I'm beginning to question my 2026 Rav4 reveal prediction - at the 2024 LA Auto show... The next-gen Rav4 maybe delayed. The new model is running the new Toyota Arene software...and that and the battery plant must be up and running for a healthy launch. I still think the 2026 model will be redesigned and available by end of 2025... but what do you think?
I hope Toyota comes out with a redesign that has more range and a little more horsepower. It's not necessary really, but it would be to stay way ahead of the pack as the RAV4 PHEV is already in a league of it's own for the combination of range, horsepower and efficiency. My 21 Prime is great, but I'm greedy for more.
@@Molishious yeah like 50-75% more EV range would be amazing for places like California with longer commutes. Likely only possible in 2027-2030 when and if solid state becomes a reality
I feel like they are axing the PRIME name because they foresee PHEV becoming the norm. Distinctive names tend to be for things that aren’t really the norm when not looking at luxury brands. Cars with unique branding like the Type R and GR are not meant to be volume sellers, but PHEV are forecasted by Toyota to be a pretty big chunk of the volume.
Toyota has no choice. Either they make PHEVs at or below Model Y and Model 3 prices or they will loose market share. Toyota has to make hybrid the standard with the Plug-in for a slightly more up charge. A Corolla Cross PHEV for $34k would be an absolutely home run.
Toyota's entire business model has becoming forcing customers to pay the highest price possible per vehicle, with a low volume strategy. Dealers adding markups for scarce vehicles is just the icing on the cake.
We need a Toyota truck with the sienna hybrid platform. Like a Ridgeline. A truck that gets good mpg, and ofc it would likely have a lower tow rating but that’s fine. I’m honestly annoyed they are switching to the hybrid system used by BYD. I can’t stand Chinese products. I want to give them as little money as possible. Also automatics cost more because it’s more mechanics.
Good review 👍 I’ll hang fire for the next Lexus NX version, and if they do a full EV version of that. I just hope it’s a better EV than the RZ, the range, charging and efficiency really lets that down. I know they’d never do it, but I’d love to see an “Fe” version of some of the Lexus models. Not just an F Sport trim, but a fully blown F car, in electric, with crazy performance to rival the top Teslas etc. even better would be an Estate ES in that, to rival the new Audi eTron S6 avant. One can dream 😂
The first-gen Prius plug-in was officially known as the "PHV" model. Look at old press releases for reference. Introduction of "Prime" in the North American market for second-gen helped draw attention to its unique look, as well as being a thanks to long-time supporters... one of whom submitted that naming suggestion back in November 2008. Moving on to standard "PHEV" labeling as the technology becomes common makes good business sense.
Aesthetically I don't like most of Toyota's lineup these days, but I still think they currently have the most pragmatic and sensible portfolio of relatively affordable and reliable models with great efficiency. And huge respect to them for not scrapping their non-SUV models and for not jumping willynilly on the ridiculous full EV bandwagon.
Maybe Toyota is making a whole new model of plug in SUVs separate from the Rav4. Calling them Toyota Prime? Rav4 will be hybrid only. I'd like to see a Toyota Cross (drop the Corolla name).
While you could get a Prime with $7,500 tax rebate and it was ~ $39K, it made sense. But, the Pandemic impacted supply and made it impossible to get, without paying extra, erasing all the benefit. Then, it no longer qualified. Worse, its price increased. Unfortunately, it does not make sense to get. It's better to get the regular Hybrid or even the Corolla Cross Hybrid, at a lower price.
Love our Prime. I do think Toyota needs to do a few things to fine tune this power train / battery tech, or lower the price point. Toyota's plug-in battery system is no longer the only game in town.
In the press release it says that the "Prime" name goes to "the best" vehicles in Toyota's lineup. If PHEVs are no longer the best, perhaps a fully electric RAV4 is on the way...
