Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) offer the high fuel economy of hybrid vehicles, with the added benefit of the ability to drive on electric-only power for short distances. Two of the top choices for the crossover SUV PHEV segment are the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid. See how they stack up in this 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV plug-in hybrid showdown!

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid

For our 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid comparison, we evaluate several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, electric driving range, off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 Prime vs. Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: Performance, efficiency, and electric driving range

For performance, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime has the advantage. Its plug-in hybrid system generates a total system output of 308 hp, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. In comparison, the plug-in hybrid system in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV produces 260 hp, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds. 

On the efficiency front, the RAV4 Prime has an estimated fuel economy of 94 MPGe in electric-only mode and 38 mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 76 MPGe in electric-only mode and 33 combined mpg in hybrid mode. The estimated driving range of the RAV4 Prime when using electric-only power is 42 miles, compared to 31 miles for the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid.

RAV4 Prime vs. Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: Off-road capabilities and towing

The RAV4 Prime is a better choice for off-road excursions. While all RAV4 Prime models have a standard all-wheel drive system, you have to pay extra to get an all-wheel drive system for the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid. Also, the RAV4 Prime has a slightly higher ground clearance than the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid (8.3 vs. 8.2 inches).

For towing, the RAV4 Prime has the advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the Santa Fe PHEV.

RAV4 Prime vs. Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: Safety

The RAV4 Prime and Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind-spot monitoring system, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, electronic stability control, and brake assist. 

RAV4 Prime vs. Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: Passenger and cargo space

While both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people, the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid provides more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 111.5 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4 Prime. The Santa Fe PHEV also has more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 72.1 cu-ft, compared to 63.2 cu-ft for the RAV4 Prime.

RAV4 Prime vs. Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: Interior features and technologies

The RAV4 Prime and Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid offer a wide range of interior features and technologies. This includes a dual-zone climate control system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sunroof/moonroof. 

Unlike the Santa Fe PHEV, though, the RAV4 Prime has a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, unlike the RAV4 Prime, the Santa Fe PHEV offers ventilated seats and a seat memory feature.

RAV4 Prime vs. Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: Warranty coverage

The RAV4 Prime has the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

RAV4 Prime vs. Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: Price

Which plug-in hybrid crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 RAV4 Prime or the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV? The starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 Prime are $39,800 MSRP for the SE trim and $43,125 MSRP for the XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid are $39,350 MSRP for the SEL Convenience trim and $45,360 MSRP for the Limited trim. 

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV: Which plug-in hybrid SUV is better?

With our 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV comparison, each plug-in hybrid crossover SUV has a different set of advantages. For the 2022 RAV4 Prime, advantages include horsepower output, acceleration, electric driving range, off-road capabilities, and towing. Advantages for the 2022 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid include passenger and cargo space and warranty coverage.