The Plug-In You've Been Waiting For | 2021 RAV4 Prime Review Part 1

[@AbzAden]

It’s the level of detail that always makes me come back to this channel appreciate the content

[@JasonMacKenzie]

I know! It just blows me away every time

[@andpan3478]

the level of details " I am not suppose to tell you now this " :))))

[@normt5463]

Detail is always good. But is he excited as a hybrid owner for the Prime?

[@shadowdance4666]

Don’t get fooled by the MPGe. The real world gas mileage will be 45 MPG maximum with regenerative braking on maximum in optimum conditions. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong especially to anything near double

[@willielarsson9651]

If this car us released on the UK in the next few months it will definitely be a contender for my next company car. Its fast, AWD and mega low BIK tax, what's there not to like

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Battery: We edited this out for brevity, but the battery *IS* liquid cooled. Cargo: the load floor in the Prime lacks the lower position found in the non-Prime (which I don't use because I have a full-size spare). The difference is about 2" in vertical cargo area. Ride height note: We think the ride height is 8.0 inches but we're waiting on confirmation. It seems to be a hair lower than the hybrid's 8.1.

[@ericmucha8950]

So, will Prime fit full size spare tire?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

@@ericmucha8950 No, only a compact.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Any sort of spare is a welcome surprise in the Prime.

[@dwnrange7812]

Similar to other plugin hybrids, is charging the battery to the full 42 EV miles capacity (100% ?) on a regular basis OK for long term durability? Doing so in a full BEV is known to degrade the traction battery life, but is it the same situation in a PHEV battery system?

[@Tooradj]

Alex, any towing capacity info available?

[@viffer94]

Me likey! This would be the first electric I would consider owning. 302 HP, AWD, 42 mile e-range, 94 MPGe, what's not to like? I could essentially daily this on full electric but be able to take long weekend trips without any range anxiety. Best of both worlds.

[@rk4921]

I have a Prius Prime and I can get over 1,000 miles per tank. I commute 27 miles in the morning on gas, then drive home on the battery. I could see the RAV4P doing the same.

[@danielgabriel1629]

Does the battery recharges itself as u druve5 or u need necessarily to plug in for new charge?

[@MrAlfable]

@@danielgabriel1629 If its like most other plug-in hybrids, when the battery runs out it operates like a regular hybrid, getting enough charge to operate in battery mode during low speeds and stops, but it doesn't run exclusively on gas to charge the battery to any significant degree (nor would you gain much charge back if it did), so you would need to plug it in for a new charge. The advantage of these small batteries is even on a standard 110 outlet, you can still get most of your miles back with an overnight charge.

[@danc1662]

It certainly is nice! Kinda wish I waited, but I have the Crosstrek PHEV and it's been amazing. Not quite the same mileage, but I average over 1,000mi per tank AND I have mechanical AWD (the only car to offer that in a PHEV). Obviously cargo is lacking, but I don't need that much space and I'm glad to see the RAV4 has a much better hybrid system design.

[@Cordycep1]

Becaue of my commute and charging at work . so far I refuel gas once every 4 months -8gals . That is 16K miles a year of driving. Insurance is 30% higher though, but you save on gas, oil , and waiting for gas. But with a bigger battery like RAV4, then I would rarely use gas except for long distance trip.

[@WidgetWW]

I can’t believe I’m more excited about a RAV4 than any other car out there

[@GaryKetchum808]

Yeah the previous rav4 was such a snore. But the new one looks good, has great pure EV range, and is supposedly fast af. Still has amazing toyota reliability

[@hansaxelvonfersen1947]

ohh u havent seen The all mighty "Vision T" right?

[@Vlican]

yea, cuz this is attainable and ultra practical!

[@webcomment8895]

People are wasting excitement on a vehicle that isn’t going to be available to more than 5,000 buyers in the entire US. Why did they even bother producing it at all for such tiny numbers?

[@webcomment8895]

Vlican It’s not attainable because they will not be stocked at dealers. Some dealerships will get none at all and others may only get 1.

[@reviewu9339]

I own a Tesla model S this my next car! No super long charging times no babying it because it is fragile and no super high price. And with my commute 90% EV driving. Love it!

