Toyota’s hybrids are among the most refined and well-thought-out electrified vehicles around. The RAV4 Prime is an excellent example, offering strong acceleration and a surprisingly engaging driving experience not seen in other Toyota SUVs. It comes equipped with a wide range of safety and comfort technologies, and it brings impressive fuel economy to boot.

What’s New for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime

The RAV4 is due for an overhaul at some point in the near future, but it enters the 2024 model year with no major changes to report. The plug-in hybrid SUV retains its efficiency and 42 miles of all-electric range.

Design

The basic RAV4 look has remained the same for years. Toyota offers two-tone paint options, and 18-inch wheels come standard. The higher XSE trim adds 19-inch wheels and tasteful chrome accents. Unlike the standard RAV4, the Prime does not come in a more rugged Adventure trim, and its styling focuses more on the sporty side than projecting off-road capability. Toyota offers few options for the Prime’s exterior, but buyers can add blacked-out emblems and body-side moldings.

Powertrain

The RAV4 Prime gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor making a combined 302 horsepower. That surprising output reaches all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Before the GR Corolla came along, the RAV4 Prime was one of Toyota’s quickest vehicles, second only to the GR Supra in acceleration times. That said, the CVT isn’t the most accommodating for performance, and it lets the engine wail under heavy acceleration. There’s good power for in-town commuting and highway cruising, however, and the Prime never feels underpowered for the situation.

Interior

The five-seat RAV4 Prime comes standard with cloth upholstery, heated seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The higher trim adds ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel. Both rows of seating offer adequate room for adults, and the SUV’s car seat LATCH anchors are some of the easier-to-use examples on the market today.

Technology

Toyota equips a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, along with six speakers, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, multiple USB inputs, dual-zone climate controls, HD radio, and more. A 10.5-inch touchscreen is available, and the higher trim adds a JBL premium stereo, navigation, wireless device charging, a digital rearview mirror system, and more.

Safety

The Toyota Safety System 2.5+ comes standard, which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $43,690. The higher XSE trim starts at $47,560. Toyota doesn’t offer many upgrades, but buyers can add a weather and moonroof package to the base trim for $1,665, while the XSE is available with rear heated seats for $815 and a premium package for $2,960.