The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime was destined to win from the very beginning. In fact, the recipe for this electrified RAV4 couldn’t have been any simpler. Take one of the most popular crossovers in the U.S. and give it more power and even greater efficiency. However, despite its impressive stats on paper, good things often come at a cost. According to Car and Driver, you’ll have to pay quite a bit to get this one important feature.

How expensive is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime?

A 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $38,100, making it around $12,000 more expensive than the standard base model. From there, you can choose between two trim levels. The first is the SE, which carries that aforementioned base price. The second is the XSE, which bumps up the price to $41,425. However, if you want a cheaper fuel-efficient version of the RAV4, you can always opt for the Hybrid model, which starts at $28,500.

If you’re looking at a RAV4 Prime SE, the only option you have available is the Weather and Moonroof Package for $1,665. If you’re looking at the more expensive XSE, you have two optional packages available. The first is the Premium Audio and Dynamic Navigation pack for $2,435. For this, you get a nine-inch infotainment screen, JBL speakers, and dynamic navigation, among other features.

The most expensive option available is the XSE Premium Package for $5,760. As you’d expect, this includes everything from the packages mentioned above, plus a heads-up display, panoramic glass roof, 360-degree camera, and heated seats, among other features. However, this top-level package holds one of the most essential features for the model.

You’ll have to pay extra if you want this essential feature

Since the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime’s powertrain makes up one of it’s most appealing components, you’ll want to get the best out of it. According to Car and Driver, under the hood lives a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor-generators. There is yet another electric motor sat toward the rear of the crossover. Total output is rated at 302 hp sent to all four wheels.

Given the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime’s status as a plug-in hybrid, an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery back stores the onboard power. In standard form, this crossover features a 3.3-kWh onboard charger boasting decent charging rates. However, to get the best of the Prime, you’ll want the available 6.6-kWh onboard charger.

The only problem is that you can only get it if you opt for the most expensive XSE Premium Pack. As a result, you’ll pay at least $47,185 for this RAV4 to get the best out of it. Keep in mind that figure doesn’t include destination charges or other associated fees.

Should you buy one of these crossovers?

If you can get your hands on a brand-new 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, you should seriously consider it. Aside from the welcomed burst of power, the Prime features excellent fuel-efficiency ratings. According to Toyota, this model averages 40 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for a combined average of 38 mpg. However, the surprising figure here is the MPGe, which is rated at an estimated combined average of 94 MPGe.

Since the rest of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is quite similar to a normal model, there is already plenty to like. As a result, if you are already a fan of the brand, chances are you’ll love the Prime.