Toyota currently offers two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models: the RAV4 Prime and the Prius Prime. A plug-in hybrid provides the high gas mileage of a hybrid vehicle, with the added benefit of the ability to drive on electric-only power for short distances. Find out the differences between the RAV4 Prime and the Prius Prime in this 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Toyota Prius Prime comparison. 

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Toyota Prius Prime: What are the differences?

In this 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Prius Prime comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, fuel economy, electric driving range, off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime: Performance

On the performance front, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime has the advantage. Its plug-in hybrid system generates a total system output of 308 hp, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. In comparison, the plug-in hybrid system in the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime produces only 121 hp, with a 0-60 mph time of 10.9 seconds.

The Prius Prime is more maneuverable, though. It has a turning radius of 16.7 feet, compared to 18.05 feet for the RAV4 Prime.

RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime: Fuel Economy and electric driving range

For efficiency, the Prius Prime has the advantage. It gets an estimated fuel economy of 133 MPGe in electric-only mode and 54 MPGe in hybrid mode. In comparison, the RAV4 Prime has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

The RAV4 Prime can drive further using electric-only power, though. It has an estimated electric-only driving range of 42 miles, compared to 25 miles for the Prius Prime.

RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime: Off-road capabilities and towing

The RAV4 Prime is considerably better for off-road use than the Prius Prime. Along with its more advanced all-wheel drive system, it has higher ground clearance than the Prius Prime (8.3 vs. 4.8 inches).

If you need a vehicle that can tow, then the RAV4 Prime is the better choice for you. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds, while the Prius Prime is not rated for towing.

RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime: Safety

The RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitoring system, brake assist, and electronic stability control.

RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime: Passenger and cargo space

The RAV4 Prime is bigger than the Prius Prime, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 63.2 cu-ft. In comparison, the Prius Prime has a total passenger volume of 91.5 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 36.6 cu-ft.

RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime: Interior features and technologies

For interior features and technologies, the RAV4 Prime has the advantage. Unlike the Prius Prime, it offers heated rear seats, cooled front seats, a power passenger’s seat, and a dual-zone climate control system.

RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime: Warranty coverage 

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime: Price

Which Toyota plug-in hybrid costs more: the 2022 RAV4 Prime or the 2022 Prius Prime? The starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 Prime are $39,800 MSRP for the SE trim and $43,125 MSRP for the XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Prius Prime are $28,220 MSRP for the LE trim, $30,000 MSRP for the XLE trim, and $34,000 MSRP for the Limited trim.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the price of cars with the high inflation costs.

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Toyota Prius Prime: Which plug-in hybrid is better?

In this 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. 2022 Toyota Prius Prime comparison, each plug-in hybrid has various advantages. For the 2022 RAV4 Prime, advantages include performance, off-road capabilities, towing, passenger and cargo space, and interior features and technologies. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Prius Prime include maneuverability, fuel economy, and a lower price.