Are you thinking about buying either the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime or the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid? Both vehicles are appealing choices for the hybrid crossover SUV segment. However, the RAV4 Prime has multiple advantages in its favor. Here are three reasons to buy a RAV4 Prime, and not a CR-V Hybrid.

Unlike the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime has a plug-in hybrid system

The first reason to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime instead of the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid is that, unlike the CR-V Hybrid, the RAV4 Prime has a plug-in hybrid system. With its plug-in hybrid system, the RAV4 can drive on electric-only power for up to an estimated 42 miles. Considering that this is shorter than the average commuting distance for Americans, for much of the time, you might not need to use the gas engine, driving on emissions-free electric power.

Also, the plug-in hybrid system in the RAV4 Prime results in greater efficiency. When driving in hybrid mode, the RAV4 Prime has a similar estimated fuel economy as the CR-V Hybrid (38 vs. 40 combined mpg). However, in electric mode, the RAV4 has a very impressive efficiency rating of 94 MPGe.

Furthermore, a plug-in hybrid like the RAV4 Prime is a nice alternative to an all-electric vehicle. With an electric vehicle, you might face the issue of running out of electric power before you can reach a charging station. However, with a plug-in hybrid system, when the electric power runs out, the vehicle uses its gas engine. 

Toyota RAV4 Prime has better performance than the Honda CR-V Hybrid

The second reason to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime instead of the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the RAV4 Prime has better performance than the CR-V Hybrid. While mainstream crossover SUVs are not typically associated with high-level performance, the RAV4 Prime defies this perception.

The plug-in hybrid system in the RAV4 Prime produces an output of 308 hp. In comparison, the standard hybrid system in the CR-V Hybrid generates only 212 hp. Also, the RAV4 Prime boasts quick acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, compared to 7.8 seconds for the CR-V Hybrid.

Unlike the 2022 CR-V Hybrid, the 2022 RAV4 Prime has a free maintenance plan

The third reason to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime instead of the 2022 Honda CR-V Prime is that, unlike the CR-V Hybrid, the RAV4 Prime has a free maintenance plan. Along with fuel, one of the biggest costs of vehicle ownership is maintenance. With the ToyotaCare complimentary maintenance program for the RAV4 Prime, you can save a lot of money.

ToyotaCare for the RAV4 Prime, which is good for two years or 25,000 miles, includes:

• Engine oil and filter changes
• Topping off of the fluids
• Tires rotations
• Multi-point inspections

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime has three key advantages over the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid: a plug-in hybrid system, better performance, and a free maintenance plan. These advantages give the RAV4 Prime the edge for buying it instead of the CR-V Hybrid.