What Toyota is selling as electric vehicles in 2024

Toyota's 2024 electric vehicle lineup consists of two models: the bZ4X and the RAV4 Prime. The bZ4X is a fully electric SUV available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, so it can run on electricity alone for shorter trips but switch to gas for longer ones.

The bZ4X is Toyota's answer to fully electric buyers. It seats five, offers between 228 and 252 miles of range depending on the model you choose, and starts around $43,000 before incentives. The RAV4 Prime, which has been in Toyota's lineup longer, starts around $42,000 and delivers about 44 miles of electric-only range before the gas engine kicks in.

Neither vehicle is a truck. Toyota has not released an all-electric truck for 2024, though the company has announced plans for electric trucks in later years. If you need a truck bed, the RAV4 Prime's gas backup makes it more practical for long hauls than a fully electric vehicle would be.

Key Takeaways

  • The bZ4X is Toyota's fully electric SUV with 228 to 252 miles of range, while the RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid with 44 miles of electric range plus a gas engine.
  • The bZ4X costs around $43,000 and the RAV4 Prime around $42,000 before federal tax credits or state incentives, which can lower the actual price you pay.
  • All-wheel-drive versions of both vehicles cost more than front-wheel-drive but offer better traction in snow and on wet roads.
  • The RAV4 Prime is better for long road trips because you never run out of fuel, while the bZ4X requires charging stops on trips over 250 miles.
  • Both vehicles may have access to for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you meet income and price limits, though the RAV4 Prime's credit is smaller because it is a plug-in hybrid.

bZ4X: Toyota's fully electric SUV

The bZ4X comes in two powertrain options: front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. The front-wheel-drive model has a single electric motor and delivers 252 miles of EPA-estimated range on a full charge. The all-wheel-drive model has two motors (one on each axle) and delivers 228 miles of range. The all-wheel-drive version costs roughly $4,000 more than front-wheel-drive but gives you better grip in snow and rain.

Charging time depends on what kind of charger you use at home or on the road. A Level 2 charger (240 volts, the kind many people install at home) takes about 7 to 8 hours to fully charge the bZ4X from empty. A DC fast charger at a public charging station can add 200 miles in roughly 30 minutes, though the last 20 percent of charge slows down significantly. Toyota includes a portable 120-volt charger with the vehicle, but that method is slow—expect 30 to 40 hours to fully charge from empty.

The bZ4X starts at $43,000 for the front-wheel-drive model. Trim levels and options push the price higher, and all-wheel-drive adds cost. The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 can reduce the price you actually pay, but you must meet income limits (single filers under $150,000, married filers under $300,000) and the vehicle's final assembly price must not exceed $55,000.

RAV4 Prime: Toyota's plug-in hybrid SUV

The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid, which means it has both an electric battery and a gasoline engine. You can drive it on electricity alone for about 44 miles before the gas engine automatically engages. For daily commutes under 44 miles, many owners charge at home and never use gas. For longer trips, the gas engine takes over and the vehicle behaves like a regular hybrid, using gas and electric power together to maximize fuel economy.

The RAV4 Prime charges faster than the bZ4X because its battery is much smaller. A Level 2 charger at home takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge. A DC fast charger can add 25 miles of electric range in 10 minutes, though most owners rely on home charging for daily use and only use fast chargers on road trips when they need to top up quickly.

The RAV4 Prime starts around $42,000, making it roughly $1,000 cheaper than the bZ4X to start. However, the federal tax credit for plug-in hybrids is smaller—up to $3,750 instead of $7,500—because the vehicle still relies on gasoline. The same income limits explore. The RAV4 Prime also qualifies for some state incentives that vary by location.

Charging infrastructure and real-world range

Toyota owners can use any public charging network, not just Toyota-branded chargers. The major networks include Tesla's Supercharger network (which now accepts non-Tesla vehicles), Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Availability varies by region—urban and suburban areas have far more chargers than rural ones. Before buying a bZ4X, check the Department of Energy's charging station locator to see what is available near your home, workplace, and common driving routes.

Real-world range depends on weather, driving style, and terrain. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent for both vehicles. Highway driving at 70 mph uses more energy than city driving, so the bZ4X's 252-mile rating translates to roughly 200 miles in winter or on the highway. The RAV4 Prime's 44-mile electric range is similarly affected, though the gas engine means you are never stranded.

