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If you pass on the Toyota RAV4 Prime, then you might be sorry. This plug-in hybrid SUV does something better than the competition, which provides a crucial advantage. See why the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is the top option to consider. 

Updated on 06/06/2023 for freshness.

Is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime worth buying? 

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime on the road
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota

Yes, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is an excellent hybrid SUV to buy. In fact, according to MotorTrend, it’s the best Toyota hybrid SUV ever. But it’s actually a PHEV or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, meaning it plugs in and carries a charge.

In fact, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is hanging out with a few of the top dogs. It’s out there fighting the Ford Maverick Hybrid and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. It has a high customer satisfaction rating, so drivers are happy with their choice.

It builds upon the regular RAV4 by being faster, sportier, and more comfortable. The interior has plenty of upscale upgrades and advanced tech as well. Plus, you can’t forget about the irresistible fuel economy without that darn electric range anxiety!

What’s good about the 2023 RAV4 Prime? 

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a green choice award winner, meaning it’s quite efficient. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with dual electric motors and an 18.1-kWh battery pack to generate 302 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. 

It features an EPA-estimated range of up to 42 miles on a single charge. It’s the only PHEV with more than 36 miles of range. That’s more than the average person travels for work each day. Plus, it’s rated for 94 MPGe and gets about 38 mpg when the charge is depleted. 

After the electric range runs out, the vehicle switches to gas. The RAV4 Prime can travel over 600 miles on a single tank of gas. The vehicle has an onboard charging system to replenish the battery and gains power through regenerative braking. Also, you can plug it in at home. 

Plus, this efficient SUV is fun. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds. It’s the second-quickest Toyota model in the lineup and only gets outpaced by the Toyota GR Supra. It provides smooth transmission shifts and instant acceleration. 

However, the steering can seem a bit vague at times, and the brakes are a bit squishy. It’s not uncommon for PHEVs to have softer brakes to regenerate power, though. 

Also, the 2023 RAV4 Prime is comfortable. It has a smooth ride over the pavement with a quiet interior. The seats are spacious and well-padded for longer trips. The rear seat has enough room for adults too. 

How much does the 2023 RAV4 Prime cost? 

2023 Toyota RAV4 interior
2023 Toyota RAV4 interior | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $42,340, which may initially seem high. But it’s actually a luxurious bargain. It comes with a high-quality interior that’s filled with soft-touch-covered materials and premium leather upholstery. 

It has a standard 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with built-in navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Plus, the 2023 RAV4 Prime has standard AWD and can tow up to 2,500 lbs. 

It features heated mirrors, a power liftgate, keyless entry/start, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, five USB ports, satellite radio, a wifi hotspot, and a 6.6-kWh charger.

The RAV4 Prime delivers unmatched quality that drivers love. It’s robust, capable, efficient, value-packed, and comfortable. That’s why people would buy it again even though new rivals have been emerging.