replace 2023 Prius Prime with new Rav 4 Prime - blasphemy?

It depends on what you want. The Gen 6 RAV4 PHEV is an upgrade over the Gen 5 Prius PHEV, featuring TSS 4.0 and software-defined vehicle (SDV) capabilities. The software-defined multimedia system and gauge display will be much better, addressing the drawbacks of the Gen 5 Prius, and it even includes a built-in dashcam.

The mpg/mpge will be about 10% lower than your 19-inch-wheel Prius PHEV, which isn't too bad considering it is a larger vehicle with more cargo space.

It also depends on your budget, but I guess it won’t cost you much with your trade-in.

 

I think about a Corolla Cross or Rav4 every time I grunt my way into or out of my Prius. I've never been in a Rav4, but I liked the Corolla Cross quite a bit.

If getting around in mud and neglected roads is your concern, does weight matter? If I understand this correctly, the plug-in Rav4 is a porker. I don't doubt that the Rav4 Prime with AWD might be better when it gets slippery and has about the same footprint as your Prius.

As I use cars, I can only take on one passenger in a Prius, it has poor visibility and an adequate trunk. A Rav4 would be more practical, but I wouldn't care to drive an SUV.

 

I have never had either, but I do believe you need the right tool for the right job.
I can commiserate on access and egress, Because I have the same problem with our hycam, and am also researching rav4 prime.
All the best with your search!

 

So begins the posts about people giving up their Gen5 for something better... Wonder how many we'll see in coming years? As for switching to Rav 4 Prime... Seems like you'll have to wait month or years to find one availble to buy based on how Toyota is doing distribution of them these days.

 

If buying new, I assume you mean a RAV4 Plug In PHEV. They retired the Prime labeling.

My son traded his 2015 Prius V for a 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE. He briefly looked at the Corolla Cross and kept looking. He transports his small dogs to dog agility events. He is able to to his regular commute on EV but has absolutely no range anxiety because of the Hybrid function. I believe on the RAV4 the battery is under the passenger compartment and liquid cooled.

If you can love without the plug, a Camry may be a good option. I like my 2025 Camry XLE that replaced my totalled 2017 Prius. Since 2025 model year, all Camrys are Gen 5 Hybrid. There is no ICE-only model.

 

I really like my 5th Gen but I tend to agree with those concerns. The 5th Gen is a small car built for the urban environment, not muddy dirt roads that may not get snowplowed in the winter.

 

The new Rav4 Plugin handles great, is very quiet and has acoustic glass, is very fast and is sure footed. The ride is smooth and interior space is excellent. I would take it in a heartbeat over the Prius equivalent.

 

It’s not a crazy idea at all, especially given the conditions you’re driving in. The Prius Prime is great for efficiency and daily EV driving, but the low clearance, limited tire options, and lack of a spare can be real downsides on snow and muddy dirt roads. The RAV4 Prime would keep many of the things you like: plug-in capability, strong efficiency, and a gas engine for longer trips. You’d also gain AWD, more ground clearance, better visibility, and generally more practical space. The tradeoff is that it’s bigger, less efficient, and likely more expensive. If your environment is rougher year-round, the switch could make daily life a lot easier.

 

You might want to have a look at the lateral acceleration numbers for the two cars. Despite the oddly skinny tires, the Prius is at .79 (Motortrend) and .84 (C&D) while the Rav4 is at .79 and .80 respectively.

Reviews online typically note that handling isn't great in a Rav4.

Have any of them gotten stuck in the last couple of winters?


You don't appear to mind buying a car in its first model year. Some people would have an objection to buying any 2026 Rav4 on the principle that Toyota will learn what it did wrong and might apply a fix in the 2027 model year.

 

Ideally, a new car is a solution. I've noticed that it can be a solution for:

1. a problem I have and should address,
2. a problem I think I will encounter, but never do, or
3. a problem I concoct in order to buy it because I want it.

If none of us ever used #3, few of us would be driving what we drive. #2 may be responsible for most Jeeps and sportscars.

 

If the RAV4 floats your boat then go for it.

I always check with my insurance to get a quote on rates before I make a final decision. Last time we ended up buying a CRV because the insurance was $400/yr cheaper than the RAV4. From what I've seen the RAV4 PHEV gives you a tow rating if that's important to you. The Prius PHEV is just a commuter vehicle.

 

To me the obvious blasphemy (and so far apparently not addressed, judging from a quick skim) is that it seems economically foolhardy, cashing in a 2023 model year so soon. Seems to be the rage though.

 

You can't look at this from a retired person's standpoint who wants to keep a 2010 until they are gone.

The 2026 Rav4s and especially the Plugin is more of a refresh than a new model. Same engine, size, drivetrain tweeked for a couple of horsepower, a better integrated mfd and Lexus like soundproofing including acoustic glass.

The Plugin's battery weight creates a low center of gravity in an awd vehicle.

Given recent Toyota hybrids are really holding their value, trading up is not a big deal. With a high value tradein you get a significant sales tax reduction on the new car as well.

 

A ton of new RAV4 PHEVs will arrive by the end of May.

 

Blasphemy, rage, really? Many people lease rather than purchase to get the newest cars every two years or so.

 

I’d think from most any perspective a 3 year turnaround is pretty brief.

 

Toyota is always conservative when doing redesigns. The Gen 4 and Gen 5 Priuses are practically the same car as well.

The Gen 6 RAV4 PHEV system is a redesign. It gets much better fuel economy than the Gen 5 PHEV system.

All-new Toyota Gen 6 PHEV system | PriusChat

And the multimedia system is also a complete overhaul.

With the Gen 6 RAV4, Toyota modernizes its obsolete multimedia system at last | PriusChat

Last but not least, Gen 6 RAV4 is Toyota’s first SDV.

So, I would say that, despite the same cover, there are many major changes inside.