The plug-in hybrid SUV industry has been experiencing a subtle wave of popularity in the U.S. market, but this growth is set to increase even more as of 2025, especially now that we are seeing a steady demand decline for fully electric vehicles. Multiple brands have come out to declare that they will be prioritizing PHEV developments as of this year, as they have come to realize that phasing out the ICE entirely before the end of this decade is a very ambitious and seemingly unrealistic goal. As of 2025, gas prices are expected to climb even more, prompting more new vehicle buyers to consider electrified vehicles.
Based on the drastic increases experienced in 2022 and 2023, this is likely to push even more consumers to consider more efficient vehicles. Hybrids are the most popular option thanks to their impressive cost-effectiveness, but PHEVs offer a much more fulfilling experience, as they can operate on electricity independently. A new EV is going to be your best bet when it comes to saving fuel, but the starting price for one of these is far too high for most buyers.
PHEVs remain substantially more expensive than hybrids, primarily due to their larger battery packs, but they are becoming relatively more accessible, making it a smart option to consider in 2025. PHEV SUVs in particular are enjoying relative success, because this body style is the best option to consider if you want to enjoy an optimized level of practicality and versatility. If you’re looking for the best option that the new vehicle market has to offer, there’s one Japanese model in particular that outperforms all of its rivals in this regard, thanks to an impressive combination of good build quality, an efficient but powerful drivetrain, good fuel consumption returns, and world-class safety standards. This model also benefits from a very impressive power output that puts it on par with some of the best hot hatches currently available.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, the NHTSA, and the EPA.
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The Toyota RAV4 Prime Is 2025’s Most Balanced PHEV
According to Consumer Reports, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is the most balanced PHEV SUV that can be purchased in the new car market today. The firm gives the trusty Japanese product an impressive 84/100 Predicted Reliability score, 88/100 Road Test score, and 4/5 Predicted Owner Satisfaction grade, resulting in an 89/100 overall score, which makes it the publication’s highest-rated PHEV. It also gets a very respectable 76/100 Quality and Reliability score from J.D. Power.
As per the NHTSA, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime currently has no active recalls, but there are two complaints relating to the hybrid’s electrical system. There are 41 active manufacturer communications relating to various components. The 2023 model year didn’t struggle with any recalls, but Toyota recalled the inaugural 2022 model year for a short-circuiting DC to DC converter, bad airbag, and faulty stability control system. Toyota fixed all of these issues at no cost to the owner.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime Produces 302 Horsepower
Although Toyota doesn’t design the ICE for power, the RAV4 Prime’s double permanent-magnet motor configuration means that you get to enjoy 302 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque combined output. In isolation, the unit only produces 177 horsepower and 165 pound-feet. The front electric motor produces 179 horsepower and 199 pound-feet, while the smaller rear unit only churns out 53 horsepower and 89 pound-feet. The result is a claimed 5.5-second 0-60 MPH time, ironically making it one of the fastest Toyota models you can purchase today.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder And Twin Permanent-Magnet Motors |
| Horsepower | 302 HP |
| Torque | 288 LB-FT |
| Transmission | eCVT |
| Battery | 18.1 kWh Net |
| Range | 600 Miles |
| Electric Range | 42 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 38 MPG |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.5 Seconds |
The RAV4 Prime still achieves some of the best EPA-estimated figures in its segment, primarily thanks to the electrical system that sources energy from a Panasonic 18.1 kWh lithium-ion pack. This covers the crossover for 42 miles, while the ICE drives it for 600 miles in-between refueling. You shouldn’t be surprised to learn that it’s also one of the most efficient SUVs in its segment, boasting a 94 MPGe or 36 kWh per 100 miles combined energy consumption estimate. The ICE system returns a 38 MPG consumption estimate on the same cycle.
The EPA also estimates that you’ll get to save as much as $3,750 in fuel costs over the course of five years, based on the average American’s fuel expenses. You’ll find that you’ll spend around $950 on gasoline and electricity to keep the RAV4 Prime running, which equates to $1.35 to drive 25 miles on electricity, and $2.07 when operating the ICE. A full tank of gas for the 14.5-gallon tank will cost around $46.
