Toyota RAV4 Prime MPGe & MPG (Including Real-World Data)
The Toyota RAV4 Prime was introduced in 2021, allowing drivers to drive more efficiently. By looking at the RAV4 Prime mpg rating, you know how much money you may save at the pump. Plus, if your RAV4 Prime gas mileage seems less than usual, it may indicate a problem.
In this guide, I look at the EPA-estimated mpg for the Toyota RAV4 Prime. I will also show you how to optimize the gas mileage so that you can keep more money in your pocket.
RAV4 Prime Fuel Economy Basics
What Is MPG-e?
When electric power is produced from the battery to be used with the gasoline engine, the rating is known as MPGe. This terminology stands for “miles-per-gallon equivalent.”
The MPGe measurement turns the measured energy of each gallon of gasoline into electricity. This number illustrates the RAV4 Prime’s mileage efficiency.
MPG-E Rating
Toyota RAV4 Prime has an MPGe rating of 94 combined miles. It can also drive up to 42 miles on electric-only power.
Based on ratings by Consumer Reports, the RAV4 Prime has the longest electric-only range of all PHEVs. The next closest model is the 2023 Volvo S60 & V60 T8 AWD Recharge extended range models with a 40-mile rating.
Beyond that, every other PHEV provides fewer than 40 miles of electric driving. More than ten models offer only 20 miles or less, further proving how sophisticated the RAV4 Prime is.
MPG Without Charging
To keep the RAV4 Prime battery at optimal working capacity, you must charge it. If it hasn’t been charged, the fuel economy rating is different.
Here are the RAV4 Prime mpg ratings to expect without a charged battery.
- 2023-2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 40 city, 35 highway, 38 combined
- 2021-2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 40 city, 36 highway, 38 combined
It’s best to avoid depleting the battery for any length of time. If the battery remains discharged for weeks, the battery may become damaged.
Short-term, the Prime battery has a reserve that prevents damage. This feature is helpful because you will find yourself without a charge from time to time.
MPG in Hybrid Mode
The Prime has a “hybrid” button that utilizes the gasoline engine and electric motor at the same time. This is a great option for maximum fuel efficiency and range. So, what gas mileage does the Prime actually get when in hybrid mode?
According to torquenews.com, Prime owners are reporting MPGe ratings anywhere from 52 to 99+ when using hybrid mode. Ultimately, this number is determined by many factors such as miles driven, driving aggressiveness, city vs. highway, and much more.
How It Achieves Impressive Gas Mileage
The Prime variant is the most powerful RAV4 to date. It features an electric motor and gas-powered engine that produces 302 combined horsepower. Plus, it includes all-wheel-drive, so how is it so efficient?
With exceptional battery design and plug-in capability, the RAV4 Prime provides up to 42 miles of electric-only driving. You don’t need to use any fuel when driving in EV mode. Even when using the hybrid configuration, fuel efficiency skyrockets beyond what you expect from a typical SUV.
(Toyota)
Real-World MPG Results
Fuel economy estimates come from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but they don’t usually perform the testing. Instead, the automakers supply the information to the agency for review before it is released.
Because the automakers have produced the vehicle, the company knows exactly how to drive it to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. The numbers turned into the government will always be the best-case scenario.
What you experience when you drive the vehicle in real situations is likely to be different than the EPA ratings. Fuelly.com, a website that collects real-world MPG data from drivers, suggests that the RAV4 Prime is rated at 57 MPG.
Influential MPG Factors
What affects how the Toyota RAV4 Prime performs? Here are some aspects you must consider:
- Driving and accelerating aggressively
- Frequent stop-and-go driving
- Crossing hilly or mountainous terrain
- Using the air conditioner
- Excessive idling
- Outside temperature
- City vs. highway driving
- Maintenance of the vehicle
If these aspects are closely monitored and optimized, the fuel economy of your RAV4 Prime could be closer to what’s projected.
Improving Your Gas Mileage
To achieve the best fuel economy possible, you want to follow some simple tips that maximize efficiency. You may see more miles per gallon if you can accomplish these steps.
- Drive with eco mode turned on
- Keep the battery fully charged
- Remove extra weight from the SUV
- Avoid accelerating aggressively
- Drive at a steady speed using cruise control when possible
- Don’t idle the car engine
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule to keep the engine optimized
- Maintain tire pressure
- Fix any mechanical failure as it occurs
These steps aren’t difficult to follow. However, each one that you can implement makes a huge difference in the rating you see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Fuel-Efficient Ride Awaits
You can add more mileage to each fuel tank with a few simple driving adjustments. Even if you simply let your foot off the accelerator a little bit, you are sure to get better fuel economy overall.
If you want to save money with the RAV4 Prime, keep the battery fully charged. The more frequently you can drive it in EV mode, the less money you have to spend on fuel.