[@KirkKreifels]

Congratulations on getting your hands on this! I'm currently in the works of putting my spin on it's (non) availability...

[@flashbang217]

I think you mentioned in one of your videos that dealers may only get 1-2 primes or something like that. How long do you think it will take for a regular joe to order one without a dealer markup?

[@KirkKreifels]

@@flashbang217 I go into that in-depth in my upcoming Rav4 Prime video....expect it to be a long, long time to see these just "sitting" on the lot.

[@ltkwok]

I had a Ford CMax plug-in with 21 miles of EV range and got gas about once a month. GM Volt - 40+ miles of EV range - owners got gas once every 3 months. I used to have an ICE and got gas every 2 weeks. I in effect reduced my gas consumption in half and the Volt reduced it by 85%. One reason is with a BEV, you can only use 75-80% of the battery because we don’t go to zero before recharging. With a PHEV, I always ran the battery down to zero because I had the ICE back up. Between (1) the waisted part of battery in the BEV, (2) the lower cost of a PHEV & (3) reducing emissions by 85%, a PHEV makes a lot of sense. BTW, I’ve had a Tesla Model 3 for 6 months now & I have a little buyers remorse because of the cost, the car part of the Tesla could have been built better, and the phantom drain & binary regen braking that I’m not crazy about, I may have been happier with a RAV4 Prime or an Escape Plug-in.

[@cp-chipheo9528]

Very good observation when compare range between PHEV and EV. To me, you are the first person who point out this advantage of the PHEV.

[@ALMX5DP]

Thông N yeah take a look at Alex’s video from a few weeks back. He dives into the advantages of a PHEV from a altruism standpoint. Made some good sense about why were seeing so many more plug in varieties.

[@mokahome]

The RAV4 is already the best selling vehicle that isn't a pickup truck in the US. They also sold over 90,000 of the standard hybrid version in 2019. With greater fuel efficiency, more power, and access to federal and state credits, Toyota will sell a bucketload of these

[@rightlanehog3151]

They will sell as many as they can make.

[@webcomment8895]

Right Lane Hog That’s not saying much since they’re only building 5,000 for the US. I don’t know why they bothered even releasing it at all if that’s all they can produce.

[@DiscoFang]

@@webcomment8895 He said 5,000 for the Japanese market which is 5-7% of RAV sales there. He expects similar proportion of sales for the US.

[@webcomment8895]

Cassette Walkman That’s what he said, but it will only be only 5,000 in the US also. So, the percentage will be even much lower than 5% in the US. The RAV4 Prime will be essentially unavailable other than a few token vehicles per year per dealership. insideevs.com/news/431612/toyota-rav4-prime-us-limited-availability/ Don’t count on finding and buying one even if you have $50K cash ready to buy today.

[@justinnegron4843]

This car has all the luxury features you want! Awd, electric hybrid system, performance and style! I want one

[@elricho117]

Come on Toyota.. Hurry up and release this for Australia!!

[@MrSchrodingersCat01]

Been waiting for this one! Great work as usual, Alex!

[@Farcryjohn]

Man, I love Alex On Autos. I watched all his reviews on different crossovers before I bought my 2017 Rav4 Hybrid!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex is the best.

[@walaarostom]

This is my next RAV4 for sure. My current lease of a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Ltd will end in June 2022. By then a 2nd generation will be out and all glitches will be resolved. Thanks Alex! You are the best.

[@flakeu]

Here is Quebec my local dealer told me I will have to wait till mid-2022 if everything goes as planned if I reserve one today.. I choose to get an Outlander Phev instead for the moment but clearly, Toyota has outdone themselves with those specs. It's not only the most fuel-efficient car in the segment but also one of the most powerful and reliable (not talking about luxury cars), the best of all the worlds.

[@normt430]

"During our testing, the front-drive (Equinox 1.6t diesel)model was put through Real MPG's evaluations, and the results were an impressive 33.1/46.7 mpg, making this oil-burning family car one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers we've tested." Motor Trend

[@James-il3tq]

Just got confirmation from my dealer towing capacity is 2500lbs on Rav4 Prime. My dealer emailed me Primes product specs today.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Any way you can send that to us? ItsAConspiracy @ AlexOnAutos . com

[@wittyname9126]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Someone found the owner's manual for the RAV4 Prime which includes the towing capacity among other things. You can view it here: www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM42C52U/pdf/OM42C52U.pdf

[@DiscoFang]

Page 272 of that manual.

