Worth Almost $50,000?! | 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime (Plug-in Hybrid)

The Toyota RAV4 is the best selling crossover in America and this is the most electrifying version! (Pun intended)
Can this 300 horsepower hybrid RAV4 justify it's nearly $50,000 price tag? Let's find out!

Follow Forrest’s Auto Reviews:
Instagram: / forrestsautoreviews

Watch More Forrest’s Auto Reviews:
Latest Uploads: • NO JOKE!! This Is A Tr...
Tesla Reviews: • Tesla Reviews | Forres...
Mazda Reviews: • Mazda Reviews | Forres...
Toyota/Lexus Reviews: • Toyota & Lexus Reviews...
Popular Videos: • WORLD'S BEST SUV BARGA...
About Forrest’s Auto Reviews:
Welcome to Forrest's Auto Reviews! My name is Forrest Jones and my goal is to give you the most in-depth car review possible while also sharing my passion for cars and the entire automotive industry! Be on the lookout for affordable cars, supercars, exotic cars, hyper car and more videos on this channel! I do my best to listen to my audience and post videos YOU want to see!! Subscribe and see why Forrest's Auto reviews strives to be different than the rest!

[@nelsonfidelix4643]

Love how you explain everything clearly and not so fast paced like a lot of reviewers

[@sparemethedramatics1629]

How funny I just left almost the same comment on another one of his videos lol. True though. Redline review dude speaks so fast without even taking a breathe or gulp lol

[@DUNGSTA]

Dude didn't even answer the 50k $ question tho?!

[@markp6586]

The best realistic driving review of the RAV 4 Prime. Practical yet informative..... Thanks!

[@MylesV]

18:11, that 110 volt charging cable will take 12 hours or so. There is a faster option and that would be a 220 volt charging station which most owners will likely have installed at their house/in their garage. Level 2 takes 4 hours on the lower trim level and 2 hours on the higher trim level.

[@davescott1491]

Really great reviews Forrest. Calm, detailed objective, and “big hair”.

[@coppilcus]

Big nails as well...

[@steltoronto7553]

Excellent 👌 video Forrest keep up the amazing work ! 😊👍

[@uncbrygaming4997]

juat subscribed. never seen a review like this. composed, honest and detailed. great job

[@moreno746]

Dope video! I’m not even in the market for a new suv but you convinced me I need a new one with the in-depth review.

[@poodn4559]

I've never seen a seat look quite so good, you are a maestro with the camera, my friend. Those angles are amazing

[@henryhonda8408]

My new Rav4 XSE hybrid has the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on. The Prime appears to have the very same seats.

[@poodn4559]

@@henryhonda8408 I just meant they looked pretty, but they do look really comfy, too!

[@TacoPotatoMustang]

Nicely done, Forrest. Very informative. I had been meaning to watch this for a while. Planning to test drive the PRIME and the regular Rav-4 hybrid soon.

[@kellymorgan3783]

Forrest great job on the review of the 2021 RAV4 nice looking SUV keep up the great work.

[@carlfrederick8433]

Great video production and love your your detailed explanations.

[@kaitlyncleary685]

great review, thank you for going into so much detail

[@fredfloyd6957]

Excellent review. For the last year I drove a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid. That car was fully equipped and still got 41 mpg. Tragically, the car was hit in a parking lot resulting in a total loss. With this news, I went down to the Toyota dealer and bought a RAV4 PRIME XSE. I took a test drive and just by ear, the gas mode seemed a little louder than the Hybrid. The acceleration was amazing as you say. The XSE model with the premium package, has a 6.6KW charger as opposed to the standard 3.3KW. This will allow a full charge in about 2 hours with a level 2 charger. I am looking forward to driving this vehicle every day.

[@acvelo5963]

Your reviews have gotten better and better!

[@caromero517]

Thanks for Really great review . Very well explain and clearly not like other review I've seem at very fast paste .

[@olugbojionaopemipo655]

I saw you on Tiktok and immediately followed you and ran to your KZbin to subscribe keep it up❤❤

[@anitaleccese1238]

I have a Prius Prime and can't wait to switch over to the Rav4 Prime. Great review. You answered a lot of questions. Thank you!

[@AubreyBeauford]

Hey using the phone helped convey awesome facts about the car. Great video sir!!!

[@tinchauea]

Love the warrantee detail on your review!

[@Geotubest]

Well done. Keep up the great work!

