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Are you considering buying either the Toyota RAV4 Prime or the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV? The RAV4 Prime has multiple advantages for plug-in hybrid SUV shoppers. Here are four reasons to buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime, and not a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV.

2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime delivers better performance than the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV

Supersonic Red 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime with the Chicago skyline in the background
Supersonic Red 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota

The first reason to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime instead of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is the RAV4 Prime delivers better performance than the Santa Fe PHEV. You might not think of a mainstream crossover SUV like the RAV4 Prime as strong on the performance front. However, the RAV4 Prime defies expectations. 

The plug-in hybrid system in the RAV4 Prime generates 308 hp, which enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 5.5 seconds. In comparison, the plug-in hybrid system in the Santa Fe PHEV produces 260 hp. For acceleration, it takes the Santa Fe PHEV 8.2 seconds to complete the 0-60 mph sprint.

Toyota RAV4 Prime has a higher electric driving range than the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV

Shimmering Silver 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV driving up a hill
Shimmering Silver 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV | Hyundai

The second reason to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime instead of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is the higher electric driving range of the RAV4 Prime. One of the major benefits of plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 Prime is the ability to drive using electric-only power for short distances. The RAV4 Prime has an estimated electric driving range of 42 miles, compared to 31 miles for the Santa Fe PHEV.

2022 RAV4 Prime has a higher fuel economy than the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV

The third reason to buy the RAV4 Prime instead of the Santa Fe PHEV is the higher fuel economy of the RAV4 Prime. Another strong selling point of plug-in hybrids is the high efficiency, and for this, the RAV4 Prime is the better choice. 

For both hybrid driving and electric-only driving, the RAV4 Prime tops the Santa Fe PHEV for efficiency: 

  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 94 combined MPGe electric/38 combined mpg hybrid
  • 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV: 76 combined MPGe electric/33 combined mpg hybrid

Toyota RAV4 Prime has better off-road capabilities than the Santa Fe PHEV

The fourth reason to buy the 2022 RAV4 Prime instead of the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV is the better off-road capabilities of the RAV4 Prime. Off-roading is more popular than ever as drivers aim to escape the hectic pace of daily life and head far out into the wilderness. On the off-roading front, the RAV4 Prime is the superior choice. 

All RAV4 Prime models feature an advanced all-wheel drive system, which provides excellent traction when driving over challenging terrain. In comparison, an all-wheel drive system is an optional feature for the Santa Fe PHEV, so you have to pay extra. Furthermore, the RAV4 Prime has slightly higher ground clearance than the Santa Fe PHEV (8.3 vs. 8.2 inches).

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime has advantages for performance, electric driving range, fuel economy, and off-road capabilities. These advantages are strong reasons to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime instead of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV.

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Staff Writer, Producer - SUVs

Mark Putzer

With seven years of experience writing in the automotive industry prior to joining MotorBiscuit in 2021, Mark’s work can be found on dealership websites across North America. A Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison sent Mark into the wilderness for environmental studies. Here, he discovered a passion for driving off-road trucks and SUVs off the beaten path.

During his extensive international travels, Mark developed an affinity for foreign cars and international automotive markets. Inspired by the industry-wide push toward environmentally-friendly EVs and hybrids, Mark covers topics about recent advances in the automotive industry, in addition to everything from off-road concepts to emerging EV technology.