ColoradoPrime
New Member
Maybe change the thread, since Rav4 Prime is what the 2021 Rav4 Plug-in is now called, due out in Summer 2020, with an estimated 39-mile electric range, on demand AWD, pretty good cargo volume (close to 70 cubic feet?), better ground clearance (8"+?), possibly 1750 lbs. of towing, possibly high-30s mpg on gas etc. All of those details yet to be revealed in final form...This may be a significant vehicle, because for many people who want a small SUV, and yet still have range anxiety/cost/reliability concerns about maybe a Tesla Model Y or its competitors, this vehicle can potentially decrease gas use by maybe half. Here in Colorado, it may be possible to get the full $7,500 tax credit, plus a $4,000 state rebate, so the net price for the base model could be possibly in the low-20K range, assuming the Prime comes in at say $4K above the current RAV4 hybrid MSRP, which is around $28K. You could buy two Rav4 Primes for the price of one Tesla Model Y. Speculative of course, but a very exciting possible price for a nice vehicle. If the whole world could cut gas use by half, that would not be as good as going all electric, but over the next 10 years would still be very significant. We currently own a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime, and it has been a wonderful car, now with 45,000 miles on it with no repairs at all. We have averaged 120 mpg with it over the 45,000 miles, with infrequent long trips and otherwise mostly all electric from solar. We may just keep it, since it does get 55+ mpg on gas, but the Rav4 Prime is certainly an attractive alternative while fully electrics improve in range and cost over the next few years. This is a great improvement over the Prius Prime for Coloradoans who want a vehicle better for back roads, camping, bike racks etc. Lower mpg than the Prius Prime, but still a very significant positive step. Keep your eye on RAV4 Prime if you are in the market...