The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the latest iteration of the popular Japanese small SUV model. It’s a plug-in hybrid that combines the fuel efficiency of a hybrid with the power and practicality of electric motors. The RAV4 Prime is one of the most desirable new Toyota models. Why is it so hard to get?

Toyota is producing fewer vehicles, which is bad news for consumers

If the economic rollercoaster that Americans endured for the last two years since the beginning of the global pandemic taught us anything, it’s that strained supply and high demand equals price hikes. Consumers have witnessed this with the price of new and used vehicles. Now Americans are experiencing the hardships of strained supply with gasoline.

According to Fox Business, Toyota is slashing production because of the semiconductor shortage. Semiconductors power most modern electronic devices like smartphones, televisions, laptops, and automobiles. The United States is responsible for a large portion of global semiconductor sales, but the companies responsible for those sales often outsource the production of those chips.

Fewer vehicles in circulation mean longer delivery times for consumers. Supply issues are also causing scarcity, making it harder for consumers to purchase automobiles.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a hot commodity

InsideEVs reported a RAV4 Prime dealership markup that amounted to an extra $40K. While a markup this large is an anomaly, the story illustrates the problem that consumers have faced purchasing vehicles in a market that is struggling with production.

Some of America’s largest, most established automakers are struggling with production issues because of the semiconductor chip shortage. Ford struggled to get consumers Bronco models for months after orders were placed. Automakers have even been offering consumers the latest model years when they have been unable to provide the vehicles that were ordered.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is Toyota’s next big thing because of its incredible value and power. Electric vehicle tax incentives make the plug-in hybrid SUV even more affordable. The RAV4 Prime is proving that great fuel economy doesn’t have to be boring.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a niche vehicle because of its unique powertrain and size. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors to make an incredible 302 horsepower. That’s 99 more horses than the gas-powered RAV4. It also can travel on just electricity for 42 miles on electricity.

What is special about the RAV4 Prime?

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is special because it has amazing fuel economy. It achieves 40 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The plug-in hybrid SUV has a total driving range of 600 miles. Aside from its incredible gas mileage, it also has exciting driving dynamics thanks to its dual electric motor system. The RAV4 Prime may just be the most exciting plug-in hybrid SUV on the market.