The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid SUV that packs a punch. The Prime is the most powerful RAV4 model ever produced. Is Toyota increasing production for the RAV4 Prime?

Is Toyota increasing RAV4 Prime production anytime soon?

The Toyota RAV4 Prime has the makings of a hit SUV model for several reasons. The Prime is both powerful and fuel-efficient, a combination that is truly rare.

According to Toyota’s 2022 first quarter sales, the automaker is selling more RAV4 Prime models year over year. The RAV4 Prime nameplate is on track to exceed its sales year over year by over 100%. Though there’s no word on whether Toyota is planning to increase RAV4 Prime production or not, it’s clear that the demand is there.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime also had its “best-ever first quarter sales” according to Toyota Newsroom. Based on the last sales quarter, the plug-in hybrid is rapidly becoming more popular.

What is different about the RAV4 Prime?

The RAV4 Prime is different than other SUVs on the market because of its unique powertrain. The plug-in hybrid SUV uses an engine in collaboration with a dual-motor system to produce a whopping 302 horsepower. That’s nearly 100 more horses than a base model gas-powered RAV4.

It’s unique because, on top of its incredible horsepower, it also has amazing fuel economy. The RAV4 Prime gets an astonishing 40 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The plug-in hybrid SUV has 42 miles of electric-only range.

The small SUV is the second-quickest Toyota model in the Japanese automaker’s lineup behind the Toyota Supra. It has around 600 miles of total driving range. Today’s gas prices make the fuel-sipping SUV even more appealing. Edmunds also praises the compact plug-in hybrid for its spacious cabin and cargo area, and quiet ride.

The RAV4 Prime is unlike anything that Toyota has ever produced before. As a result, it looks like the flashy plug-in hybrid SUV is here to stay based on sales.

Do you have to plug in the RAV4 Prime?

The RAV4 Prime must be charged to use the electric-only driving system. It uses a regenerative braking system but the Prime won’t reach its full battery capacity without being plugged in and left to charge. Charging may seem tedious, but the electric-only range is sure to save big bucks at the pump the more you use the feature.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime has become quite the hot topic, and it seems to have generated serious interest from consumers. Is this the best plug-in hybrid that Toyota has ever produced? We’ll have to see how well the nameplate ages in the next few years and how competitors rival this fierce plug-in hybrid compact SUV.