What's It Like To Drive? | 2021 RAV4 Prime

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Just a few notes: Towing is rated at 2,500 lbs. Performance is 5.7 seconds 0-60 in hybrid mode whether you've plugged the car in or not. The only time that would drop is if the battery was actually discharged which is *extremely* hard to do, trust me, I tried. To discharge the battery totally you'd need to either drive it hard on a track or with a heavy trailer up a very long steep grade. Normal "sporty" driving won't do it because the system is always working to keep the battery at a level that will give you all 300+ HP.

[@tman22077]

Quick question, TFL when they were doing their drag race/0-60 experienced loud braking sounds that you can hear in the video. Did you experience anything like that in your vehicle or was that’s trait of their prototype test vehicle?

[@tman22077]

And is this the crossover model to get? Compared with maybe a CRV hybrid and regular RAV4 hybrid.

[@ljfinger]

3:33 "With the engine off" - 5.7 seconds 0-60. 4:06 - 0-60 in EV mode 8.8 seconds. Since "with the engine off" = "EV mode", what are you saying?

[@tman22077]

ljfinger in Hybrid mode when the vehicle comes to a stop it will typically shut the engine off. (Think an Auto Start stop system) he is stating there is a .1 difference between the engine being off and on in hybrid mode.

[@ljfinger]

@@tman22077 I have a Prius Prime and I owned a 2004 Prius for 13 years. I know how the hybrid system works. There's almost no way to have the engine NOT stop when you are stopped. The only real option is to hold your foot on the brake and the gas at the same time in HV mode. And in my Prime, that won't start the engine, it just did in the 2004.

[@mugensamurai]

This thing is as fast as the old 300C I had back in 2006. That's amazing how times have changed where you have the performance of an old school V8 but the fuel economy of a hybrid for around the same MSRP. Fun times we're living in.

[@Toyotajeff]

This is super cool! Gets the Toyotajeff stamp of approval haha ... Jeff

[@ianlee5008]

When are you getting yours?

[@rightlanehog3151]

Jeff, You are here , you are there you are everywhere.

[@henryhonda8408]

Checking out the competition Jeff? LMAO...... jk buddy! Can't wait to see your video on the Prime baby!

[@naveenthemachine]

HenryHonda Jeff lives in the Raleigh Durham area like I do. The Prius prime and rav4 prime are not available here in NC 😞

[@elizabethpisares6138]

Woooooo-hoooooo!

[@thefliplife1]

AoA sets the bar for car reviews. Period.

[@Pikminiman]

Agreed.

[@dgrGR61]

A lot of guys are doing online auto reviews but Alex is the best!

[@rightlanehog3151]

True.

[@sergeykrukovski4011]

A kind of Japan version of 60-s muscle car - a lot of power, no steering. But everyone loves it!

[@GregFliesVR]

I recently bought a 2016 Ford Fusion. Great Car! But i just watch Alex On Autos videos because they are simply the best on youtube! So great to watch.

[@chewie94116]

Alex-"If you simply want a comfortable family hauler that gets excellent fuel economy, a surprising amount of EV range (41-45 miles) and will go off the clappers when you want it to, then that is exactly what the RAV4 Prime is!". I agree with you 100%. Love my RAV4 PRIME!!!

[@uTubed007]

Your multi-screen view while driving is top notch Alex, TY

[@bretstaley5496]

Alex , I found the fixes for your B- rating on handling . 245/50/18 GMAX tires and HARD RACE Anti-Sway bars. These two upgrades have made my RAV4 Prime an I-15 Virgin River Gorge loving machine. These two modifications are indeed the fixes to your not quite comment at the 5 minute Mark. Would love for you to do a follow up on your testing with an upgraded RAV4 Prime.

[@jeffarnholt1310]

Toyota announced yesterday there are only 5000 units coming to the US in 2020. Disappointing to hear about the torque steer issues and diminished handling capabilities.

[@ALMX5DP]

2021 will likely see a much higher production volume. And it's still an economy based hybrid. Wait until this type of implementation makes its way to more sporting vehicles.

[@afcgeo882]

Diminished handling capabilities? Diminished from what exactly?

