Toyota debuted its 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime at the 2019 LA Auto Show a few days ago. “Prime” stands for plug-in hybrid. RAV4 hybrid currently available is one of the best selling compact SUVs offering an attractive 37 mpg, but this new plug-in version runs on battery for longer period saving more fuel. Deliveries start in summer 2020.
This is one of the fastest vehicles in Toyota’s lineup. The plug-in hybrid gives 90 miles per gallon, 302 horsepower and does 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is second only to Supra sport coupe in Toyota’s lineup. Starting with the powertrain, there is no change in its engine from current hybrid version. It has same 2.5 liter Atkinson cycle Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine under the hood resulting in same 176 horsepower. But, that’s not all, it houses two electric motors powered by lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the body which boosts the power to 302 hp overall. Prime is an intelligent all wheel drive system controlled by on-board computers, so power is diverted on wheels at per demand.
According to Toyota, it can do 39 miles from a fully charged battery.
Toyota RAV4 Prime will come with 10 years or 150,000 miles expanded battery warranty. The price of vehicle have not been revealed yet, but expected starting price is around $35,000. Its current hybrid version jumped 72 percent in sales compared to last year and is the most selling hybrid vehicle in United States.
Toyota also showcased its newer version of hydrogen EV, the Mirai. It’s surely a captivating vehicle which is longer, lower, wider and more streamlined than its predecessor. But Toyota only managed to sell 6,000 units of Mirai last year. That’s about how many RAV4s rolls off showroom floor in just one week. The Mirai is no doubt a good vehicle but, unfortunately the infrastructure required to support hydrogen EVs isn’t enough.
