2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs Hyundai IONIQ 5 - The King of PHEV/EV's?

A couple of years ago when we were in the market to replace our Toyota Highlander hybrid we were seriously looking at the Toyota RAV4 Prime as well as the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV.
The prime really seem to take all the boxes for us including a good midsize cabin, I tried and true hybrid system and of course one of the best plug-in hybrid systems out there with a pretty decent EV only range. Top of that you would still get some government EV rebates for a PHEV plus the bonus is of great parking spots and access to HOV lanes with a single occupant. We were ready to buy one however there was one big issue – availability. With some people waiting 2 to 3 years for their RAV4 prime we were able to secure a new Hyundai IONIQ 5 which would be our very first EV.

Fast forward a couple of years and it's hard to even imagine not driving an electric car. The transition has been seamless and we have had zero regrets with our decision however the RAV4 prime really does have a lot of merit to it. Essentially you do get your cake and then you get to eat it with the RAV4 prime in that you experience EV driving without the compromise of range or charging ability making it pretty well perfect for everyone.

[nva]

PRIME wins when it comes to depreciation. When it's time for a new vehicle the difference will be significant. Love my 2024 XSE. I have had it for 6 weeks now and I am still driving around with the gas the dealer supplied. Just under 3\4 of a tank left.

[COSolar]

We had a very similar experience in early 2022. We had been waiting for almost a year for a RAV4 Prime before test driving an Ioniq 5. We bought the Ioniq 5 and have been very happy with the results. Honestly range anxiety has not been an issue for us. I can see that some people may need to regularly road trip in areas with limited public chargers and PHEV makes sense. For us 90% of our charging is at home. Easier and much cheaper than either fast charging or a gas station.

[youtoob]

We have both 2021 Prime XSE and 2023 EV6 GT Line so we can relate to contents of the video. Both great cars. We live in Burnaby and with wife's daily use, the Prime really is a full electric vehicle since all day commute is rarely over the 90km range. Family outing we take the EV6 and longer trips we would take the Prime. Great combo.

[reggieburris]

When the temperatures dipped near zero in most of the US this past winter, electric vehicles were stranded from Colorado to Virginia. We went with a Venza and picking up the RAV4 Prime within a day or two.

[tk]

Let's not forget resale value. The Japanese-made Prime wins hands down. Ioniq 5s can be had all over town now as used cars. No Primes though. Also, in an accident, the Hyundai will most likely be written off before the Prime would be. Neither vehicle is particularly good looking either.

[benhaze]

Love the twin brother video creation!!

[djscandela]

Great review Brian, I would have thought the Rav 4 prime would be a good car to compare to Outlander PHEV, they seem to be closer match up.

I think the 2025 Ioniq5 is the version that should have been released from day 1, too bad it’s taken 3 yrs to fix what’s missing from the present model I5

[MFJones]

Excellent video! Thank you! I acutually just reserved a RAV4 Prime XSE with the tech package. But there’s one thing that’s really making me hesitate with the RAV4. It’s a very popular car for thieves. In my area someone got his stolen 3 times in a short period of time (RAV4, not necessarily a PRIME). So I think another point to mention is because of that, insurance cost will be high.

What other PHEV would you recommend for a family of 4?

Thank you

[stephenwinter]

Greetings from oakville Ontario thanks for the presentation and I'm enjoying my mitsubishi outlander phev because of the toyota RAV4 prime has a much longer wait list the mitsubishi had zero 😊

[sporla]

My wife loves her Prime. She plugs it in religiously and hardly ever use gas. I do think it is noisy on the highway (even in EV mode). When the engine kicks on after battery depletion, it is very loud. We have a 2021. Not sure if the tech has improved because in my opinion, it seems dated.

[Noypi]

Just totaled a 2021 Highlander Hybrid Platinum last Monday. One week later after calling all the Toyota dealers in the Upper Midwest I found an in-transit 2024 RAV4 XSE at a dealer 2 hours away and put a down on it to reserve. Should be arriving within the month

[DIYwannabe]

Only waited 1 year for my black RAV4 Prime XSE tech package (2024). Location is Vancouver dealership.

[sophaman]

You think you are going to save gas on Hyundai but you don't think about battery electric for the Hyundai how much will cost but the hybrid battery for the rav4 prime will cost a lot less expensive than the Hyundai electric battery i owned a venza hybrid 2022 but I save a lot of money on the pump remember toyota reliability resale value thanks for sharing your video

[hscomet]

Thx for a great vid, I'm in the queue for a (my spec) Gen6 Rav4 PHEV if it hopefully comes to Australia, 2.5 year waiting list Oh well that's life Cheers Richard

[Icayn]

How was the ride quality of the I5 vs the Prime? Also did you feel like the Prime was lacking in power compared to the Ioniq? Which is quieter inside?

[johprebla]

I really like it when your wife is in your reviews

[patrick]

Does the Rav 4 battery operate the same as a BEV in cold temps in the sense that the electric range is decently reduced?

[stephenwinter]

Whatever your thoughts on the hyundai ioniq9 just saw it on YouTube mentioned that it will be built in the Alabama plant

[zaneskoretz]

I’m looking for a prime, what can I do

[jonathanchan]

Can anyone confirm if the 2024 XSE w/Tech (Canada) has power passenger seat?