Jul 16, 2020

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs 2020 Toyota RAV4 Models

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is finally arriving at dealerships throughout the country! It will be arriving here at Baierl Toyota very soon as well! Many customers have been asking our staff how the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime will compare to the 2020 RAV4 or the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid. Interestingly, the 2021 RAV4 Prime will share similarities with both models but will still retain its own individuality. Join us today as we explore the differences between the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime and the current 2020 Toyota RAV4 models!

Comparison image of a red 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime and white 2020 Toyota RAV4

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

First, let’s explore how the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime compares to the 2020 Toyota RAV4. The 2020 RAV4 comes standard with a 203-horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, which is able to generate up to 184 pound-feet of torque. The 2021 RAV4 Prime features a less powerful version of this same engine that is combined with two Permanent Magnet Synchronous electric motors—one equipped near each of the vehicle’s two axles.

This hybrid power system allows the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime to generate 302 net horsepower. The 2021 RAV4 Prim delivers engine torque of 165 pound-feet and electric torque output of 199 pound-feet at the front axle and 89 pound-feet at the rear axle.

As a hybrid vehicle, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime offers tremendous fuel economy as well. The 2021 RAV4 Prime is able to achieve fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. These ratings are significantly higher than the 2020 RAV4, which offers 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Comparison image of a red 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime and a blue 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Now, let’s take a look at how the 2021 RAV4 Prime compares to the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid. The main difference between these two models is that the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid, while the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a standard hybrid vehicle. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also only features one electric motor in its engine system, where the 2021 RAV4 Prime offers two.

Performance output for the engines and motors for these two models are largely the same. However, with only one electric engine, the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid can only provide 219 net horsepower. The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid does offer slightly better fuel economy ratings of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

If you are interested in exploring the differences between the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime and the 2020 Toyota RAV4 models a little further, then you should contact our staff here at Baierl Toyota—near Pittsburgh, PA—for more information today!


More: Is the RAV4 Prime an Electric Vehicle?