[@afcgeo882]

Alan Bowers Toyota didn’t buy very many batteries for 2021, so unlikely. Perhaps in 2022? Toyota now has to spread its battery supply thin because the Venza and Sienna will come only as hybrids.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

@@afcgeo882 And because people are realizing RAV4 Hybrid is the RAV4 to buy.

[@j0epark1]

That’s why I’m gonna keep an eye out on the Kia Sorento hybrid that might come here next year. I know Kia and Hyundai have been putting up tremendous products for the past decade and their warranty is unmatched.

[@ShersGarage]

Toyota made a great plugin hybrid. I would be interested in Alex testing the Escape plugin in the similar fashion.

[@James-il3tq]

AWD not available on Escape PHEV so that's a non-starter for many.

[@timdsd]

I'd love to see Alex test the Escape plug-in hybrid. I don't care about AWD or 300+ horsepower. Interesting that the Escape plug-in weighs 365 pounds less than the Prime.

[@ShersGarage]

@@James-il3tq not everyone needs AWD. Personally, I wouldn't buy AWD, I don't need one.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We will be very soon...

[@James-il3tq]

@@ShersGarage Here in Canada most buyers won't consider SUV without AWD, perhaps not the case in southern US where you don't get snow.

[@hereigoagain5050]

"on fumes of electrons." Brilliant!

[@ralanham76]

On the last spark ... Err umm bolt, Juice, so last drop of electronic juice I think there's a better term

[@Rhynri]

Great review! I love how technically detailed you are. Was kind of surprised how inefficient the hybrid system is on the battery considering how efficient the system is in hybrid mode. Edit: Looked into it, and they rate it at 90 MPGe (which is a bit lower than the Model X for reference) which probably means that big pack has a lot of reserve built in - even excluding the hybrid zone. Good for reliability for sure.

[@Driven-t1u1r]

Man, I usually really don't like Toyota's but this one I think they really nailed it in terms of what many people are looking for. I think this is a great choice for most families that have range anxiety with 100% all electric cars like Tesla.

[@dretech]

I just realized how Alex can talk and drive without "uhm, ehm....or any unnecessary pause"🤣 Also, excellent video editing as usual. Now, can anyone tell why this RAV4 Prime doesn't come with a fog light? Both SE and XSE are the sporty trims in the Toyota world and always come standard with a fog light. Are they just being cheap as usual?

[@GoofieNewfie]

the industry in general seems to be moving away from fog lights. I really don't like this move as we really use them in our location. This being a hybrid they probably didn't want the extra drain on the system.

[@ShersGarage]

It is hard to talk and without following a script, and be technical, informative and entertaining. Takes time and practice.

[@henryhonda8408]

He talks without those because he really KNOWS what he is talking about. You usually can hear a lot of these errs, uhm's from politicians because they're making up stuff as they go (lies) to please the sheeple voters that are out there in droves. And YES I do NOT like ANY politicians!!!

[@TobyCostaRica]

Fog lights are cheaper than designing a whole new LED accent strip, the fog light is already made (on the hybrid) and share the same part number with many Toyota’s. My guess it’s more of A design choice. I will be popping off those covers and trying to stick a hybrid fog light in there if there is space.

[@Rhynri]

@Steve - lights run off the traditional 12V system in these vehicles. Even if they weren’t, their draw is pretty much margin of error in the motor controller. At 150hp, the drive train is probably pulling around 130,000 Watts under full load.

[@mdachelis7]

Well, I learned a new favorite phrase today. "Go like the clappers" checks out

[@dcuccia]

Came here to say the same thing!

[@HoeplessAlexis]

My dealership is doing a “raffle” where they essentially pick a name out of a hat and you get to buy the rav4 prime 💀💀

[@vinhnguyen9390]

Alex, I think it would be very easy for viewers to skip to certain sections they care about if you would time stamp them in the graphic. For example: Ride (7:00), Handling (7:38) etc.

[@PTBoehlke]

Love to see Alex having fun with the RAV4! Your reviews are the best and I love when they're split into multiple parts or videos, it really helps me understand the vehicle. The RAV4 Prime is definitely on my top 5 list of cars after a Tesla Model S P100D and a Model 3.

[@BLR1GBattlemaster]

Just to give some more perspective on what to expect for handling, but this version weighs 800 lbs more than the regular Rav4. That's 800 LBS! Imagine how your car / suv handles with 5 more people in it. That's the extra weight that this car has. I wonder how the suspension is going to last in the long run.

