy” who also has been blessed to have been entrusted with a 2023 RAV4 Prime w/the Prem. Pkg. (basically further below I tried to cover everything I’d heard form squeaking shoes to Michelin CrossClimate 2’s, to syncing phones, and perhaps several other things from having read all the manuals cover to cover) as has been my propeller head life, and my personal experience with the RAV4 Prime XSE w/PM in Northwest. ha ha 🤓😇 Preface - So I know in any written text it can be difficult to relay a person’s truly intended “positive tones”, so please know I’m positive (as I also use a lot of emojis). Plus, I also realize each person has their own grading system and/or level of details. So, of course, I certainly don’t want to sound like a professional wrestler with a long list of previous experience, but rather a lil’ background is also sometimes helpful at times. Anyway I’ve had 35 vehicles over the span of my young 55 years (dating myself I know) ha ha 🤣 Fourteen (14) have been Toyotas and thirteen (13) of the 35 have been Honda Products (9 Honda/4 Acura). Well to continue (and I hope you’re not put off by this), but I was an Apple Level III Tech & former Sales Manager (actually still active on the macOS Dev. Team… where I’m amazed they still listen to some of my feedback). But anyway, I later moved on to work for a company with five divisions where I was blessed to be their Systems, then Operations and then Executive Director (where again not of my doing) but we had some great clients like BASF, Industrial Finishes, Meguiar’s (before John sold to 3M), Chip Foose, Coy Wheels, Summit Racing and etc). Basically a VERY meticulously and detailed clientele in the Hot Rod / Motor Sports Industry. But still, I have 4,400+ contacts in my iPhone, where several folks just kind of followed me from the ole Apple days, or Beta testing for Adobe or Macromedia (see showing my young age again). ha ha 🤪 End of Preface (sorry for any eye strain already). So again, the below are my personal experiences or things that I’d tried that worked fantastic for me (hope they may help others out there): 😇 1. Michelin CrossClimate 2’s (MCC2) - And Chains Info (too). I agree, the MCC2’s are GREAT TIRES - So next, I’d suggest trying to add 5 PSI… Worst I’ve gotten is 39.1 MPG (hand calculated at the pump… normally 43.2 MPG both in full Hybrid Mode i.e. NOT EV or purposefully not charging it to test). Well, I personally have the MCC2s that I also swapped out immediately on the RAV4 Prime XSE and they are also on my wife’s ’17 Honda Ridgeline (where I’d originally put Michelin Defender LTX on when it was new in 2017). Plus, I have seven (7) other friends who have purchased the MCC2s for their Nissan Maxima’s (2), Toyota Sienna, Venza, Honda Odyssey. So before purchasing I’d read hundreds of reviews (including Consumer Reports and Tire Rack) where it is clear MCC2 is a GREAT tire. Yet a few folks, and perhaps these were earlier versions of the MCC2 were folks would say they are “noisy”. But the compound is so grip-y (like you’d mentioned in the video). And for ALL those 7 vehicles I’ve ridden in (and I’m a VERY sensitive driver and passenger)… ALL of them are way WAY quieter. Like our Ridgeline… I thought the Michelin Defender LTX was so much quieter and much more confident than the stock Firestone tires. But these MCC2 are ultra quiet (so I cannot speak for those that “say” they are noisy). Also this MCC2 will take a LOT more air/tire pressure and still ride very nice… and I noticed that on both the RAV4 Prime and our Ridgeline (where yes again, I’m Mr. Detail where I’ve hand calculated every single fuel up on every single one of our 35 vehicles over the years at the pump, so I do NOT rely on the computer… ha ha coming from a tech guy). Basically once I added 5 PSI I was almost back to the same MPGs I was getting before. Also we’ve had a lot of heavy vehicles in the past besides Toyota and Honda Products we’ve owned a Ford Lightning EV (which I would not recommend sorry to say), Dodge Cummins, Regular F-150 and 2500 Suburban. So again just had a lot of rigs over the years. 🤪 But I think you’ll be happy with more tire pressure (that will still wear evenly and gain back several MPGs… at least it did for me). 🤓 Plus plus, if a person reads the manual… the 19” wheels that come on the Prime XSE… a person CANNOT put on even “S” class chains. The Manual says NO clearance… so for us MCC2 is the ONLY way to go w/the (3) Three-peak Mountain Snowflake… as a NEED, that also qualifies as chains on an AWD vehicle to cross the Cascade Mountains here in the Northwest.
 2. Paint Protection Film (PPF) - I went w/LLumar Valor (12 yr. warranty) on the RAV4 Prime (this time around). So I do travel a ton still… and in years past I’d had my window tinter (who uses LLumar on the Windows for as long as I can remember)… last he’d put 3M Pro on my 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring. BUT, my experience/observations of several “car guys/gals” vehicles (and also several other owner’s of PPF install shops that I know personally) told me that the older 3M Pro PPF adhered better than the new 3M 200. Where actually several shops that install both 3M and LLumor told me this time that they’ve been having a really hard time with 3M 200 lifting really bad. So I suppose a person’s milage may vary… but WOW am I impressed with LLumar’s Valor… it is like nothing sticks to it with its hydrophobic coating that is like glass. Again, I hope that might help others out there!!! 😇 
 3. 302 HP and Plug-in Hybrid… that’s the ticket! 🤓 Especially after having owned an F-150 Lightning EV. To my way of thinking the Toyota’s PHEV tech is the way to go! So I’d signed up the day Ford announced the Lightning back in May of 2021. Where again I was thankful to have gotten the Lighting BEFORE Ford jacked up the prices like CRAZY (seriously it was $16,000 swing after we got ours by 1 week). 🙄🫨 Plus also, Ford Crop. is out of touch and has been horrible to their dealers too (again I’ve gotten to know a few GM, GSM, and Fleet guys over the years). Anyway, I sold our Lightning to a non-profit who really needed it for around town for the same price I paid… but once winter came that thing with the big battery pack would only go 174 miles here in the Northwest. So again thankfully they traded it in and got more than we’d bought it for (before the current collapse)… and got something that worked for them. And now, well, Ford cannot give EV’s away. 4. Loved seeing the ole RAV4 Limited in the background… I had a 2007 Sport w/the V6. It was also a kick in the pants. Just the family was growing back then… so it eventually gave way to a 2008 Highland (that back then was also made in Japan).
 To Be Continued...

