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
@@mw-th9ov it sure wasn’t clear in my opinion, at first I thought they are discontinuing the prime then later in the video I thought maybe they will still have a phev but just call it something else for some reason. Not clear in what their plan is Toyota likes to keep you in the dark on new things up their sleeve, hopefully they don’t discontinue the phev, I have been driving a phev volt gen 1 and now a gen 2 since 2012 And I absolutely love the concept! My plan was buying a rav4 phev next,hoping the ev range would be just a little higher with this new battery that’s coming out.
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 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.
@@rncondie I have owned 2 generations of Chevy volts and use about 1/2 to 1 tank of gas per month on average. The second gen we absolutely love because of the higher ev range of 53 miles with a 7.2 kw capability with charging time for full charge of 2.3 hrs with a stage 2 charger in my garage with absolutely never having any range anxiety! We drive 20 to 25,000 miles per year. For us it’s a huge savings not having to buy all that gas! The electricity cost for a full charge ranges from 0.77 to 1.50 depending on the time of day charging. We are planning for our next vehicle to be a rav4 phev hopefully with Toyota’s plan of the new battery, the range will be a little higher then it is now.
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.
@@chaarleess because it's dated, every other vehicles in the segment has been changed or updated. The last generation was a best seller too but it they didn't drag it on that long because they had to keep up with everyone else, all they're doing is selling the name at this point.
@@ethanmckibbin this is more of a you problem than the mass market at large (Toyota is always slow between generations, but i guess you know this and just being disingenuous). keep crying about Toyotas success!
@@iloveanime1313 not really a me problem at all, 5th gen has issues and a lot of people think it's hideous. Beating the dead horse when Rav4 only is supposed to get 6 years is lazy. If you're okay with buying a 2025 that's really came out in 2018 that's more of a you problem I guess...
@@ethanmckibbinI agree 100%, the car needs an update. I’d planned to buy one this year, but am now waiting for the update because why pay 50k for a car that has more out of date safety features than much cheaper Toyota models?! If they update to SafetySense 3.0 and add the HUD I’ll consider it, otherwise I’m waiting for the 2026 model.
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.
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.
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.
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 😂
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.
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).
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.
Ditching the Prime name makes sense if you assume they will offer 3 battery power trains in all of their products in the future. They will simply have a HEV, PHEV and BEV badge underneath the model badge. This will greatly simplify things.
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'.
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.
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.
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...
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 - 2016 Scion iM and iA: rebranded into Toyota Corolla iM and Yaris iA one year after introductoon - 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, this was a refresh but got refreshed yet again for 2014 - 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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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
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.!
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.
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.
I find it unfortunate, sad, and unnecessary that Toyota decided to make this change. Names like the Prime take time to become popular and make their way into the car buying populace. Prius Prime sounds much better than "Prius Plug-in" or "Prius Plug-in Hybrid". Toyota has been making some uncharacteristic mistakes recently hurting their reputation for reliability. My guess this is a result of a change in Toyota management resulting in the new guy wanting to make his/her mark on the product line.
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 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.
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.
Absolutely hate these kinds of clickbaity titles. Usually don't fall for it, but this time I did. It does make one lose respect for the content creator when they stoop to this level and I become immediately suspicious of everything they have to say. Sorry, I'm out!
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).
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.
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.
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?
@@KirkKreifels I don’t think it will be delayed, and I agree with your prediction
@@KirkKreifels If I were a betting man, I’d say Chicago auto show would be a PRIME time for it. See what I did there? 😅
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.
@@Molishiousmore power not likely
@@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 love my Optimus (Prime)! Don’t change it 😭
Orion pax
The headline makes it seem as if Toyota is going to stop making the Rav4 Prime, not just renaming it....odd choice of wording.
It's called clickbate. First time on the internet?
@@cheezeandcrackers ya think?
That’s why the “Prime” part is in quotes. It’s the focus of what’s technically being discontinued. The name.
@@mw-th9ov it sure wasn’t clear in my opinion, at first I thought they are discontinuing the prime then later in the video I thought maybe they will still have a phev but just call it something else for some reason. Not clear in what their plan is Toyota likes to keep you in the dark on new things up their sleeve, hopefully they don’t discontinue the phev, I have been driving a phev volt gen 1 and now a gen 2 since 2012
And I absolutely love the concept! My plan was buying a rav4 phev next,hoping the ev range would be just a little higher with this new battery that’s coming out.
@@cheezeandcrackers its not master
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.
It is the norm everywhere except North America. All they’ve done is standardise the naming convention.
52K for a RAV4? I think not. I just can't justify that kind of price even if it is a plug-in hybrid.
Agreed. I'd rather get a 4runner for that price.
Is Toyota trying to make PHEV trim more "normal" and hopefully more AFFORDABLE! with the next RAV4?
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 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.
