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r/rav4prime

▲ 14 r/rav4prime+2 crossposts

Can the RAV4 PHEV engine develop problems if it’s rarely used?

I’m thinking about buying a 2026 RAV4 PHEV and have a question about the petrol engine.

My daily commute is around 50 km, which is within the EV range. I also have solar and a home battery, so charging is basically free for most of the year (I’m in Australia).

A few times a year (2-4 trips), we do 900-1,000 km road trips. Charging outside the major cities isn’t great, and I don’t want to plan trips around chargers, which is why I’m choosing a PHEV instead of a full EV. This will also be our family’s only car.

My concern is that about 95% of my driving will be in EV mode. I’ve heard engines can develop problems if they aren’t used for long periods. I know Toyota recommends using at least one full tank of fuel each year.

Has anyone used their RAV4 PHEV mostly in EV mode for a long time? Does the engine look after itself, or is this something I should be worried about?

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u/AccomplishedPie1255 — 7 hours ago
▲ 0 r/rav4prime

What is a fair price for a 2025 XSE w PP & 38K miles?

It's a certified pre-owned plug-in and the dealer is asking $45K. That seems high to me with the mileage but I realize these cars do hold their value very well. Thoughts?

(I wouldn't mind all the bells and whistles...)

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u/Sad_Housing5551 — 1 day ago
▲ 80 r/rav4prime

First thoughts on moving from 2024 XSE PP to 2026 PHEV XSE (loaded)

Just traded 2024 XSE with PP for a 2026 PHEV XSE (with driver assist, weather, pano roof, JBL).

First thoughts:

- 2026 interior is less premium feeling than 2024

- major issue - 2026 doesn't have smart sensors on rear door handles .. so you have to unlock/lock the doors only using front doors. This is a pain when putting dogs into the rear doors and something missing from 2026 that was in the 2024

- rear seats aren't heated in 2026 (they were in 2024)

- 2026 windshield seems to have some high frequency/wavelength waviness ... I need to check more, but the HUD seems to accentuate this

- 2026 is quieter (on same stretch of road, at 72mph, 2024 read 69db, 2026 read 66db)

- Having the charge port on the front left of the 2026 is helpful (this means I don't need to reverse into my garage)

u/TCMITS_65 — 3 days ago
▲ 4 r/rav4prime

How dark is the back windshield on RAV4 2025 PlugIn?

I test-drove a 2025 XSE yesterday and loved it -- but I could barely see out the back window. Salesguy agreed it was darker than normal and suggested it was an aftermarket add-on. But I'm wondering if he was just being agreeable and offering a down-the-road solution so I would buy it today.

Are your windshields notably dark?

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u/Sad_Housing5551 — 3 days ago
▲ 1 r/rav4prime

Remote Temp Change on ‘21 Prime XSE

I tried searching but no luck. Is there a solution to being able to select the temperature when remote starting my car from my phone? I think paying for the subscription is pointless otherwise. I’d like to be able to change it to cool rather than 85 now that it’s summer. lol any suggestions?!

Thanks!!

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u/chlochloflem — 3 days ago
▲ 61 r/rav4prime

So this just happened

Just bought this 2022 RAV4 Prime XSE used 2 weeks ago. Lightning storm here today in Ottawa and this happens. I was able to move the car in the garage and move the RAV 4 up a bit to get the tree off. Looks like some damage to the top panel is all I can see so far. Not sure if it’ll be worth it to go through insurance or pay out of pocket for the repairs. Any insight would be great if anyone had something like this happen !

u/GetRichQuickStocks — 4 days ago
▲ 1 r/rav4prime

Is #cablegate still an issue?

I used to have a 2022 R4P but sold it a couple years ago cause all the #cablegate posts got me scared. I live in the cold/snowy Northeast. Has Toyota fixed this issue or is it the same? I'd like to buy a R4P again.

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u/Accurate-Flow8078 — 5 days ago
▲ 41 r/rav4prime+3 crossposts

2026 Rav4 HEV/PHEV HV cable connector pictures

A lot of folks are asking is if fixed ?

Here a reply I made on r/Rav4prime today.

Some may have seen my answers here and on r/toyotacablegate - I’m one of the 2 guys whistleblower team out of Quebec, 🇨🇦

Is the Cablegate problem still an issue ?

Short answer is : probably not

Long answer is : we’ll know in 2028

Why ?

Here are some facts :

• ⁠March-April 2022 - we realize this problem out of Quebec on 2019 units (I was one of the early victims) response from Toyota Canada is non existant.

