2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime Review by Mark Fulmer
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Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
The Auto Channel
The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime is one of Toyota's more popular SUVs. It makes its mark this year with a bigger battery and a beefier electric engine which yield a 0 - 60 in five and a half seconds. It also puts out a healthy 42 miles of electric-only driving with a full charge. With optimal conditions it is possible to achieve a range of 600 miles.
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The electric engine is paired to an inline 4 cylinder gas engine which contributes 302 horsepower sending it to a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Keeping this plug-in hybrid charged for a couple of hours (2-4 depending on charger) gives you the best power and fuel efficiency. The driving experience is downright smooth and confident, a steady cruiser on the freeway, and agile in curves and off-road.
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The front seats has 8 power adjustments for the driver which includes lumbar support. The passenger seat has 4 adjustments. The SofTex simulated leather upholstery is both comfortable and easy to clean. As the numbers show, there's room for all the tall.
Front head room 39.5 in.
Front leg room 41.0 in.
Front shoulder room 57.8 in.
Front hip room 54.3 in.
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The roominess continues for the rear seat passengers. All four doors are large enough for easy access.
Rear head room 39.5 in.
Rear leg room 37.8 in.
Rear shoulder room 56.4 in.
Rear hip room 47.7 in.
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Even with all seats in place, there is a cargo capacity 33.5 cu.ft.
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Put the second row down and behold a cargo capacity of 69.8 cu.ft.
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There are a plethora of safety and driver assistance systems which include:
Blind spot and lane departure warnings
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
Stability control
Traction control
4-wheel ABS
Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
Emergency braking assist
Tire pressure monitoring
Engine immobilizer
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For small families as well as folks with diverse interests and activities, the RAV4 continues to be mandatory test drive.