[@AylesworthSpeidell]

love it so much!!! i covered my car, very beautiful!

[@rajcherian578]

Thanks for the detailed review. I normally do not subscribe unless it is very useful to me. I must say you are good. Thanks again. I did subscribe. You really worked hard for it. I am getting my prime XSE end of March 2024. I live in Niagara Canada and we do get the $5000 Government rebate. I currently I own a RAV 4 XLE 2024 gas and prior to that I owned a Toyota Crown only used for 5 months and I found getting in and out difficult with my age and other health issues. I still feel that it is a bit pricy compared to a just Hybrid Rav4. But I like it as it is made in Japan, its 300 plus power, and plug in feature. I am terrible when it comes to technology and but your explanations were easy to understand.

[@OtherSteve]

Thanks! I hope you love yours, but I'm sure that you will. It's worth the extra!

[@MegaMijit]

left a like for the tech guy who doesnt use any trash apple products.

[@pauljoseph7565]

I own the same exact car minus the Mudflaps..my weather package did not come with them..😢.. Try the dynamic cruise control in traffic It's the best LO L... Auto EV mode for maximum power! Loving this car!

[@OtherSteve]

Oh yeah I love the driver assistance features. Totally forgot to mention those in this (hour long) video, haha! Maybe I'll make an addendum...

[@ToyotaChrisWI]

Restarting the phone more often helps with Bluetooth connectivity, I always remind my customers to do that.

[@OtherSteve]

Thanks, mine restarts nightly however.

[@akshayalakshmieswaran6277]

How do you use the remote connect app to start the car , for some reason I’m only able to do the climate control through the app but not start the car?