[@TrinityWilderness1]

John, you raise an EXCELLENT point. Gives one pause, that’s for sure. Unfortunately, there’s still an incredibly high demand and long wait-times if you order one. And, additionally, they’re quite a bit more expensive!

[@buckjohnson1119]

I wish Toyota would put SUV back into the RAV4. My 2007, with V-6 , 3500 Pound Towing capability, Swing rear door with storage, Spare tire , Great stereo, 4 wheel drive, and was a joy to drive. It’s what many of us considered our perfect vehicle. It was horrible when they stopped that style with beautiful lines and structure . Those of us that live in the woods need a vehicle with those options and not the vehicle here, that has a darth Vader front end face. What part is the bumper?

[@havok3344]

Hopefully Toyota/Lexus transitions all major models into Primes and then to full EVs. No matter how cool the Tesla’s are their QC is in the 70s. I have coworkers that have Model 3s and one who has the Y and basic things like panel gaps, paint, etc make me cringe. My friend’s new Model Y had a broken rear light, rear spoiler that was not attached on one side, paint was messed up, trim issues, and the rear folding seat didn’t line up correctly. He paid $70k.

[@JeffKang84]

And Tesla just increased their self driving package to $8,000.. If anyone has the time, I encourage them to check out the KZbin video Comma OpenPilot vs. Tesla Autopilot (Corolla owner and Model 3 owner meet up for a test). Open-source OpenPilot pretty much does 90%+ of what Autopilot does for a fraction of the cost. OpenPilot works on many more cars, and even some older Tesla S model owners use it.

[@alinfini509]

One of the best SUV in 2021 !!!

[@TalkingCarBiz]

Well done Alex! What an honor to be able to drive a 2021 RAV4 Prime.

[@ronaldmail00]

It's a shame this Rav is already spoken for on the order books. Its definitely wanted.

[@albertwoo1310]

You're work is so far away you deserve a sweet ride! This video tells me: just get something cheap because my commute is 6km

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, This Prime seems to have slightly more power than it can handle. Maybe it is the true successor to the 3rd generation #V6 after all ;)

[@jasonsong86]

Just get better tires. Factory tires are not meant to be grippy.

[@marshallwilliams6405]

My only complaint about the rav4 was power, now they fixed it. might be my next cuv.

[@hemenkareamg6957]

I wish you could do the 0 to 60 test when the batteries are not charged and car works as a regular hybrid. Because that one might be more realistic for some like me who goes on long distance trips. Thanks

[@krzysztofcwik5347]

Toyota, please make Sienna and Highlander prime and send them with RAV4 to Europe.

[@ayc020892zv]

Hello Alex This coming Saturday we are heading to our Toyota dealership to order our RAV4 prime. Can’t wait to get our hands on it. Greetings from Edmonton AB Love all your reviews Keep up with the great work

[@connectorxp]

In Europe we will receive a rebranded variant made for Suzuki with a nice grille but otherwise same design and identical specs. The price is a mystery for now. That goes along the Rav4 PHEV.

[@LikeVenom18]

great review. i seriously wish toyota decides to do the same with highlander.. i really like that plug-in feature

[@gregengler399]

Awesome review - unbelievably articulate.

[@jimthumerzs2301]

The best car you won't actually be able to buy. I also suspect dealer mark-ups will kill the deal anyhow.

[@chewie94116]

The RAV4 Prime seems to have some type of program to determine how much range you have based on your driving style. When I drive on the freeway or drive stepping on the brakes and gas all the time, I get 41 mile range on a full charge. When I drive 25 mph and gently stop and accelerate (not super slow to be annoying), I get 45 mile range.

[@luv2bottom]

Good luck buying one since there's only going to have 5,000 available in the us

[@nwHarry]

And the dealers know that they will be in demand so you can be assured there will be a significant "Additional Dealer Markup!"

[@ljpr360]

Great driving review thanks Alex. Is it sad that as exciting as this is I am hoping this system finds it's way into the next generation Mazda CX-5? It may be likely with the Toyota-Mazda technology share agreements they have. Who wouldn't want this mated to a SKYACTIV-X Inline 6 in a new RWD based platform?

