Specifications of Toyota RAV4 Prime Prime 2.5 D-4S (302 HP) Plug-in Hybrid AWD ECVT
General characteristics of Toyota RAV4 Prime Prime 2.5 D-4S (302 HP) Plug-in Hybrid AWD ECVT
The new RAV4 Prime shares its dimensions with the regular gas-powered RAV4, which means it is 180.9 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 67 inches in height. The XSE stands marginally taller at 67.2 inches and also has a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.3 inches (0.2 inches higher than the SE). The wheelbase measures 105.9 inches. The RAV4 Prime has approach/departure angles of 18.6/21.4 degrees respectively. At 4,235 pounds for the base SE, the RAV4 Prime is a significant 580 lbs heavier than the heaviest gas-only RAV4. The XSE is even heavier at 4,300 lbs.
Allowing the RAV4 Prime to accelerate as quickly as it does is a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with permanent magnet synchronous electric motors. On its own, the 2.5L engine produces 177 hp and 165 lb-ft, but the combined output is 302 hp. The system features an 18.1 kWh PHV lithium-ion battery which is mounted under the floor so that it has practically no impact on passenger space. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is fitted and there are three driving modes - Normal, Eco, and Sport - the latter providing the quickest acceleration times with sharper throttle calibration. There are also three separate EV driving modes, whereby the RAV4 Prime can reach a maximum speed of 84 mph without the assistance of the gas engine.
After already loving the regular RAV4 Hybrid's drivetrain, we knew the Prime was going to be a treat. In EV mode, the RAV4 Prime can hustle to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, making it quicker than a Prius using its gas engine and electric motors. This means you'll easily be able to keep up and pass traffic without ever needing to burn a single drop of gasoline. When the engine and electric motors are working together in hybrid mode, the acceleration goes from brisk to rapid, pinning you into your seat more than any previous RAV4 model to date. Toyota says the RAV4 Prime takes just 5.7 seconds to hit 60 mph and after driving the car for a few days, this figure seems accurate. We wish we'd had a Volkswagen GTI on hand for a drag race because with the same exact 0-60 mph time, the RAV4 Prime would have made for an interesting opponent. With no gears to shuffle through in the transmission, acceleration is immediate and the RAV Prime can whoosh past other cars with relative ease. Under modest acceleration, the engine can barely be heard humming in the background but if you really mash the throttle, the groan of the four-banger becomes apparent and a bit distracting.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the most fuel-efficient RAV4 ever with EPA estimates working out to 40/36/38 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles and a 94 MPGe rating on electrons only. Toyota claims that the electric driving range is an impressive 42 miles. It is worth noting that we only observed around 28 miles on a full battery after using the car's built-in charge mode, though it may be possible that the 42-mile range can only be achieved by plugging in to charge. With a 14.5-gallon gas tank, a preliminary EPA-rated range of around 600 miles has been cited.
As the first plug-in RAV4 ever produced, the Prime comes with a 120-volt charging cable as standard which allows for charging at home or at a public charging station. A full charge will take 12 hours at 3.3 kW and with a 120-volt plug, but this drops to 4.5 hours with a 240-volt connection. On the XSE, the optional Premium Package comes with an enhanced 6.6 kW charger. With a 240-volt plug and at least 32 amps, this option drops the charging time to just 2.5 hours.
Since Toyota has mounted the RAV4 Prime's batteries into the floor, it has no impact on the interior space. The RAV4 Prime still offers seating for five with adequate room in all positions. The front seats offer 37.7 inches of headroom (with a moonroof) and 41 inches of legroom while the rear seats offer 39.5 inches of headroom and 37.8 inches of legroom. These are not the largest measurements in the compact crossover segment but they are on par with most competitors. No RAV4 model offers the option of a third row and even if one did, there wouldn't be much space for occupants back there, but instead, the cargo area is practical and capacious.
The RAV4 Prime has a slightly smaller trunk than the regular RAV4 but it still measures a useful 33.5 cubic feet behind the second row. By comparison, the Honda CR-V Hybrid has an almost identical 33.2 cubes. With the 60/40-split folding back seats lying flat, total space increases to 63.2 cubes without the moonroof or 63.1 cubes with the moonroof.
Toyota has done well to make the RAV4 Prime's cabin a usable and practical space. There are in-dash anti-slip storage trays along with a spacious compartment underneath the center console armrest. An overhead console to stash your sunglasses, four bottle holders, and four cupholders (including in the rear center armrest), ensures that most smaller items can be conveniently stored.
