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What is the difference between the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Prime?
I don’t understand the difference between the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime. Aren’t they both hybrids? What is the main difference?
Matt Nightingale · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The main difference between the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the
RAV4 Prime
is that the Prime is a plug-in hybrid, while the RAV4 Hybrid is a traditional hybrid.Here’s what you need to know about these two types of hybrids:
- Traditional hybrids have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor on a traditional hybrid is battery-run and charges by collecting and storing energy during braking. You cannot plug in a traditional hybrid to charge the battery.
- Plug-in hybrids also have a combustion engine and electric motor combination, but you recharge the battery by plugging them into a charging station. Plug-in hybrids have larger batteries and can run on electric power alone over small distances. When the battery runs out, the plug-in operates like a traditional hybrid.
Aside from that major difference, you’ll also see a price difference. The
RAV4
Hybrid retails at $29,575, while the RAV4 Prime starts at $40,300. While the price difference is due in part to the Prime’s rechargeable battery and extended electric range, it’s also a result of the Prime’s high-tech upgrades. To name a few features missing from the RAV4 Hybrid base trim, the RAV4 Prime SE includes:
- Heated mirrors
- Power liftgate
- Keyless entry and keyless start
- Heated front seats
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Adaptive cruise control
- 18-inch alloy wheels (as opposed to 17-inch wheels on the RAV4 Hybrid)
Keep in mind: With a solid list of expensive high-tech features and a higher MSRP, you’ll likely find that the RAV4 Prime is also more expensive to insure.
MORE: Toyota hybrid cars vs. Honda hybrid cars—who wins?
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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