[@johnelegant1727]

Excellent video Alex! I am a new subscribed and really respect and like your fact-based reports/reviews. The RAV4 Prime is the first Toyota I have ever been interested in, and thanks to fortune, looks like are getting one at MSRP. I have watched every one of your videos on this vehicle. Keep up your high quality work. BTW, I am a multiple decades professional car, person (owned over 50 total), and not giving up my C8 Corvette, but this would make a great, complimentary garage mate. Thanks Alex for being an A+.

[@joshevans3452]

Sadly it will be a long time before they are available in WNC or all of NC. States that do not have favorable zero emissions policies and credits simply wont be allotted any vehicles from the already meager supply. I spoke to my local dealer and they don't expect to actually have any to sell until summer 2021 (at best). Too bad they put out the full marketing blitz for what is basically vaporware.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Wow! The acceleration in EV mode is impressive. (10:29). :)

[@petegalindez9961]

Great review Alex! This car is #1 on my list to replace our 2017 Honda CR-V in about a year for our son. I have two TESLAs at the moment (M3 and MY) and I just can't stand ICE only engines/CVTs/turbo lag anymore...I drove the new CR-V hybrid, but being able to drive in EV mode only is key for me with a commute of 20 miles to work. Can't really do it in almost any other hybrid. This would be ideal.

[@Marco-ce8kr]

Therefore, it needs a better suspension to manage the weight and better and wider tires

[@kevinnguyen9268]

Finally it is here, but sad to see the disappointment.

[@treads2595]

Getting One of these is going to be as hard as buying a winning lottery ticket.

[@larryrichmond]

That's the thing, the best vehicle in the world is pointless if you can't buy it! The proof is always in production. Toyota is a great company but I have to question their commitment to sustainable transportation when you look at their fleet fuel economy, stance on fuel economy regulations, and their paltry production of vehicles like this one.

[@underscr0e]

At least your forced to wait, they can work out the first year bugs....lol

[@18_rabbit]

@@underscr0e but that's just it-- toyota is the maker who usually has zero bugs. That IS the yota's raison d'etre, & reason for their absolute dominance. Btw, Larry, toyota balances costs, enviro costs, & sales estimations, likely in one heck of a calculation. NOT easy being the only top dog , pretty much, in a world of mediocrity of car makers, comparatively. [not saying Honda isn't fantastic, but not near Toyota overall in past ten yrs.]

[@ersandy4u]

Alex for president.

[@TurfSurf]

Trying to buy a rev4 hybrid last year, no one had any. So I don’t get excited by Toyota’s news anymore, because you can never find one.

[@PP-qj1ez]

I called my Toyota dealer's sales dept to ask when they are going to have this one on sale and if there's a way to pre-order. Hilariously, the guy took his sweet time to understand that I was talking about Rav4 "Prime"! He was first telling me everything about rav4 hybrid. when I stressed on "Prime", he started telling me about the Prius prime .... it was a crazy conversation 🤣

[@eleanormassaro5195]

PP Geewhiz, sounds like a typical car salesman. They make me wanna pull my hair out sometimes!

[@PP-qj1ez]

@@eleanormassaro5195 Seriously ... if that lasted a few more mins, I would have pulled my hair .... 🤪

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Sigh just need a direct order from factory to bypass dealership clowns like this.

[@18_rabbit]

@@PP-qj1ez u need to stand your ground early, i.e, cut ...him...off.

[@tinhinnh]

The Rav4 V6 is back....sort of 😁

[@ciello___8307]

With more torque lol

[@ScottFentonfullbe6]

My thought, exactly! Nothing compares to my ‘09 V6, but when it falls apart, this will be my first test drive.

[@runhildr-zaetl]

Great vid, thanks Alex! I love my RAV4 hybrid limited, but it really looks like the Prime is basically the perfect vehicle for me. Now, to get my hands on one...

[@larryrichmond]

My question is, why not make an EV version of the RAV4? Or, a dedicated BEV platform? While watching this, I kept thinking, imagine how good this would be without the ICE. I understand your theory of finite lithium batteries and overall fleet fuel savings relative to dedicated EVs but I think that will/is changing with new battery chemistries. I see BEVs as the future. I just with Toyota shared my view.

[@joa8593]

Huge batteries that aren't used 99% of the time is probably not the future. Either mixing public transit with smaller batteries (for most of the world) or a small plug in battery with a hydrogen range extender (for the US) are the logical solution. Nobody is making these because they're not sexy to investors. Toyota is doing fuel cells, Tesla is doing huge batteries, both are actually stupid ideas by themselves.

