By Steve & Tamami Laser
Toyota Introduced the new 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. As the first RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, the new model is projected to offer an estimated 39-mile range in EV-only mode on battery power with a single charge. According to Toyota, that would make it the highest EV range of any PHEV SUV on the market. It’s also expected to deliver an estimated 90 combined MPGe.
While the RAV4 Prime is fuel-efficient, Toyota says it also will be the quickest RAV4 ever. It can go from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, about 2.0 seconds faster than the regular RAV4 Hybrid. The combined output of the 2.5-liter gas engine and electric motors is a stout 302 horsepower. Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive is standard, including a driver-selectable Trail mode.
Like the Prius Prime, the RAV4 can be plugged in at home, at work or at a public charging station. If the owner forgets to charge, it runs on the gas engine. The larger lithium-ion battery is mounted under the floor where it doesn’t intrude into passenger space.
RAV4 Prime will be available in SE and XSE models when it goes on sale in summer 2020. The SE features a new front grille design and lower spoiler, Piano Black exterior trim and special 18-inch alloy wheels. The XSE adds vertical LED accent lights, 19-inch alloys, two-tone paint with a black roof, and newly available Supersonic Red paint and Adaptive Front Lighting System.
Inside, XSE is the first RAV4 to offer paddle shifters. It also features a moonroof, unique SofTex trimmed seats, wireless charging, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 9-inch touchscreen display. Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL speakers is optional.
For those who want it all, the XSE Premium Package adds a panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, integrated memory system for the driver’s seat, the first RAV4 heads-up display, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, a keyless foot-activated power liftgate, Bird’s Eye View monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking.
Standard on all RAV4 Prime models is the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 including a 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.
News source and photos courtesy Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Note: Features, specifications and launch timing for U.S. market models is subject to change without notice
Story (commentary) © 2019 CarNichiWa.com