@@rncondie I have owned 2 generations of Chevy volts and use about 1/2 to 1 tank of gas per month on average. The second gen we absolutely love because of the higher ev range of 53 miles with a 7.2 kw capability with charging time for full charge of 2.3 hrs with a stage 2 charger in my garage with absolutely never having any range anxiety! We drive 20 to 25,000 miles per year. For us it’s a huge savings not having to buy all that gas! The electricity cost for a full charge ranges from 0.77 to 1.50 depending on the time of day charging. We are planning for our next vehicle to be a rav4 phev hopefully with Toyota’s plan of the new battery, the range will be a little higher then it is now.
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.
7 years of the same Rav4, was really hoping for a new generation instead of a new badge...
Why mess with success when Toyota sold 400k RAV4s last year
@@chaarleess because it's dated, every other vehicles in the segment has been changed or updated. The last generation was a best seller too but it they didn't drag it on that long because they had to keep up with everyone else, all they're doing is selling the name at this point.
@@ethanmckibbin this is more of a you problem than the mass market at large (Toyota is always slow between generations, but i guess you know this and just being disingenuous). keep crying about Toyotas success!
@@iloveanime1313 not really a me problem at all, 5th gen has issues and a lot of people think it's hideous. Beating the dead horse when Rav4 only is supposed to get 6 years is lazy. If you're okay with buying a 2025 that's really came out in 2018 that's more of a you problem I guess...
@@ethanmckibbinI agree 100%, the car needs an update. I’d planned to buy one this year, but am now waiting for the update because why pay 50k for a car that has more out of date safety features than much cheaper Toyota models?! If they update to SafetySense 3.0 and add the HUD I’ll consider it, otherwise I’m waiting for the 2026 model.
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.
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.
Hybrid system used by BYD?! Even more reason to stay away…
*looks side to side in my maverick*
Yes we do!
Blue Toyota badge gone - because almost all Toyota are Hybrids anyways these days.
Yeah - was unique at one point. Now not so much…
I think they should all have the blue halo 😊
@@BaxterEvergreen Sure, I understand, but gone baby gone 😏
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.
*love
Toyota salesman here. All 2025 hybrid models will not have blue logo
We need a GR 86 prime! And a Corolla prime!
Yes, include hatchback Corolla prime. I know they have hybrid hatchback in other markets, not sure if there is a plug in version.
The prime is the best idea ever! I don’t care if they discontinue the name just don’t discontinue the plugin hybird!
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 😂
As you're talking about the Toyota Camry a Toyota Camry SE just passed me. It does not have the blue Halo anymore
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. 🤨
Tell that to professionals hardcore real rally drivers that use sequential transmissions.
Tell that to professional hard-core rally drivers that use sequential transmissions.
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.
@@pcihector This is a torque converter auto.
Not discontinued it seems like a name change no?
I live in la and drive in that horrible traffic everyday and still drive the manual
Toyota needs a maverick competitor in US
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).
Nah Toyota is still making phevs but just not the “prime” name. Our primes are way better GR Prius or GR rav4 in Europe
I think Toyota is too conservative. It should keep the blue logo all the way and discard the regular one。
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.
Ditching the Prime name makes sense if you assume they will offer 3 battery power trains in all of their products in the future. They will simply have a HEV, PHEV and BEV badge underneath the model badge. This will greatly simplify things.
I hope they make a LE PHEV model similarly equipped like the new Camry LE so it can be afforded by more people.
I have a feeling that the prime monecre will go towards ev versions of Toyota's cars as well as the blue hue on the toyota badge
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'.
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.
Going with PHEV makes sense. Hoping Toyota offers more plug ins in the future
These bots are getting out of hand
I know right! Makes me feel a bit uncomfortable when reading the comments
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.
Hybrid, PHEV, & EV. I'd only make gas for a Fleet spec. Prime & Busy4orks were bad naming.
Loved '17 Prius Prime. $32,800 OTD. BEST MONEY I SPENT PS: PRIME =BEST NOMANCLATURE
Just a name change. Nothing more, nothing less. NOW , if Toyota could just resolve the battery availability issue.
I think it’s a smart move. The name should instantly tell you what it is, especially when a lot of the USA needs education on what PHEV’s are exactly.
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...
the side "Plug-in hybrid" badge on the fender is gone too for 2025
Holy cow!!! Great catch!!!
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
hahah yes. Like the First year of the new Prius Prime...
@@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
- 2016 Scion iM and iA: rebranded into Toyota Corolla iM and Yaris iA one year after introductoon
- 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, this was a refresh but got refreshed yet again for 2014
- 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
@@KirkKreifels but I thought the new gen Prius Prime is 2 model years (2023, 2024)
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.
Only Toyota can kill a Prime :(
If they can make the PHEV and battery in the US then the vehicle can qualify for the Federal tax credit.
You can currently get a $6,500 cash rebate towards a lease.
50k plug main steam car no thanks it’ll take 20 years to recover the cost
An ALL ELECTRIC RAV4 would be exactly what I'm looking for. Just needs 350 miles of range though. I bet they can't get it over 300 : (
🔥🔥🔥
I really hope we see the reveal of the next RAV4 later this fall.
Wasn’t it also different in chassis, towing capacity, significant power output etc? Just a badge change seems odd
Cool
whew!!! glad I got one...
how about some smaller plug in hybrids? I would love a Corolla hatch plug in hybrid.