[@nelsonbalke5575]

Best review on the 2021 RAV4 Prime I have read/watched!

[@georgeeckmannjr6783]

Excellent Forrest - it was like going to RAV4 PRIME College. I am now intimate with the vehicle thanks to you. A red RAV4 Prime will be in my local dealer on a Thursday. Hopefully it will be ours.

[@mlatief5865]

Hey Great job, lots of useful info. Thanks

[@VigneshDhakshinamoorthy]

Great video and summary thanks for the excellent work.

[@jamj1877]

Great review! I learned a lot and I am likely to buy the Rav 4.

[@dariangarcia6961]

Got mine for 42k - 7.5k rebate. Realized Total cost: 34.5 + tax. For something that will last 20 years, and not have QC issues.

[@maaike3259]

Did you get a cash back rebate? I was under the impression the credit is based on your personal federal tax bill and only up to the $7500. If you have a $5k tax bill for example I thought you would only get a $5k credit. A flat $7500 cash back rebate would obviously be fantastic.

[@matthewlkf2000]

Have you found water leak through the holes for installing the roof rack?

[@maaike3259]

Thanks for your in depth review, really helpful! I’m in the market for a PHEV and seriously considering the Prime, if I can get my hands on one though haha.. seems to be a bit of a unicorn

[@hrhthequeen2654]

I live in a state in the central US. I was finally able to get my hands on a RAV4 Prime last month. I love my SE and highly recommend, if you can find one. The dealerships are the new mafia.

[@emilyhua5045]

Thanks! And thanks for pointing out the back up camera and for those who commented on how to fix that. Great video on pointing out quality of everything. Just wondering if you have heads up display and how is it if you do

[@stephenfiore9960]

Some models have alternative back up cameras on rear view mirror and birds eye views

[@mr88cet]

Excellent review; thanks! I think it’s worth pointing out that, if you don’t have routine access to cheap charging at home or at work (or both), then plug-in hybrids are of marginal value. You’re better of with just a plain hybrid. If you do though (I have both, thankfully), they’re really excellent! 13:05 - regarding Charge Mode, at least on our Prius Prime (essentially the same underlying technology), I don’t usually find Charge Mode all that useful. Hybrid Mode generally more efficient than charging from the engine then switching to EV Mode. I rarely use Charge Mode unless I’m returning from a road trip and see that I’ll have a lot of gas left in the tank: I use very little gas in day-to-day driving, so if I have too much gas left in the after a road trip, it just gets stale over time!

[@OtherSteve]

This is a fantastic review. Very well done, thank you for putting it together!

[@bran_noir]

Found you from tik tok and came over to see longer vids from you on KZbin!

[@splatbubble]

Subscribed. Sir, you are killing it.

[@AlexBAlixir98]

Nice Job Forrest. Nice review of the Rav Prime. Nice ride it’s just too expensive

[@RichardJoashTan]

BUT I DO NOT CARE. I WILL BUY A FULLY LOADED RAV4 PRIME XSE ANYWAY.

[@jarkszon]

Great review, good job!

[@axxelhunter1077]

GOOD TIPS. HELPFUL VIDEO.THANKX

[@netman88]

I love this video on the car, thanks for the video. If I was looking for a car, it will be on my top buy list.

[@33818ual]

Just got my 2022 Rav4 prime and I Love it. It is so quick and quiet.Its almost a fast as my mustang GT.at zero to sixty.I got the pearl white with the black top and 19 inch wheels, looks cool. Your review is spot on.

[@christopherclark6383]

Your work is excellent

[@7DMEDIA1]

Great review.. im seriously considering it..

[@rondreher1795]

Great review. Thank you.

[@trev0074]

Good review thanks from 🇬🇧.

[@piperlani]

Great review!👍🏼

[@breaker1685]

Great review - thanks

[@tr7287]

You earned a new subscriber.

[@aleksandryatsino8351]

Nice job and review

[@noreckkos]

Well made video, congratulation.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Lovin’ the silver with the black roof. Looks sleek! I’m surprised it has a regular sunroof. I thought the only option was a pano sunroof🤷‍♀️

[@DUNGSTA]

You gotta pay a premium for that...

[@dmckim1946]

Great review

[@cesarsanchez5131]

Good review 💯💯💯

[@stieglbier1592]

We have our 2021 Black Edition rav4 for almost two years. Love it, use it daily. Relaxing ride from Austria to Croatia/Italy by far!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I understand the need to demonstrate the acceleration but the thing about this car is power is there if and when you need it. Otherwise, it could be an EV most of the time and you only use the gas engine for going on long distance trips. You just drive moderately around time in close to silent EV-mode and it feels like an EV in most respects. Great review. Thanks for the attention to detail.

