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2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime consumer reviews

$38,350 starting MSRP
side view of 2021 RAV4 Prime Toyota
(45 reviews)
97% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.9
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.9
  • Reliability 4.9
Explore the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Shop the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Saves Gas and Lots of Power

The RAV4 Prime is a hybrid-electric vehicle with a bigger battery than the hybrid-electric version of the RAV4. It has Lots of power, all-wheel drive, decent handling along with versatile utility of the compact SUV. This is not an electric vehicle in that the gas engine will operate under certain conditions even though the 'electric mode' has been selected. That said, gasoline usage is reduced if 'electric mode' is used exclusively and the trip distance is less than 35 or 40 miles. My suggestion for Toyota (and anyone else building a "plug-in hybrid") is to increase the battery capacity to 60 miles of electric range. The range-extended electric 2nd Generation Chevy VOLT will deliver around 52 miles of electric range depending on driving and weather conditions and will nearly eliminate gasoline usage for most people. The VOLT electric-drive system is different from the TOYOTA hybrid-drive system. The VOLT will operate as an electric-drive vehicle until either the battery is depleted or the driver selects the "Hold" mode. The car then operates as a gasoline-hybrid-drive and reserves the battery charge for later use as a full-electric drive vehicle. The result of these two different drive systems is that the RAV4 Prime has given us an overall of 100 MPG verses the Gen2 VOLT of 164 MPG. Both have saved considerable gasoline. We recharge regularly at home on Level 1 or Level 2 and almost never 'top-off' at public charging sites. Both have been excellent vehicles with the RAV4 giving more carrying capacity with the trade off of requiring more fuel.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Versatile performance

High points: Extremely quick, versatile as an off road and ski car as well as classy for nights on the town. Unbelievable range as I have gotten over 50 miles electric equal to some older all electric cars. Low points: My SE model lacks fast charging. Tires squeak loudly at 5 miles per hour, handling when cornering not precise, some interior plastic cheap for a 50k car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Overall, a Great Vehicle

I've only had it for a month so far. The only annoying option in the Rav4 is the lane keeping assist. At highway speeds it constantly fights the driver unnecessarily. Otherwise, I'm in love with this vehicle. The MPG is amazing.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Do-it-all Crossover!

Really is the perfect do-it-all vehicle. It's both rugged and comfortable and has an extensive suite of tech. The drivetrain is impressive with its 0-60 in 5.5 seconds and full electric mode is outstanding. Out of all the PHEVs, this is most likely the benchmark for the future.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Outstanding vehicle

Very possibly extremely satisfying automobile. Got 47 miles on a charge at 67mph highway driving. Charge daily so rarely use gas. Incredible mpg when I fill tank. Anywhere from 80 to 140mpg. Only complaint would involve extra small printing on some of controls.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Would love a 3rd row option

Would love a 3rd row option. MPG is excellent. Love the plug - in - fuel capability. Extremely quiet, cannot tell when it is running or not. Husband cannot sit in passenger seat very long due to comfort.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Car!

Really comfortable; great power and mileage. Very quiet. Gas engine goes on and off seamlessly. Can’t tell when it’s running on gas, except with very hard acceleration. 40-45 miles on a charge, so always electric when in town.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Leg room too short! Legs bump steering wheel!

I tried several 2022 models, I really wanted to buy this vehicle, but no matter how I adjust the seat, there's just not enough leg room, too short. I'm 6' 1" and my legs bump the steering wheel. Leg room rated at 41", needs to be at least 43". Tried a Subaru Outback, I fit in that car. Hopefully a later model update will fix this.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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OPTIMUS PRIME BY DAY, ANGEL BY NIGHT

All I see is the potential "transformations" I can make on my Angel here by Night, into Optimus Prime by day. Don't need to go into USB ports and handling and all the other same reviews that's been mentioned a million times. I've driven Beamers in Germany, VW, Mercedes, Hyundai and others... If I had known about or even cared to try a Plug in Hybrid like this in the past....well...that's that.... But this Angel is just SWEEEETTTTT!!!!! Can't believe the "Overall" value this Prime is offering so far. Yeah people will complain about "price too high, this and that"...Who cares....keep this in mind...You can't take your money with you when you're Dead. If you don't get a Toyota PHEV or Toyota is not your cup of tea...go get any PHEV. But I would suggest you take the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime for a test drive...Not just once... but Three Times..at least.....because by then..you'll get to "FEEL"...what it is like to be transformed by a PRIME!!!! Take care, Stay safe and God Bless, y'all.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
23 people out of 28 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great RAV4 Prime

42 miles on a charge of battery, then gasoline motor. Just what we needed as into Grass Valley & home is 30 miles - no gas used! Replaces our 2012 Camry Hybrid. Great reliable cars!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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