Five Things We Love about the 2021 RAV4 Prime
Toyota’s iconic RAV4 is projected to make over 300 hp, go from o-60 in under six seconds, and is now a plugin hybrid for the first time.
Toyota is no stranger to pushing automotive boundaries and advancing technology in ways no one thought possible. For instance, at the L.A. Auto Show, Toyota unveiled a RAV4 unlike any other: the RAV4 Prime. With a long list of fancy gadgets and gizmos, an equally long list of safety features, and a new, peppy engine under the hood, it’s a RAV4 that will surely be highly anticipated. Taking a look at what Toyota’s newsroom reported on the car, we thought it would be fun to break it all down for you by highlighting the best five things to look forward to.
Did Anyone Say ‘Plugin Hybrid’?
Toyota broke a lot of hybrid ground when they rolled out the Prius, and since then, have added hybrid technology to more of their models. The RAV4 has been a hybrid for some time now (and apparently the best selling hybrid in the market), but it’s never been a plugin hybrid before. Now, Toyota claims the RAV4 Prime can travel up to 39 miles on just the battery alone — but in conjunction with Toyota’s new hybrid engine, it’s proposed to make an astonishing 90 MPGe.
All Wheel Drive, All The Time
Toyota’s been in the all wheel drive (AWD) gang for quite some time as well, but this is the first car they’re fitting AWD technology to a car as standard equipment. Beforehand, if you wanted a RAV4 with AWD, it was expected you paid fairly hefty additional costs. Now, buyers can rest easy knowing their RAV4 Prime is ready to get the best mileage possible, and be safer in the rain, snow, or mud. Incredibly, Toyota’s AWD system on the RAV4 Prime is the same system seen on the standard RAV4 hybrid. The system is functional due to a separate electric motor in the rear that provides power to the rear wheels as needed, making for a full-time, intelligent system.
Additionally, Toyota promises that the innovative AWD system will also help keep drivers on the road by reducing understeer around tight corners. Knowing the AWD system gives the RAV4 Prime an edge when the going gets tough off-road, Toyota will also be fitting the RAV4 Prime with what they call, ”Trail Mode,” which optimizes the transmission and engine to provide more power in the low end — making hill climbing a breeze.
Yes, That’s Right, 300+ Horsepower.
Don’t worry, you’re not crazy. It’s not a smudge on your glasses. It really is going to make 302 hp. Toyota says this is the quickest RAV4 ever, as the 0-60 time is an eye-popping 5.8 seconds. Which, when you compare it to the RAV4 hybrid of today (7.8 seconds), it’s not at all false. So, how does a plugin hybrid make so much power? The answer is simple: teamwork. The engine, which is a tuned version of the 2.5 liter four cylinder engine in the RAV4 hybrid we all know and love. However, the engine doesn’t work alone. Instead, it works harmoniously with not one but two motors that generates an additional 83 horsepower. The engine only makes 176 horsepower alone, but Toyota says that with the generators and motors, it makes a total of 302 horsepower.
It Wouldn’t Be A Toyota Without an Abundance of Safety Features.
As in all of Toyota’s hybrids, the RAV4 Prime will come with their Predictive Efficient Drive technology that essentially learns the patters of its driver. For instance, it will learn the roads most traveled (say, a commute to work), and eventually devise a way to best utilize the hybrid system to get the best MPGe possible. It’s not a safety feature per se, but it is a feature worth mentioning. Well, we’ll say it’s a safety feature because it protects your wallet. It will also come with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking assist, and automatic high beams. If you fork out the extra cash to get the top of the line XSE Premium model, it’ll come with what Toyota calls, “Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking (PA w/AB).” Also a first for RAV4, the Prime (Premium model, of course) will come with an optional heads up display, and Bird’s Eye View monitor.
It’s Hitting the Market at the Right Time
Hybrids are without a doubt becoming more popular and more affordable — but a common complaint among hybrid owners is a disappointing lack of power. Granted, hybrids aren’t meant to be driven quickly or in a spirited fashion, but in situations where more power would be beneficial (say, overtaking or passing), often times drivers get stuck behind the big trucks. It’s great for maintaining good miles per gallon, but it’s not ideal for maintaining a positive attitude. Now, since the RAV4 Prime will make more horsepower than it ever has, a driver can save gas, the planet, and frustration since they’ll have the power when they need it most.
What do you think? What are you looking most forward to with the RAV4 Prime?
Photos: Toyota
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