The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime: Same, but Different

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime: Same, but Different

For almost three decades, the Toyota RAV4 has been filling hearts and driveways all over Canada. One of the pioneers of the small crossover game, it has since matured into a segment leader with outstanding durability, great interior space, modern styling and on-board technologies to rival any competitor. Today, the RAV4 comes in a number of flavours but we’re going to have a look at two that are somewhat more divergent than you might think – the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime.


2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid


Toyota was one of the first to market with a hybrid crossover, and they have grown the line ever since. It stretches across five of the available trims – LE AWD ($37,895), XLE AWD ($41,035), SE AWD ($42,835), XSE AWD ($45,735) and Limited AWD ($48,895) and can even be had in specialized Woodland trim that adds bronzed 18” wheels, special badging, bridge type roof rails and TRD tuned off-road suspension. You may not be able to get the most offroad-centric Trail version as a hybrid, but the Woodland is comes pretty close. 


Regardless of trim, you get the latest RAV4’s chunkier styling with squared-off fenders, roof spoiler and enlarged grille. It all combines to offer a RAV4 that no one will ever be able to accuse of being a “soft-roader.” 


In terms of power, the Hybrid comes equipped with a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas-electric engine for a total of 219 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, sent to all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While you can get a standard RAV4 with front-wheel-drive, the Hybrid is available only with AWD but tips the fuel scales at just 6.0 L/100 km in the combined cycle. 


Standard features for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid include blind spot monitor, lane departure warning and assist, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, WiFi, multi-zone air conditioning, heated front seats and keyless entry. 


2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime


The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), meaning that it gets a large-capacity battery that allows it to drive in full EV mode for almost 70 kilometres. That eclipses the average distance Canadians travel on a given day. Then, once done, the RAV4 Prime can be plugged in to charge up (which also happens as you drive through power regen under braking and during coasting), meaning that if you drive as much as – or less than – the average Canadian, you could be in EV mode all the time in the RAV4 Prime.


More than just the benefit of EV driving, the Prime also makes more power, to the tune of 302 hp and 168 lb-ft, making it one of the most powerful vehicles Toyota offers in Canada. 


It's available in fewer trims than the Hybrid – SE AWD ($52,995) and XSE AWD ($57,835) – but since it starts at a higher trim than does the Hybrid, it has a few more standard features. These include a heated steering wheel, power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar, keyless start and power liftgate. What it doesn’t include, however, is less cargo capacity than the Hybrid; even with the larger battery, the Prime gets the same 949 – 1,977 litres of cargo capacity found in the Hybrid. 


These are two variations on a theme, but they are quite unique from one another – come pay us a visit to see which electrified RAV4 is right for you.

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