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

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by GeoJ, Mar 9, 2026 at 12:55 PM.

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  1. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    That shift is just now starting to become apparent. Base model RAV4 PHEV is expected to start at $41,500. Base model for bZ is $34,900.

    So coming from a pure "this is my budget" perspective, which is how the youngest generation tends to manage financial decisions, it's an interesting sales pickle.

    With our economy tanking and world power related to oil dramatically changing, we can't realistically do apples-to-apples comparing anymore. This is a true paradigm shift taking place.
     
    #41 john1701a, Mar 15, 2026 at 10:52 AM
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM
    Prodigyplace likes this.
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    If someone only has one vehicle, needs cargo space, or just Toyota's ugly EV. the PHEV could very well be the better choice, especially in areas where the government is causing electric rates to skyrocket, supposedly due to environmental concerns while they charge a premium for efficient vehicles. ( I am looking at you, Virginia. Anything getting more that 25 mpg has an additional highway use fee.)
     
    #42 Prodigyplace, Mar 15, 2026 at 11:22 AM
  3. GeoJ

    GeoJ Active Member

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    Clearly my question is not just driven by budget. If it was, just driving my current low mileage Gen5 into the ground would be the way to go.
    I do think you raise an interesting question, why not just go BEV? For me, I don't like having to do stop to recharge on my 300 plus mile round trip in winter. I don't have home charging level 2 ports on either end, so would need to add those, assuming I could in my electric panel, which I doubt. If I were to go that direction, I would expand beyond Toyota for options, as I don't think Toyota is the leading brand for pure EV. As I said, it is good food for thought. Probably won't do it though, like the peace of mind of having no range anxiety (I am not in the youngest generation :).
     
    #43 GeoJ, Mar 15, 2026 at 4:46 PM
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  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Ah! You are in the generation with wisdom. Me too.
     
    #44 Prodigyplace, Mar 15, 2026 at 5:34 PM
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