The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is the One You Want!

I review the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime! With 42 miles of electric range, strong electric motors and all the range and convenience of a normal fuel-efficient hybrid, the RAV4 Prime really gives you the best of both worlds. This fully loaded RAV4 Prime with the Premium package has an as-tested price of about $48,730 before the $7,500 federal tax credit. When you factor in the credit, the RAV4 Prime is a bargain for all the extra features you get, along with the best-in-class 302 hp powertrain and 42 miles of EV range that'll likely result in lots of gas savings as well. What do you think about the RAV4 Prime?

Time Stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:44 Interior
3:39 Initial impressions
5:53 Acceleration
8:11 Handling
14:18 Other observations
16:07 EV mode impressions
20:35 Pricing
23:06 Fuel economy and efficiency
24:39 Final thoughts
27:14 Availability
28:51 Wrap-up

Pros:
Excellent visibility
Great brake and throttle response
Quieter than a regular RAV4
Smooth ride and fairly good handling
Very quick and fun w/ instant electric punch
Light but accurate steering feels good
Playful but front-biased AWD system
Perks of EV combined w/ long gas range
Excellent fuel economy and efficiency

Cons:
Not a lot of grip
Can feel the extra weight in corners

Twitter @mattmaran
Instagram @mattmaranmotoring
Business inquires can be directed to mattmaranmotoring (at) gmail (dot) com
Matt Maran Motoring is a participant in the Amazon Influencer Program.

[Yourprouddad]

I love this guy. 8 years later coming from your silent Chrysler 300 srt8 video I still get so much enjoyment from hearing you say, “let’s turn onto this backroad here”.

[hellokyle_]

Your genuine surprise of that acceleration is awesome. Great review.

[martinp.]

By far the best reviewer for cars I've watched.

[owais]

This is the car I want. It's more flexible than all EV.

[yadvindergakhal]

Damn. Wasn't expecting a reaction like that.

[GoldenKCampers]

Just put a deposit down on an XSE Premium.. and decided to watch this video again. Your enthusiasm is addictive !!

[TheOutdoorBeerReview]

Just imagine what a 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra Prime version would be like.... please take my money!!

[dpaquin]

Very good review Matt . We Can fell you made your home work. Thanks

[swimmer]

Excellent review! Lots of great information missing from other reviewers and it's nice to see you loving the car you're reviewing! Those are the best.

[austinformedude]

Except no one will get one, because you can't. Limited to 5000 copies and only sold in a few few states.

[c_b]

(1) 19:21 "… aside from road trips …" Are you saying that you would NOT use this vehicle for a road trip (500 miles in a single day)? With constant passing of other cars on the road, would the battery slowly run down, or would the driving times between passing other cars be enough time to restore the battery charge that was used during passing? To ask this a different way: after driving for 400 miles, would the battery still have sufficient charge available to quickly pass other vehicles? (2) I don't have any place for a plug-in charger. Would it be reasonable to charge the battery with only the gas engine while driving (that is, NEVER use a plug-in charger)?

[frumpd]

We have a deposit down on the XSE premium and the 50K price is a bit tough to swallow compared to a Model Y. Once you get over the Tesla hype though, the Model Y currently has awful build and paint quality, lacks any smartphone integration, heated steering wheel, cooled seats, HUD, and has pretty crap service. The prime is simply a no compromise vehicle.

[edb.]

Wow, Matt loves a vehicle - that speaks volumes. I would love to see a Highlander Prime...

[johnmartin]

Awesome review. Great to see a reviewer who enjoys what he does. Wish I could say that about others, but I can’t. Fantastic attitude you have.

Hope NZ can get the RAV4 Prime by the end of the year. I plan to but one in 2022 May. If I can’t get one, what do you think of the upcoming 2022 Kia Sportage PHEV ?

Auckland. NZ

[WoobiTheCat]

I Matt, That silver piece in the back it's matching that silver piece in the front - That's the reminder :) and I love your review. I'm waiting for my XSE techno in 2 weeks!!

[gene]

I noticed that Matt seems to like tires spinning on family suv’s Those giggles are sinister haha

[doloreschansey]

Just so you know, with this car, you can charge the EV battery while driving it in HV mode. They made it available as a charge option since about two model years back (2016/17) with the Prius Prime hybrids.

[pistolpete]

Matt, great review! Seems like a a fantastic hybrid!

[frank]

Finally An actual review of a car worth buying

[MakenaKai]

This one has the matrix of leadership in the engine compartment