This week, we delve into the review of America’s best-selling SUV in its plug-in hybrid guise – the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE. As a top trim in a straightforward two-variant lineup, the RAV4 Prime continues to impress, even years after its initial debut in 2021. Having reviewed this model twice before, this marks my third experience behind the wheel, and my positive impressions remain strong. Despite increased competition in the plug-in hybrid market, the RAV4 Prime distinguishes itself through its performance, versatility, accessible pricing, and Toyota’s renowned hybrid technology.
Exterior Design and Features
Toyota’s favored color, Supersonic Red, once again graces the RAV4 Prime, complemented by a metallic black roof. This two-tone combination is undeniably striking and explains Toyota’s continued preference for it. The XSE trim enhances the sporty appeal with 19-inch alloy wheels.
Standard features across the Prime range include practical black roof rails, a distinctive black diamond-patterned front grille, dual chrome exhaust tips, a silver-painted lower front spoiler, and signature LED daytime running and taillights. The XSE trim further elevates the exterior with vertical LED accent lights, black-painted heated side mirrors, attention-grabbing red-painted shock absorbers, and color-keyed exterior accents for a cohesive look.
Explore the 2024 RAV4 Prime XSE Exterior in Detail:
Powertrain and Performance
Carrying over its impressive powertrain from the 2023 model year, the 2024 RAV4 Prime stands as one of Toyota’s quickest offerings. Toyota officially cites a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.5 seconds, and real-world driving confirms the remarkably swift off-the-line performance.
Powering the RAV4 Prime is a standard all-wheel-drive system paired with a robust 302-horsepower plug-in hybrid system. This setup combines a refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a significant power advantage over the standard 219-horsepower RAV4 hybrid.
For those considering the Prius Prime, it’s worth noting the RAV4 Prime also outpaces its sibling in power, with the Prius plug-in hybrid offering 220 horsepower.
Electric Vehicle Range and Charging
The RAV4 Prime’s 42-mile electric vehicle range is a major draw, particularly for those with shorter commutes. While the newer Toyota Prius Prime now offers a slightly extended 44-mile EV range, the RAV4 Prime’s range remains highly competitive in its class.
Charging the RAV4 Prime’s battery to full capacity takes approximately 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger, thanks to its standard 6.6kW onboard charger. It’s important to differentiate this from Level 1 charging, which refers to standard household outlet charging and is considerably slower.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Technology
The interior of the RAV4 clearly resonates with buyers, contributing to its best-selling status. While not overtly luxurious, the cabin is well-designed, spacious, and comfortable. The design aesthetic leans towards a more robust, truck-like feel, evident in the substantial hardware and switchgear, differentiating it from competitors like the Mazda CX-30 or Nissan Rogue. This “ruggedness” is characterized by prominent grab handles on the doors, large, rubberized climate control dials, and a substantial gear shifter. However, the interior door handles could benefit from a more substantial feel.
The dashboard features a premium soft-touch material, with a blend of soft-touch plastics and more rigid plastics used on the door panels. The XSE trim boasts a distinctive red-accented black interior. An optional premium package enhances the seating with unique, comfortable SofTex-trimmed seats, featuring pronounced side bolsters, red stitching, and piping. The driver enjoys 8-way power adjustability, while the passenger seat offers an optional 4-way power adjustment. Heated and ventilated front seats, a desirable comfort feature, are also available as part of an optional package.
The XSE model includes a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel and a visually appealing 12.3-inch digital driver display. The display provides clear graphics, especially for safety and drive mode information.
A wider center console houses a more substantial leather gear shift knob, conveniently placed cupholders, and other vehicle controls, along with a wireless charging pad. The black hardware on the console is functional rather than luxurious. A notable design element is the drive mode button that changes color to reflect the selected mode.
The 2024 RAV4 Prime XSE features Toyota’s user-friendly 10.5-inch multimedia display. This system is generally well-regarded for its sharp graphics, screen resolution, intuitive navigation, and a responsive tablet-style keyboard.