[@DiscoFang]

Worth noting that the 2500lbs is for a braked trailer. The unbraked trailer limit is only 1000lbs.

[@sak1339]

Very interesting SUV. I like 42 miles of pure EV range. I wonder if we can expect a Venza PHEV as well? I prefer the look of the Venza to the RAV4, and the better interior trim.

[@Methnerjacob]

S Parker Summer 2021

[@GetUrOwnHandle]

I wonder if they'll take this down to the UK C-HR. The UK hybrid version is already so much better than the US version

[@noblelc5008]

I have not heard of the Venza getting a PHEV but I know the next Lexus NX 450h+ (trademarked in the USA) will be a PHEV and also based off the new Venza platform. Rumours circling around the next gen NX is going to hit it out of the park, technology and design wise!

[@Guivalv]

Jake Methner I heard that Toyota is not planning on making a PHEV Venza, just a hybrid. I’m interested to know where did you hear that the Venza PHEV is coming on the summer of 2021? Whats your source?

[@braetonwilson4296]

I would rather buy a 2021 Corolla Hybrid (in dealer lots now) with the $500 blind spot and rear cross traffic alert package. Half the price of this rav4 prime.,,

[@markvicferrer]

The central placement of the battery might make this the best handling RAV4, assuming the added weight doesn't negate this advantage.

[@rightlanehog3151]

With wider tires and a lower center of gravity I think it will easily be the best handling.

[@chewie94116]

Thank you on your answer to battery capacity and durability- "Yes, 42 miles would be when fully charged at "100%". However, in PHEVs like this , 100% is not really 100% as you can't use all 18.1kWh of energy. We didn't have time to test what the usable capacity is but it is likely around 14-15 kWh. Because batteries are used differently in PHEVs vs full-EVs, the battery doesn't wear the same way. So, this battery (just like any PHEV) should last longer than a full EV battery. We see this evidence in Volt, Prius Prime, Clarity and other PHEV battery tests."

[@bossoli60]

Congratulations Alex another excellent video and completely right at the technical point of view.I think indeed it won’t be easy to grab on of those I had already to wait 7 months to receive my premium hybrid AWD. Fully loaded...

[@AA-ou9et]

Comparing the technology of this vs first generation Chevrolet Volt is remarkable. First came out in 2011, and has liquid cooling battery that gets around 34 miles per charge - - not very different from this RAV4. Bought a 2014 Premium one recently, and have been blown away. Cost to quality ratio is through the roof. Loads on the used market. Chevy badge and confusing tech (for average person) limited its mainstream appeal. But plug in hybrids in general should be more popular. They never really took off. A shame, really. No one needs 300 mile range Teslas IMHO. Most people drive around 30 miles daily on average it seems, and plug in hybrids are ideal as such.

[@Toyotajeff]

I really enjoyed your review Alex. PLUS I watched a few ads all the way through. We creators need to help each other out lol ... Jeff

[@MrAlfable]

I know it effects the wind resistance, but so glad to see them paying attention to ground clearance. So many hybrid/EV suvs ride so low they just end up looking like big hatchbacks or vans to me (this complaint extends even to other SUV hybrids from Toyota). Nice to see Toyota keeping a sporty profile and stance with their plug-in. Impressed to see Toyota going above and beyond in knocking out some of the other annoyances of plug-in hybrids, smartly placing the battery like an EV to maintain cargo space, and the pumps so you can actually use the climate control without the engine kicking in! (as someone who liked to squeeze as much as I could out of my Ford Fusion Energi, nothing drove me crazier than needing to defrost the windows and being met with the sound of the engine kicking on)

[@PP-qj1ez]

Great review! I will be desperately waiting for full review with driving impressions. Alex, can you pls test the following things when you get the hands on it? 1. 0-60 time on pure EV. 2. Use of paddle shifters on pure EV.