[@scootsmcdoots80]

I’m worried my pre order isn’t coming now with the production limits.

[@dongidongi]

Great follow up to the original video! This is the next best thing (after the questionable looking Clarity PHEV, which we own) for someone who can't yet do full EV. AWD and heat pump are great features on this. I wish the 6.6kwh onboard charger was standard. On the Clarity, we have had a weird issue - in extreme cold weather if you start off on EV and you are doing highway speeds - let's say. your battery runs out, the engine has to kick on to keep the car going at 60 or 70 whatever - if it has not warmed up, the car loses speed for a few very hair seconds (goes down to maybe 35) and then catches up. You could get killed in the process. Honda refuses to acknowledge the issue, but there are a few instances reported in the forums. We have tried replicating the issue with a dealer unsuccessfully. Do you know what type of. cold weather behavior has been programmed into this Prime? I.e., at temps in single digits and below, does the gas engine automatically come on?

[@williamconnell6541]

For me personally i have 3 and a bit years to retirement age when i will have the cash to buy something like this, but by then the Rav4 will be totally different from what's on offer now, so look forward to checking back in 3 years time :)

[@TM-lw8wn]

i would like to buy one when they become available, in about 3 years or so.

[@danheckman8265]

Long island new york only 1-2 month wait. They are out there but u need to buy it before it lands on the lot or it's gone

[@TM-lw8wn]

@@danheckman8265 i have been told 6 months minimum here in Oregon. and NO choice in what you will get.

[@danheckman8265]

@@TM-lw8wn wow

[@sam_cs_49er]

As your video stated in regards to ev mode only accelerating upto 84 mph on gentle acceleration... i find this car intriguing to me

[@EVAddicted]

I was excited about this car considering it for a family member. The first turn off was the price. The second turnoff is that Toyota is planning on very limited production of this model. Looks like they are afraid that people will like it too much. 3rd turn off is that they just suspended already orders on it. This way it leaves a lot of space for dealerships to price gauge and makes it very difficult and unaffordable to get one!

[@chrissscottt]

Nice review. The tyre friction efficiency loss due to the windiness of the road would be another factor to consider. Not sure that your particular route with its elevation and windiness is the best place to test range.

[@andyb8005]

Great review Alex - hopefully Toyota will revise the suspension / tire size to improve on-road handling.

[@digitaldoc100]

Count me disappointed in the RAV4 Prime, and for a 40k vehicle, not so excited about it. Would rather have an ICE, with a turbo 4, or V-6. Here's hoping for a new Tucson with that 2.5T in the powertrain for a more exciting, and affordable option.

[@petegalindez9961]

Watching this again as I start to scour the country for a RAV4 Prime to buy! One question I had for you is what exactly is “go like the clappers?” LOL!! Great stuff!

[@floradecanya1654]

Our neighbor-friend-mechanic always says to check if the SUV has timing chains instead of timing belts before you buy the former.

[@18_rabbit]

meaning? can u clarify if the mech. meant the chain is worse than belt? that is how your wording sounds. Pls clarify.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, With this new Prime and the new Hybrid Venza, regular RAV4 Hybrids ought to be much more attainable and prices much more #negotiable.

[@James-il3tq]

Also easier to maintain and get parts for with how common these will be.

[@johnny02128]

@@James-il3tq I'm going to predict that it will be common. Toyota Japan had to halt sales due to overwhelming demand. They sold all their allocations for the year in a couple months. I'm going to go out on a limb and say they're dealing with battery constraints and COVID-19 limiting supplies.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@johnny02128 I think that limb you are going out on its very strong so don't worry about crashing to the ground.

[@afcgeo882]

John Vo Toyota limited Rav4 Prime to 5,000 for the US for this year and it 100% has to do with the battery supply. That’s why it sold out so fast. It’s also why it won’t affect the Rav4 Hybrid sales prices. The Venza, however, might, just as the new Sienna will eat into Highlander Hybrid sales.