[@OtherSteve]

That is effectively starting the car. There is no way to remotely activate the engine (to my knowledge) using the app, as the EV mode climate prep effectively accomplishes the same task without the need for the ICE.

[@MrRaitzi]

I set charging time and departure because network tariff is 50 to 75% less on night within the window.(where I live)

[@robertbeebe8970]

we just bought a new 2024 RAV4 XSE and i am trying to connnect my phone and figure out all the other features. I was hoping you could recommend a video that could explain all this in a basic way and not talk fast. I do know how to pause a video and even go back... any helk would be greatly appreciated Bob Beebe

[@brandonhunziker9686]

Great video. I'd love to know more about the lease bonus and payoff. Can you tell me what your downpayment was, lease terms, and MF? I was planning on doing the same thing. Found an XSE for about $4k under MSRP. The dealership's manager told me that this hack doesn't work. But clearly it did for you. I'm just wondering if you could walk us through your actual lease deal and numbers.

[@OtherSteve]

Sorry for late reply. Here's a quick summary of what I paid: Cap cost reduction: 23619.60 Reg fees: 70 License fees: 1417 Acquisition fee: 650 Dealer doc fees: 439 = Total amount due at signing: 26195 - 6500 lease cash = Amount to be paid in cash: 19695 (+ Disposition fee: 350 Total of payments: 26545) + Total Lease Payment: 23619.60 (Total of payments + total lease payment = 50164 - 6500 lease cash = 43664 out of pocket + add'l tax) Other random numbers that don't really matter and can be misleading: Gross capitalized cost: 49175 Adjusted Cap cost: 49175 Residual value: 29821.20 Depreciation and any amortized amts: 19353.80 Rent charge: 4265.80 Total lease payment: 23619.60 I paid in total: 19695.80 + 25733.18 = 45428.98 (incl tax) It works, for sure. They may tell you it doesn't because they either don't understand it or they don't want you to do it for some reason. Don't believe them. Do it anyway

[@brandonhunziker9686]

Thanks! I picked up a RAV4 Prime SE in Maryland yesterday from another dealer - just kept my mouth shut. I don't have the numbers handy, but it should work out the same. I didn't put anything down - didn't see the point because I'd be sending a check to TFS anyone. The dealer took another $2405 off the $52,863 MSRP (it was loaded to the gills w/technology package, weather package, and yes, the $79 USB cables). The finance manager seems to have snuck in a GAP insurance policy for $850 - I had flown in to pick the car up and had a long drive ahead of me, so I was just signing and not paying as much attention as I should. But that should be cancelable. Not sure how it all works out in the end. I'll post my final numbers here when I've completed the buyout.I really appreciate your video - I sent it to the other dealer who told me it was impossible. He remained either obtuse or just didn't want to admit that yeah, it works. @@OtherSteve

[@guest16163]

@@brandonhunziker9686 Please post your final numbers if you had completed the buyout. Thanks in advance.

[@GBTrain]

You revealed way to much personal information in this video. Nice review though

[@OtherSteve]

Yeah, well, if people are after me, I'm sure they could find me if they wanted to anyway.

[@MrRaitzi]

My car came with Dunlops. I have pure Continental winter studded tires now on it. Getting 60 to 65km still on winter e range. I have warm garage ans use remote heating timing

[@jpdoc5722]

1:05, “traction” a must for a family crossover with a powerful motor👍. btw, what tire width do you have? ( 235 or 225) thanks 🙏

[@OtherSteve]

235.

[@kyrosmike]

I have a 2022 XSE I wish I knew the engine hours, does 23 have that buried somewhere in the options? Also only way I can see engine RPM is through the HUD.

[@OtherSteve]

I don't believe there's any way that you can tell. Not sure if the statistic is even exposed anywhere in ODB diagnostics. It's my understanding that it isn't, which sucks

[@waynesteele1984]

Not that this is a make or break on whether I buy one or not, but say your departures are intermittent times and/or change frequently, do Toyota's os have an app you can set a new or change a departure to 20-minute climate warm-up or cool off from inside your home from your phone? I mean, what's the point of it if you have a new trip and have go out to make sure the climate control isn't off? I guess it's a convoluted question. If it's 100° at 2pm, you find out at 1pm you need to leave at 2, you'd have to go out and pre-set the climate? Or does it have a button on the remote that'll pre-start the climate settings, but is not a fully "remote start?"

