The Model Y is the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, and Tesla’s midsize SUV is jam-packed with features and tech that explain its resounding success. This also stems from its access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, as well as its excellent performance, safety, and range.
But the Model Y might not be for everyone, especially if you’re not quite ready to take the plunge and go fully electric. Toyota’s RAV4 Prime, the plug-in hybrid version of the popular crossover, is a great Model Y alternative for shoppers looking for a roomy yet efficient SUV with good electric-only range.
Let’s explore which is the better buy between the Model Y and the RAV4 Prime!
When trying to choose between these two vehicles based on their range, it’s necessary to keep in mind that the Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid, while the Tesla Model Y is a fully electric vehicle. This means the RAV4 Prime has two separate range numbers: electric range, when it only uses power stored in its battery pack, and total range, which also includes how long it can drive on a full tank of gasoline.
The RAV4 Prime can travel up to 42 miles on the battery alone, which means you can use the RAV4 Prime for a short daily commute without ever having to use the internal combustion engine.
The Tesla easily beats the RAV4 Prime for pure electric range with its much larger battery pack. The Model Y Long Range has a 330-mile range from a full battery, which means you’ll have zero problems using the Model Y for your commute, no matter how long it is, especially with the wide availability of Tesla Superchargers.
It’s not all over for the RAV4 Prime, though, because it gets a whopping total range (electricity and gasoline combined) of 600 miles. It even surpassesthe EVs with the most range, offering almost twice what the Tesla can muster. This is one of the major reasons why the RAV4 Prime is the perfect vehicle for people who want to enjoy the benefits of an EV but also want to travel long distances without having range anxiety creep in.
2. Interiors
Step aboard the Tesla Model Y and you will be greeted by one ofthe best EV interiors. Most of the vehicle’s functionality can be controlled via the central 15-inch infotainment screen. This includes the innovative HVAC vents, which are hidden from view and are adjusted using an awesome airflow animation that shows up on the touchscreen.
The Model Y’s ultra-minimalist interior is especially attractive when you opt for the Ultra White vegan leather option, although this might not be the best choice if you frequently travel with pets or have an active lifestyle. It also offers a third row of seats, which the RAV4 does not. This is something to take into account if you need to shuttle around lots of people routinely.
The RAV4 Prime’s interior is typically Toyota, which means it’s functional and built to last. It’s not very exciting, but it’s handsome in an understated way. The available 10.5-in. multimedia display isn’t quite as expansive as the one on the Tesla, but the Toyota does have a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and this is something the Model Y does not offer.
The Toyota comes with smartphone pairing (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), which is another feature missing from the Model Y. If you’re looking for a futuristic interior to wow your friends and carry more people, the Model Y is ideal. But if you need a practical vehicle that’s well-equipped and built to a higher standard, the RAV4 is the one to get.
3. Performance
The performance comparison isn’t exactly fair between these two. The Dual-Motor AWD Model Y, which starts at $47,740, is the closest in terms of price to the RAV4 Prime, whose starting price is $43,090. But even when opting for the cheapest Model Y, the acceleration differences are quite drastic. The base Model Y can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat, while the Rav4 Prime takes 5.7 seconds to complete the run to 60 mph.
The RAV4 Prime is only available with one powertrain configuration with 302 horsepower, but the Model Y can be had in different tiers of performance with power levels ranging from 346 to 536 horsepower. The $54,490 Model Y Performance upgrade nets you various goodies, like the 155 mph top speed (increased from 135 mph), a sprint time to 60 mph of 3.5 seconds, and performance brakes to keep the extra speed in check.
If you want an electric hot rod that obliterates the 0 to 60 mph sprint with its instant torque and dual-motor traction, the Model Y is the clear choice (even though you’ll pay for the added performance when opting for the top variant).
4. Storage Space
Right off the bat, the Model Y trumps the RAV4 Prime in terms of storage versatility due to the inclusion of a front trunk. The frunk is one of the coolestbenefits of driving an EV, and the Model Y doesn’t disappoint with 4.1 cubic feet of storage space available in its front trunk.
Now that we’ve got the RAV4 Prime’s lack of a frunk out of the way, let’s dive into the total storage capacity numbers. With both the second and third rows of seats folded, the Model Y has 76.2 cubic feet of total storage capacity (with frunk), which is superior to the RAV4 Prime’s 69.8 cubic feet. It must be noted that the Tesla’s cargo capacity (sans frunk) is 72.1 cubic feet, so it still beats the Toyota, even without the frunk factored in.
The space available behind the second row of seats is actually very close for both vehicles, with the RAV4 Prime’s 33.5 cubic feet lagging slightly behind the Model Y’s 34.3 cubic feet of space. The discrepancy in storage space isn’t drastic, though, and the only significant difference between the two is the availability of a front trunk in the Model Y.
The Model Y features a design that is immediately recognizable as a Tesla, and this isn’t surprising because the Model Y shares a lot of its design with the Model 3 sedan. The front end is almost indistinguishable from the Model 3, although the rear has its own flair. If you like Tesla’s minimalist exterior design, you’re going to love the Model Y.
The RAV4 Prime is a typical Toyota design, and it’s way more conventional than the futuristic Model Y. If you want a vehicle that gets a lot of stares, neither of these is a good choice, but the Model Y definitely has a more adventurous design than the conservative RAV4 Prime.
Toyota has been trying to inject some fun into its lineup in the past few years, but the RAV4 still features a relatively sedate exterior design that won’t get the blood pumping, although it is attractive.
6. Build Quality
Toyota is known for building long-lasting vehicles, with everything from the engine to the interior engineered for durability. In general, Toyotas are high-quality vehicles that shouldn’t experience any major problems during the first few years of ownership, although this isn’t a guarantee that nothing will ever go wrong with your RAV4 Prime.
Toyota has been building vehicles for a very long time, and it’s definitely ironed out a lot of the manufacturing fit and finish issues that have plagued Tesla since its inception. When you purchase a RAV4 Prime, you can be almost certain that every body panel will be perfectly aligned and every door will close as it should. The same can’t be said for Tesla and its famous fit and finish issues, which include everything from misaligned panels (on brand-new cars), bad paint, or improperly installed rubber trim pieces on the exterior.
Toyota isn’t perfect, but if you want added peace of mind that your vehicle is built to a higher standard, you may’t go wrong with the established Japanese automaker.
Which One Should You Buy?
You won’t be disappointed with either choice, but if you need a versatile long-distance cruiser, the best bet is to go with the RAV4 Prime’s 600-mile range and proven Toyota reliability. If you want something more flashy that also features much better performance, the Model Y is a great choice that bests the Toyota in many aspects. The Model Y is also the only one to go for if you absolutely need a front trunk or seven seats.
Electrified SUVs Are All the Rage at the Moment
The Model Y and the RAV4 Prime are excellent SUVs that will help you save money, thanks to their efficient electrified powertrains, and both of them feature enough power (yes, even the Toyota) to put a smile on your face. The Tesla is a high-tech powerhouse with excellent all-electric range, and the Toyota is a sensible option for those not willing to compromise in the range department.
Even in a crowded field of excellent electrified SUVs, both of these SUVs bring a lot to the table, although they take very different approaches.
