[NewtoRavworld]

Hello all,
I am stuck in deciding between the premium XLE hybrid with audio and weather package, SE Prime, and XSE hybrid. They all about come out to the same price (after plug in rebate) and I can't decide which is the best option. Any advice or input is appreciated.
Love the Softex which is why I like the higher trim levels. Dealer is not charging over msrp and looking at 2022 models

 

[NewtoRavworld]

I had to make this choice when I was getting my car 8 months ago. I decided on the XSE Hybrid and I've been really happy with it, but my #1 choice would have been the XSE Prime, it was just very difficult to get in my area without either a huge markup or waiting 4+ months, so I settled with what I could get.

The question to really ask: What features are important to you and do you also have a place to charge if you were to get the Prime? If Softex seating is important, then that automatically cancels out the SE Prime.
However.. the SE Prime is a quieter car overall since you can run it in purely in EV mode in the city if it was charged up enough, and it also has faster acceleration. So would you be ok with giving up your need of softex seating for a faster and quieter car?

I personally didn't get the SE Prime because not having dynamic guidelines for the backup camera was a big deal for me and I didn't like that it had fabric seating. I also didn't like that it didn't come with an auto dimming mirror. Even with the advantage of the Prime being faster and quieter it just wouldn't make up for those few shortcomings that are a big deal to me.

Ultimately for me between the XLE Premium and XSE hybrids it just came down to looks haha. I just really loved the way the XSE looked with the black roof, black mirrors, and black wheels and that's what pushed me to get it over the XLE Premium.

I think it's all personal preference based on what features you need and what kind of look you prefer. There is really no wrong answer, but the only thing to keep in mind is that if you are on the fence about a prime then keep in mind the $7,500 tax credit is likely to go away pretty soon in the next 3-6 months.

Great info thanks! I was set on the prime till I found out the rebate is probably going away so I switched to the hybrid. I test drove the limited and they said the XSE has a stiffer steering wheel. How comfortable is the XSE to you? I personally don't care about the softex but the wife does so it's a factor haha

 

[NewtoRavworld]

One advantage of the Prime is, it can tow 2500 lbs. Regular RV4 Hybrid is only rated for 1750 lbs.

something I haven't considered thanks!

 

[NewtoRavworld]

@ NewtoRavworld .... FWIW, I love my 2021 Hybrid XLE Premium with JBL sound. I know some folks have ragged on that JBL but it rocks for me, as is .... stock.

I'm averaging 40mpg with a mix of highway & city driving.

Since taking possession in May 2021, I've done quite a few upgrades and mods; most are easy to do and reasonably inexpensive ... door bowl lights, illuminated window, side mirror and lock switches, LED interior lights, LED fogs, LED back up lights, 4 port USB Hub splitter, VSS (vehicle speed sensor) on/off mod, added Audio Aux In circuit, Sunvisor (labelectomy) safety label removal, Gentex auto dimming mirror w/compass (about $45 used from ebay), dash mounted USB fast charger port, door edge-guard molding, L/R Headlight rubber gasket seals, custom fit floor mats (inexpensive WT knockoffs).

Good luck with whatever you select.

Sick!! I don't have any car sense so I don't think I could do that myself but like the idea of a lot of those

 

[NewtoRavworld]

There is a minor annoyance about the softex I would like to point out: After 6 months and 4500 or so miles there is already a dimple in the seat from my ass. I’m not sure what sort of leather is in my truck, paid way less attention to detail when I bought it, but it’s going on 9 years old and has 83k on it and the leather seats are just showing some minor wrinkling in the bolster area.
Noted I'll keep an eye out if we end up with softex.

We are very average people physically in all respects so there are no abnormal factors there. Not really a huge deal but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the Softex as time goes on.

I'd go with the XSE or Limited but not the Prime as I find it way overpriced.
Good luck,
Claude.

I think it was fair if the rebate was sticking around but with it being reduced or gone I don't think it's worth the cost anymore

 

[NewtoRavworld]

Yeah, does your dealer have any in stock for MSRP? Buy the Prime, resell it when the hybrid comes in. Make money.

They don't! sells before it hits the lot

 

[NewtoRavworld]

You may have already made up your mind but one thing to consider is you can do leather seat covers. It looks legit on my brother's car. I'm about to pick up my XLE today and have already ordered leather covers from Amazon.

could you post a pic after the covers come in?

 

[NewtoRavworld]

Close, but not quite.

After Toyota sells its 200,000th qualifying vehicle, the full credit will remain for the two following quarters. The next two quarters the credit will be reduced to 50% the original amount. The next two quarters the credit will be reduced to 25% the original amount. After that, the credit expires.

The earliest that the Toyota RAV4 Prime credit will be reduced is 4Q2022, and that amount will be $3,750.

This is an old chart that's as of 3Q2019, but it does a good job to explain how the phase out works. Observe how Tesla and GM credits were phased out.
View attachment 176222

so if i get a prime in April, I'd be able to write off 7500$ even though the tax credit would end maybe in december? I just don't understand tax write offs

 

[NewtoRavworld]

Prime sounds exciting and all but with the hybrid I fill up every 2 or 3 weeks. That seems easier than plugging in and tripping over chords and worrying about bumping into and damaging one of those open electrical filler doors or retrofitting your home with the charging hardware.

Why aren't you considering a limited?

I actually am considering the limited it just seems like a waste of money. I don't think it has anything extra other than bird's eye and with the chip shortage it's hard to find one with ventilated seats which is the only plus imo

 

[NewtoRavworld]

If you get the car in April of this year, you will claim the tax credit on your 2022 tax return that you’ll file in 2023.

right. but does it matter if i buy the car in april or december if they drop the price by the time the year ends?