Toyota Prius vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a robust and angular design, a departure from its earlier, softer crossover styling. This transformation, initiated in 2019, introduced a trapezoidal grille inspired by Toyota's truck line, surrounded by beveled and angled bodywork that framed the headlights. Over time, this design approach became more common among competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts, adding visual interest to an otherwise straightforward layout. While the materials were average for its class, with some hard plastics, most contact surfaces were lightly padded. The base model's urethane steering wheel felt cheap, but higher trims offered a leather-wrapped alternative. The build quality was solid, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks on rough roads.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Prius retained its iconic wedge-shaped profile but introduced more appealing and aerodynamically optimized styling. The 19-inch aluminum wheels added to its visual appeal. Inside, the Prius maintained its quirky nature, with instrumentation moving from the centre to in front of the driver. However, the digital panel's placement near the windshield could be obstructed depending on seating position. The interior was dominated by hard plastics, leading to creaks and a flimsy feel, despite Toyota's reputation for durability. The 2024 model continued unchanged from the previous year, available in XLE and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $40,645 to $46,785. The U.S.-spec XLE test vehicle featured options like Supersonic Red paint and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, exclusive to the Limited model in Canada.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. This setup, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered the front wheels, while a second electric motor provided all-wheel drive (AWD). The RAV4 Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds, making it about half a second quicker than the standard RAV4. In comparison, the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime achieved the same speed in roughly 5.5 seconds. Within its class, the Kia Sportage hybrid was slightly faster, while the Honda CR-V Hybrid reached 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The RAV4 Hybrid's brakes operated seamlessly, transitioning from regenerative to physical braking without noticeable shifts. Its suspension smoothed out moderate bumps and potholes, offering confident cornering without being sporty. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid provided a calm and effortless driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Prius, following its redesign, boasted a significant power boost, accelerating from 0 to 96 km/h in seven seconds. Under the hood, it featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, an 83-kilowatt electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, with a second 30-kW motor powering the rear wheels for electric AWD. The hybrid system's combined output was 196 horsepower, with impressive fuel efficiency ratings of 4.8 L/100 km in city driving, 4.7 on the highway, and 4.8 combined. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid variant offered 64 to 72 kilometres of electric driving before switching to gas-electric hybrid propulsion. During testing, the Prius averaged 4.9 L/100 km on a mountainous loop, showcasing its fuel-saving potential. The latest Prius improved driving dynamics, with enhanced handling and energetic acceleration. However, the steering felt artificial, and the CVT could groan during hard acceleration. The ride lacked smoothness on rough roads, and visibility was hindered by dramatic windshield pillars and small windows.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample front seat space for larger passengers, while the rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults. Although it provided slightly more rear headroom than the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage, legroom was marginally less. The rear seat cushions were set low, potentially causing discomfort for taller passengers on long trips. The RAV4 Hybrid boasted a cargo capacity of 1,059 litres, only slightly smaller than the non-hybrid version. This capacity was comparable to the Honda CR-V Hybrid's 1,028 litres and the Kia Sportage's 1,121 litres. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter individuals might find it challenging to reach them. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray for wireless charging, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Prius's interior felt snug due to its dramatic exterior styling. Entering the vehicle required ducking to avoid hitting the roof, and the driver's seat was comfortable. The windshield's base seemed distant, as did the gauges. Toyota aimed to balance a head-up display and traditional gauges, resulting in a cramped 7-inch display panel. Depending on seating position, the steering wheel could obstruct part of the display. The windshield pillars swept dramatically into the roof, inducing a sense of claustrophobia. Rear seats felt cramped but were comfortable for two passengers. Storage space was adequate, with a wireless smartphone charging slot near the shifter, though it could collect dirt over time. The Prius offered 575 litres of cargo space, accommodating two full-size suitcases with the cargo cover in place. Removing the cover allowed for more storage but obstructed the hatchback's window. An optional digital rearview mirror provided a 180-degree panoramic view when the cargo hold was full, available only with Limited trim.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a new multimedia infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous versions. The touchscreen graphics were modern and sharp, with logically arranged menus. The screen's placement atop the dashboard reduced driver distraction. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. The base display's small on-screen buttons required precise pressing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air software updates, included a Wi-Fi hotspot, and offered remote vehicle monitoring and control. The top RAV4 Hybrid trim featured a fully digital instrument panel. The standard six-speaker audio system provided decent clarity, while the XSE and Limited trims boasted an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2024 Toyota Prius's 7-inch digital instrumentation panel was criticized for being too small, crammed with data, and potentially obstructed by the steering wheel. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system offered an 8-inch (XLE) or 12.3-inch (Limited) touchscreen display, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and four connected services plans with varying trial subscriptions. Service Connect and Safety Connect had the longest trial, up to 10 years, with features like automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. Remote Connect was free for three years, offering functions like remote vehicle start and find-my-car. Drive Connect required a subscription for the XLE grade, with a three-year trial for the Limited trim, activating cloud-based navigation and digital assistant services. The Limited trim offered an eight-speaker JBL premium sound system, which was bass-heavy but left something to be desired. The XLE's six-speaker system was adequate. The Limited trim also offered a 360-degree surround-view camera system and semi-autonomous parking assistance.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high safety ratings, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarding it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it "Good" in most tests, with an "Acceptable" rating for moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests. It was named a Top Safety Pick. All RAV4 Hybrid models came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Limited trim added parking sensors and a surround-view camera system, available on the XSE. A digital rearview mirror was equipped on both trims. The adaptive cruise control was noted for its smooth operation.

The 2024 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. TSS 3.0 included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition. During testing, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance managed traffic smoothly, though it occasionally braked too hard in heavy traffic. TSS 3.0 lacked a hands-free Traffic Jam Assist function, and the steering wheel lacked sensors, requiring periodic input to maintain lane-centring. The 2024 Prius earned high crash-test ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars in most assessments and four stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2024.