2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Prius Prime Which Plug-In Hybrid Reigns Supreme
We embarked on an exciting journey to crown the best plug-in hybrid in its class. Our contenders: the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE and the 2024 RAV4 Prime XSE. Both top their respective lineups, offering electric driving for city trips and a gas tank for those longer journeys. But, like many Toyota fans, we were curious—which hybrid reigns supreme in its segment?
After a year of testing the Prius Prime XSE and spending quality time with the RAV4 Prime XSE, we decided to find out using our Car of the Year criteria.
🏆 RAV4 Prime XSE 🏆
Don’t dismiss the RAV4 Prime just because it debuted in 2019; it set a sales record in the first half of 2024! This crossover looks rugged with its soft-roading design, rubbery grips on interior door pulls, and geometric patterns throughout. It doesn’t maximize interior space as well as rivals from Kia and Hyundai, but its efficiency, range, and 302-hp in a compact SUV make it impressive.
🏎️ Prius Prime XSE 🏎️
The new Prius, our 2024 Car of the Year, arrived in 2023 and wowed us with its rewarding driving experience and striking design. It’s quicker, offering 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and 45 miles of EV range in the base trim. Its design stands out for cars under $50,000, despite losing some interior space compared to older models.
Efficiency 🌿
Using MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings, we consider range and efficiency. The Prius Prime outperforms the Kia Niro PHEV with 114-127 mpg-e compared to the Niro’s 108 mpg-e. The RAV4 Prime hits 94 mpg-e, only surpassed by the Ford Escape plug-in with its lighter FWD setup.
Engineering Excellence 🛠️
The Prius Prime delivers a fun driving experience and superior braking feel, transmitting less vibration and offering seamless regenerative to mechanical braking transitions compared to the RAV4.
Safety 🛡️
Both PHEVs earn high marks, with the 2024 Prius Prime winning a 2024 Top Safety Pick and five stars overall from NHTSA, including in the rollover test, unlike the RAV4 Prime.
Value 💰
The Prius Prime is a better value compared to the Kia Niro PHEV and offers more range and better acceleration. While the RAV4 Prime remains our top choice in its segment, its price difference from the Kia Sportage PHEV is substantial.
Who Wins? 🏅
For me, the Prius is the winner. I prefer smaller cars, and the RAV4’s advantages don’t justify its higher price. The Prius lineup shines, culminating in its title as our 2024 Car of the Year.
📍 Tags: #Toyota #PriusPrimeXSE #RAV4PrimeXSE #HybridCars #PlugInHybrid #CarComparison #EcoFriendlyCars #CarOfTheYear #2024Cars #CarReview #ToyotaPrius #ToyotaRAV4
