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Toyota produces some of the most popular SUVs on planet Earth. Models like the RAV4 have solidified the brand as one of the most competitive automakers in the industry. Toyota has worked hard in the last few decades to reduce its carbon footprint and make more eco-friendly vehicles. What’s the most fuel-efficient Toyota SUV?

What Toyota SUV has the best fuel economy?

The front/right of a red 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime small plug-in hybrid SUV.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the most fuel-efficient Toyota SUV model. The RAV4 Prime is a small plug-in hybrid SUV that uses an internal combustion engine, two electric motors, and a battery to produce an astonishing total driving range and power output.

Toyota’s small plug-in hybrid SUV gets 94 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) thanks to its unique powertrain system. This makes the SUV one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the entire industry. Toyota is a pioneer in hybrid technology, so it makes sense that the Japanese brand produces such a historic nameplate.

The Toyota Prius walked so models like the Toyota RAV4 Prime could run. Early hybrid vehicles like the Prius faced plenty of scrutiny and criticism. One of the main complaints that many consumers have about hybrid vehicles is a lack of power. The RAV4 Prime certainly doesn’t lack any power. In fact, it’s significantly more powerful than the gas RAV4, but we’ll get to that.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime has a total driving range of close to 600 miles. It can travel on electricity for 42 miles using power stored by its battery. The RAV4 Prime is the best of both worlds, especially as gas prices go up and electric vehicle charging infrastructure improves. Toyota is known for producing long-lasting SUV models. So, if the RAV4 Prime lasts as long as its predecessor, the small plug-in hybrid SUV is definitely worth its starting price ($42,340).

Is the RAV4 Prime fast?

One of the greatest byproducts of the Toyota RAV4 Prime’s plug-in hybrid powertrain setup is its insane power output. The RAV4 Prime makes a massive 302 horsepower. The gas-powered RAV4 makes just 203 horses. The 2023 RAV4 Prime can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds. It’s the quickest SUV in the automaker’s lineup.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime’s acceleration is incredible for a vehicle its size. Models like the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid are more affordable, but the RAV4 Prime’s power output is superior.

Why is it so hard to find a Toyota RAV4 Prime?

Consumers are loving the RAV4 Prime because of its power and fuel economy. The small plug-in hybrid SUV is a steal because of the ownership experience that it provides. U.S. News & World Report calls the Toyota RAV4 Prime one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs for 2023.

Toyota will need to produce a lot more RAV4 Prime models to keep up with the high demand for the small plug-in hybrid SUV. The RAV4 Prime is leading the charge for an exciting new vehicle segment. Are plug-in hybrids the future of the automotive industry?

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