Versatile Prime version is the ultimate Toyota RAV4

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.

Sacramento, California -- A Toyota RAV4 sport-utility vehicle has been part of my household for a decade now. So when I get a RAV4 to review, it's ... well, personal.

But I was not conflicted about the recently tested 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE AWD, because it all but screams what it is to owner and shopper alike.

Consider it the ultimate RAV4.

How so?, you ask.

Let's start with power, and then we'll move on to optional uses of power.

The RAV4 Prime is the most powerful RAV4 ever built.  The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine combines with a plug-in hybrid system for a combined 302 net horsepower.

Yeah, that's a lot for a compact SUV. It translates to a zero-to-60-miles-per-hour run of 5.7 seconds.

Sounds like fun, huh? But that must waste a lot of gas, belting that hot RAV4 around, right?

Not so fast.

The RAV4 Prime will transport you an estimated 42 miles on battery alone on a single charge.  And if you go the gas-and-electric route, the fuel mileage equivalent is 94 miles per gallon. That translates to a single-use range of 600 miles.

So, you have a choice.  The RAV4 prime can operate in EV mode or HV (think typical hybrid) mode -- giving city dwellers and long road trip devotees a choice ... all in one vehicle.

But wait, there's more.

With an electric motor that powers the rear wheels when needed, the vehicle's all-wheel-drive system assists in acceleration off the line and in "reduced-traction conditions" as Toyota so kindly puts it.

My time in multiple modes was comfortable, secure and, in some cases, heart-racing.  The tester pressed me deep into the driver' seat when asked, and its cornering stability was impressive.

On top of all this, my ride was equipped with all the safety, comfort and convenience perks that have made the RAV4 very popular over the years throughout California.  Standard features on my ride included heated front seats and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.  A long list of optional extras included a sizable, color head-up display and a foot-activated power liftgate.

Please note, all this brought the price of the ultimate RAV4 I tested to $49,577.  That's a significant number in the compact SUV segment.

But for RAV4 fans, it might be worth it. In a segment where eye-catching electronic features typically seal the deal, this RAV4 adds to the allure with powertrain versatility -- technology we can expect more of in the near future.