[@OtherSteve]

The app can handle it. I use it all the time for this.

[@EssyThinking]

Could you talk more about your 6500 rebate? I got the same offer from my dealer, but it seems too good to be a true. They said I could buyout the Prime after 3 months. Do you have any suggestions?

[@OtherSteve]

You can actually buy it out immediately. It's very simple: simply apply for a lease, pay whatever you want the day you get the car from the dealer, then immediately pay it off the first month. The rent charge will not apply and you will save something like $5, 000-5,500 after fees.

[@walthaze7997]

Can I charge this in my garage without having to worry about it going on fire? Looking to buy one. Thank you in advance. Walt Hazelman

[@OtherSteve]

Yes, and everyone does!

[@wtogami]

I got the same car ~1 month ago. Getting back to the home screen is my top complaint. I also have stability problems with the media unit paired with both Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. They really need to fix the media unit.

[@OtherSteve]

Good (?) to know that it isn't limited to my unit I guess! Thanks for your feedback and for watching :-)

[@wtogami]

@@OtherSteve did you also notice buggy behavior when the car is plugged in but not yet charging due to schedule? I often need to get out and replug it then start charging manually if I want to subsequently turn on room mode.

[@OtherSteve]

@@wtogami Personally I've not yet had a problem with this as I've gotten in the habit of plugging > unplugging > plugging when I wish to force charging instantly... So nothing buggy, no. Also, I use the departure schedules rather than charge start schedules, so I've not had any issues with plugging in "too late".

[@mohit4902]

For some reason android auto never works well, but iphone always works

[@OtherSteve]

@@mohit4902 it really does seem like the problems are limited to Android Auto. Specifically, I think it's when Android Auto is already connected to a Wi-Fi network, but on the fringe of the network. It's probably a setting on some of these phones or something like that, but I haven't dug deep enough to find that yet.

[@ffotograffydd]

Weird about the tyres, here in Europe the CrossClimate2 has a better rating for fuel economy than the Bridgestone tyres that come with the Rav4. I’ve also seen lots of reviews where people say they get better fuel consumption with them. Maybe the compound for the North American tyres is formulated differently?

[@jxmar_]

First XSE I see w heated rear seats but no cooled seats. Usually those come together

[@OtherSteve]

Premium Package has both... but good luck finding that. Also, no, actually, they usually don't come together. But ventilated seats are becoming more and more common... :-)

[@Andre-mi6fk]

Toyota Chief Designer and Interior designer need to examine the competition. Imagine having the reliability and practicality of a Toyota, but the design language and features of a modern Mazda. USB-A for main input? C'mon!! Seriously!

[@OtherSteve]

I actually still have never used that port, so...

[@calvinluongvan9245]

You hit the nail on the head, and that’s why I will pick Honda CRV over Toyota Rav 4. The interior designer must be drunk when he came up with the design.

[@OtherSteve]

@@calvinluongvan9245 yeah the 2024 CR-V plugin PHEV competing directly with this RAV4 Prime really is looking nice. How many miles can that go on pure EV again?

[@lisaw7633]

Totally agree. The only thing I wish Mazda would do is make SiriusXM standard like most brands. I would like the option of that. If you prefer streaming, then that good also. I like SiriusXM. Mazda wants you to buy the upper trims to get SiriusXM, which is ridiculous. Other than that, I love my Mazda. I was considering trading my Mazda for the 2024 Rav4, but in light of the wind noise and infotainment issues, no thanks

[@ffotograffydd]

There are also four USB-C ports in the car, it’s good that they are catering for everyone.

