Automakers can’t just rely on making good SUVs anymore. They’ve become the most popular class of vehicles, and consumers show no signs of slowing down on purchasing the best SUVs. Most brands are capable of making a solid compact SUV, and Toyota is one of those brands excelling in the matter, particularly with the 2024 RAV4 Prime.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is just different enough to get ahead of the competition in a critical area: power. Plus, standard all-wheel drive on this best-selling small SUV isn’t a bad deal, and the price is manageable for a hybrid model. Lastly, it’s only fair if we take a look at a glaring disadvantage of the RAV4 Prime, too.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime: Power that sets it apart

Most people are not looking to the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime for power, but this compact SUV packs an unexpected punch. This year, Toyota equipped the Prime with 302 horsepower. That’s almost 100 extra horsepower compared to the gasoline 2024 RAV4, which gets just 203 hp. Thanks to that boost, the Prime moves from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds – three seconds faster than the gasoline version. That makes it one of the quickest hybrid SUVs available, save for some performance models.

Toyota uses a four-cylinder engine and three electric motors to power the 2024 Prime. It also uses an 18.1-kWh battery and a 6.6-kW onboard charger. As expected, it also has some impressive fuel economy numbers. The compact SUV has an estimated all-electric range of 42 miles with a full charge. While in hybrid mode, the Prime gets 38 mpg. With a full battery charge and a gas tank, that’s around 600 miles of range.

Combined with standard all-wheel drive, it makes sense why the Toyota RAV4 Prime is always sold out. The 2023 model has been hard to find since this time last year and is no longer available from the factory. Toyota says the entire 2024 Toyota RAV4 lineup should be available later this year, but an exact date has not yet been announced.

How much is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime?

While exact pricing for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime isn’t available yet, we can make some assumptions from the information we do have about the small SUV. Most Toyota SUVs went up $200 to $300 for 2024, which can be expected with the 2024 RAV4 Prime. That puts pricing at around $43,390 for the base SE Prime and $47,260 for the XSE.

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid will start at $31,475 for the base LE trim. A fully loaded RAV4 Woodland is $34,695. If you look at the non-hybrid version, pricing ranges from $28,475 for the base LE to $38,095 for the 2024 RAV4 TRD Off-Road. The 2023 Prime was $43,090 for the SE and $46,960 for the XSE. Here are some estimated MSRPs for the 2024 models.

There are 19 different 2024 RAV4 trim levels to choose from when considering the gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. So why does the 2024 RAV4 Prime stand out in a sea of reliable SUVs? It’s all about performance these days.

What is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime’s biggest disadvantage?

One of the most significant issues with the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime will be the significant discrepancy between supply and demand. Through Q3 2023, Toyota has sold 18,851 RAV4 Prime models, and that’s probably close to the maximum. The plug-in hybrid Prime model is a pretty low-volume vehicle for the automaker, so that means there are not many to go around. Most of the models available for pre-order were gone right away, and the Prime definitely does not sit on dealership lots for very long.

If the 2024 Prime checks all of the boxes for your next vehicle, you might want to get ready to place an order. Toyota only announced the 2024 RAV at the end of September and says it will be in dealerships later this year. That doesn’t leave much time for an official release, meaning it could come any day now.

Like many Toyota SUVs, the RAV4 is popular due to its affordability and reliability. It sounds like the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime has not changed much besides minor improvements. It is safe to say it will remain a popular choice for 2023, especially with the added power.