The Charles H. SloanRAV4 Hybrid represents a sweet spot within Toyota's popular compact SUV lineup. Not only is it much more fuel efficient than the regular RAV4, it also offers a smoother ride. But Toyota sells another compelling entry: a plug-in hybrid RAV4. Dubbed the RAV4 Prime, this model has clear advantages and disadvantages compared with the RAV4 Hybrid. So which one should you buy?

5 Reasons to Buy the Toyota RAV4 Prime

1. You want to travel long distances on electric power alone.

Maybe your daily commute is short and you want to get to and from the office without using a drop of gasoline. If that's the case, the Toyota RAV4 Prime fits the bill. The EPA rates the plug-in hybrid's range at 42 miles. Total driving range is 600 miles when the gas engine kicks in.

2. You want the most premium features available.

There are a few features available on the RAV4 Prime that are not available for the RAV4 Hybrid. Buyers who select the Premium package on the top XSE trim receive a 10-inch color head-up display. The RAV4 Prime XSE also features 19-inch wheels, while the biggest wheels you can get for the RAV4 Hybrid are 18-inchers.

3. You want complete freedom to use the carpool lane.

Some states allow drivers of plug-in hybrid vehicles—but not traditional hybrids—to use the carpool lane regardless of the number of occupants. If that's the case in your state, you may end up saving a lot of time in traffic by choosing the RAV4 Prime.

4. Fuel economy is priority #1.

Returning 41/38/39 mpg city/highway/combined, the RAV4 Hybrid is very efficient. But the RAV4 Prime takes it up a notch with rating of 94 mpg-e combined (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent). This metric represents the number of miles a vehicle can travel using a quantity of alternative fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline. It considers the distance the vehicle can drive on electric power only before any gasoline is burned.

5. You want to be able to tow more.

Although no RAV4 is a tow vehicle in the traditional sense, it does have some capacity for it. The RAV4 Prime can tow up to 2,500 pounds, compared to 1,750 pounds for the RAV4 Hybrid. That’s enough to pull around a small trailer.

5 Reasons to Buy the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

1. You don't have access to an EV charger.

The ability to drive on pure electricity is a major selling point for any plug-in hybrid like the Prime, but you can't really enjoy this benefit unless you have reliable access to an EV charger. If your home or workplace has an EV charger, or maybe if you live extremely close to a public station, it’s not such a big deal. But if not, why pay extra for a feature you'll rarely use?

2. You want to maximize cargo space.

Part of the RAV4’s appeal is its spacious cargo area, but the RAV4 Hybrid offers slightly more standard room for your gear in this comparison. It boasts 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, compared to 33.5 cubic feet in the RAV4 Prime. With the second row folded, both offer the same 69.8 cubic feet of space.

3. You want more color choices.

The RAV4 Hybrid offers 14 exterior color options, compared to 11 for the RAV4 Prime. Colors that are missing from the Prime lineup include Army Green and a bright blue called Cavalry Blue. The RAV4 Prime comes in an exclusive Supersonic Red color, but the RAV4 Hybrid offers a similar color called Ruby Flare Pearl. Among the color options available on both models are two-tone schemes that feature a contrasting roof.

RAV4 Hybrid buyers will enjoy more interior color choices, too. Gray, black, and tan seats are available, and depending on which you choose, you can get blue or brown stitching. All RAV4 Prime models come with black seats and red stitching.

4. You'd like to spend less at the dealership.

Prices for the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid range from $33,075 for the base LE trim to $41,380 for the Limited. You'll spend quite a bit more for the base RAV4 Prime SE, which starts at $45,040 and is admittedly well contented. The top XSE trim is even more expensive at $48,910.

5. You prefer to live plug-free.

There's something to be said for keeping things simple. The RAV4 Hybrid can travel 566 miles on a tank of gas that takes minutes to fill up, and you won't feel the pressure to plug in. The RAV4 Prime takes 12 hours to charge with the standard 120V home charging cable; you have to upgrade your equipment for faster charging.

Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. RAV4 Hybrid: Which Should You Buy?

Toyota RAV4 Prime:

• Can travel 42 miles on electricity alone
• Exclusive high-end features
• Solo carpool lane access in some states
• Better fuel economy
• More towing capability

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:

• Don't need an EV charger
• More cargo space
• More color choices
• Lower starting price
• Simpler and faster to refuel