[@henryhonda8408]

I just test drove a Highlander LE hybrid yesterday at our Sudbury Toyota dealership. It drove ok but it's just too big & not nimble and sporty enough for me. It wasn't sold yet but I had my eyes on Rav4 XLE hybrid in my fav red colour that had just come in on Monday but unfortunately it was already pre-sold 6 weeks ago. I could pre-order the same and would get it on Aug 5th...... decisions decisions decisions..... what to do. Limited Rav4 hybrid would also be nice. I'll have to run back to the dealership tomorrow. lol

[@efreck12]

Great review as always. Straight forward and to the point!

[@Wolfox360]

Maybe because I'm from Europe, but why not use the manual gears while going downhill? Just put in manual, select a lower gear and regenerate with the brake, then down another gear. It's very usefull for avoiding cooking your brakes and encrease regeneration

[@joa8593]

Because it's a hybrid? There's no gears. If you are going downhill for a long time, you can use engine braking.

[@Wolfox360]

@@joa8593 first you say one thing then you contradict yourself. I have a toyota family hybrid, and downhill I use the shifter to keep same momentum using the fixed gears. More gears you pull down and it will go at lower speed down the hill without the need of keep pressing the brakes.

[@GoofieNewfie]

to me hybrid SUVs are where hybrid tech really makes the most sense. They were never fun to drive to begin with and now they get excellent mpg. We bought a 2020 cx5. I really wish we hadn't and got one of the hybrid versions of the rav or crv instead

[@kurtpenner2362]

Alex, does the brake pedal make a loud click as you step on it? Another reviewer complained about this in the regular hybrid. Thanks for a great review.

[@Chris-ew9mh]

I plan on adding a stiffer rear roll bar and front strut bar to help the handling along with 245mm wide tires on 18" or 19" wheels that are lighter and wider as well. With a more performance rated Summer tire and keeping the stock wheels for dedicated snow tires I think it will improve the handling & braking quite a bit. If that isn't enough then I'll look at some adjustable coilovers and lower the car about 1.5" for the Summer and move it back to normal ride height for the coldest 4 months of the year. The alignment specs you use should also have a significant impact and I plan on dialing more negative camber and more front toe out to improve turn in behavior. I really like the powertrain setup otherwise so having to improve the suspension a bit isn't a huge problem in my mind to give it that sportier feel.

[@vorilus]

Was really hoping to snag this in 2020 to take full advantage of that federal credit. Looking like losing 2k in 2021. I asked my local Toyota where I'm number 2 on the list if I could even sign the purchase and start paying in December but got the NO 😭😭😭

[@gantw]

I’m confused by the conflicting 0-60 times stated. Alex says 5.7 seconds “with the engine off.” The sidebar text reads 8.8 seconds in EV mode. Also, what is the qualitative feel of the regen braking and how it is controlled by the steering wheel paddles? Would like to compare it to my Volt with drivetrain in “L” in EV mode.

[@miesic]

With the engine off at the start he says. The engine will turn itself on with hard acceleration. But that takes a second...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Correct. 8.8 in pure EV mode, 5.7 in hybrid mode even when the engine has stopped for normal hybrid operation

[@Celion27200]

what kind of tires do you have on your rav4. i'm used to have Michelin Crossclimate SUV on my car and it makes a high difference on handling

[@Re5ist_ance]

Nice driveway .. love being surrounded by nature.

[@valdius85]

There should have been stronger motor installed in the rear... with an LSD... I know that is a first world problem, but so what. I just want it ;) The orders for RAV4 Prime in Japan stoped for this calendar year. They already have enough till the end of the year. That is a great problem to have. In the meantime, CR-V doesn't sell much in Japan ;)

[@jacekcameron-rulkowski2859]

Excellent review and video production! Thank you!

[@chickenray182]

The 0-60 on this car is slightly better than the Camry TRD.

[@superlight47]

Thanks Alex, was looking forward to this review. I feel like there is more to come, so I be looking for more testing of this from you. Well, that is if Toyota allow you to hold on to it for a few months.

[@christiansaintw]

If Toyota doesn't fix the gas tank issue in their hybrids....I wouldn't touch this.

[@nikotarateski5685]

please compare the Prime vs Venza

[@Benjamin-sn5cw]

Other than a slightly rubbish (though practical) interior, I'm struggling to see any downsides to this. Sure the price is high and will stay that way whilst production issues are sorted out but it's fast, practical, reliable, comfortable, economical and will probably resale very well. It's essentially the perfect family vehicle.