[@joshuaychung]

Rav 4 Prime is the leader of the Autobots on Earth.

[@tr7287]

I think most people will be lucky to get this in 2021.

[@brachiosaurus79]

Thanks for all of the details on the cargo area Alex. After watching the full details on changes made to the ride height, subtle changes to the cargo area, and how all of the extra power is made, I’m feeling better about going with (sort of my choice) the regular hybrid xse, despite being the first at my dealership with a deposit for the prime.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Either one is a good choice.

[@BatmanSpideyDa3rd]

Gonna wait until the RAV4 Prime version of the Lexus RX comes out 😁

[@bradyb9929]

Have a Prius. Upgrading soon. This is my next

[@flawns]

Same. I have a '19 Prime and toyota finally decided to include apple play....after all these years (idiots)

[@bradyb9929]

U WUT M8? I have a 16 Prius. The lack of CarPlay is the only major flaw in my opinion.

[@clarification007]

For my short test on Prius Prime, it was a downgrade, I mean the seat and the cars are so low, Maybe I’M to old for this low car! Lol!

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I want it to pull a camper. I think this is a wonderful option

[@JPRC]

Great video Alex. I can’t wait to see it in action. Further more I can’t wait until they move it to the Lexus family with the same setup.

[@rightlanehog3151]

I'm sure Lexus is even more anxious than you are.

[@yidingzhou5344]

RX500e at the price of RX450h after credit. I'm sure that'll sell.

[@pbentsonable]

Can you touch on the new batteries Toyota is using in the hybrid Rav4?

[@hiroarcturus9105]

1500W AC outlet at rear gate can provide electric power for 3 days with engine run.

[@TobyCostaRica]

Where did you get that information?

[@AD-bh3ww]

@@TobyCostaRica He got it from global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/32758042.html. You will also find this - 'Monthly sales target for Japan: 300 units '

[@daveincanada785]

That rear wheel arch space......eek !

[@James-il3tq]

I think it looks good 👍

[@mikeschlup5279]

Looks unfinished....

[@paulfun8720]

You need that for extreme off-roading.

[@omelborpon3159]

The big dark hole around the wheel is made to look even bigger by the black plastic wheel well surround.

[@mooboo6603]

Why would you want a car like this if you dont need high ground clearance? Buy a Prius.

[@SilverIndian]

Thank you Alex..You're first for the Prime review.. I was waiting for this test. It would be very interesting how much the consumption will be affected by the extra battery weight. Do you know if also Camry will have extended battery pack ?

[@toshi7220]

My family just bought it in japan! Backlog is til April 2021 already lol can't wait!

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

I just realized, you can use it in EV mode all week like a Tesla if you're not going too far, and when you decide to go for a family trip, you set it to Hybrid and beat the range of any Tesla in existence. This car should save a lot of cash in gas, while being capable of doing as many things as a regular Rav4 Hybrid, but better 😁. I'll definitely keep it on my list for 2025 😂😂😂

[@tigermilk96]

That’s how all PHEV are! It’s great! I used to be able to drive 1-2k miles (20 mile commute) before I need to fill up gas tank on my 2014 Volt. My commute is now 55 miles though but still averaging 170mpg at least.

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

@@tigermilk96 i am from Costa Rica, so electric vehicles or Hybrids are not a thing yet, so I haven't thought about it until then, gas cars use more fuel in the city than in the highway, that's where electric cars shine the most, electricity is waaay cheaper than gasoline, so putting extra money into a hybrid is actually going to be cheaper in the long run.

[@paulnorman8274]

And the gas stations you do end up having to visit, won't be the overcrowded urban ones. Just nice, well stocked ones out on the open road when you are on longer trips.

[@tomliuyt]

Forget the Lexus LC-F, I need a Lexus LC-Prime

[@sly9263]

I hope your review post-embargo addresses whether or not they fixed the terrible road noise that the Rav4 suffers from.

[@derekrobinson2366]

I’ve been looking forward to this -Count Dooku

[@derekrobinson2366]

RDV V precisely

[@davidwolf226]

Very nice, Alex. Looking forward to the full drive review segment later on.

