The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of Toyota’s compact SUV. Like the hybrid version, it offers impressive fuel economy from its gasoline/electric motor powertrain. Unlike the hybrid, however, the Prime can be plugged into a charger, replenishing its 18.1-kWh battery in about 2.5 hours using a 240-volt Level II charger. The Prime can cruise for up to 42 miles solely on electric power, after which it reverts to the gas/electric powertrain.
The Prime is not only efficient but also fast, with a combined gas/electric output of 302 horsepower capable of rocketing the RAV4 to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Compared to the standard RAV4, the Prime loses some cargo space, a trade-off necessary to accommodate the battery pack. All-wheel drive is standard.
Unlike the RAV4 Hybrid, the RAV4 Prime comes in only two trims. More affordable options include the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, Ford Escape PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and Kia Sportage PHEV.
2023 RAV4 Prime SE
Starting price when new: $42,340 | See used listings
- AWD
- Fabric upholstery with red stitching
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Digital gauges
- Heated front seats/sideview mirrors
- Power driver’s seat
- Power liftgate
- 6-speaker audio system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Blind-spot monitor/rear cross-traffic alert
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Available heated steering wheel/rear seats
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
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2023 RAV4 Prime XSE
Starting price when new: $46,210 | See used listings
- SofTex upholstery with red stitching
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 11-speaker JBL audio system
- Wireless smartphone charger
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Two-tone exterior
- Available digital rearview mirror
- Available head-up display
- Available Panoramic View Monitor
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2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE
The SE is the first of two Prime grades. It comes nicely equipped, riding on handsome 18-inch black alloy wheels and touting black roof rails, acoustic noise-reducing front side windows, a height-adjustable power liftgate, heated side mirrors, and bi-LED projector-style headlights.
With Toyota’s Smart Key keyless entry, locking and unlocking the Prime is as easy as touching the door handle.
The RAV4 Prime SE comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This complete suite of driver aids includes full-range adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and traffic sign recognition.
Also standard is a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, trailer sway control, hill start assist, a tire-pressure monitor, and a rearview monitor with projected path guidelines.
Comfort and convenience items include dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-trimmed tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, and an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support.
The SE’s power windows include a one-touch up/down feature, while power points litter the interior, including five USB charge ports (three up front, two in the rear) and two 12-volt outlets (one in the front storage tray and one in the cargo bay).
The SE’s cargo bay includes a height-adjustable rear cargo deck board and a tonneau cover.
On the technology front, the SE features a digital speedometer and analog hybrid system indicator flanking a 7-inch digital information screen.
The SE’s infotainment setup consists of a 6-speaker audio system connected to an 8-inch touchscreen hosting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Toyota’s connected services apps.
The optional Weather and Moonroof Package adds a power moonroof, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and rain-sensing wipers with de-icers.
- Power liftgate – Press a button on the fob, and the liftgate automatically opens.
- Wireless connectivity – With the SE’s new multimedia system, you don’t even have to take your iPhone out of your pocket to connect. Just push the CarPlay icon, and you’re good to go. The same goes for Android phones using Android Auto.
- Heated front seats – Multilevel front seat heaters allow occupants to choose a little extra heat or a lot. A nice feature on chilly days.
See 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE models for sale
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE vs. SE
The RAV4 Prime XSE adds a few more features for not much more money. It also offers more optional equipment.
Building off the SE, the XSE adds a power sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, two-tone exterior colors, red shock absorbers, and vertical accent LED lights. The rearview monitor gains dynamic gridlines.
Interior improvements include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, blue ambient interior lighting, a wireless charging pad, and an overhead console. SofTex synthetic leather replaces cloth seat covers, adorned with red stitching and fabric inserts.
One of the most significant differences between the SE and XSE is the infotainment system, which includes a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.
Optional equipment includes a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated rear seat, a panoramic glass moonroof, and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor.
Also available is a digital rearview mirror, a color head-up display, driver’s seat memory, a 4-way power passenger seat, front and rear parking assist with braking, a foot-activated power liftgate, and a cargo area 120V/1500W AC power outlet.
- JBL audio – This 11-speaker sound system includes a powered subwoofer for impressively rich bass.
- Available digital rearview mirror – Using a rear-facing camera, the digital mirror can switch from mirror to video screen, showing an unobstructed view behind the RAV4 Prime.
- Available color head-up display – Projects vital information onto the windshield to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.
See 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE models for sale
