2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Review - Is It Reliable? (ft.

[@TheCarCareNut]

It was really nice to see you again Zach. Thank you for visiting the shop. Hope to see you again soon.

[@rightlanehog3151]

😁

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Cool collaboration with the Care Care Nut and Zack!👍🏻👍🏻

[@joey86bu1]

Loved seeing ya on here, love your channel!

[@Jantonvid]

Great work brother glad we could help.

[@Joyos77]

Not the collab I was expecting but what an awesome surprise! I love the #TheCarCareNut!

[@rightlanehog3151]

🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@linhunnicutt6556]

The car care nut channels are some of my most favorite KZbin channels. He is so thorough in his reviews, but he speaks in a language that the average car guy or not average car guy or girl can understand. I can only imagine how busy he stays because he's that good.

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏

[@laura-ann.0726]

I've owned a 2023 Rav4 Prime SE since July 2023 - about 13 months now, and it has 15,050 miles on it as of this morning. I can state that the biggest influence on fuel economy is speed: as pointed out in the video, this isn't a sedan, and despite the best efforts of Toyota's engineers to get the best fuel economy possible, the fact is that CSUV's have terrible aerodynamics. This is a huge box on wheels, and only the Sienna and the Highlander have a higher drag coefficient among Toyota's Hybrid models. Here's the fuel economy numbers I'm getting, based on several real-world road trips of 500 to 600 miles: at 35~45 mph, running errands around town in Hybrid mode, the Rav4 Prime is capable of about 50 mpg, if you adopt a "gentle on the gas pedal" driving style of driving, to get maximum benefit from the regen braking system. At 55 mph on the freeway, in flat terrain, I get 45 mpg. At 65 mph, the fuel economy drops to about 38 mpg, at 75 mpg, it drops a lot, to only 31 mpg. Driving in EV mode: the traction battery holds about 14.5kW-hr of "useable" charge. On city streets, flat terrain, averaging 38 mph, the car can squeeze out around 56 miles from the battery. That's 3.8 miles per kW-hr. If your home electric service costs 12¢/kW-hr for overnight EV charging, you will use about 15.5 kW-hr to do a full recharge, costing $1.86. So to run a Rav4 Prime in EV mode for doing errands around town, you are looking at about 3.32¢/mile - compare to 10¢/mile to put $4.00/gallon gasoline in a Rav4 Hybrid. So the Prime is a great car for errand-running, for sure. BUT, realistically, it costs $12,000 more than the Rav4 Hybrid, so don't expect that your Prime will save you $12,000 worth of gasoline in the life of the car, because that's very unlikely, unless gasoline were suddenly to become $12/gallon or more. If you live somewhere that home electricity service is expensive, like in Hawaii, or those parts of California served by PG&E (38¢/kW-hr), then it makes almost no sense to buy a Rav4 Prime or any other plug-in hybrid. Would I buy a Rav4 Prime again? Absolutely yes! It's the best car I've ever owned for versatility and pure driving enjoyment. And it's ability to do a long road trip on gasoline, and also do errand running around town on cheap electricity, makes it far more versatile than any pure EV. All of the horrible things you hear about DC fast charging for EV's: long lines at charging stations, chargers often broken or malfunctioning in various ways - none of that applies to the Rav4 Prime because it doesn't even support DC charging. It uses 120 volt, 208 volt, or 240 volt AC charging, which you can do at home, and you are doing your long road trips on gasoline, like any other Hybrid or conventional car. When you take a road trip in a Rav4 Hybrid or Prime, "range anxiety" is a non-issue: you never have to worry "will I be able to find chargers along the way? Will there be a charger available at my destination?". Do you enjoy car camping at remote locations? The Rav4 Prime is ideal for car camping, or at least a far better choice than any EV; the gas tank has 550 miles of range in it, which is more than enough to get to any campground in America, no matter how remote it is. Well, maybe not in Alaska, but certainly anywhere in the rest of the US.

[@kiraleaf]

When he says they're 'relaxed', he's referring to how Toyotas are over-engineered. They're usually designed to take a lot more stress than their operating range and so also end up being good engines for tuning and adding power. I've always felt that Mitsubishis were under-engineered 'out of the box' because despite their racecar pedigree, everyone would break them because they were a little fragile and those badass EVOs on TV had complete suspension upgrades..

[@bwofficial1776]

Toyota's hybrids are the best in the business. Unfortunately, their production capacity and dealer network isn't. At over a year's wait and a hefty markup on top of $50k, the RAV4 Prime's value isn't great compared to what you could get for the same or less money.

[@Aniki1111]

I'm a big fan of both channels. I didn't know you guys know each other. It was awesome to see this.

[@polarbear4612]

Wait, you got a plug in hybrid to test but didn’t plug it in. 🤔 I feel like you missed something important.

[@laptech3767]

I cant wait to see this on the next cx-50! the toyota phev on the chinese cx50 is doing a good job

[@mr.c493]

The 3rd gen RAV4 was available with the 3.5 V6 and that was a very quick car. We had a 2006 and it was very quick!!

[@GamingWithURO]

One of the big benefits of a PHEV is actually plugging it in as often as possible. I had a Plug in Prius for a few years and plugged in as much as possible and had several tankfuls last well over 2,000 miles. Mind you the gas tank was just over 9 gallons 😂.

[@kiraleaf]

Very interesting to hear about the battery temperature management system. Toyota is really all about long-lasting parts and putting miles on those cars!

[@toyotaprius79]

Toyota is holding back these PRIMES for too long for too stupid of excuses.

[@howardparker6342]

Massive fan of CCN channel. I have the uk version of the RAV4 plug in hybrid, and it is genuinely awesome. Gas mileage for a bulky vehicle is seriously impressive - particularly when driving it in Auto Hybrid mode. EV range is extremely useable and depending on driving style and hills etc a range in excess of 40miles is possible. Usual caveats here, the faster you go the quicker range will deplete. All our local driving is EV, I don’t use a drop of fuel. When driving hybrid it’s important to not do very short trips-get that engine properly warm, and as CCN would say never ever neglect the oil change. CCN channel very good for Toyota and Lexus owners. Thanks for the review.

[@alpaljl]

I'm not a huge RAV guy, but this video was great!!!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Zack, Are you going to have Ahmed on the channel every Friday from now on? 😉On the subject of quicker RAV4s, have you ever driven the RAV4 V6? 🤩🤩

[@phillyspitta8147]

Looking for one now actually all of em have too many miles for me

[@James-mw6se]

Nice car look great U hope you have a great weekend take care

[@linhunnicutt6556]

I think my only gripe with the RAV4 prime is the price. I just cannot fathom Peggy well over $50,000 for a RAV4. I know that it's reliable, I know that it's extremely quick but I also know that it's extremely expensive with that system. It's a shame that they can't make it less expensive And still keep the reliability and power that it has.

[@bwofficial1776]

Add to that the yearlong waitlist and dealer markups, the value isn't there. Toyota's hybrids are great but the RAV4 isn't at that price.

[@verynick]

Yup, $50k is a lot for a Toyota. I think at the end of the day, is it worth it for YOU?

[@techniguy]

Thank you for making this video, I've been thinking of getting a Rav4 Prime for some time but this helps with potentially buying one

[@kiraleaf]

Good to see the top trim RAV4 .. the Prime XSE can really move when you step on it, thanks to that hybrid powertrain and traction control system that attempts to keep all four wheels locked to the ground. The price point factors in the ridiculousness of the vehicle's capability, you already had Toyota's guarantee from the start. The technology partnership with Subaru continues to print out high-quality, reliable powertrain systems that stand out in their fields. ..Not that you'd drive a Crosstrek or RAV4 out in a field, that's boring and counterintuitive.

[@tlprincipe]

At this price no fold ion mirrors, no lock at tailgate, confusing infotainment otherwise i am happy with it

[@PremierAutoMan86]

I remember when a RAV4 was sub $30k, and now it's priced as a luxury car.

[@AlexC981]

Unfortunately not. It's priced as a luxury car was back in the day, but today a luxury car is over 65k and much more. So yeah it's still a lot of money but everything got more expensive, not just the mainstream stuff.

[@9ZERO6]

Even though all batteries have a finite lifespan, Toyota backs the batteries up with a 10 year 150K warranty on parts and labor. Good piece of mind.

[@toyotaprius79]

Batteries are not the problem, they're even serviceable with voltage balancing. The burgeoning problem with these Toyotas overtime are the ABS and ECU communications.

[@samt6788]

Love this collab!

[@jdrules23]

Key to getting the rav4 prime is finding one below msrp which is essily possible. Then, lease it to get 6.5k credit and buy it out from toyota bank within the first month.

[@djaztec97]

Is that what you did?

[@stupid8911]

Great collaboration. Speaking only for me, I'll take boring and lasts a while over anything. Batteries (in almost everything) need not be charged at every moment; turn off things you don't need on all the time. Take your cordless off the cradles during the day, turn off your wireless mouse and keyboard when the computer's off, and eat your vegetables, darn it! Okay, Grandma's out, peace ✌🏼😂😂😁😁

[@SuperHoldenC]

Woah car care nut! Both you guys are awesome 🤙

[@ryshask]

"is it reliable"? wtf?

[@yardboy3955]

Thanks, good review, You and Car Care Nut gave us good helpful information.

[@bobprice6274]

I love the RV-4 styling, the imported the cool factor of the new Prius into the front end. And if you love technology this is it, a large display is available, makes maps much nicer. The digital rear view mirror is a lifesaver for older drivers, makes it better to drive at night, improves back visibility. It is easy to get in and out. It is great for bringing home large purchases. It has 4 stretch cable tie down connectors in the back. Those keep ported things from moving around. Also a spare tire, rare these days. The ambient lighting is a great to keep things you need at night like night driving glasses. The 360 top view is great for parking in tight spots. This is a larger vehicle,and that display is a great tool to park combined with the digital proximity sensors. Great gas mileage, reliability. I did lots of research before landing on the RAV4 as my next car. Plus it pulls 3000 pounds. I did not know the 360 camera simulates underneath the car, you are the first reviewer that has mentioned it. Also did not know you could say go to the grocery store on all electric. How cool is that?

[@shawnbl2048]

Nice vehicle but im worried about the battery replacement as i drive about 55k a year. So i will blow my warranty period pretty quick

[@stacy695]

Do all the buttons for the dimmer, heating steering wheel etc...light up a night?

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

My wife's soon going to be in the market for a new SUV & I'll suggest this to her.

[@djaztec97]

I took this video more serious when you got another perspective for this car so it's not bias.

[@Unsalted375]

It's a toyota, of course it's reliable those things last forever *in scotty kilmers voice*

[@davidp2888]

A $51,000 RAV-4. That's crazy.

[@kimochi33]

It's the unicorn price. 3 year waitlist, can't even get one even at $51k

[@verynick]

I got mine, 2024 Prime SE with $3.5k options, for $48k out the door. I regret nothing lol true you might get a better equip car but I don’t car

[@allenwinston9225]

I love the car. but the payback over ice is 6 years. I put my name on the list with a local dealer.

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

Mr. Care Care Nut is legendary. Thank you sir!

[@dave11686]

I like these but the 50k MSRP is a bit much

[@tleoipl37]

57 notifications on the phone tho😮

[@SquidKnight]

Where did you get that shooting cars shirt?

[@Dankcatvacs]

51 thou 😮

[@stevedolan5065]

Very nice review!

[@diydrivenGA]

Just saw the Lucid Air is 69k. That this car is getting that close to a luxury EV is mind boggling. Better to get a CX5 GT for low 30's new and used for mid 20's.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Love this collab

[@mysteryberto]

In a word, yes.

[@ceetwyce335]

I fucks with The Car Care Nut. He's like a long-winded Scotty Kilmer.

[@ambivertical]

Cant compare em imo. Different beasts