Rav 4 prime 10 k over priced and range needs to be 80 miles ev not 40
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.
Will Toyota still use different diff ratios front from the rear?
rav4 prime sales would have been higher but they sold out. Also if built here you might see govt incentives
I just hope the rav 4 gets a new update in 2026 . I need a reliable car and the current rav 4s although outdated are very reliable
They’ll bring it back as the TRD Prime. Lineup will likely include the maverick competitor
So there's no redesign for the regular RAV4 Hybrid in 2025?
2025 Rav 4 will be out for a very short time. the new redesign will be a 2026 in the first quarter of 2025.
i don't get why everything is not a plug in hybrid. plug it in to a normal wall outlet and many of the smaller vehicles can easily hit 70 + mpg.
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.
The Prime name hasn't really resonated with people. Like Prime Rib, Prime Time. It really means nothing. The name won't be missed.
@@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.
@@alexnutcasio936 I dunno, a slab of Prime Rib usually gets my attention.
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?
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
Only select brands are breaking sales records. There are plenty of people who are broke and they are not the ones buying cars.
Lot of people are doom spending and getting 84 month loans
@@rightlanehog3151 hasn’t that been the case since the beginning of time?
@@Joe-be3pw so the same thing that’s been happening for decades now?
@richard-xv7YF, never heard of credit cards , leasing and auto financing?? People are not paying cash for them.
Maybe Toyota is planning to make all their vehicles plug-in types. So, Prime can no longer be used or seems odd if all their cars become PRIMED.
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
If they offered a LE version for say less than $5000 extra... maybe. But the Prime versions are always way to much $$. Nice, just to high.
@Kirk,Toyota US REALLY S**T the bed. Quality has dropped every year from 2019/'20. Major reason I switched to Japan built Mazda's
Socially inept here...is the prime badge thing a worthy talking point because it helps people compare themselves to other on the road?
Most cars are a talking point
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.!
Ya know, Orlandovich, can we agree that electricity is the work of Beelzabub, maybe even Lucifer?
Ngl Kirk seems very obsessed with the electrification of vehicles. A little off putting imo
you will love the full electric, dont panic, dont stress, just chill , enjoy the ride! yessah
In the near future, majority of new vehicles will be electric, either BEV or FCEV.
That’s where Obama and Biden wanted the market to go. Blame them for life controlling mandates.
More Colors!!
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.
Will the dealer mark-ups go up another $5K because of this?
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.
Great point
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.
There should be a timer between fill-ups that forces the engine to run so it uses up the gas in the tank at least every 3 months.
^^^Yup. PHEVs are lousy EVs and lousy hybrids.
They haven’t discontinued them, they’ve just given them the same name as the rest of the world. It’s still the same car! 😂
I find it unfortunate, sad, and unnecessary that Toyota decided to make this change. Names like the Prime take time to become popular and make their way into the car buying populace. Prius Prime sounds much better than "Prius Plug-in" or "Prius Plug-in Hybrid". Toyota has been making some uncharacteristic mistakes recently hurting their reputation for reliability. My guess this is a result of a change in Toyota management resulting in the new guy wanting to make his/her mark on the product line.
I really think it's because a BEV Rav4 is coming.
Just name it Rav Smart. Smart enough to plug in and smart enough to fill up the gas. Or smart enough not to go full EV.
Someone figured out by streamlining the number of emblem badges across regional markets they can save a quintillionth of a penny
A 50k GR Corolla makes the Land Cruiser look like quite a deal doesn’t it. 😂
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.
@@rightlanehog3151 agreed 👍🏼
@@ToyotaChrisWI 😉
Need a more powerful rear motor that overpowers the front.
'CableGate' ??? Maybe that's why they canceled the RAV4 Prime?
Please 100 plus ev range phev
Why? This will make it unnecessarily more expensive and heavy. Just get an EV at that point.
They'll call it the Prius "price gouge", or the Rav 4 "rape"
There's a Rav 4 Prime at the autonation toyota in Houston for $67,000$
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.
If you had a friend named Phil, would you call him P-hill?
BZ4X should been a RAV4 EV in the first place
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.
It's hard to be interested in Unicorn vehicles.
Absolutely hate these kinds of clickbaity titles. Usually don't fall for it, but this time I did. It does make one lose respect for the content creator when they stoop to this level and I become immediately suspicious of everything they have to say. Sorry, I'm out!
I always pronounced it like “Fev”
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).
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.
It’s 60k +. That’s why
Toyota is really pissing me off lately.
I hate the BZ naming
Hey Senor you look like the guy from the scam videos you really look like him 🤣no offense.
日本楽しんでください！
I hope Toyota does not put that oversized ugly front grill on the RAV4 like the did on the new Camry and Lexus.
The BZ4X is a terrible car. Don't lie 😂
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.
Lots of reasons why a Tesla isn't above a R4Prime for many buyers. Obviously sales of MY blow away the prime from Toyota.
The news didn’t deserve a 17min video
RAV4- “PRO” 🤔?
HEY