Used 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Consumer Reviews
Used RAV4 Prime for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Great concept but raw, details not thought through
Jaroslav , 10/26/2021
updated 10/30/2024
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
44 of 48 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Toyota RAV4 Prime SE new in February of 2021. I own it to this day (Oct 2024) putting over 200,000 kms on the odometer. My first impression was that the was a great CONCEPT, has many things done very well, but released raw, delivered unrefined. Digitalization remained one of the Toyota's weakest points, the utility aspect of the utility vehicle did not stand up to the expectation. This was not a cheap car, but Toyota Corp did not resolve multiple issues after ~40,000 km. But let's start with positives: it proved to be a dependable vehicle so far, as I have not replaced anything that would be broken, except a seemingly super fragile windshield that would tend to crack even from a tiny rock. I replaced a few. All other replacements were service items so far. The car was only serviced at the Toyota Service Centre in Pitt Meadows, they are providing excellent service. Now the bad things: 1. Fuel tank gauge was incorrect. When signaled with amber and showed an estimated HV range of ~45 km the actual (measured) range is 300 km!!! This is nearly 600% inaccuracy that causes a nuisance range anxiety. 2. Very poor integration with Android Auto: when Android Auto is connected, native Toyota Text and Email functions are disabled, Navigation volume is high and unadjustable - becomes SUPER intrusive during phone conversations. I heard this from other RAV4 owners too. Toyota did not engage with Android to work out a smooth app. Switching to XSE with Technology package costs $12,000 extra in Canada, used to be $3,500 on the Prius. Price gauging? 3. Driver seat side supports are too pronounced/intrusive, non adjustable - cause joint pain on long distance trips. I have to put some pads to seat 'above' the supports. I understand the anatomy can be different between different operators but never had this on any of my previous vehicles, not even on 2,000 km single day trip. Short distances are ok. My friend had his hip replaced because of what turned to be an inflammation caused by a bad chair. Seemingly small things can lead to big problems. 4. Fuel consumption display does not factor in the main battery power used - the end number is misleading as if the energy comes from nowhere. 5. Front passenger seat does not fold or unfold flat - limiting the amount of cargo space to rediculosly low even compared to my 2014 Prius, that could take in a coach and close the hatch. Can't do the same in a much bigger RAV4 Prime: can't put a box of furniture from IKEA, nor 2x4x8's or other 8' cargo and close the hatch, plumbing pipes are 10' long, composite board is 12' long - there is no way to conviniently and safely accommodate a cargo like that. If I keep the rear hatch open, the buzzer cannot be switched off - drives you crazy! The utility aspect of this Sport UTILITY Vehicle is just not thought through. 6. Window controls on the driver door not illuminated in the dark - very hard to find right buttons. 7. Windshield appears to be the weakest element as it cracks from a TINY rock chips. So far I am on #5, but I have never replaced one on any of my previous vehicles. 8. Seats are starting to show signs of (early) wear after only 10,000 km. The most rediculous is the front passenger seat, that is empty 90% of the time. Never had this on my 2014 Prius, not even after 325,000 km. 9. The battery capacity is not shown in kWh - only in percent. You can have 100% charge and drive 80 km in EV in August, or 100% charge and 60km in January. Makes hard to see the reduction of capacity due to cold weather or perhaps future aging and degradation. When asked at the service centre if the main battery capacity can be measured, they said they don't do this. This is probably the most expensive and the key selling feature of the car, they would tell you how much window washing fluid is left, but not the remaining battery capacity. Very inpractical, misrepresentation of the information. 10. Very loud starting noise at cold weather was eventually fixed. It was hard to show this to Toyota as by the time you get there the car is warm and the noise is gone. NOW ADDRESSED 11. The car is fast, but body roll is significant at higher speeds. 12. The phone niche doesn't allow the phone heat to effectively dissipate, which happens when multi taking (i.e. running Navigation, receiving Calls and listening Music at the background). The pho e starts slowing down. The niche is in a dire need of a cooling micro vent. Conclusion: certain aspects of the vehicle are executed very well, but when compared to other Toyota vehicles and 2014 Prius over 300,000 km specifically - the RAV4 Prime doesn't live up to the expectation. In almost 36+ months of the ownership the experience of seeing Toyota Corp standing up and resolving these issues is LOW. The appearance is that Toyota tries to focus on a broader audience, but looses the attention to details.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
After 30 months no issues
Jimbo, 03/06/2021
updated 09/08/2023
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
I have had my RAV4 prime with the premium package for 2 1/2 years and 30,000 miles. so far zero issues and amazing results . I have an suv that gets great mileage but has power, comfort and high technology. This RAV4 prime has it all. Excellent MPG. I am averaging just 2 gallons of gas a month. It costs about $1.60 to charge the battery and I get about 46 miles per charge. That's about 2 gallons of gas for my old RAV4. It has 302 hp 0-60 in 5.5 sec. The interior is comfortable and amazing with all the high tech bells and whistles. After 30 months and 30,000 miles I love this vehicle even more. It has performed flawlessly in the cold and snow of western New York State. Zero issues on this super dependable SUV. Even with the tax rebates gone I would still buy it. The best of the 35 or so vehicles I have owned. I LOVE it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime for sale near you
3 of 17 listings
- XSE Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUVMSRP: $41,99891 mi away
- XSE Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUVMSRP: $29,350In-stock online
- XSE Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUVMSRP: $38,998In-stock online
See all 17 listings
Expensive but worth it!
Randy Tullis, 10/08/2021
updated 10/14/2024
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
They are hard to find, but worth the effort. The driving experience is so satisfying I find myself thinking of errands I need to run just so I can drive it. The most power comes from hybrid mode, but the best feeling comes from pure electric mode. Super powerful and super smooth. The black interior in the premium package is really nice, but I think they should offer more interior color options. Other than that I have no complaints. Can’t wait to get behind the wheel again tomorrow. I came from an Audi Q5 and never imagined going to a Toyota RAV4 would be a step UP, but it really is with the Prime! Update: 6 months and 5,000 miles later I wouldn’t change my review—this thing has been fantastic! Update: 3 years. Still love this thing. What a good purchase!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Blown away!
Jagan, 08/01/2021
updated 02/02/2023
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
It has been 18 months since I bought this one. My opinion isn't any different from my initial review. The car is amazing and given that I traded my Tesla Model S (much to everyone's surprise, including me), I do not regret one bit. I am very impressed with the way the car handles in high speeds, much like the BMW 5 series I had. I convinced few of my friends to buy it and they too are just as pleased as I am.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
An econobox with style
Brad, 03/30/2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
63 of 71 people found this review helpful
Very few of the RAV Primes are in the US, but one can find one if you look hard enough. I found mine on Edmunds. I went with a dealer in Baltimore and purchased an SE. I preferred the extra amenities of the XSE, however, most of the dealers on the east coast have marked them up $3K over sticker. I have now had the SE for 3 weeks and am satisfied with it. It has a few shortcomings, only minutiae, with no front seat back pockets. I would prefer another cup holder but like I said it really is nothing I can’t cope with. Most of the reviews noted soft brakes but one can easily adapt. I wanted this vehicle for its utility and economy. It comes with all the safety advancements that Toyota offers. So far I am getting about 45 miles on a charge and have not used any gas for my short hops around town in 3 weeks. This car doesn’t handle like a race car but stomp on the pedal and it will beat most cars off the line (0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds!) All in all, a nice ride
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value