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What Makes The Toyota RAV4 Prime Such A Well-Rounded Option
A big reason for the RAV4’s impressive appeal is thanks to its reliability, which we can accredit to the ICE’s intelligent but basic design. This is an area that Toyota has perfected thanks to decades of over-engineering. Toyota applies the A25A-FXS 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Dynamic Force powertrain to all RAV4 derivatives, among other TNGA-based crossovers and sedans, which showcases its impressive and efficient versatility. The brand introduced the new powertrain to its lineup in the XV70-generation Camry when it launched in 2017. Key features include a dual-direct-injection system as well as a port-injection EFI system to mitigate carbon build-up.
Toyota RAV4 Prime Standard Warranty
|
Type |
Length |
|---|---|
|
Full Warranty |
36 Months/36,000 Miles |
|
Powertrain Warranty |
60 Months/60,000 Miles |
|
Battery Warranty |
120 Months/150,000 Miles |
|
Maintenance Warranty |
24 Months/25,000 Miles |
|
Roadside Warranty |
24 Months/Unlimited Miles |
|
Corrosion Warranty |
60 Months/Unlimited Miles |
A longer stroke design allows the brand to improve reliability and lower the powertrain’s thermal efficiency to just 41 percent. This works in conjunction with a wider angle between the intake and exhaust valve, a high-efficiency intake port with laser-clad valve seat, and a high 14.0:1 compression ratio.
Toyota’s decision to forgo a conventional transmission and stick to a direct-drive eCVT unit further improves the car’s reliability proposition, as it lowers the number of moving parts that require routine servicing. In the event of any possible faults, Toyota covers all new RAV4 Prime models with a 36-month or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, the 60-month and 60,000-mile powertrain and 120-month and 150,000-mile battery warranties are what really translate into the brand’s confidence in its hybrid system.
What Makes The Toyota RAV4 Prime So Popular
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe remains the most popular PHEV SUV sold in the U.S., but the RAV4 performs very impressively. Toyota was able to sell 18,567 Prime examples in its 2022 launch year. This jumped to 26.073 units last year, and 31,093 in 2024, reflecting a steady annual demand increase. Toyota only sells two PHEVs, with the other being the Prius Prime, of which Toyota sold 12,672 examples in the same year. The RAV4 is by far the more popular option. We can accredit the RAV4 Prime’s success to a number of factors, but the most noteworthy is the moniker’s notoriety, particularly in the U.S.
|
Year |
Unit Sales |
|
2024 |
31,093 |
|
2023 |
26,073 |
|
2022 |
18,567 |
The RAV4 is the first monocoque SUV without a full 4×4 system, making it the world’s first conventional crossover. This makes it an affordable and capable option for those wanting a comfortable daily driver that can hold its own on some loose surfaces like gravel and sand. There are a lot of alternatives in the market today, but the RAV4’s longer and more trustworthy reputation works in its favor and helps it constantly maintain its segment-leading position in the new PHEV crossover and SUV market.
How Much Does A 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime Cost
The Toyota RAV4 is a relatively expensive option when compared to the conventional and hybrid RAV4 range, but this is the price you pay for the best efficiency and dependable reliability. The base SE trim starts at $44,265, while the flagship XSE costs $48,135.
Unfortunately, the RAV4 Prime doesn’t benefit from the more appealing and aspirational trims like the Woodland or TRD derivatives. Optional extras available for the SE trim include the $425 Supersonic Red paint and the $1,665 Weather and Moonroof package, which includes heating for the rear outward seats and steering wheel. This also adds rain-sensing wipers and an electronically adjustable sunroof.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Pricing
|
Trim Level |
Price |
|---|---|
|
SE |
$44,265 |
|
XSE |
$48,135 |
Rear outward seat heating is a $615 standalone option for the XSE trim. You can also specify a $2,960 Premium Package, which adds features from the aforementioned Weather package, as well as multiple convenience, entertainment, and safety features. Toyota charges $1,350 for delivery, processing, and handling on both trims. There’s also a host of accessories you can select from the brand’s comprehensive catalog. These include storage and cooling solutions, all-weather liners, dog-friendly equipment, and more.
