2021 RAV4 Prime is saving energy with style and speed

What’s most stunning about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, a sporty plug-in hybrid, is not the exceptional mileage figures or the good looks.

It’s the giddy-up: This thing sprints to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. That ranks second in the Toyota lineup only to the Supra, which races to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat. The Prime, for the record, is not a Supra. In fact, it’s not even particularly agile, partly due to a softer suspension and 4,372-pound heft.

The RAV4 Prime is about shrinking carbon footprints and doing it in style. It starts with a true 42-mile range on electric alone, easily enough to handle errands and short commutes. And for those who worry about where the next charge is coming from, the Prime’s gas engine is ready to kick in to complete the trip.

The softer-tuned suspension means some body roll on corners and curvy roads. The standard all-wheel-drive does improve grip and maintains ride comfort when the road gets bumpy. It’s tow-rated at 2,500 pounds, more than enough to pull a Jet-Ski or motorcycle.

Two drive modes (EV/ HV) allow driving under electric power only or with the gas engine adding an assist. Additional modes — Sport, Trail and Eco — allow tuning tweaks for more fun or to save a few bucks.

The Prime gets all the exterior upgrades of the fifth-generation RAV4, including its boxier and more aggressive look. The Prime sports 19-inch wheels, flashing LED running lamps that encircle the headlights, and dual exhausts at the rear. Two-tone schemes are striking: Six colors from Supersonic Red to Blizzard Pearl match with a GlossBlack or Midnight Black roof.

The five-seat cabin has ample head- and legroom even for taller folks. Seats are heated, ventilated and trimmed in a synthetic leather fabric, with accent stitching, that looks and feels like the real thing. The driver gets lumbar support, while rear seats recline — but not too much.

A 7-inch digital instrument display is flanked by analog gauges. The top-line XSE includes paddle shifters along with a moonroof and ambient lighting. Available within options packages are rearview mirror-camera, surround-view camera and head-up display.

A 9-inch infotainment screen sits atop the center stack, within easy reach and easy enough to use. The resolution, however, isn’t on par with others in the market. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Since the battery pack is situated under the rear seats, more cargo space is made available.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Prime good crash test scores, and it comes with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic braking, pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist. Optional are adaptive headlights and parking sensors.

With its cool look and flashy two-tone color schemes, folks will take gawk at the RAV4 Prime at the stoplight. But its eye-opening quickness when you pull away might be what they remember.

TOYOTA