[@13Dalek]

I have on order a XSE Rav 4 I am very fussy plus I did a lot of research & test drives, only thing I can find wrong was the door water bottle holders did not hold large water bottles eg: YETI. very minor 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@sica2005]

Hi, Steve, great video! One question, or two😊, do you know what is the minimum battery level to be able to remote condition the interior? And also, what is the minimum temperature, that the car can still remote condition the interior? Thank you!

[@OtherSteve]

If I'm not mistaken, the minimum battery level is at least one EV mile. Anything below that and I don't believe it will come on at all to remote condition, as at that point it's effectively in hybrid mode permanently until charged. There is no way to start the hybrid system remotely in this vehicle; it has to be EV. As for the minimum temperature, it's probably 14° f, as that's the lowest temperature that the heat pump supposedly works

[@YZERPLAN]

hi, with or without premium package? Without premium package it’s 6k Canadian less.

[@chegekinya2454]

It's looks very clean

[@OtherSteve]

Thanks!

[@chegekinya2454]

Welcome

[@home-space]

I have a brand new 2024 top of the range RAV . But strangely you can't connect Android auto to the car, unless you connect it with a cable. Apple car play is wireless, but not android auto. Apparently that is just the way it is , as it is only advertised as being wireless with apple devices, and not android. Once connected with a cable, android auto works fine, but who wants to do that each time.

[@OtherSteve]

Something is wrong either on the phone end or the car. Check to ensure you have 5 GHz WiFi turned on on the phone as this is what Android Auto requires. If it still doesn't work, it may be a problem with your radio head unit.

[@home-space]

@@OtherSteve The dealer confirmed wired only for android auto and wireless for iPhone

[@OtherSteve]

@@home-space Pretty sure that dealer is wrong. You forget that everyone is terrible at their job in 2024.

[@OtherSteve]

Yeah, confirned, with 15 seconds of research. Your dealer is a moron.

[@nana10221]

Hi, thinking about getting a new prime. Just wondering how many miles do you actual get with full tan of gas and full charge. Thanks.

[@OtherSteve]

It depends on how you're driving. Highway, I'd say it's around 450 - 470 reported, actual is more like 550.

[@nana10221]

​@OtherSteve Hi. We will be getting an XSE within a month. Did you put any money down when signing the lease? Dealer also told me that I need to make at least 3 months of payment before buying out the car. Is it true? Thanks.

[@OtherSteve]

@@nana10221 I put down $20k, but that's because I intend to buy the vehicle outright within a couple of weeks so as to avoid all interest. I do know you need some sort of down payment. Not sure how actual lease terms work as I've never done one legitimately before. Edit: sorry, just realized this was a comment on my first review video from last year. Yes, I put down about 20,000 when I bought this vehicle also. I paid it off the same month. I actually purchased a second RAV4 Prime this past month and did the exact same thing!

[@tomtang]

Nothing is free. But still much better gas mode

[@sc2597]

Did you buy the extended warranty for it? The dealer said that everything is controlled by a computer, and it costs a lot of money to fix the electronic component. Their offered 7 yrs /100,000 mile bumper to bumper for $4k. I'm not sure if it worth it. Thanks!

[@teknightrider2586]

A person should call Jerry Johnson at Midwest Toyota Superstore ‭620-664-8844 ‬all he sells is Toyota VSA Platinum for a great value everyday. He probably may not remember me, but you could say Tony Knight mentioned him online. ha ha 😇 I went for 7 yr / 125K miles (as we will hit 125,000 miles with all the driving we do) As of 4/18/2023 ------ 2020 - 2023 RAV4 Hybrid or Prime; Within 36 mos / 36,000 miles. Toyota Extra Care, Platinum coverage with $0 deductible: 4 yr / 125K - B41 - $790 5 yr / 60K - B57 - $550 5 yr / 125K - B51 - $915 6 yr / 75K - B67 - $645 6 yr / 100K - B60 - $895 6 yr / 125K - B61 - $1140 7 yr / 75K - B77 - $715 7 yr / 100K - B70 - $1025 ---- 7 yr / 125K - B71 - $1250 ---- 8 yr / 75K - B87 - $835 8 yr / 100K - B80 - $1145 8 yr / 125K - B81 - $1505 9 yr / 100K - B90 - $1265 9 yr / 125K - B91 - $1665 10 yr / 100K - B95 - $1360 10 yr / 125K - B96 - $1795