• ⁠Mid April 2022 - I get published a story in a Montreal newspaper that rocks the Toyota community (Rav4 = best selling unit) Many other medias appereances follow, I spends hours on FB / Reddit groups.

• ⁠Late May 2022 - a class action request is filed in Montreal, Quebec.

• ⁠By summer/fall 2022 we realize cases are popping out of NorthEast and MidWest USA. Still no news from Toyota.

• ⁠I get the Toronto Star (largest Canadian newspaper) to print a story also, I know from inside sources that the Canadian corporate office of Toyota is not happy…

• ⁠Fall 2022 - a very popular TV show on consumer news and issues run the story - french section of CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) very established and respected show.

• ⁠December 2022 - some early repairs (going for 6500$) are starting to be refunded… our FB group is buzzing with activity/questions/cases/worried customers. STILL no reply from Toyota.

• ⁠December 23rd 2022 - an initial warranty extension program is issued, free repairs on 2019-2021 Rav 4 units ONLY - my plan to put constant pressure is working… partly.

• ⁠In 2023 cases flood dealers in Quebec, elsewhere in Canada and in the snow belt in USA.

• ⁠By fall 2023 (going from memory here) another level of warranty extension program is applied, Highlander, Venza, AWD Siennas are added. 2021-2022 Rav 4 Prime is also added in late 23 or early 24.

ALL THIS to illustrate that Toyota is VERY slow to move. From one program announcement to another it is expected that the issue is to be fixed… but when we look under the latest released units, we’re like : “nothing major is changed ???”

So, incremental improvements on the programs between 2022 and 2025 show what ?

* That NO real improvements were made… and that

* MORE model-year were added to the scope of this mess between 2022 and 2025

Look into NHTSA website (referenced at the bottom) and see how many units are targeted ??? Close to 1.1 million units 😵‍💫

Now comes in 2026 units, still another design improvement (pictures above) it looks promising, but because we all expected a long term solution in 2023… every one is now saying will the 2026 version be the same ?

That’s why my answer is “maybe, let see in 2028”

Ref.: NHTSA : 25TD01

https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=11028711

JANUARY 6, 2026 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11028711 COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NHTSA ID Number: 11028711 Manufacturer Communication Number: 22TE09 Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing extended coverage under this Customer Support Program for repairs related to excessive corrosion to the wire harness connections at the Rear Motor Generator. Excessive corrosion can cause AM Radio Static during certain drive cycles, or the vehicle may not start.

u/Hsaphoto — 4 days ago
▲ 173 r/rav4prime

Traded F-150 for RAV4 Prime XSE with PP

I have always been a big vehicle / truck owner, started with a lifted Jeep wrangler, then a Tacoma, then an F-150. I love the utility of trucks, but because I’m not towing anymore, the inconvenience of not being able to park in the garage, paying hundreds a month in gas, and never fitting in parking spots was just not worth keeping the truck anymore.

I wanted to get something that still had plenty of cargo space since this is our primary vehicle, still had power because I really enjoyed driving the truck (twin turbo v6), and was able to drive full electric since we do a lot of city driving. Man this car has exceeded my expectations. XSE + PP adds so many nice features that I never would have thought I’d use, and the overall driving experience is so comfortable and fun.

I will miss the convenience of being able to throw anything in the bed of the truck and not worry about it, but that’s about it. I am enjoying everything else about this car way more.

u/d0nnc — 6 days ago
▲ 2 r/rav4prime+1 crossposts

Which model RAV4 PHEV did you/would you get and why?

Hello RAV4 fans. For those who have purchased/ordered or looking at the RAV4 PHEV curious which model you selected or are trying to get. GR Sport would be for the performance minded and Woodland for those wanting something with a more rugged appeal. I am looking more between the SE and XSE and learning what each model has or doesn't have and what options you can get. The US $6K price difference between the SE and XSE is considerable. Are the features on the XSE worth that much? Thanks and cheers!

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u/Roycemi — 6 days ago
▲ 8 r/rav4prime

EV Range ?

A quick Google search will tell you the RAV4 Prime has an EV range of 68 kms (42 miles) on a full charge but every time I charge it I get something like 80 km. Am I just blessed with a special RAV4? Because that’s what I want to believe.

u/GetRichQuickStocks — 6 days ago
▲ 4 r/rav4prime+2 crossposts

Disable Auto Eco HVAC Mode

Is there a way to prevent Eco driving mode from also putting on Eco Heat/Cool? I like the drive mode, but not so much the HVAC mode, especially in the beast weather.