Voice recognition performed reliably, activated by the “Hey, Toyota” command for natural language inquiries, although response times could be quicker. The multimedia system seamlessly integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audiophiles will appreciate the XSE’s upgraded 11-speaker JBL premium sound system. For device connectivity, the RAV4 Prime offers four USB-C ports and a traditional USB-A port. The backup camera system, however, could be improved with higher resolution and a repositioning for a less obstructed side view, as water droplets in rainy conditions can also obscure the view.
Click on Photo to Enlarge Interior Details.
A standout optional feature for the cabin is the panoramic sunroof, exclusively available on the XSE trim, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and light.
The second-row seating is comfortable and offers a reclining feature, along with a drop-down center console with integrated cupholders. While the rear seats are positioned in a stadium-style arrangement, headroom remains adequate. Practical soft-touch seatback pockets are included for rear passenger storage. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide easy access to the cargo area from within the cabin. The tested model included an optional premium package with a convenient kick-sensor liftgate, revealing a generous cargo area with 33.5 cubic feet of space. A cargo mat, tonneau cover, and a spare tire are also standard.
Ride Quality and Driving Dynamics
The RAV4’s position as America’s top-selling SUV is partly attributed to its excellent ride quality. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Prime model elevates this further, delivering enhanced acceleration and a smoothness characteristic of electric powertrains, giving it an edge over the standard gasoline RAV4. The suspension provides a comfortable ride, and braking is predictable and confident. Drive modes include Sport, Eco, Normal, EV (Electric Vehicle), HV (Hybrid Vehicle), Auto EV/HV, Charge, and Trail, offering versatility for various driving conditions. The XSE trim offers good overall visibility and slightly increased ground clearance, although it has a larger turning radius compared to the base SE trim.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2024 RAV4 lineup is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features that function effectively. Additional standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The XSE trim in this review was also equipped with an optional 10-inch color head-up display, included within a Premium package, projecting key driving information onto the windshield.
Options and Packages
Optional features on the reviewed RAV4 Prime XSE included the Weather package ($375), premium paint color ($425), the Premium Package ($2,585), carpet floor mats/cargo mat ($309), rear bumper appliqué ($69), wheel locks ($65), fog light accents ($175), and roof rack cross bars ($315).
Pricing and Value
As the most powerful RAV4 variant, the Prime commands a higher price point. As tested, this model carries an MSRP of just under $53,000, approximately $10,000 more than the 2023 RAV4 TRD Off-Road previously reviewed.
Final Verdict: The 2024 RAV4 Prime XSE
The 2024 RAV4 Prime is a mainstream plug-in hybrid that elevates the RAV4 formula with its enhanced powertrain. It delivers impressive performance, adding excitement to this practical and stylish SUV. It’s far from a boring choice.
Pros & Cons at a Glance:
- Top Likes: Performance, striking two-tone aesthetics, updated Toyota Multimedia System.
- Areas for Improvement: Interior door handle heft, backup camera resolution/placement.
- MSRP (as tested): Base price: $47,310; as equipped $52,978.
- Fuel Economy: 38 MPG combined (gas-only) / 94 MPGe combined.
- Odometer (at test time): 988 miles.
- Vehicle Weight: 4,300 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Temporary compact spare.
- Dimensions (L-W-H): 180.9” long / 73″ wide / 67.2” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (driver’s side filler).
- Exterior Color: Supersonic Red with Midnight Black Metallic Roof.
- Towing Capacity: 2,500 pounds.
- 2024 RAV4 Prime Summary: A refined and quick SUV that elevates the RAV4 experience.
- Warranty: 10 years/150,000 miles (Hybrid battery); 3 years/36,000 miles (Basic); 5 years/unlimited miles (Corrosion); 8 years/100,000 miles (Hybrid System); 5 years/60,000 miles (Powertrain).
- Assembly Location: Obu, Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer Website: Toyota
