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Premium Toyota RAV4 will come in powerful plug-in hybrid flavor

Toyota showed off its new RAV4 Prime performance model at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the debut is a record-setter for the line -- it's the most powerful, quickest, and most fuel-efficient RAV4 ever. It's also the first-ever RAV4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), so this compact, eye-catching, and capable crossover SUV has loads of new stuff to offer.

RAV4 Prime can also do 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 sec, which is the second quickest acceleration time in the Toyota lineup, and it can drive an estimated 39 miles on battery alone on a single charge, which is the highest EV range of any PHEV SUV on the market. With room for five, it has a manufacturer-estimated 90 combined MPGe.

It also boasts an estimated 302 hp, advanced all-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned suspension. It's a pretty well-rounded offering.

Available in the summer of 2020, the 2021 RAV4 Prime will be come in SE and XSE grades, both of which emphasize the car's athletic on-road performance and premium comfort and style. With its plug-in hybrid technology getting better year after year, Toyota sees such vehicles as critical to an overall electrification strategy that will also include standard hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), along with fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) like the second-generation Mirai unveiled in October.

The RAV4 Prime builds on the RAV4 Hybrid, which is currently the most powerful and most fuel-efficient model in the line. Its sales were up 72 percent over last year and is currently the best-selling hybrid vehicle on the market.

With more powerful motor-generators, a newly developed high-capacity lithium-ion battery, and a booster converter, the 2021 RAV4 Prime provides an 83-hp jump in total system output over the RAV4 Hybrid and has the most horsepower in its segment. The resulting boost in performance is definitely noticeable. The 0-to-60 acceleration is quicker than the RAV4 Hybrid (7.8 sec) and in a league with luxury/performance SUVs that are both more expensive and also less fuel efficient.

Toyota engineered the 2021 RAV4 Prime for the performance-oriented driver. The SE flaunts its sporty attitude with 18-in. painted and machined alloy wheels and an exclusive front grille design and front lower spoiler. Piano black exterior accents and a painted grille/diffuser complete the premium look.

The SE's equipment is quite comprehensive, with standard heated front seats, 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, 7-in. Multi-Information Display, Blind Spot Monitor, a leather steering wheel and shift knob with red stitching, power liftgate, and audio with 8-in. touch-screen and Amazon Alexa, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. A Weather and Moonroof Package is available.

As on the current RAV4 Hybrid XSE, the Prime version of this top-shelf grade stands apart with a two-tone exterior paint scheme pairing a black roof with select colors, including the sure-to-get-you-noticed RAV4 Supersonic Red. Exclusive 19-in. alloy wheels, the largest ever offered on a hybrid RAV4, have a unique two-tone design. An optional Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with headlamp auto-leveling partially aims the beams into turns as the driver steers.

Inside, XSE steps up the sport, luxury, and tech with RAV4's first-ever paddle shifters, along with a moonroof, unique SofTex synthetic leather seat surfaces, wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated garage door opener, and the largest multimedia screen in any RAV4 ever. The standard Audio Plus system comes with a 9-in. touch screen.

An available Premium Package pushes the RAV4 Prime XSE further with Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL speakers, perforated and ventilated SofTex front seats, RAV4's first head-up display, heated rear SofTex outboard seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, digital rear-view mirror, memory driver's seat, four-way power passenger seat, five-door SmartKey system, kick-type power rear liftgate, Bird's Eye View Monitor, and more.

Under the hood, the RAV4 Prime uses a differently tuned version of the RAV4 Hybrid's 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gas engine. It produces the same projected 176 hp as in the hybrid, but paired with the electric motors, total system output equals 302 hp.

Even though it has a larger lithium-ion battery, the RAV4 Prime's passenger space isn't compromised because the battery pack is mounted under the floor. This mounting position also gives the RAV4 Prime a low center of gravity and enhanced driving stability.

The RAV4 Prime employs the same version of Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as the RAV4 Hybrid. In both models, a separate rear-mounted electric motor powers the rear wheels when needed, including proactively on acceleration startup and also in reduced-traction conditions.

The AWD system also reduces understeer during cornering for enhanced steering stability. Off-pavement, AWD enhances hill-climbing performance. A driver-selectable Trail mode makes it possible to get unstuck by braking a spinning wheel and sending torque to the grounding wheel.

With available paddle shifters, the driver can also "downshift" to increase the regenerative braking in steps, which fosters greater control when driving in hilly areas.

As on the RAV4 Hybrid, the innovative Predictive Efficient Drive feature acts like an invisible "hyper-miler" co-driver. Using the available navigation system, Predictive Efficient Drive essentially reads the road and learns driver patterns to optimize hybrid battery charging and discharging operations based on driving conditions. The system accumulates data as the vehicle is driven and "remembers" road features such as hills and stoplights, then it adjusts the hybrid powertrain operation to maximize efficiency.

All Toyota RAV4 models come equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), which groups a long roster of active-safety technologies and capabilities that include: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.

The XSE Premium Package adds Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking.

Also of note, starting with the 2020 model year, every Toyota Hybrid Battery Warranty has been increased from 8 years or 100,000 miles to 10 years from original date of first use, or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Toyota has yet to release pricing. KBB estimates it should start in the low 30s. Total driving range (miles per tank) has also not been announced.

Learn more and catch the latest updates on the Toyota RAV4 Prime site here.

Source: Toyota

Published December 2019

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