[@BRishal]

Usd 33k after incentive. Wow. I hope Toyota comes up with good pricing for Canadian buyer as we only get 5000 incentive

[@igortokarev2350]

Don't expect something good. It will be special Canadian rip-off price like always.

[@clarification007]

If the price is bellow C$45,000, in Quebec it is very much possible to get a C$13,000. incentive!! 😁

[@noobwow2009]

Holy! Been waiting for this. I hope venza have prime version too

[@Jaymac720]

This is probably the vehicle I’d go for. This is just my current situation as a college student (so obviously it won’t last forever) but I think it would fit my life well. It has a very good electric range so I could do quick runabout things if I want to go to the store or get food, but it also has a really long total range for when I want to go home (my school is 70 miles from my family’s house). Regardless, I think PHEVs are probably the best bang for your buck in the current world. EVs are still too expensive and take too long to charge. This can charge overnight and still has a gas engine for long highway journeys (and quick fill-ups)

[@kevinnguyen9268]

I've been WAITING FOR THIS WOO. Thanks Alex.

[@esmeraldamendez37]

Hi Alex, Great Review, Do you think the 2020 Toyota Prius prime is still a good deal or this Rav 4 is a better one?Thank you 😊

[@JohnCornellier]

Bring on the Sienna Prime.

[@CommandoMaster]

Sounds like a Transformer.

[@Kevin19700]

Another excellent review. This Prime version is going to be hard to find at any sort of decent price but seems to be worth waiting for.

[@bbbt8090]

I currently own a hybrid suv but now I want a plug in hybrid

[@dangr3957]

BBB T get a Mitsubishi Outlander phev 2014-15 models are dirt cheap and reliable!

[@rncondie]

If you are looking at saving money at the pump it isn’t in the Rav 4 Prime. It will cost you $2.17 in electricity to travel 42 miles. (Assuming .12 cents per kWh) The Rav 4 hybrid will drive the same distance on one gallon of gasoline and the national average is just over $2 a gallon.

[@mattjones3257]

Russell Condie while that is true right now in the midst of a global pandemic that has greatly reduced the quantity of gas consumed, gas cost $2.60/gallon on average in 2019 and $2.71/gallon in 2018. These prices are not here to stay, and I would bet the Prime likely will cost less to operate than the Hybrid. Likely still not enough of a savings to justify the cost difference on a purely financial basis, but that gas price will change.

[@rncondie]

Matt Jones, I agree gas prices will go up more than regulated electricity SE is $38,100 -$7,500 tax incentive brings it to $30,600 I paid 27,900 for my new Rav 4 hybrid 2019 XLE which is comparable to the SE Let us assume gas goes up to $4.17 a gallon and electricity remains at .12 cents kWh or $2.17 to charge battery to operate approx 42 miles. It will take me 1,350 gallons of gas or 1,350 x 42 mpg = 56,700 miles before I make up the difference after the tax rebate and I am not factoring the sales tax on the rebate. The performance is great at 302 hp but there is no way this plugin is going to be cheaper to own over the hybrid model. The tax incentive is no guarantee just like gas prices. Congress could eliminate and than you will never be able to justify the difference financially.

[@dangr3957]

Russell Condie to own a phev or a ev is not for saving money of course its good if you can charge it for cheap or free. The beauty in these cars are simple the feeling of not polluting the air where you are driving. Cities towns villages, pedestrians around you don't need to inhale smoke. Its much better to drive them as well in my opinion. I own a Mitsubishi Outlander phev, which I bought dirt cheap. I love it!

[@joalblo9581]

This is the one to get I think. From one Alex to another, thanks for the details.

[@jonnykromps9836]

This checks all the boxes for us in the northeast!

[@rann7588]

Amazing vehicle. i pick this over model Y. 20K+ cheaper, even more with federal tax + state tax credit. It has higher ground clearance, can do abit off roading, a tat more interior space. more and more.

[@mokahome]

One inherent advantage that PHEVs have over other vehicles is that thhey should also age better as they will use thier engine alot less than a standard ICE car, and the battery less than a pure EV car

[@TheGerm24]

@@mokahome That claim about the batteries of PHEVs isn't true. PHEVs actually do more cycles of their batteries than pure EVs because PHEVs have smaller batteries. PHEVs tend to compensate for this by having extra unused battery capacity.

