Toyota introduced the RAV4 Prime in Los Angeles as the most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever built. At the same time, the Prime’s powertrain makes it the most frugal RAV4 out there, so it’s safe to say that Toyota check a lot of boxes with this one. He’s your guide on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime.

Toyota RAV4 Prime: Powertrain

In there, it makes 176 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Helped by two electric motors, the mill contributes to the overall system output of 302 horsepower. The Li-ion battery is mounted beneath the floor.

Notice how we mentioned two e-motors. The one in the rear (rated at 53 horsepower and 89 pound-feet of torque) is also a part of the RAV4 Prime’s electric on-demand all-wheel drive system. So it basically spins the rear wheels whenever there’s a need for more grip.

Oh, and for those looking for zest from the RAV4, know it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. To put things into perspective, the 2006-2012 RAV4 fitted with Toyota’s 3.5-liter, 369-horsepower gasoline V-6 did the same sprint in 6.3 seconds and returned 21 mpg combined.

Toyota RAV4 Prime: Exterior

The RAV4 Prime essentially flaunts the same mean looks we know from the standard RAV4. The blue badges let you know that you’re dealing with a hybrid and even the entry-level models pack 18-inch alloy wheels and a tweaked grille design rounded up by piano black accents.

Extra features include the Supersonic Red body paint (available with the XSE model), 19-inch alloys, and vertical LED accent lights flanking the front bumper.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime exterior dimensions

Toyota RAV4 Prime: Interior

The cabin topography inside the RAV4 Prime is not different than that of the regular RAV4. How you spec this space, however, lies in the grade you choose - we’ll discuss the two trims available for the Prime in the Price section.

Standard features, however, include an eight-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, red stitching, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The trunk is complemented by a handful of storage spaces and cubby holes found inside the cabin, including a generous bin found under the central armrest.

It’s also good to see Toyota stick to the good old buttons and knobs, which are ergonomically spread around the cockpit. The seats are back-friendly and you can even opt for SofTex upholstery, a solution that mimics leather.

Toyota RAV4 Prime: Price

The RAV4 Prime range is split by two trim levels: SE (starting at $38,100) and XSE (starting at $41,425). Here’s what each of them has to offer.

Toyota RAV4 Prime SE

-* heated front seats

-* 8-way power driver’s seat w/ lumbar adjustment

-* 7-inch instrument cluster display

-* Leather-wrapped steering wheel

-* Power tailgate

-* 8-inch multimedia display (Apple CarPlay + Android Auto + Amazon Alexa compatibility)

-* 3-kW on-board charger

On top for the SE grade, customers can get the Weather & Moonroof pack (an upgrade that will demand $1,665 extra) which ups the ante with the likes of heated steering wheel and rear outboard seats and a rain-sensing windshield.

Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE

-* 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels

-* LED accent lights

-* Paddle shifters

-* Moonroof

-* SofTex seat upholstery

-* Qi wireless phone charger

-* Ambient cabin lighting

-* 9-inch multimedia touchscreen

The XSE grade can be further imbued via three packs: Weather Package ($815), Weather and Audio Package ($2,435), and Weather with Audio and Premium Package ($5,760).