2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug In Hybrid

When it comes to putting your automotive dollar to the best use, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime has more than Toyota’s long history of hybrids behind it. This plug hybrid SUV is made to stand up to rivals, even the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

Here’s what you need to know about performance stats, electric range, fuel efficiency and other aspects of these two sizable hybrid electric vehicles. Answers may be surprise you, and the final verdict is certainly your opinion.

1. Performance

   The first thing many shoppers want to know is how fast a hybrid or hybrid electric vehicle really is. There’s concern that they might be underpowered for their size. There’s no problem here.

   A 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV generates 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty to get this big rig moving. However, the emphasis is on big, and this electric vehicle weighs more than the RAV4 Prime. This means it needs every horse it can get.

   Every Toyota RAV4 Prime generates a whopping 302 horsepower. That 41-mile gain is significant when it comes to moving a big ute fast.

   When it comes to torque, that’s a little harder to compare. A RAV4 Prime front electric motor creates 199 lb-ft while the rear motor creates 89 lb-ft. The dual-motor Santa Fe lists a torque rate of 224 lb-ft. Both hybrid electric SUVs rely on that rear torque to get them moving.

   Still, it’s clear that the RAV4 Prime wins this category. It even has higher towing capacity to prove that it is the better performer.

2. All Wheel Drive

   Electronic all-wheel drive is the Toyota standard. On-demand tech tools help it know when it is needed and when it isn’t. This means in a blink of an eye, the system can turn on and send half of its torque to the rear wheels to stabilize it. The Santa Fe PHEV has HTRAC AWD, which works similarly.

   However, only Toyota all-wheel drive has trail modes for off-roading. It also has special cornering abilities. The system can even out wheelspin to make curves safer without necessarily reducing speed.

3. Driving Range and Electric Efficiency

   As for the PHEV editions, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is the most efficient of all. It earns 94 miles per gallon equivalent. Far behind, the Santa Fe PHEV is rated at 76 mpge combined. That’s a difference of 18 miles. For some, those extra miles could cover their daily commute.

   Driving range favors the RAV4 Prime, too. Electric range is 42 miles vs 30 miles for the Santa FE HEV. That’s 12 miles more for the RAV4 Prime driver than the Santa Fe PHEV driver.

   Last, it takes 2.5 hours to restore full charge to the Prime overnight. Using the same 240-volt charger, it takes four hours to charge the Santa Fe battery pack. So no matter which way you look at electric efficiency, the RAV4 Prime is the winner in this contest.

4. Hybrid Fuel Efficiency

   The RAV4 Hybrid earns an incredible 38 mpg combined. That averages a whopping 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Only Toyota hybrids utilize both direct injection and port injection to achieve the most effective use of every drop of fuel.

   

   In comparison, the Santa Fe regular hybrid earns either 32 or 34 mpg in combined driving. This definitely pales in comparison to the RAV4 Prime. It’s not even very competitive, given that the regular RAV4 can earn 33 mpg on the highway without a hybrid powertrain. Once again, the Toyota hybrid has the edge over the Santa Fe hybrid.

5. Off Roading Comparison

   While off roading may not be the first thing to come to mind when considering hybrid or electric vehicles, Toyota has it covered. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland is the first true hybrid to double as an off-roading SUV. It’s no wonder that this groundbreaking recreational vehicle made it onto the Editor’s Choice list at Car and Driver.

   The RAV4 Prime has a special trail mode built into its all-wheel drive system. So while it has similar ground clearance to the Santa Fe PHEV, the Prime is actually ready to do more if the driver needs to leave the pavement.

   With the trail mode, the driver is able to signal to all-wheel drive to lock the torque split. This allows for slower, more deliberate crawling when it’s necessary to get over debris.

6. Cargo Capacity

   The RAV4 Prime is not as big as the Santa Fe Hybrid. So perhaps it’s logical that the cargo area is smaller. However, it isn’t so small that most owners would even notice.

   At 33.5 cubic feet, it can handle lots of cargo. A low load floor height makes it easier to shove everything in. Santa Fe PHEV models have 36.5 cubic feet in the cargo hold. Regardless of brand, the second-row seats can split-fold to double the area for gear.

7. Sporty Attitude

   If you add all of these different aspects of the RAV4 Prime’s character together, you get a top performing off-roading SUV that isn’t afraid of a challenge. That’s why this PHEV is truly a recreational activity vehicle, and it’s why Toyota has given the Prime such a sporty attitude inside and out.

   The interiors have red stitching to remind the driver of the fun ahead with 302 horsepower at their command. Exteriors can be dressed in a two-tone color scheme. Favorite body colors can be combined with an Ice Edge or Midnight Black contrast roof. Driving enthusiasts will love the red shock absorbers that hint at this performer’s capability.

8. Price and Value

   This brings us to price vs value. With more power and efficiency, the RAV4 Prime MSRP should be more than the Santa Fe PHEV price. Instead the two are in step. So let’s look at what you get in the RAV4 Prime SE.

   There’s nothing missing from this package:

   

   Then if you step up to the higher trim level, the PHEV price difference grows wider. Looking at MSRP, the Santa Fe PHEV Limited is at least $1,000 more than the Prime XSE.

   Here again, the top trim Prime earns its price tag:

   

   The Toyota has a few things you won’t find on the Hyundai menu. For instance, only Toyota’s HD Radio has a playback ability to allow you to rewind live radio to hear a song again. Virtual Assistant technology is making owner-tech interactions easier. Plus every Prime has some exclusive safety standards as you’ll see in the next section.

9. Safety Standards

   When it comes to safety standards and driver assistance, the Toyota and Santa Fe share many similarities. Both have the ability to avoid side collision scenarios thanks to lane departure assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic monitoring.

   Likewise, both have an emergency autobrake system that responds to pedestrian and forward-collision dangers. Smart Cruise Control can act somewhat independently with the ability to combine lane following and speed regulation.

   Only Toyota has Active Cornering Assist that works to maintain speed and regulate wheelspin on curves. The standard traction system has smart-stop technology as well as brake assist for better stops. Road sign assist helps the driver stay aware of and respond to changes in speed limits. The RAV4 Prime even has more airbags than the Hyundai PHEV.

10. Lower Cost to Own

    Prime owners will pay less for their gas mileage and their electric mileage. They will enjoy longer trips with fewer stops, too. When you add up the daily savings, it is clear that the Prime keeps costs lower than its Hyundai counterpart.

    And isn’t that what it’s all about? Shouldn’t your new hybrid electric vehicle save you money in every way it can?

Conclusion

In the end, it comes back to the consumer. What do you want? What do you need?

For sure, the RAV4 Prime is offering more performance, a sportier overall package, and virtually all of the goodies found on the Santa Fe. It may be cheaper, too.

Now that you know more, why not plan an outing to test drive the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime or Hybrid. It’s a great way to add fun to your week, and you’ll find a selection at Earnhardt Toyota dealer.