Toyota RAV4 Prime vs RAV4 Hybrid Comparison

The New Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs. the New RAV4 Prime

The Toyota RAV4 has been the most popular SUV in America for years and it now offers you two ways to achieve even greater fuel economy. The new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors to deliver 219 horsepower. The new Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid with the same 2.5-liter engine and an 18.1-kWh battery pack. Both vehicles give you a long list of advantages so here's a comparison of the two versions of the RAV4, both of which are available for a test drive at Alderman's Toyota in Rutland VT.

Toyota RAV4 Prime advantage #1: A slight edge in driving range

If you have a short commute and you want to make that trip without using any gas, the Toyota RAV4 Prime could be the better choice. According to the EPA, the Prime plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 42 miles. The good news is that the total driving range is 600 miles around Middlebury and Castleton, VT compared to 580 miles on a full tank of gas with the hybrid model.

Toyota RAV4 Prime advantage #2: More high-end features

If you go with the optional Premium package on the top-tier XSE trim, you'll get a 10-inch color head-up display. The RAV4 Prime XSE also gives you 19-inch wheels while the best you can get on the RAV4 Hybrid is a set of 18-inch wheels.

Toyota RAV4 Prime advantage #3: The best in fuel economy

First, let's be honest: The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivers outstanding fuel efficiency giving you 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on highways around Glens Falls and Claremont, VT. But the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid does even better with 94 gasoline-equivalent miles per gallon. So while both models are capable of giving you extraordinary fuel economy, the RAV4 Prime might get the nod if fuel efficiency is your highest priority.

Toyota RAV4 Prime advantage #4: Towing capacity 

With the new Toyota RAV4 Prime SUV, you can tow up to 2,500 pounds while the RAV4 Hybrid has a towing capacity of 1,750 pounds.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid advantage #1: You don't need an EV charger

The hybrid version of the RAV4 helps you avoid having to spend the extra money to buy an EV charger for your home. It's simply not needed with a hybrid so that's a big financial advantage.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid advantage #2: You can get more cargo space

Both models give you plenty of cargo room, but the RAV4 hybrid gives you a little more. It provides 37.6 cubic feet in back of the second row vs. 33.5 cubic feet in the RAV4 Prime. When the second row is folded down, the RAV4 Hybrid offers 69.8 cubic feet compared with 63.2 cubic feet in the Prime model.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid advantage #3: A lower cost

The RAV4 Hybrid starts at around $32,485 and tops out at $40,790. Meanwhile, the RAV4 Prime starts at about $44,100 and has a maximum price around $47,545. That's a substantial advantage for the hybrid.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid advantage #4: You never have to plug in

The RAV4 Hybrid can drive for an impressive 580 miles on a tank of gas and it takes just minutes to fill up. The RAV4 Prime requires 12 hour hours to charge with a standard 120-volt home charging cable so that's a major difference in terms of convenience.

Do your own comparison at our dealership

Both electrified versions of the Toyota RAV4 have a lot going for them. We invite you to set up an appointment at your convenience and compare these two outstanding SUVs at Alderman's Toyota in Rutland VT.