[@vicp8772]

Good review, just never start with what's up, what's going up you tube.... etc. Liking the car and I've got the right voice for the job

[@Iczer1]

The cubby cutouts in the back of vehicles is generally so that you can put a set of golf clubs back there more easily.

[@christophercruz8954]

Just waiting on the car to be released. My folks sold their 03’ expedition last month. It was in absolute mint condition but my brothers and I already grew up and moved out. My mother uses her Vette as a daily but borrows my truck whenever she needs a little more space. My brothers and I will gift this vehicle to them when it comes out.

[@TocyBlox]

8:28 that is actually an inverter button for the back, you can plug household appliances into it.

[@dalab9716]

Correct, I've heard you have to be careful about what you plug in with these, don't remember details, but maybe a hairdryer or other high load item is verboten.

[@johnrich27]

Great Video

[@trynamakegainz]

Great review! I'm stuck on a Rav4 prime vs Niro EV vs EV6. Leaning more toward this cause of the limited availability of others and it's a Toyota. I like how to don't talk like you just chugged a 4 pack of red bulls like other reviewers.

[@Googleuser-sr3en]

I came for the unique hair and calm presentation.

[@pachiquesipe2057]

Note all 4 weells... 1 motor for the rear axle, 2 for the front axle

[@jonhaines2038]

I bought one of these two weeks ago. I absolutely love it.

[@davidherrington5735]

did you pay over the list price?

[@billyrock8305]

You got ripped off. 💰 Financed not bought. The bank owns it.

[@j00ktau]

Good call-out on the backup camera being low res. Wtf Toyota for a near $50K crossover???

[@DUNGSTA]

Don't forget about the fake leather...

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

50k is not what it used to be. There will be rebates. You will save a lot of gas. This vehicle will run for 20 years albeit with one expensive battery replacement.

[@theone4042]

Not 50k because greedy dealers charging $10k over so more like $60k

[@mowcowbell]

The car only exists in youtube videos. Try and find one in the wild.

[@dariangarcia6961]

@@theone4042 I paid 42k for this vehicle before state tax. Depends what state you’re in.

[@markanders250]

14:00 you realize you can adjust the back up camera view right? You have it set to the top down view that no one really uses, there are two other modes.

[@josesoto5148]

Good review, I've seen quite a few reviews on KZbin in doing my research and I have one on order. I find that if you are going to spend in the mid 40K for this Vehicle, you might as well throw in a few more thousands and get it fully loaded with all the bells and whistles, I did. It Won't come in till early January 2021 because they are custom made for you with your choices of options, they say only 5000 units being produce in 2021and it requires a 2000 dollar deposit to order one.

[@louisstennes3]

Good luck. enjoy it. The limited production is due to the fact that Toyota cannot source enough batteries required for the Prime. The hybrid battery models have no supply problems but the Prime battery is in very short supply.

[@stephenfiore9960]

@@louisstennes3 …What about electronic chip shortage

[@lsmjake]

I like the review and he is easy to listen to. Only problem is that he was WAY off in the charging details/timing... 2.5 hrs is on level 2 charger with upgraded package... it’s like 12 hours on standard outlet

[@cliftoncockroft6740]

Totaled my yaris I'm buying one of these

[@jjlwis]

O0o.. I heard that hood flex when you tried to close it... Realizing the prop was still in place.. And not using hood struts.. 😳😳😳

[@gns942]

The paddle shifters are mainly used to engine brake the car if you're going down a steep hill, or if you're slowing to a stop without braking too hard.

[@stephenfiore9960]

Do they recharge the battery at the same time, while using the paddles????

[@gns942]

@@stephenfiore9960 Yes, because it will enable either (or both) of the transmission's motor-generators to more efficiently harvest the energy from the vehicle's momentum. They will spin up, generate electricity, and that recharges the battery. The car will do this all the time when slowing down, whether using the paddles or not, but using the paddles just makes it more aggressive in harvesting the energy.

[@HanFollo]

Are the RAV4 Prime paddle shifters useful in snowy and icy conditions? Shifting down was very helpful when slowing down in snowy conditions in an ICE car, with actual gear boxes. Braking sometimes is too risky. I'm curious if the same applies to the paddle shifters on a RAV4 Prime in EV mode. Thanks!

