Toyota RAV4 Prime 2021 detailed: Hot hatch-slaying acceleration for plug-in SUV

Pairing a 2.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors means the Toyota RAV4 Prime has 225kW of power at its disposal.

Toyota has uncovered the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in version of the new-generation mid-size SUV that could be introduced to Australia at some point in the future.

However, when speaking to CarsGuide, Toyota Australia said it has no current plans to bring the new variant to the local market, but will study the plug-ins potential.

The key difference with the all-wheel-drive Prime is the plug-in petrol-electric powertrain that outputs 225kW of power for a zero to 60mph (96.5km/h) time of just 5.8 seconds.

So fast is the RAV4 Prime, it is actually Toyota’s second-fastest accelerating vehicle behind only the Supra sports car.

The RAV4 Prime boasts a fuel economy rating of around 2.6 litres per 100km.

For comparison, the RAV4 Hybrid produces 131kW/221Nm from its petrol engine for a combined system output of 160kW, and will sprint from 0-60mph (96.5km/h) in 7.8s.

Using a tweaked version of the Hybrid’s 2.5-litre four cylinder, the Prime’s internal combustion engine produces the same 130kW, but around 7Nm more torque at 228Nm from lower in the rev range.

Details on the electric motor are yet to be revealed, but Toyota says the electric motor-generators are “more powerful” compared to the Hybrid’s components.

Read More: Toyota's new super SUV! RAV4 to get hardcore GR makeover

Toyota's new super SUV! RAV4 to get hardcore GR makeover

The lithium-ion battery, which is installed in the underfloor to preserve cabin space, is big enough for 63km emissions-free trip before the petrol engine steps in for propulsion.

Toyota boasts a fuel economy rating of around 2.6 litres per 100km.

The higher grade Prime XSE gains a 9.0-inch multimedia system.

The RAV4 Prime is available in two grades, SE and XSE, in the US for now, with the former exclusive to the plug-in vehicle.

Standard equipment will include 18-inch wheels, piano-black exterior accents, power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, leather steering wheel and powered tailgate.

Read More: Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5: Does Australia have a new favourite SUV?

Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5: Does Australia have a new favourite SUV?

Stepping up to the higher XSE grade nets 19-inch wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter, moonroof, wireless smartphone charger and a 9.0-inch multimedia system.

As for safety, the Prime is fitted with pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition and automatic high beams.

Sales of the Toyota RAV4 Prime will kick off in mid-2020 Stateside.