Q&A: Rav4 Prime Edition! Here's everything you all want to know!

[@TEQLC]

30K!!! We will never see days like that ever again. Great information as always. ;)

[@joshjamescars]

Right!? Such a shame. Thanks as always for watching!!!

[@markedwards1425]

very detailed information. you are very good at doing reviews. thanks for your work.

[@howardparker6342]

Fully endorse your comments on the RAV phev. We have the Design spec here in the uk which I think is similar to your car. The difference in cost hybrid to phev for us was a no brainer on the pcp we were offered. The car genuinely ticks all the boxes and all our local miles are EV. Running as a hybrid it is commendably economical for a relatively big car. Absolutely no buyers remorse. Anyone thinking or tempted go to your local Toyota dealer and have a test drive. Previously we had a Honda crv hybrid. That was good but the RAV so much better in lots of ways. Thank you for the channel- always interesting 😁

[@joshjamescars]

Yes!! Could not agree more with everything you say here! I think you all get more incentives in the UK than we do here, so that helps, but otherwise I completely agree!

[@vkready]

For a dad who wants to buy a used one of these in a few years, thoughtful pros and cons, very informative. That 10k price difference is really going to require some thinking, especially for a student driver.

[@joshjamescars]

I think buying used is the way to go with the Prime since new prices have shot up so much since it came out. That said, forgive me if I misread your comment, but if you’re buying a car for your kid, I’d take the same money and buy a new regular hybrid. The Prime is added complexity and future expense that I don’t think a new driver should need to worry about. And instead they could have a brand new Rav hybrid.

[@vkready]

@@joshjamescarsthat is exactly what I was thinking! Simple is better, especially in that age/experience bracket❤ fyi my own car is a 2022 gx460, your thoughts on that vehicle are spot on (after dealing with a 2011 Pilot and its VCM out of warranty BS)

[@Icayn]

@@vkreadyPrimes are also dangerously fast, they can seduce a you into piling on the speed but the car is quickly overwhelmed by its own capabilities and a young driver can get himself into trouble real fast with the prime. It’s over powered.

[@joshjamescars]

@Icayn That’s a really good point, I didn’t even think about that for a teen driver. I would have abused that at that age-heck, I still do. 😂😅

[@davidglad]

Unless the state or territory gives you incentives to buy a plugin, I would think a normal hybrid is better. PS Although a student driver scenario, as somebody else mentioned, maybe something on the weaker acceleration is better. I passed on taking my dad's 07 Accord that was 6 cylinders back in the day because the acceleration made it seem easy to get speeding tickets, although a "boring" 4 cylinder 06 Camry I use in the meantime also gets the benefit of some solid mileage of just over 34 for how I actually use it along with a low cost to insure.

[@santarosa6676]

Just traded out my 2008 Lexus RX400h for a brand new RAV4 XSE Prime. I love it! Still lots to learn about details! Love the horsepower.

[@joshjamescars]

Congratulations!!! It’s a great car and I hope it brings you many years of great driving!

[@FatalAnimal]

I had no idea that electric cars can be so affordable to lease right now. I always felt leasing cars was kind of a waste of money. An electric car leased with these low monthly payment can actually make sense for some drivers. Excellent information as always Josh - ty =)

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! I feel exactly the same way about leasing (it’s a waste of money) when your lease is like $500/month but at $150-200/month I would definitely consider it especially so that the EV isn’t my problem to deal with in the long term, LOL!

[@handofkindness]

In depth explained it's the first video that has explained everything.

[@joshjamescars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@btrew2u]

Excellent learning for me all ‘round. Thx for explaining the necessary considerations for determining efficiency too.

[@joshjamescars]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!

[@notsodelusional]

We paid a lot for our XSE PP. Yes, I know - I'm an idiot, but one who loves his Prime. 3500 miles so far, 12.2 gallons of fuel. Objectively, the hybrid is a better choice, but we have no regrets!

[@joshjamescars]

It’s a great car! If you love it, then it’s worth it to you and that’s all that matters! :) However, depending on how long you’ve had it, do be sure you’re running your engine regularly. If you’ve only used 12.2 gallons of gas you haven’t emptied your tank once and fuel going stale is a real (and real problematic) thing in these cars and can happen in as little as 3 months on regular ethanol gas. If you don’t intend to run the engine that often, I’d recommend doing what I do and using ethanol free gas which can sit for up to 6 months.

[@jimblesunown8944]

Thanks for this video. Cureently on an '06 Highlander Hybrid Limited with 220k miles. Been eyeing at the rav4 prime and even the hybrid. Intially considered getting another highlander or go honda and get a passport/pilot. The issue comes down to MPG. I live in the DMV area and find myself driving to and from work 50 miles. Sometimes, i get called out 40+ miles away from home. Already spending 30-40 USD refulling from ¼-½ tank, now im considering the rav4, heard there as big as my old highlander, but also gas mileage. The 10k difference for me all comes down to fuel range. Also whether i even wait around for prices to come down (might as well be finding hens teeth) or get a used model with less than 40k miles

[@joshjamescars]

I think you could do either, though the hybrid would be a good buy since it sounds like you’ll be frequently driving further than the EV range of the Prime, and the Prime is less efficient when driving as a hybrid because of the additional battery weight.

[@mr88cet]

10:41 - Before COVID, and I was still commuting to work every day in my 2017 Prius Prime, I would charge at home, drive to work, charge at work, drive home, pretty much every day. So, I pretty much never used any gas. To keep the gas from going stale, I would fill up a quarter tank once a month.

[@joshjamescars]

I don’t recommend doing that. By constantly keeping your tank empty-ish, you risk condensation buildup which can cause its own problems. To combat that, I use ethanol free gas.

[@jollymontube]

all helpful info: thank you

[@Hawk-qn2zk]

Very comprehensive review and detail. My current situation of having to rent an apt my new Hybrid XLE Premium, which doesn't use any plug-in is the winner. However, once I can settle into another home the it may be Prime time.

[@joshjamescars]

Honestly the Prime is so expensive that I think you got a much better value with your hybrid. The Prime is great, but the price pushes it beyond what I think the car is worth.

[@reaality3860]

Well done, young man!

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you!

[@tarpatel]

Great video, looking to buy a rav4 hybrid, I will seriously consider this prime now

[@joshjamescars]

The Prime is great-it’s just incredibly expensive for what it is. The standard hybrid is great, and a much better value. We bought ours when there was $10K of incentives on the hood. Those don’t exist anymore so you end up paying full price for the Prime.

[@trint.351]

Thanks for the great review, I have the Nx plug-in (same engine) and loving it !

[@joshjamescars]

Great choice!!

[@supermodestmouse]

i just did 100 miles round trip yesterday....75 mpg estimate according to the car. i've had it for a little over 2 months. i've only had to fill the tank twice now.

[@joshjamescars]

Fantastic! It’s an amazing car!

[@yzlrelax1]

Thanks, you have answered pretty much all the questions I have with this vehicle.

[@joshjamescars]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@johnrichards3666]

I had a lot of questions about this very subject. You answered them all.

[@joshjamescars]

Glad I was able to help! Hit up the email if you have any further questions!

[@isaluc74]

Amazing informative video :)

[@AM1381.5]

Great explanation, thank you! A few more questions: 1. When does the Hybrid battery needs to be changed on the RAV4 prime? And how much is the battery? 2. You mentioned that you would run the car on the gas once a week because you don't want to keep the gas in the tank for a long time. If that is the only reason, could I just use about 5 liters of gas each week by going on the gas mode? Or I need to use more gas each week? I mean, can I just put a little gas in the tank and only use that each week? 3. What make/model of Level 2 or 3 chargers do you suggest to purchase. I live in the Canadian cold and I would like to get a charger which operates with zero issue in -40 Celsius (equal to -40 Fahrenheit). Do you have a suggestion?

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! See below: 1. In the US, these cars have a warranty on the battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Not sure what it is in Canada, but you won’t need to worry about battery replacement or cost for at least 10 years and at that point, the battery for it will likely be way, way cheaper than it is now. 2. You don’t want to leave your tank mostly empty because condensation can build up in there especially with extreme temperature swings, so I don’t recommend only putting a few gallons/liters in at a time. 3. I actually don’t recommend buying a Level 2 charger since it charges just fine on a standard household outlet (and the Rav4 Prime is incapable of charging on a Level 3 DC fast charger anyway). Also, at -40C/F, you’ll want to charge indoors (in a garage) if you can and the car will probably actually kick on the gas engine to provide heating. PHEVs and EVs don’t generally do well in extreme cold like that.

[@AM1381.5]

Thank you for the great comments! Yes the RAV4 prime operation in Canadian cold climate is not as efficient as somewhere like Texas. Here we usually get around 35 miles in the extreme cold (about 6 months of the year). This range still works for our family since our daily commute range is about 30 miles. We currently have a Regular 2023 RAV4 Hybrid XLE trim. But we have registered for a prime and it is supposed to arrive in a few months. We are kind of excited for that but we feel we need to know more about it. And also we are not intending to keep the other RAV4 after receiving the Prime since one car works fine for our family. Please let me know if you have any thoughts. Your videos are informative and we appreciate watching them.

[@joshjamescars]

@AM1381.5 Congratulations!!! I know (or have heard) how hard it is to get a Prime in Canada so it sounds like you’re about to hit the jackpot! Also, with how hard it is to get a regular Rav hybrid, I’m sure you’ll get a good amount for your trade, too. I don’t think there’s too much else to know about it, but my advice to you is to start doing your homework now on the incentives that might be available to you. I think in Canada you still get a government subsidy and then certain provinces offer even more on top of that. With the now-sky-high cost of the Prime, you definitely want to get every last dollar back you can.

[@michelebrennan6625]

Great Review … Thank you 👌

[@nahoumabara3712]

YESSS JOSH THIS IS WHAT I WANTED!

[@joshjamescars]

Haha! I hope you enjoyed!

[@mr88cet]

13:15 - I think that, for most people, a plug-in hybrid is worth it, compared to a regular hybrid, if you can and do plug in at home and/or work routinely, every day. If you burn a significant amount of gas anyway because you can’t plug in regularly, then just get a regular hybrid. The extra battery cost just doesn’t do you any real good. However, this also assumes that your cost per mile on electric is considerably lower than cost per mile on gasoline. In my particular area, that is very much true: It’s about 60% cheaper! However, that’s not the case for everybody.

[@joshjamescars]

Yep! Spot on.

[@mr88cet]

@@joshjamescars, as you so-correctly alluded in your video though, driving on electric isn’t just about saving gas money. EV Mode also responds to accelerator more quickly, and it’s just generally a more-precise driving experience. Not polluting your neighborhood. Quieter too!

[@juanfersan]

i was quoted $57K last year!!! ended up with the crv hybrid at msrp

[@joshjamescars]

Yep… prices vary so widely and generally on the very high side. And great choice with the CR-V hybrid! That’s my favorite hybrid in the class.

[@bye130]

My Rav4 Prime out the door was 62k thankfully employer pays for charging

[@mr88cet]

7:40 - Worth adding that there’s a handful of other, comparatively rare, circumstances when you will not be able to keep it in EV Mode. The most common is above 84MPH (or at least that’s the number for my Prius Prime). Also, below certain outdoor temperatures (I don’t think there’s a single, fixed threshold, but it’s pretty low, in short). There’s a handful of other obscure scenarios where the engine will fire up in EV Mode, but these are very rare.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, you are correct about the 85mph number, and other edge cases.

[@mr88cet]

@@joshjamescars, actually, now that I think about it, probably the most common case where the engine will run in EV Mode (at least based upon our 2017 Prius Prime) is when you’re already in Hybrid mode and switch it _back_ to EV: It doesn’t always _immediately_ turn off the engine: at higher speeds, sometimes it keeps the engine running a little longer before it turns it off.

[@TheCarboy1]

Really enjoy your videos, informative and non biased. Keep up the good work! I'm actually looking for a new vehicle to replace my 15 year old LX570. FWIW my kid is headed off to college next year, so will be just wife and I, plus a dog. Car will be my daily driver, plus the occasional 3-4 road trips per year. I drive about 300 miles/week during weekday for work (85% highway, 70 miles round trip) and on weekends ~60 miles/week, all city. Which one would you recommend? Rav4P, RavH, HiHy Limited (would have to be 2021 MY since I need 2nd row bench seat for the dog, and the new HiHy Limited only come with 2nd row captain chairs, which is a deal breaker for me), or even the upcoming Crown Signia? I thought about the GHH as well, but it's quite large and currently on stop sale. Choices....

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Since I’m guessing money isn’t an issue ;) I think you’d really like the Rav4 Prime. But you might also check out the NX450h+ and RX450h+. I think those are the best three hybrids Toyota makes. But I also hope you decide to keep the LX570 as well!!! Don’t ever get rid of that. :)

[@thinker2328]

Awesome video! Thnx!

[@mr88cet]

We’re kicking around getting a RAV4 Prime, along with our current Prius Prime, after our 2009 regular Prius died. It looks like the RAV4 Prime (not surprisingly) does get considerably lower fuel economy than our Prius Prime, just in case any of you are deciding between the two Primes. I’ve been seeing close to 55MPG on gas, and about 4.3 miles per KWh on electric. That’s much higher than the 35MPG and 2.8 miles per KWh you mentioned here, but of course the Prius Prime is a smaller (or at least not as tall), and less-peppy, car.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, the Rav is quite a bit heavier and keep in mind that the Rav was designed to have an equal emphasis on efficiency and sporting driving, hence SE and XSE being the only grades offered (no LE, XLE, Limited, etc.). So you’re right that fuel and electric economy are lower but that’s by design. Toyota has the Prius Prime which is for people who only care about efficiency. That might be what you want to stick with since, per your 5 comments, you seem most concerned about getting the most mileage for your money.

[@mr88cet]

@@joshjamescars, my wife wants a CUV, so the RAV is probably a good bet for “our next move” so to speak. So, thanks for the great 1st-hand impressions. Good to hear them from an Austinite perspective too!

[@mr88cet]

@@joshjamescars, how big is the RAV4 Prime’s gas tank?

[@joshjamescars]

@mr88cet I believe ours is 14.5 gallons with about 3 of them being reserve.

[@RIKRRT]

Which toyota dealership would you recommend in the Austin area for purchasing a Rav4 Prime?

[@lindamargiloff]

I do not drive daily and when I do usually less than 20 miles. I don't think a Hybrid or PHEV would be good for me since I was told that low mileage driving would affect the battery life and function.. Also, can you leave a PHEV like the RAV4prime undriven for a few months at time?

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, you’re right, in your case I would definitely not spend the money on either. Frankly if you drive so infrequently I’d buy the cheapest (but good) used car I could find. Or rent one only when you need a car.

[@chuckwalla2967]

It's not worth the extra cost for me, unless one can be picked up below MSRP.

[@Segu88]

Do you think it’s worth getting the prime by buying out the lease? Toyota is offering I think 6k in rebate for lease offers only. The salesperson at my Toyota mentioned that a lot of people have been buying the prime that way. Not sure if I should do that or just wait for the updated rav4 body to come out at this point since it’ll be up for a refresh very soon.

[@joshjamescars]

Hello again! I think the same question applies: is 45 miles of EV range worth the $5,000 premium. Also, be aware that when you buy out a lease, you become the vehicle’s second owner on its paperwork (the leaseholder is the first). Not a huge deal but if and when you go to sell it, it’ll show “2 previous owners”

[@Segu88]

@@joshjamescars that’s good to know! Thank you!

[@beepingbeep]

it would be cool if they put this powertrain in the camry, would be a nice replacement of the old v6

[@joshjamescars]

Yes!! Most definitely. I think that’s one downside to the Camry being an extensive refresh of the old one is I’m not sure if it could accommodate a PHEV drivetrain. Had they gone for a clean sheet redesign it could have in theory also adopt the Prius Prime’s PHEV system too. My gut tells me the Crown Signia PHEV will come over from Japan in the near future.

[@ms5793]

Have 2012 Bmwx3 100,000 miles , no issues. Looking at used demo rav4 prime, struggling with decision.

[@joshjamescars]

It’s a great car if you can get it for a reasonable price and you have a place where you can plug it in every night. But it’s not a luxury car, so do be aware of that. If you want the more premium (though still not entirely luxury) version, that’s the NX450h+.

[@ms5793]

Thks, appreciate your response. Great videos.

[@s.p_a_r.k]

I wish mileage (total) for EV’s and Hybrids could have been tracked as a split number (i.e. EV/HV miles and ICE miles) Just my opinion I guess, but it would’ve been useful for me to know how many miles I put on the engine since my last oil change.

[@joshjamescars]

I could not agree more with you on this!

[@trtcttcgo]

Quick question on the charger. You've shown your charger previously with the cap removed as you plug it into a wall stand. I have a similar stand, but if I completely remove the charger cap by pulling the cable out, can it be reinstalled? Thinking for when I need to travel, and would want the cap on the charger itself.

[@joshjamescars]

I’m not sure, to be honest. The cap on ours got tangled and snagged and got pulled out by accident a while back. That said, I never travel with the charger, but if you do, I wouldn’t try to remove it.

[@mr88cet]

Am I assuming correctly that the RAV4 Prime, like the Prius Prime, has a sprague clutch on the engine, providing something to torque against, so that MG1 can also provide drive force?

[@joshjamescars]

I might be wrong but I do not believe that’s the case with the Rav. I also think the one way clutch may have just been for the previous gen Prius Prime as I haven’t heard it mentioned in regard to the 23+ Gen 5 Prius. That Prius needed the one way clutch because it needed to make more power with much smaller motor generators and a much smaller engine (the last gen was dog slow, even in hybrid mode). In the Rav, you have the 2.5L A25A I4 engine and a much more powerful MG2, PLUS MGR (on the rear axel for AWD) which provide enough power for the vehicle to run without needing any further assistance. As a result, a key difference between the Rav and Prius Primes is that when you’ve selected EV mode, in the Prius if you floor it, the gas engine may come on even if the car is in EV mode. In the Rav, it stays in EV mode because MG2 and MGR are powerful enough to move the vehicle.

[@anonymoususer5541]

What is the hybrid battery replacement cost (battery + labor) for RAV4 Prime?

[@joshjamescars]

You’d have to get quotes from a dealer on that. The circumstance where you’d need to do so is incredibly rare, though. And if the battery were to fail within 10 years, it would be covered by Toyota’s 10 year/150,000 mile hybrid system warranty.

[@immanuelingari4336]

Can u advise in getting a phev if u dont have a charging spot at home and mostly rely on public charging stations including places of work?

[@joshjamescars]

I would definitely not buy it in that case. You often end up paying a ton more to charge in public than you would at home so that’s going to negate any cost savings you’d see on gas. IMO with PHEVs, the only way to make them work for you is to have them charge at home overnight because that’s when electric rates are cheapest and so you’re getting the most charge for the least money.

[@ivankorth4458]

When will you do a review on the Infiniti QX 80 , fyi I love my 23 GX 460 but want a bigger Japan SUV

[@joshjamescars]

Hoping to get one in the next month or two!

[@rickslife]

Great vehicle but try to find one. Any ideas? Most Toyota stores in the Chicago area have little to no inventory.

[@joshjamescars]

Come to Texas they’re readily available on the lots with no markup.

[@rickslife]

@@joshjamescars that’s interesting. Might fly down. Up here dealers are charging up to 10k over sticker. Wonder why inventory is so sparse up here.

[@joshjamescars]

@rickslife Probably more demand up there and we are Toyota’s home market and a huge market in general so we always seem to be able to get cars. Land Cruisers have also been available on the lots without waiting since day one too. Our dealer is Toyota of Cedar Park in Austin and they usually have a few Primes sitting around. Their inventory online will tell you what’s available and what’s pre sold.