[@GaryKetchum808]

And from a brand that you know and trust!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, You have really #Primed the interest of early-adopters in this latest model and that should make the 'Regular' RAV4 Hybrid a lot more attainable for everybody else. With the arrival of the Prime upending the whole pecking order, the gasoline-only versions will seem positively quaint and unfashionable. :)

[@kr46428]

I sure hope so. The "Regular" hybrids have been pretty hard to find.

[@arribasn]

True but I see regular Rav4 being discounted $4k+ so could be value for some especially those mostly on the highway

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@arribasn Why do you think they are discounting them?

[@badimpulses17]

The dealers will mark up the price. I would not be surprised if the XSE trim Would be around 50k.

[@TobyCostaRica]

1:41 looks like you can easy swap to the Hybrid fog covers and get fog lights. A lot of high output aftermarket SAE legal led fog options for that part number too.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They supposedly won't fit because those areas are used for various components in the PHEV. this is similar to what we see in Volvo's T8 models.

[@TobyCostaRica]

Alex on Autos ic, what do you think they would need to put right there for the PHEV? Also Saw a TRD Avalon at the dealer yesterday, I think the wheels will be a direct swap. Same size.

[@prashantkompella5372]

Great video as always, surprised to see the omission of CR-V while comparing the dimensions.

[@digitaldoc100]

Still disappointed that the RAV4 does not offer a turbo, or a V-6 option which would interest me a lot more to purchase.

[@nkhullar1]

Your videos are A class. I am not the first to say that. Thanks.

[@hamag1973]

The fully loaded costs 60,855 USD here in shitsville Sweden. The cheap one costs 56,873. The one in between costs 58,011. Life's not fair☹

[@surturiel]

The mini countryman SE also have an electric rear axle, the Rav4 and outlander PHEV are not the only ones.

[@IKnewMickey]

The rav is like its own brand. So many variants.

[@ro0ster648]

That is the pro about being the best selling non-pickup car, they can afford to make so many variants of the same car.

[@AdaDenali]

Wow this seems like the best phev on the market, that range is way better than the Subaru outlander

[@ripenedorange]

Can you get memory seats on the XSE? Looks like it was originally part of the premium package but was later removed.

[@James-il3tq]

Not in Canada, only available on Limited model.

[@anthonydavis191]

Thanks Alex on Auto I’ve been waiting on this for a hot minute, I already a 2020 RAV4. Now I wanna see how the Prime is gonna compete

[@1717jbs]

Always good! Thanks Alex.

[@TobyCostaRica]

Anyone know if you can run the optional 1500 watt inverter on the 18kw battery pack without the ICE starting? If you could that would make a sweet camp/emergency power source

[@briank10101]

The ice would only start when the battery got depleted

[@jackamick]

I’m anxiously waiting to hear from my dealer. Great video!

[@KirkKreifels]

Unless you're in a big city or in a region that sells tons of RAV4 hybrids, you'll be waiting a very, very long time... :(

[@mikeatgoogle501]

How much will the home electric bill go up and how fast can you charge the battery from empty to full?

[@baldheadlogic]

Ultimate Rav4 for sure. However, It should have full LED lamps front and rear, full leather interior, and a locking glove box. JMHO.

[@rafaljankowski2807]

looks to me that stealers will be charging premium over MRSP

[@gregpounds3915]

Dealer quoted me 10k over MSRP In San Jose, CA. After I stopped laughing, I told him no thank you. I guess I'll have to wait until some time in 2021.

[@rafaljankowski2807]

@@gregpounds3915 wait for government mandated all cars sold in CA to be electric

[@seanhepner7813]

Alex, the prius prime located its larger sized traction battery in the cabin of the vehicle, and utilized fans to cool the battery with ambient cabin air (similar to other toyota hybrids). With the Rav4 Prime and locating the battery externally to the cabin, how do they cool their batteries? Is it easy to tell with the demo vehicle you have? I live in a hot climate (phoenix, AZ), and after watching the leaf batteries turn to paper weights after a few years with their heat damage, my biggest concern before buying any electric car is how the manufacturer designed their cooling tech.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It actually isn't easy to tell with this vehicle because of the way the battery is packaged. It does appear to be air cooled as I cannot find a coolant loop for the battery but I'm waiting on confirmation for that.

