This idea is half-baked, early, that is. I have a 2023 Prius Prime XSE with 33k miles on it. I like the car but it does have drawbacks, such as the tire options, the visibility, no spare tire (and limited place to keep one), and somewhat difficult to get into because of roofline (not really a big issue for me). I drive in snow country, and now in spring on dirt roads in mud country, and some in my family have concerns that this car is not the right car for those conditions. I am typically someone who buys a car and drives it until it dies. What I like about the car is the way it drives, smaller size, great mph and especially that I can do most of my daily driving on the EV with easy plug in to household outlet, yet still have gas engine for weekend longer trips. And I like the way it looks. So, my crazy half-baked idea is to replace it now with a Rav 4 Prime. Just starting to think about it, and not sure this is the right forum for inputs, but, any thoughts welcome!!
It depends on what you want. The Gen 6 RAV4 PHEV is an upgrade over the Gen 5 Prius PHEV, featuring TSS 4.0 and software-defined vehicle (SDV) capabilities. The software-defined multimedia system and gauge display will be much better, addressing the drawbacks of the Gen 5 Prius, and it even includes a built-in dashcam. The mpg/mpge will be about 10% lower than your 19-inch-wheel Prius PHEV, which isn't too bad considering it is a larger vehicle with more cargo space. It also depends on your budget, but I guess it won’t cost you much with your trade-in.
I think about a Corolla Cross or Rav4 every time I grunt my way into or out of my Prius. I've never been in a Rav4, but I liked the Corolla Cross quite a bit. If getting around in mud and neglected roads is your concern, does weight matter? If I understand this correctly, the plug-in Rav4 is a porker. I don't doubt that the Rav4 Prime with AWD might be better when it gets slippery and has about the same footprint as your Prius. As I use cars, I can only take on one passenger in a Prius, it has poor visibility and an adequate trunk. A Rav4 would be more practical, but I wouldn't care to drive an SUV.
I have never had either, but I do believe you need the right tool for the right job. I can commiserate on access and egress, Because I have the same problem with our hycam, and am also researching rav4 prime. All the best with your search!
So begins the posts about people giving up their Gen5 for something better... Wonder how many we'll see in coming years? As for switching to Rav 4 Prime... Seems like you'll have to wait month or years to find one availble to buy based on how Toyota is doing distribution of them these days.
If buying new, I assume you mean a RAV4 Plug In PHEV. They retired the Prime labeling. My son traded his 2015 Prius V for a 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE. He briefly looked at the Corolla Cross and kept looking. He transports his small dogs to dog agility events. He is able to to his regular commute on EV but has absolutely no range anxiety because of the Hybrid function. I believe on the RAV4 the battery is under the passenger compartment and liquid cooled. If you can love without the plug, a Camry may be a good option. I like my 2025 Camry XLE that replaced my totalled 2017 Prius. Since 2025 model year, all Camrys are Gen 5 Hybrid. There is no ICE-only model.
I really like my 5th Gen but I tend to agree with those concerns. The 5th Gen is a small car built for the urban environment, not muddy dirt roads that may not get snowplowed in the winter.