2024 Prime XSE PP

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u/Both-Activity6432 — 6 days ago
▲ 173 r/rav4prime+2 crossposts

Luck Strikes Again! (New RAV4 Prime XSE Purchase)

My wife and I were happy owners of a Certified Used 2021 RAV4 Prime XSE that we purchased back in 2022. We have driven it all over, including Thanksgiving week of 2022, where we drove it from California across to Pennsylvania, down to Florida, and back across the southern US to California again in 13 days.

Last Saturday, we took it in to our local dealership for 2 recall fixes, and they asked us if we would be interested in selling our vehicle as it’s in high demand. As it was our only car, we said we may be interested in a trade in, but only for a newer RAV4 Prime. They had 1. A single RAV4 on the lot, but it turns out it was a brand new 2026 RAV4 Prime XSE! We took a test drive and made the deal in a heartbeat. As we were finalizing the sale 2 other sales people asked for the keys for 2 other families who wanted it. High demand indeed!

Seeing Toyota’s announcement today, we are so lucky and glad we got it. The bigger screen and semi-autopilot is such a nice upgrade! 10/10 We are leaving Thursday to drive it from CA to Utah for the 4th so we will get some real road miles on it. LOVE the RAV4 Prime, and anyone we have taken for a ride in it has always been impressed.

u/sgphilosophy — 8 days ago
▲ 6 r/rav4prime

Sway bar?

Has anyone installed the factory sway bar on their Prime? I’m considering one to help with the body roll in corners. I was looking at the new ‘26 GR but there’s a bunch of features it lacks versus my ‘25 XSE Premium.

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u/uh_wtf — 8 days ago
▲ 2 r/rav4prime+3 crossposts

Help me decide

For the first time in my life, I’m having a hard time making a decision on which car to buy. Mid 50s, single, no kids or dogs. My main transportation need is commuting to work 15 miles each way, two days a week.

My current ride is a leased 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge (all electric), which has 14,000 miles on it. Lease is up in August, and I’ll probably return it because the residual ($33,000 + TTL) is a few thousand dollars higher than the market value. My battery range is on the low end, maybe 200 miles on a full charge, partly because I like to drive fast and blast the AC. Still, it’s been a great car. I love the way it looks and the way it drives and I love not having to buy gas or get oil changes. This car meets my transportation needs about 97% of the time. Buying out my lease would be the cheapest of my current options.

The one situation where the Volvo falls short is when I need to make fast trips to visit my aging parents, who live ~250 miles away. These trips are often due medical needs, not just for fun. There’s always a sense of being squeezed between the obligations I have on both ends of that trip. I’m always in a hurry to get there and a hurry to get back, and the extra 2 or 3 hours on the road is painful.

When I got leased this car, I was married and had access to my ex’s Subaru Outback for these trips. My ex has actually been kind enough to let me borrow the Subaru as needed since our divorce, but I don’t want to depend on that forever, as they may be moving out of state next year.

For the last year or so, I’ve had my eye on a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in electric. This would allow me to do almost all of my daily driving on battery alone while still providing a convenient way to make those quick trips. The downside is that the model I would want is pricey ($54,000 + TTL), PHEVs are complex, and still a lot more maintenance than EVs. In general, I don’t love the RAV4. I see it as a practical but expensive compromise. My monthly payments would be around $300-350 more than the other options, which I could afford but am not am not sure I should. I’m still considering it because these vehicles known being reliable and hold their value well. I’d have it paid off by the time I retire and could potentially drive it for the rest of my life.

My other choice would be a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, at around $37,000+TTL. I’d miss driving a full EV, but would get great gas mileage. I love Subarus in general and the size of the Crosstrek is perfect (about like my Volvo and a little smaller than the RAV4). Unlike my Volvo, it would have a new-car warranty and any I’m guessing any longer term repairs would be cheaper than Volvo or Toyota. I’d still be dealing regularly with gas stations and maintenance, and might miss the sweet, sweet horsepower of my Volvo (402hp) or the Toyota (320hp). The Crosstrek payments would be only slightly more expensive than the Volvo.

Looking to the future, I am hoping to retire in around 7 years. My job is pretty stable, but it seems like anything can happen these days. It’s possible I might have to move, either for work or to retire, and if I do it would almost certainly be to a place with less EV infrastructure than I have access to now.

Which car would you buy if you were in my shoes?

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u/Myotonic_Caprid — 8 days ago