[@ShawnFuryan]

I think this is an interesting cross shop for the Tesla Model Y and the Mustang Mach E. It looks like it will offer an interestingly different but no less well chosen set of tradeoffs. I'm glad we're starting to get strong competition in the broad class of modestly sized SUVs with useful all electric range.

[@floradecanya1654]

My neighbor/mechanic tells us to always ask the dealer if the car has a timing chain or timing belt. He said to buy the car with timing chains.

[@b0red324]

currently MSRP is 43000 for the XSE base with no additional add-ons

[@AE-ix2iz]

I was extremely excited when I heard about the Highlander hybrid with its 36/35 mpg ratings. It has the size I need, the quality and reliability, and the mileage to boot. But now I’m wondering if they’ll come out with a Highlander Prime. 2022 model released next year? 🤔

[@MistSoalar]

The opening statement made me hit thumbs up

[@paosaephan5067]

Thanks for all the details. I hope Toyota fixed the gas tank issue that they were having on the regular RAV hybrid as to the prime.

[@frumpd63]

Alex, I just put a deposit on this XSE trim but am freaking out to have discovered it may not have driver seat memory. Can you confirm? Thanks in advance.

[@akila219]

it appears they fix the fuel tank issue

[@parsley0120]

I’m disappointed they didn’t up the power for that rear electric motor.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Ditto

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

Alex on Autos The TFL guys got the Prius prime stuck on two rollers.

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

Alex on Autos And, you’re the best reviewer on KZbin.

[@kens97sto171]

@@eriknephrongfr8847 They certainly did, however they also mentioned that when they took it out on the snowy course to test it in real-world snowy conditions it actually works very well. So it could just be that the car doesn't do well in that very specific testing scenario. I kind of suspect that it's a software programming issue when it's on those rollers. Because 40 lb ft of torque as they mentioned is more than adequate to move that vehicle off the rollers. I'm guessing at some kind of confusion with the computer system and the lack of tire spinning wheel speed sensors etc. Who knows. The Prius is very well known for having an extremely conservative traction control system. They really don't like to allow much wheel spin. I think it's because of the extremely heavy rotating electric motors inside that transaxle. If you have those spinning up And then suddenly grab traction. You could pretty easily snap a drive axle or damage something. MG1 in the Prius transmissions spins up to 12, 000 RPM when the engine is spinning at 5,000 RPM. You do that and suddenly grab something's definitely going to break.

[@RafaCena41]

So do we have to charge the battery every night? Or would once a week be enough?

[@pmccallum2004]

Been waiting for this. Thanks!

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

I really wish my hybrid had that key fob living in Southern California during the summer it would be nice to cool the car off before getting inside

[@ManYourStations]

Lol SoCal is hot? Good one.

[@kreshjananajao6978]

Great Video! But I am waiting excitedly for your first look/review of the 2021 Venza.. I've been planning to upgrade from CRV to that SUV.... I hope its worth the upgrade... 👍

[@JP-sw5ho]

Thank you for making all of these videos

[@timdsd]

I'd love to see a comparison of RAV4 Prime and Ford Escape PHEV.

[@donwarner6925]

timdsd Why? They are different vehicles.

[@damariuseaton6678]

The prime will wipe the floor with the PHEV, the prime is faster than the fastest 2.0 Escape. Car and driver got a 5.8 0 to 60 time with the 2.0 and they say the prime will go about 5.6

[@bryan1480]

Alex, great review as always. General question: Do you know why manufacturers seem to mix and match the brake lights and turn signals with LED/standard bulbs? Why not just go all LED? Is it a style thing or some other reason. I'd prefer to have all LED.... just wondering if there is a logic behind that.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Cost...

[@weberyang3665]

Japan version has 306 combine horse power and 95km (59 mile) driving with ev.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That's due to the way HP and range is calculated. It's the same system but Japan's EV estimates are wildly optimistic and they use BHP rather than SAE HP.