[@enriquejamesd.martin7117]

it in your android auto… the Apple Car Play is way better than that. one click away on the screen hehe

[@OtherSteve]

Sorry about the several split second instances of video hiccups throughout guys... Not sure what caused that but I can't fix it now 😂

[@classOHeight]

I'm curious what was the buyout amount for you and what was the guaranteed price of the car after the buyout (mine was quoted at $33k)? When I ran the numbers for the prime xse w/ Prem Pkg. the car ($53k MSRP) was going to end up costing $63k total out of pocket so the $6500 "deal" didn't feel as such.

[@OtherSteve]

I paid 45.4k after tax for the car; mine is XSE but no PP. Feels like a pretty good deal!

[@MegaMijit]

i LOVE the physical buttons & nobs. I HATE how tesla has EVERYTHING on a touch screen. its unintuitive and unsafe.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

people spending money to put on those protective bras just boggles my mind. when you go to resell the car, nobody is going to nitpick those tiny imperfections. if there is major paint damage or dent, then obviously people will notice, which btw those clear bras will NOT protect you from. I feel like it's frivolous precaution.

[@OtherSteve]

I don't care about resale. I like my car to look nice

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

@OtherSteve

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

@OtherSteve So do I and those tiny rock chips don't bother me, I respect your opinion. But you posted this video for public view so here I am. Personally don't think it's worth the effort or cost. Just my $0.02

[@OtherSteve]

​@@ChristianC-gy1ymNeither is a RAV4 Prime for 95% of people who choose to buy one. Fortunately for all of us, we get to decide what goods and services warrant exchange of our personally-owned currency. That's what makes life fun.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

@@OtherSteve I love the Rav4 Prime good choice on that, I think that's how i found this video in the first place.

[@michaelvaughan3929]

Is there a Lexus version?

[@jxmar_]

That is the NX 450H+

[@carlosedgarcruzcorrea1615]

I get it. You’re a tech consultant lol

[@samnangheng7702]

How do you pay 44.3k plus tax for this car?

[@OtherSteve]

You have to take advantage of the lease cash offer, which is currently $6,500. Lease the car, then pay it off in the first month in full. If you do this, you'll save 5,000 something dollars on the vehicle total.

[@PatrickNdatabaje]

Hi tech guy, blur your password 😅

[@darryltaylor6910]

This is my “sensible” choice for a new car. I would be less hesitant if it weren’t so damn BORING! Do I wanna be another dude with a RAV4 in the streets?

[@jml9550]

G63 all day every day over this?

[@stephenfiore9960]

1x(2/5/24)…..10:00……16:00….

[@erik6554]

one thing that i wold be ashamed driving rav4 indicatores wrong side of headlights

[@sailboatlighthouse]

57 minutes that can be done in 15, dude i don't care about your shoes

[@francis3405]

I have the cross climate 2 on an Elantra. Considering getting Winter tires or another Cross Climate for the Rav4 Prime. I live in Vancouver, Canada. Doesn't snow here much but I do like going up the mountain for snowboarding. Any further input regarding what I just mentioned? Would love to hear it. Thanks in advance.

[@OtherSteve]

I'm really enjoying the CC2s overall, though definitely is range penalty of some sort. I want to say it's probably 10 to 15%. But it's really hard to tell because it's been so freaking cold here recently, lol. Once we get to springtime and more moderate temperatures it'll be an easier thing to evaluate I think. I'm getting somewhere around 35 miles per charge at the moment. That's not terrible considering it's winter, though I have head some days where it's been less.

[@enriquejamesd.martin7117]

I got the same experience with just peach black but I guess it will say to touch the screen to actually turn on the display. Btw, I got the 23 Rav4 Limited and the multimedia system is super the same

[@T0xiczombies]

Best video on this vehicle that I’ve seen! Thanks!

[@evolution368]

Hi, How do you connect your phone. Got the same car and phone as you.