The Toyota RAV4 Prime Has Potentially Frustrating Issues
People are finally beginning to get their hands on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime to test drive it. This allows experts to provide reviews that include both negative and positive things to say about the Toyota RAV4 Prime, and it seems like it has a few issues that could make drivers and families unhappy.
Potential Toyota RAV4 Prime frustrations
To quickly bring you up to speed, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid EV that starts around $38k. This is a pretty significant price jump form the regular base model that starts around $25k.
With the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, you get an estimated 600 miles of range and can drive for 46 miles in EV mode. Plus, you could qualify for a tax credit up to $7,200 with the RAV4 Prime, so those savings could offset the price.
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The Toyota RAV4 Prime has standard all-wheel-drive, so that’s one pretty epic feature. It also has 302 horsepower, making it the fastest Toyota RAV4 so far. We like that Toyota specified ‘so far’ because exciting new things could come. However, Edmunds and Cars.com had a few issues with the Toyota RAV4 Prime that could be frustrating.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime isn’t the most comfortable option
Cars noted that the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime isn’t built for tall people. There isn’t enough clearance between the doors and center console for longer legs. Also, the seats don’t adjust back very much.
They claimed that adults might feel cramped in the backseat, with their knees too elevated. Keep this in mind if you have taller kids, this could impact your decision if you’re looking for a family hybrid.
Edmunds reviewed the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime and listed the front driver seat as one of the major cons for this hybrid. The seats have adequate adjustments to find a comfortable position, but they may lead to complaints during longer drives.
Also, the ventilation creates breathable seats on warmer days, and the backseat is noted for having more padding and comfort. The cab is also praised for having little wind and road noise and for delivering a smooth ride.
The 2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime has stiff handling
When representatives from Cars drove the Toyota RAV4 Prime, they found the body isolation to have issues. When going over bumpy roads, their RAV4 Prime began to get shaky. The all-season tires seemed to lack traction, making the RAV4 Prime feel unresponsive too.
When Edmunds drove the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, they mentioned that the steering felt disconnected. The body roll and vague steering as they put it made it difficult to gauge how much effort was needed for a sporty drive.
They found that the driver assistance problems freaked out at the smallest alerts, and the breaks felt soft. The Toyota RAV4 Prime took longer than average to stop compared to other SUV rivals.
Plus, because the National Highway Traffic Administration requires all EVs to now produce sound to protect pedestrians, the Toyota RAV4 Prime had to add an engine noise, and it doesn’t sound too great. Cars explained it as white noise with clashing notes.