[@rickslife]

@@joshjamescarsvery helpful. Thanks for the info!

[@lindashrewsbury297]

Have you heard about the new rx 350 engine, is it the 2GR Engine?

[@joshjamescars]

No it is not. The RX uses three different engines: 350 gas model uses the T24A turbo I4 350h standard hybrid uses the A25A I4 with the basic (self-charging) hybrid system 450h+ uses the A25A I4 with the PHEV system (same drivetrain that’s in the RAV4 Prime) 500h uses the T24A turbo I4 with the performance hybrid system

[@dianegroman3137]

I have a 2002 Highlander that I LOVE. However I am now a 70 yr old widow, and really need a newer car that is a hybrid. My concerns with a newer Toyota or Lexus is: SIZE, Cabin noise, and pick me up when I need the power. I can not for the life of me decide which model I should choose! love the size of my car- which is similar to the RAV now. But I drove 2022 RAV and cabin noise was very noticible. I can not stand a doggy vehicle (PTSD from trying to get on LA freeways LOL) I am looking at RX350h, but thats pretty big, Rav4 was noisy. Can anyone help me decide?? Save me!

[@joshjamescars]

Sadly Toyota doesn’t really make anything that I think you’ll love anymore. Your Highlander comes from a time when a reasonably affordable car was high quality. Today, quality is more than not gone from most cars. You can check out the NX350h or NX350 turbo. I would not buy the RX350h. You want to talk about slow, that is slow. The RX350 turbo is also better but I don’t love the way it drives.

[@reaality3860]

EPA standards must now be legislated. This means we may see V8 engines back soon.

[@joshjamescars]

I doubt we will from Toyota, because their strategy is to use the same engines all across the globe and so even if the US were to relax regulation, that doesn’t mean much for these automakers who want to make as few products and parts (engines being parts) for global portfolios.

[@jeffmmar]

I'm in California and I pay $0.38 per kWh at home. So $6.84 (if that math is right) for one charge of 40ish miles of range? Gas is $4.50 a gallon for around the same range of driving.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, in California your electricity is ASTRONOMICALLY expensive and that’s what a lot of EV owners are finding out that charging may not necessarily save you money, though it does absolutely still cut down your carbon footprint.

[@solsteriton]

I’m also in CA, and I often charge at work for free or public chargers at 20 cents / kwh (< $ 2.5 for 45 miles of range). Yes, charging at home is atrocious because the utilities are incompetent and corrupt, but there are alternatives to home charging too

[@janeburns5294]

The prime has a $6500 rebate right now so go for the prime

[@joshjamescars]

Only on leases and you have to understand the downsides of that-you have to buy it out immediately and ideally in cash to actually see any of the $6,500 and when you buy out a lease you become the second owner of the vehicle.

[@wonderboy1998]

Dang late as hell, but here I go... Rav4 Prime...is hella expensive and hard to find, but their interior is lacking compared to Honda/Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai (same category) Rav4 is a hybrid car with a EV option, folks should not treat this car as an Ioniq or Tesla. Chyleee he done give us a lecture how Rav4 works...the others (my faves) car reviewers they never went in full detail(well they only spend a week with the car). 🗣 TOYOTA PEOPLE TOYOTA PEOPLE and others too ...Can yall send him the 2025 Rav4 prime and other car brands too so he can review and do a good nasty piece of comparison .

[@joshjamescars]

YEP!! Completely agree with you on expensive and still hard to find. I’m a huge fan of the Outlander PHEV because of the interior. Would love to get my hands on one of those! ;) Cheers and thanks as always for watching!!!

[@Alan-z7i6t]

Is the ride smooth. Any honest answer will be appreciated

[@joshjamescars]

Depends how you define smooth. I think it’s pretty smooth, and the giant heavy battery helps it to feel more planted. It’s also very smooth in EV mode but feels different when you drive it in hybrid mode. And do keep in mind that it’s still an econo-box at the end of the day, so by comparison, my V8 Lexus GX460 is going to be A LOT smoother, I’d recommend you test drive one and see for yourself.