First Drive: Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid

by Michael Satterfield

I have to admit when I saw a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid on the rotation for my test vehicles, I wasn't excited. Mainly due to the oversaturation in the midsize SUV market, Anothony had just reviewed the TRD Off-Road version of the RAV4 and while he didn't mind it, he wasn't overly impressed as a city dweller, but he doesn't get off-road much in Chicago. 

But after spending a week in this decked-out $42,600 RAV4, I have to say that Toyota may have made the perfect daily driver that bridges the gap for people who want to go electric but live in rural communities where distance or lack of charging infrastructure means they really can't go all-electric.

With 42 miles of electric-only range, the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid covered the bulk of my daily driving around town, but because it still has a gas tank I don't have to worry about the range anxiety that I dealt with in an all-electric car when driving across rural Texas to see family. The RAV4 Prime trim levels also add a lot of content for the money, putting it on par with most luxury SUVs without giving up the practicality you want in a daily driver. 

Inside the interior is very well appointed with countless cubbies and bins for storage, the Prime trim level includes heated front and rear seats, ambient lighting, and Toyota's very convincing vegan leather they call SofTex. This model included the 9-inch touch screen with a birdseye view camera feature which makes navigating parking lots easier and wireless phone charging. The infotainment also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system.

Styling inside and out is very sporty and not what most would expect when thinking of a midsize hybrid SUV. The black and red interior accents, sporty wheels, and two-tone paint give the RAV4 a stylish look that you would expect to find on a TRD model and stands out among the competition like the Ford Escape and Honda CRV. It also offers much of the same content and experience as its sibling the Lexus NX300h Luxury for about $8,000 less with the added bonus of not having to use the Lexus touchpad infotainment system.

I would describe the driving dynamics as comfortable and competent, it isn't a sports car, but it is not designed to be one. But for a daily driver, you would be hard-pressed to find a better all-around vehicle in this segment. Driving around town the all-electric system works perfectly and covered all of my local driving, when low on charge the gas engine kicks in seamlessly and can take you another 300 miles. You will need to install a charger at your home, something to factor into your consideration,  installation costs range between $750 to $2,600, but you may also qualify for the electric-vehicle tax credit, so do your homework.

Overall I believe the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is the best all-around midsize SUV on the market today.