[@anischab]

Can the battery be charged fully while driving? Or only by "plugging the car in"?? With my actual RAV4Hy(2019) I can intentionally charge the battery by driving 78-86 Km/h with the needle just above the Eco sign for about 4-5 Km and I charge the battery to 80-90% so I can drive through the next village fully electric.

[@ruslank4028]

Does it have CVT ? Or is the engine used for charging the battery only?

[@valdius85]

I can talk about the economy, as these numbers are available in Japanese media ;) Without charging, it is just a touch better than the hybrid model, which is to be expected from thermodynamics ;) With charging, it is obviously excellent.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Thanks.

[@MrMustangrick]

I want one ! Going to my dealer tomorrow.

[@Methnerjacob]

MrMustangrick you might as well just call them because there’s a waitlist.

[@rncondie]

Ask if your state is a low emissions state like California. Utah dealers never receive plugin hybrids and that includes Hyundai and Prius plugins. The Rav 4 will be no different. If I want one I will need to travel to the west coast and pay above MSRP and if it is California I will be charged their inflated sales tax.

[@braetonwilson4296]

I would rather buy a 2021 Corolla Hybrid (in dealer lots now) with the $500 blind spot and rear cross traffic alert package. Half the price of this rav4 prime.

[@callmedd3494]

Well done and informative video. Nicely done. Nice looking CUV. I really don't like those red trimmed seats though.

[@paulc2548]

Great 1st 'almost' full review of the RAV4 Prime! I got a question. Does it charge the main EV battery while you drive? So, let say if you depleted the EV range to 0 mile and you continue driving using the hybrid (gas?) mode... does the EV range then recharged and it goes up from 0 mile to whatever mile it charges to while driving? Or the main EV battery only charge via a wall plug?

[@jghall00]

At 12:35 he said holding one of the console buttons will force the engine on to charge the battery.

[@asahelurgiles6131]

It will go till 4% and then it will use that electricity without using charge mode, that is how most phevs behave

[@billhudgens7843]

Great video! I am So So So Glad there is a spare tire!! the New CRV Hybrid don't have one!! (Take my money now!! :) )

[@philippernice8769]

U also cant tow anything in the crv / cant get a pano sunroof/cant get cooled seats/and the wood trim is hideous

[@a.r.walker6255]

Nice. Well done Toyota!

[@Trades46]

Toyota will sell these as fast as they can make them for at least a year. The price premium over the hybrid is largely negated by fuel savings + federal tax credit, and this comes in loads cheaper than the full electric rivals like the Model Y, Mach-E and ID.4.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed.

[@nvn2005]

Alex, does it equip with remote climate precondition via Toyota app? If it does, will it be free service or subscription based?

[@mattjones3257]

Impressive vehicle, to be sure. $38,000 to start seems a little rich but is made palatable by the $7,500 tax credit ($31,500 effective). I'm initially more impressed with the Ford Escape PHEV's value proposition with a $33,000 base price ($26,200 effective with smaller tax credit) on a pretty well equipped Escape PHEV SE. Even with 5 miles less range, $5,000 savings is nothing to sneeze at. Likely will come down to package options, but the base Ford PHEV looks pretty well equipped with standard smartphone integration, heated front seats, power driver's seat, alloy wheels, and active safety as a $700 standalone option.

[@BLR1GBattlemaster]

How is the towing capacity on this vs the other Rav4 hybrid you tested out?

[@DiscoFang]

Great question. My first thought as I started watching. For so many people that has been the single deal-breaker for the Outlander.

[@DiscoFang]

Just saw another comment that posts a link to the Owners Manual. Braked limit is 2500lbs, unbraked is 1000lbs. Page 272 of this... www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM42C52U/pdf/OM42C52U.pdf

[@r-fw-bpk1109]

I have a Prius Prime & I love it. Today is 06/11/2020 I last brought gas 02/05/2020, still have 3/4 tank. It gets 26-29 miles per charge. The Rav4 @ 42 miles per charge would be wonderful. Did I understand you to say, the SE does not have a back-up camera ?? If not, that's odd in a 2021. Can you tow a small trailer with it? I'm going to try to make a deal when they come out. Toyota makes great vehicles.

[@tinhinnh]

TX should get a Prime Rib edition