For the bZ4X, plan charging stops on trips longer than 200 miles. Most DC fast chargers take 20 to 40 minutes, so a 400-mile road trip becomes a 6 to 7-hour drive instead of 6 hours. The RAV4 Prime eliminates this concern because you can refuel at any gas station in 5 minutes.

Federal tax credit and incentive may be able to access

Both vehicles may have access to for the federal tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, but the amounts and conditions differ. The bZ4X qualifies for up to $7,500 if you meet income limits and the vehicle's price does not exceed $55,000. The RAV4 Prime qualifies for up to $3,750 under the same income limits, with a $60,000 price cap.

Income limits are $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is applied when you file your taxes the year after purchase, not at the dealership, so you need to have enough tax liability to claim the full amount. If your tax bill is smaller than the credit, you can carry the unused portion forward to future years.

Some states offer additional incentives. California, New York, and Colorado, among others, have state tax credits or rebates for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Check your state's environmental or energy office website to see what is available where you live. Incentives change yearly, so verify current amounts before making a purchase decision.

bZ4X vs. RAV4 Prime: Which one makes sense for you

Choose the bZ4X if you have a reliable place to charge at home, most of your driving is under 200 miles per trip, and you want the lowest fuel costs. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline per mile, and the bZ4X has no gas engine to maintain. You will also have lower emissions if your local power grid uses renewable energy.

Choose the RAV4 Prime if you take frequent long road trips, live in an area with sparse charging infrastructure, or want the flexibility of gas as a backup. The RAV4 Prime costs less upfront, qualifies for a smaller tax credit, but eliminates range anxiety because you can always refuel at a gas station. It is also better for towing and hauling because the gas engine provides extra power.

If you are unsure whether you can commit to home charging or whether your driving patterns fit an electric vehicle, the RAV4 Prime is the safer choice. It lets you experience plug-in hybrid driving without the risk of being stranded if charging infrastructure is not where you need it.

Warranty, maintenance, and reliability

Both vehicles come with Toyota's standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The battery in the bZ4X is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The RAV4 Prime's battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles as well.

Maintenance costs for the bZ4X are lower than gas vehicles because there is no oil to change, no spark plugs, and no transmission fluid. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking (which captures energy when you slow down) does most of the stopping. The RAV4 Prime requires regular gas engine maintenance—oil changes, spark plugs, and transmission service—but less often than a conventional gas vehicle because the electric motor handles much of the driving.

Toyota has a strong reliability record, and both the bZ4X and RAV4 Prime are relatively new to the market. The RAV4 Prime has been available since 2021, so there is more real-world data on long-term reliability. The bZ4X arrived in 2023, so fewer vehicles are on the road yet. Neither vehicle has widespread reported defects, but as with any new model, issues can emerge over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a bZ4X at home if I do not have a garage?

Yes, but you will need an outdoor outlet or weatherproof charging station. A standard 120-volt outlet works but is very slow. A 240-volt Level 2 charger is much faster and can be installed on an exterior wall. Consult an electrician about whether your home's electrical panel has capacity for a dedicated 240-volt circuit.

Does the RAV4 Prime use gas automatically, or do I have to switch it?

The gas engine engages automatically once the battery is depleted. You cannot manually switch between electric and gas. The vehicle prioritizes electric power first, then blends in the gas engine as needed. You can set the vehicle to save battery charge for later if you want, but most owners just let it run on electricity until the battery is empty.

What is the difference between the bZ4X and other electric SUVs like the Chevy Equinox EV or Hyundai Ioniq 5?

The bZ4X is more affordable than the Ioniq 5 but offers less range and slower charging speeds. The Chevy Equinox EV is cheaper and has similar range, but the bZ4X has Toyota's reputation for reliability. Each vehicle has different interior space, technology features, and charging speeds, so compare the specific models you are considering side by side.

If I buy a bZ4X, will I be stuck with it if charging networks shut down?

Charging networks are expanding, not shrinking, and they are run by private companies with financial incentives to stay in business. The risk of all chargers disappearing is extremely low. However, individual chargers do go offline for maintenance, so always have a backup charging location in mind for road trips.

Can I tow a trailer with the bZ4X or RAV4 Prime?

The RAV4 Prime can tow up to 2,500 pounds with the proper hitch installed. The bZ4X is not rated for towing. If you need to tow regularly, the RAV4 Prime is your only option between these two vehicles.