[@lecruset]

I was watching the TFL channel and they tested the mpg on the PRIME. They were getting 89mpg.

[@MrGinz4uuu]

Do u have a review on hybrid rav 4? as this model is not available in Australia

[@GermanEggCream]

Great video, a couple of points. The model with the premium package does have the panoramic roof, it appears that the one you have is the XSE with premium audio and cold weather, but not the premium package (exact same spec as mine, and it's about 3.5k less than the 48k and change in the video). You can charge the vehicle using a bigger charger than what it comes with. The cable that it comes with is good for charging overnight. On a level 2 charger, you can charge it in 4.5 hours (3.3kw onboard charger), and the premium XSE has a 6.6kw charger which is good for 2.5 hours.

[@DUNGSTA]

You have a premium xse?!

[@GermanEggCream]

@@DUNGSTA I have an xse but I didn't splurge on the premium package, just the upgraded audio/infotainment.

[@DUNGSTA]

@@GermanEggCream you paid all that money and cheaped out on the premium package?! 🤯

[@GermanEggCream]

@@DUNGSTA Sometimes I regret it, but it's almost a $3500 bump and I only care about like half of the features. After incentives and all where I live, that turns a roughly 35k car into a 38.5k car, gotta set a limit somewhere.

[@DUNGSTA]

@@GermanEggCream that quick charge tho

[@mitchellsmith4601]

How the hell did you find one of these in South Orange County?

[@xxlalbatross3287]

47k still cheaper compering to Swedish prices. Here in Sweden it's starting from 56k and upp to almost 70k

[@scootsmcdoots80]

Good review. Seems like you got somewhat of a dud though. That backup camera isn’t set properly, I own a ‘19 Rav and am upgrading to the Prime soon and the camera is not like that one you have. Also the wireless charging pad on mine always works.

[@ThePabloG30]

Silver Sky Metallic... That's what I was told when I bought my Rav4

[@jadeethan]

This is a great looking vechicle!

[@mdnasimbhuiyan1894]

Nice review :):):)

[@dempsej]

So the paddles are for adjusting regenerative braking (ie. when going downhill in mountains)m and about that multimedia screen - you don't have to be able to reach those buttons on the right as every function there can be also accessed by a button on a steering wheel.

[@stephenfiore9960]

I’ve watched over 30 R4P videos and no one explains what the paddles do

[@dempsej]

@@stephenfiore9960 because all reviewers treat them like in regular cars. As I said - virtual gears are used for engine braking while going downhill and maaaaaaaaaaaybe to keep engine at higher rpm, so reaction for acceleration pedal is a tad faster, but it’s not really that useful in everyday driving. I have a Toyota hybrid with paddles, so this is from my experience.

[@SeeksWomderNWisdom]

How pricey are the batteries and those fancy headlamp systems to replace out of warranty? Can one over ride that auto-breaking system with icy conditions?

[@breaker1685]

Forrest - thanks for your realistic review. Question - this Prime has 19" wheels, does it therefore have a rougher or bumpier ride? Does it feel small rocks and the pits in the road more with these tyres? With the petrol engine running is it quieter than the standard Hybrid RAV4? If so, much quieter? thanks Also, does the extra weight of the larger battery area make the car drive a bit stiffer on the road? If I am looking for a softer ride, would this RAV Prime suit my needs? with thanks Breaker (Australia)

[@stephenfiore9960]

…The battery acts as a noise shield I hear. The battery is on the bottom of the vehicle, not under the back seat

[@patricksoon85]

Is this still the best hybrid plugin SUV on the market? Curious how people feel it compares to others like the Lexus NX450h+.

[@albergan3174]

Hi, great vid, thanks, but I believe that there always hasn't been a Rav4 Hybrid. First hybrid was 2016.

[@fourthofseven]

First Plug In hybrid RAV4

[@c_b5060]

Low backup camera angle is to prevent running over toddlers. Sadly, that has happened a few times.

