Here is the review of this 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Plug-In Hybrid! The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime, which borrows a name from the Prius lineup, is the plug-in rechargeable variation of Toyota’s best-selling RAV4 compact crossover. But with 302 horsepower, the RAV4 Prime has more power than the Prius Prime from the previous model. The crossover also appears better.
Due to its lifeless and bland handling, the RAV4 Prime’s excess power does not qualify it as a performance vehicle. However, stomping on the Prime’s pedal to generate brief bursts of speed is useful and even enjoyable. The two electric motors provide quick and powerful assistance. But the RAV4’s major assets are its comfort and efficiency, with roomy cabins for adults, lots of cargo space, and a quiet, comfortable ride.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, which combines cloud services with conventional infotainment features, will be available on the 2023 RAV4 Prime. By saying “Hey Toyota,” a virtual assistant that responds to more complex and sophisticated voice commands can be activated. These voice commands can change the cabin’s temperature, zoom in and out on maps, or locate the closest sea salt caramel macchiato, among other things. Additionally, the system can stream audio from Apple or Amazon’s music services, pair two Bluetooth devices concurrently, and save numerous user profiles and preferences via a mobile app.
The RAV4 Prime is more expensive than the majority of its rivals, including the 2023-model-year Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Kia Sportage’s plug-in hybrid variants. The Escape is a reasonably priced first plug-in crossover that uses a little less gas and electricity than the RAV4 Prime. But the Escape lacks all-wheel drive, and the quality of its interior falls short of that of the Toyota. Although neither can match the overall range of the RAV4, the Hyundai and Kia are appealing options with many comparable features. The Outlander makes a respectable effort, but the RAV4 Prime is far more affordable and outperforms it in almost every way, including cargo capacity and off-road ground clearance.
Safety
The standard safety features include automated high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure alert, lane-keeping assistance, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and road sign recognition are all included as standard safety equipment. Optional front and rear park assistance with automated braking.
Engine and Performance
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors provide the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime a combined 302 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, and the engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. This combo is effective for a small SUV. The RAV4 Prime can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds thanks to its quick acceleration. The normal RAV4 takes roughly 9 seconds, for instance. On the interstate, where it keeps plenty of power available for passing and merging, the Prime’s extra push is very helpful.
Trims and Pricing
The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes in three different models & packages. This includes the SE AWD, XSE AWD, and the XSE Technology package.
SE AWD Trim
The SE AWD starts from about $53,200 CDN. This gives you 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, a cloth interior, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a steering wheel with leather trim are all included with this.
XSE AWD Trim
The XSE AWD starts from about $58,000 CDN. This trim upgrades the vehicle’s technology with a 10.5-inch touchscreen, navigation, a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system, and wireless phone charging. It also adds 19-inch alloys, a sunroof, fog lights, synthetic leather upholstery, and ambient cabin lighting.
XSE Technology Package
The XSE Technology package is an extra $5,300 CDN. This package adds on the 11-speaker JBL sound system, ventilated front seats, heads-up display, panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic brake, bird’s eye view camera, SofTex seats, and more things.
What do you think of the Toyota RAV4 Prime?
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