Kirk, When I plugged in to this video, I was really primed for a prime time RAV4 Prime announcement. Now I don't know what to think. Will there be any inventory of the 2025 RAV4 Plug-in? 🤔 In regard to the GR Corolla, I would classify the 8 speed auto as a $2,000 downgrade. If you don't have the basic level of skill, awareness and focus to even shift your own gears, are you actually qualified to drive a 300 hp compact on public roadways? If you are constantly stuck in big city, bumper to bumper traffic then get a 138 hp Corolla Hybrid or better yet take the bus. 🤨
Meh. Manual shmanual. I grew up on them. Owned them. Don’t care for them. Corvette. Porsche. Ferrari. Lambo. All automatic. I’d take an auto gr Corolla but I don’t think it’s worth the price and the interior is subpar. I’m a Toyota snob. I’d rather buy a gently used rc350 AWD or is350 AWD. Probably not as much punch but solidly fun v6 performance and quality for hwy use.
I live my RAV4 Hybrid! I can’t wait to see the new one and I really hope there are lower trims of the PHEV and EV. Hoping Lunar Rock, Army Green, Cavalry and/or Heritage Blue, Super Sonic Red, and Terra Cotta are options.
Hybrids should be economical, not necessarily a premium option like they have been positioned as. We just need a bunch of cheap hybrid setups. Slap a little 3kw battery in there and let it do what hybrids did in the 2000s when they just got ridiculous mileage with no fuss.
Okay, this makes sense in light of the confusing BZ4X nomenclature. Do you thinkToyota is dropping the Prime moniker as a battery electric option, so they can resurrect it as a new nameplate for a fully-electric vehicle or even line of vehicles? I'd love to see a Prime SUV or even a sub-brand called Prime. Maybe that's what Toyota should've done with 'Prius'.
Whoever buys the 2025 RAV4 PHEV, think of it this way. A 4th gen Rav4 PHEV without the Prime branding can be seen as unique, as it’s a one model year thing, assuming the next gen debuts with the 2026 MY
@@KirkKreifels I was thinking more like: - 2020 Supra: first model year, I6 engine got a power bump for 2021 - 2022 Corolla Cross: only year of Corolla Cross with old Chime and no hybrid option - 2021 Rogue: new gen Rogue, but with a 2.5 engine instead of a 1.5VCT - 2012 Civic: lasted for one year before refreshed sedan and interior - 2013 Civic: combo of refreshed interior and old transmission - 2022 2 series: combination of the new generation 2 series and outgoing iDrive7 - 2013 Malibu: similar situation as 2012 Civic - 2017 Accord Hybrid: revised powertrain/battery from the 2015 counterpart, and powertrain/battery got revised yet again for 2018 redesign - 2012 Crosstour: renamed from Accord Crosstour and added a 2.4 engine option one year prior to refresh that also saw the V6 get EarthDreams - 2005 Pilot: revised engine, although the engine would get revised again for the 2006 refresh - 2005 Accord: revised taillights, rims, and addition of hybrid powertrain just one year before mid cycle refresh - 2003 Civic Hybrid: introduced one year before refresh
In Europe Toyota has discontinued the blue halo for their hybrids and PHEV. The Prius, CHR and the Yaris face lift don't have it anymore. Instead, they get the new beyond zero badge and basically any car with the beyond zero badge.
My boomer uncle is confused about PHEV vs HEV vs BEV, using 'plug-in' as a catch-all term for anything with a hybrid powertrain. I then tell him that the non-prime doesn't have a plug, and he throws his hands in the air and asks what's the point of a hybrid if I can't plug it in?
I think the first car without the ‘blue halo’ I think was the Corolla Cross Hybrid. It has blacked out badging on my 23’ on my Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE.
We own two Prime Rav 4 2021. Glad they are keeping the plug-in I believe for most living in the suburbs this makes sense. Most people work less than 30 minutes from home and 40 miles of range is the sweet spot. We go 6 months on a tank of gasoline. I estimate we drive in EV 85% of the time and the battery is great. I estimate over 4 years of ownership we have charged it 2,000 times and it still in warm weather is providing g us 40 miles of range. Winter expect 15-20% loss of range.
