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.

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.

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.