Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug In Hybrid: Walk Around & Drive In This Modern, Efficient GMC Typhoon Analog

[@greggemmer9819]

It is an 18Kwh hybrid battery, and approx 14.2Kwh of it can be used in electric only mode (for approx 42 miles all EV range). The remainder is reserved for hybrid only operation once the the battery gets depleted to that point (you can run the car in hybrid mode on the full 18Kwh if desired, it's just once you get down to the reserved amount it can only operate in hybrid mode

[@odendahlc]

I enjoyed your review. I bought a 2021 RAV4 PRIME and love it. I have the toyota app on my phone, and it has start and stop charging on it. The only issue is it takes 12 hrs to charge, so if you want a full charge, you still run into the different cost widows in electricity. However, there is also a schedule that can be programmed in the vehicle. If you have a level 2 charger, the charge can be completed in the previous where the hydro is at its low end. I haven't tried it since I don't have the level 2 charger, but it is there. Thanks for your review.

[@Michaelmarcjohnfrost]

Just FYI: The app and the car computer have the exact same functions. On the app you tap the charging icon, then ECO Charging, where you will see the “Start Time” and the “Departure Time”. The soonest “Departure Time” will automatically be displayed either in the car or on the app and you cannot stop the charge at any point other than when it is full i.e. no way to start at 12:01am and stop at 1:00am even if you have a level 2 charger. On level 1 it is a 12 hour charge with 110v so starting at 12:01am the soonest you can stop it is when it is fully charged at 12:01pm. All electrical rates across the USA and likely the entire world have the cheapest time from 12:01am to 6:00am, so you either have to have a timer on your level 1 cord (I did) or you have to go out and unplug the car. You cannot stop it any other way, not even with the app or getting into the car to use the computer to do it. This is the one thing that really gets my goat. What were they thinking? Clearly they were not. Wait it gets worse… Toyota National Tech Support (Yes I called them) said that they do not make, sell or recommend any other charging cord other than what was supplied with the vehicle. WTF? I asked if the car would even support a Level 2 / 220v if I had one made. They said they did not know and it may void your warranty? This is really stupid… I checked with other owners online and most had no idea as they used Level 2 chargers outside their home. I ended up installing a 220 Level 2 charger on my house and it takes exactly 2 and a half hours to fully charge the system. The app is not accurate in this area. Still all in all a great vehicle, but that is coming from owning a 2018 Subaru Outback that could only get 24 miles per gallon. The Subaru was $29K then and was the bottom of the option category. The RAV4 is the highest you can get @ $50K, but I did get $13K off so it is really a $37K investment and it gets 111 miles per gallon on EV 95% of the time and 77 miles per gallon on Auto HV/EV, so it kicks the hell out of the Subaru in that area and is a way nicer car with lots more features. That being said… This is why the tart and stop time is so important. All electrical rates across the country double or triple after 6am. So if you are charging a total of 18kw and each kw costs you 5 cents until 6am (half way) and the rate jumps to 15 cents and the vehicle gets uses 2.5kw per mile… you just went from $0.45 for a 6 hour charge to a $1.35 for the same time. If you are in a state where the rates are $0.15 at the low and $0.48 at 6:00am to noon… it is $1.35 vs. $4.32 or worse… I hope someone at Toyota reads this and understands how important it is. I personally could live with a 6 hour charge one night and then a second 6 hour charge the next as I do not drive every day. If you drive everyday you have to get a level 2 cord. In closing I think the RAV4 is a very good purchase and I discover new features everyday that I never knew I needed and in most cases I do not, still cool in my eyes.

[@Boombah49]

I got my 2021 at a great time. I paid MSRP, but got $9,000 in incentives, and got $13,000 less than what I paid for my 4 year old Highlander Hybrid which had 80,000 miles when I traded. The resale and reliability on the Prime is excellent. 40,000 miles on it now, about 10,000 that are gas. Charges to full in less than 2 1/2 hours.

[@Springtailsolutions]

That is an amazing deal!!

[@reggieburris]

Mine is en route from the port.

[@GeminiOp]

Go cyclones!!

[@Boombah49]

Were you in Eco,Normal or Sport mode??

[@Springtailsolutions]

We used all three throughout the drive....but accelerating was in Sport

[@Firebirdgm2000]

If only the Rav had some actual storage the car would be great. The cheap interior & price tag do not compute.

[@Springtailsolutions]

I guess the price is all reflected in the battery/charging tech....still pricy though!

[@len8336]

I'd like to get until you said fifty thousand dollars I just bought a brand new Camry le a couple years ago cash for 24,600. zero miles. My parents have a two thousand and twenty two camry hybrid I like my car more,less to worry with out the hybrid stuff. And we get almost identical mileage on the interstate.

[@Springtailsolutions]

Yeah....its a lot of money, especially when you can buy the plain hybrid for 12K less. I do love the plug in aspect of it though