With you only filling up with gas twice a year, it looks like a fully electric car would work fine for you. You still have to do those yearly oil changes even if not using the engine much. I currently have a 2023 Tesla Model Y LR, but am considering the plug in RAV4 due to the double the range capacity of my Model Y. I want to explore more remote areas in California and beyond without having range anxiety.
The overlap wouldn't have made sense. When the next-gen batteries are rolled out and both 3-row BEV are established, a model of next-gen bZ4X could adopt RAV4 naming.
Toyota is better off sticking with the bz4x badging. If Toyota can’t make a competitive BEV, then keep the bz4x badge. Don’t ruin the RAV4 with a subpar EV.
Kirk stop with the Full electric anything Americans don’t want electric cars!!! Why would Toyota mess up their Bread and butter!! I have a Toyota Venza and if Toyota goes full electric in the future I’m done with them.!
I heard a rumor that Elon Musk is purchasing Toyota. Any truth to that? Don’t wanna spread any rumors. I figured you’d be the guy to know a little more than I. Keep up the good work that you do love watching your channel
I think Toyota/Lexus missed an opportunity to stand out from the others. Name all your plugins “Prime”. Lexus NX Prime, RX Prime. I don’t want a PHeV, I want a PRIME.
Japan does a workshop on how to confuse customers, turn them away, and tank sales: Legend ---> RL. Goes from selling more units than BMW sold all of their cars, to a few thousand at best. Canceled. Integra --> RSX. Goes from one of the top-selling sports coupes of the 90s, to almost nothing. Canceled. Prime --> PHEV. The jury is out, but I'm betting that without a catchy, popular moniker like 'Prime', Toyota plug-ins won't have any special appeal and buyers will go elsewhere for their plug-ins. 'Prime' gave the feeling that it was more than a plug-in, that you were almost buying into a new kind of product.
@@alexnutcasio936 Partly because it was just a side option on a more popular hybrid version. You've got a point, though. Still, Prime is better than BX4X or PHEV. Any actual word is.
If you want a deal the Camry LE will fulfill that role magnificently. Premium and specialized, limited production vehicles command higher prices. I don't see what all the fuss is about.
I cant wait to buy the last of the gas only Rav. Will there actually be a 2025 carry over model? I'll never buy a hybrid or an EV. Toyota and all manufacturers can stuff that crap. Toyota already lost me on the new Tacoma and 4R.
PHEV is a bad idea. Buyers are religious about daily charging. Meanwhile, fuel goes bad and becomes varnish. Spoke to a Lexus salesman who said a customer brought a PHEV for 5k mile service and technician determined the engine ran for only 53 miles. That customer should have just bought an EV in the first place.
You need to come up with a target for gas usage. Say, a tank of gas a minimum of every 3 months. If you have 40 miles of charge left on a PHEV, then driving 40 miles is not problem. With an EV, you'd charge it and not take the chance of running out.
People keep saying everyone is broke but sales keep breaking records. Almost all my coworkers bought new vehicles this year so maybe I’m missing something
Maybe he said it and I missed it, but I am curious if the Rav4 PHEV is like the old Chevy Volt (is basically an EV but includes a gas generator) or has two drive trains. If the latter, then I am scared for Toyota since you are including two systems to drive the wheels. That just won't fly as battery prices come down and it simply becomes better to just go like the volt with lesser and lesser extenders. I also notice that the PHEV is almost the same price as the Model Y (before discounts).
Why would anyone buy a RAV 4 Prime over a Tesla Model Y. You can't even get a RAV4 hybrid at MSRP, you're not getting a PHEV for under $50,000-$55,000 at the cheapest.
Toyota (really all legacy automakers) is a mess in China. Drove a manual transmission Honda Ascot in Japan… northern Japan and later Tokyo (even commuted with it for awhile). Drove a Mazdaspeed 6 (MT only) in the Detroit area and then later in the SF Bay Area. So been there, done that. Yeah getting an automatic because of driving in traffic is just an excuse.