[@TsLeng]

Never been so early. PRIME time early

[@RealityTrailers]

Interesting. He seems scientific in his observations. Yet he's failed to also mention the weather, environmental, and other important factors of his current vehicle testing location(s) which can also affect the vehicle's performance and more. What's the elevation of his location? What hemisphere? Humidity? Temperature? Probably the most important, which can affect the health of the vehicle's occupants, is called EMF including electromagnetic frequency.

[@18_rabbit]

He not only said he was starting out around 1200', but explained beyond that. EMF? if u r worried about that, u have too few worries or decisions in your life-- EMF concerns in these cars is fake science and nonsense.

[@kermit1]

Love this vehicle but would prefer the non plugin hybrid since I live in a condo. Going to wait for the mid cycle refresh

[@paulc2548]

Okay, Alex... you got me. Hopefully, Toyota starts cranking out these RAV4 Prime like hot cakes so we call can fork out our $40k plus change to get into one of these. Great review!

[@mjlyco9752]

It's on my short list to replace my CX-5. Rav-4 Prime, Model Y, CX-5, wait for VW electric.

[@timdsd]

It's on my short list too: RAV4 Prime, Ford Escape PHEV, or maybe wait for the full EV VW ID.4.

[@hockey1freak]

@@timdsd It's basically sold out for at least a year and half, so hope you don't mind waiting!

[@jprates]

Do the back home part again, this time with 100% SoC, and report back how far did you go please.

[@1millionstartups]

Prime's handling is probably hampered by 1. good mileage but awful handling OEM tires (I can't wait to get some CrossClimate2's on mine), and 2. suspension tuned for ride comfort and pavement. Hope coilovers for a Rav4 hybrid would plug and play to a Prime. I was going to do both to a '17 Forester XT then COVID happened, then my Prime came in. Can't wait to do some mods.

[@nicholasriley3569]

I love your drive Alex.

[@payrocoin]

Will the RAV4 Prime get other interior color choices in the future? Would love a white exterior with nutmeg interior color combination. Also, are there any specific operating protocols in place to protect the gasoline engine in extremely cold weather?

[@wail3054]

Hi Alex, always love your informative reviews! I am wondering if the Rav4 Prime also have the faint ticking sounds like the Rav4 Hybrid when braking? I tried the Rav4 hybrid and that noise although isnt loud really drives me nuts as I also dont like turning on radios. Thanks!

[@andpan3478]

it can't be different , the regen brakes work in this way

[@gabrielsyt]

Good review, thank you. I want to know about availability so if you have any updates on that please share.

[@rydoggsc2]

The availability is that there are no more for this year. Only shipping 5000 and those are for EV friendly states only.

[@prakashambastha7530]

Toyota dealers in California are selling it 5k-7k over MSRP..Is it worth paying so much?

[@mensrea1974]

Planning to replace my Infiniti next summer and would have most likely bought this if they were actually available. Tesla is running away with the US market selling rushed poorly made cars... Really wish Toyota/Lexus would take the "EV" market more seriously.

[@ElLiso2011]

Great video as always. Thank you Alex

[@NyQuil.Relief]

All the reviewers: Have videos about the Rav4 prime and say that driving impressions are prohibited until early July. Me: wakes up On July 1st at 5:30 and searches Rav4 prime All the reviewers: POSTS VIDEOS ABOUT THE DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

[@philippernice8769]

The embargos are silly dont release the car to be driven if theres an embargo

[@NyQuil.Relief]

It is all about the exposure I guess :/

[@drivingsports]

@@philippernice8769 July 1 was the embargo.

[@benjamindeschenes6891]

Can it get a full tank of gas ? Hopefully they’ve corrected it on this version of the Rav

[@comfortlivinghh]

excellent review as always

[@dein45d]

Excellent review

[@Seattlejoe1]

This can be started in electric mode only with the heat on? The 2013 Prius Plug-in I had- the engine had to run for a min or two (when the heat was on) then would go to electric only (up to 60 mph if I remember correctly). If the heat was off, then it would run electric only right away.

[@18_rabbit]

already imagining my head aching for trying to manage that---- they need to create full & smart automation for such details

[@danielc3321]

Is this the first ever video/music montage for Alex on Autos? Sure seems like it. 👍