Yahoo Autos 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime First Drive | Flipping the script
So far, there haven't been many hybrid variants of smaller mainstream two-row crossovers and, understandably, all have focused on efficiency. The new, range-topping 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is flipping the script.
For 2021, Toyota is looking to reclaim the performance high ground in the compact crossover segment with a plug-in hybrid. The RAV4 Prime may approach performance from a completely different angle, but 302 horsepower is 302 horsepower, and quick is quick. Like our Volvo S60 long-termer, the 2021 RAV4 Prime is poised to be as fun as it is frugal.
Toyota has hinted at this approach before, as the current RAV4's sportiest trim level, the XSE, is only available as the Hybrid. Blessed with sharper suspension and steering tuning, it stemmed from the belief of chief engineer Yoshikazu Saeki that hybrids had untapped performance potential. It, like every regular RAV4 Hybrid, is also more powerful than the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but the acceleration difference is meager. We're talking 0-60 times of 7.8 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The RAV4 Prime moves the ball much further down field.
If anything, it's the long-awaited replacement and spiritual successor to the 2006-2012 RAV4 and its optional 269-horsepower V6. That was a hoot to drive as it could blow the doors off most of its contemporaries with its 6.3-second 0-60. So, when Toyota offered us the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the new RAV4 Prime, we eagerly accepted.
The 2021 RAV4 Prime shares its 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle, gasoline-powered four-cylinder with the regular RAV4 Hybrid, but it's tuned differently. Its 177 hp is just 1 more than the Hybrid’s output, and its 165 pound-feet of torque tops the Hybrid’s by just 2. The 40-kilowatt (53 hp) rear-axle electric motor carries over too, but the RAV4 Prime borrows the front motors from the larger Highlander Hybrid, for a total front-axle electric output of 134 kW (or 179 hp).
Since it’s a plug-in, that means the RAV4 Prime gets a much bigger battery pack than its run-of-the-mill hybrid sibling. The 18.1-kWh pack can provide enough juice for 42 miles of pure electric driving under normal conditions, with a maximum speed of 84 MPH.
When it’s not in pure EV mode, the RAV4 Prime is taking advantage of that stored energy to significantly boost both its performance and efficiency. The EPA has certified the RAV4 Prime at 40 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined. For comparison, the regular hybrid checks in at 41/38/40.
So, while it is plenty efficient, squeezing the most out of a drop of fuel is clearly not the RAV4 Prime’s top priority. Its plug-in-hybrid system produces a total system output of 302 horsepower, making it the most powerful compact SUV from a non-luxury brand. Toyota says it'll also go from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which slices 2 seconds off the regular Hybrid's time and is noteworthy for a compact crossover of any stripe.
Toyota’s engineers pretty much maintained the suspension and steering calibrations of the regular Hybrid XSE apart, but there are some minute differences to account for the RAV4 Prime’s additional mass (thanks, battery pack!) and to increase refinement for those who understandably expect a little bit extra from a $40,000 new car.
Apart from being sporty and comfortable, the RAV4 Prime also offers all the CUV-style practicality you could ask for. While the bulkier PHEV powertrain does infringe slightly on the rear cargo space, it’s down just 4.1 cubic feet behind the second row compared to the standard Hybrid and only 6.7 cubes with the rear seats folded, checking in at 33.5 and 63.1 cubic feet, respectively. Available passenger space remains identical to that of the base Hybrid’s.
Toyota is offering the RAV4 Prime in two flavors: SE (the base model and an exclusive trim level) and XSE. Standard equipment on the SE includes heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration. The XSE ($42,545 before options) gets you a 9-inch touchscreen, upgraded audio, wireless device charging, a moonroof and a fancy two-tone exterior paint scheme.