[@EVeverything]

Good review! A few thoughts/comments/observations for potential buyers: 1.) The paddle "shifters" behind the steering wheel are not for actual gear shifting. If it's like my Outlander PHEV, these will increase/decrease regenerative braking, which is a very powerful tool in maximizing your EV driving range. 2.) I wouldn't recommend using the "charge" mode where the gas engine charges the battery. Outlander PHEV has this same feature, but it seems an inefficient way to energize the battery. Just "hold" the state of charge if you wish to preserve the battery until you can charge it properly again. 3.) Charging using the included Level 1 charger is certainly not going to get you a full charge in 2 hours, nor is it the same or even close to using a Level 2 plug. The included charger will likely take around 12 hours (based off our experience with a 2017 Volt), and a Level 2 charger will probably still take 4 hours or so. Looks like a great car, and one that we would likely upgrade to from our Outlander PHEV for the increased EV driving range. Someone interested in a plug-in SUV with 4-wheel drive for a lot less money should consider a 2018 or newer Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

[@wphubert]

The paddles are not equivalent to Outlander. They control engine gearing. The paddles don’t exist on the base model.

[@PotBanginEejit]

It looks like the head designer took his trigonometry toolbox and smashed it into his students' clay model. Smash smash smash HULK SMASH. Done.

[@cabbytabby]

Quite thorough

[@jessebooth2371]

I got a 2019 hybrid xse. Wish I heard about the prime I would have waiting another year.

[@vitalioc1980]

How is the suspension in this car?

[@jeffreywong6842]

Great review. I just don't understand why Toyota keeps promoting this since they are only planning to produce/sell 5,000 unit this year.

[@ajpend]

Future years.

[@qqqwark]

Because this is not the last year of humanity

[@calindor19]

Max speed in eletric mode? Battery range?

[@jacobjohnston8172]

Any thoughts on headroom? I’m 6’3” and felt a little crouched when test driving one the other day.

[@markray8629]

If you think the drivers seat was small, sit in the passenger seat. Can’t raise and lower it, your head will hit the roof.

[@payrocoin]

Does this car have an inverter in the rear like the new Highlander does? Also, when in charge mode, does it charge the battery to 100% or do you have to plug it in to get the battery to 100%?

[@MicoJ03]

No inverter. And yes

[@stephenfiore9960]

Yes comes with the SXE model. I’ve watched over 30 R4P videos and many show it along side of a 12volt receptacle also. Can power a small refrigerator or microwave. 120volt, 1500watts

[@aquamarine99911]

As you point out, it's a lot of money for a RaV 4, and you don't get premium interior features. But those don't really matter. Plug in hybrid is the way of the future. No need to worry about your charge, but with a 40 mile range you hardly ever have to fill it with gas. Hell, my plug-in Cayenne has much less range, and I've had to fill it only a three or four times since the lockdown started back in March. I bought it used for around the same price the Rav 4 Prime is going for new, but it's got the panorama roof and nice finishing. But a light over the charging plug is a nice feature that I don't have. It's annoying to haven to plug in in the dark.

[@DUNGSTA]

Any problems with the cayenne?

[@aquamarine99911]

@@DUNGSTA Not so far. It drives like a big frickin' truck though. If/when the Macan comes out in electric or PI hybrid, that would be the green vehicle to get. The dealer loaned me one while the Cayenne was getting serviced, and man, the damn thing drives like a sports car. And it's a little smaller than a Cayenne, but half the price.

[@DUNGSTA]

@@aquamarine99911 macan base or s?

[@aquamarine99911]

@@DUNGSTA Can't remember. Probably the s, cuz it was sporty as hell! And my previous car was a 1999 BMW 528 5-speed manual (what a great car that was - I drove it into the ground). I'm not easily impressed by good cornering ability.

[@Hehe-wy7vw]

I have this car and loved it. We're switching it to Tesla because of gas but it was a good purchase.

[@Tr1xx]

Genuine question, is the rav4 a good first car?

[@wanderer2955]

That LED daytime running light should come standard on all rav4 or atleast xle and up🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DUNGSTA]

Gotta justify the premium packages somehow...

[@wanderer2955]

@@DUNGSTA sure! But it doesnt have to be on the road safety side. FYI i have the xle premium and i dont have that either.

[@raiden000]

9:30 how long are your legs tho? not everyone has the same dimensions. im 6'5" but have short legs, therefore a tall torso, ive never met another person with a taller torso than me, even several guys who are 6'10"+ sitting next to them i look taller if you cant see our legs lol.

[@mirceamunteanu4791]

LCD that display your speed is really dim, I have this issue on my RAV4 Trail (adventure), looks like the Prime is the same

[@Ghostsimonriley651]

The rav4’s back name 💀🤣😂 4:06 and when your phone is charging not charging is actually trusfrating 13:35