2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 177 hp
- Transmission
- e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 38 combined · 40 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2022 small SUV (24.5 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Few owner complaints22 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 133 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 177 hp, versus about 227 hp for similar 2022 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 47 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 38 MPG combined (40 city / 36 highway), 55% better than the 2022 small SUV average of 24.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 RAV4 Prime — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 RAV4 Prime →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Obu, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2022 RAV4 Prime configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Prime 4WD Plug-in Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 40 / 36 / 38 | +55% | $1,750 | 72 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 PRIME SUV AWD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 13.3% |
Similar 2022 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime (this car) | 38 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2022 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2022 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 23 |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Jul 12, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V478000 · 43,442 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The electric current rectifying module contained within the DC-DC converter may have been damaged during production, which can result in an electrical short-circuit.
- Risk
- A short circuit can cause the DC-DC converter to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Dealers will replace the DC-DC converter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB07/23LB01.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Jul 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V519000 · 3,533 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Rav4, Rav4 Hybrid, and Rav4 Prime vehicles. The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA08.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module › Software · Apr 13, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V239000 · 458,110 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Not every 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 49,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RAV4 Prime years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 RAV4 Prime | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 29 |
| 2023 RAV4 Prime | 38 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 65 |
| 2021 RAV4 Prime | 38 | – | Not rated | 4 | 99 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →