The Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the most anticipated plug-in hybrid SUVs coming to market in 2023. With its impressive fuel efficiency, zippy performance, and popular RAV4 design, demand for the RAV4 Prime is expected to be very high when it finally goes on sale. If you’re interested in being one of the first to own the new RAV4 Prime, here is a guide on how to pre-order this exciting new model.
When Pre-Orders Begin for Toyota RAV4 Prime
The eagerly anticipated 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is expected to open pre-orders in early 2023. The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid electric version of Toyota’s popular RAV4 compact SUV. It will be offered in SE, XSE, and Limited grades with an optional Premium Package available on the XSE and Limited.
The Premium Package adds a 360-degree camera system, hands-free power liftgate, and Bird’s Eye View camera to enhance convenience and safety. A weather package with a heated steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers is also part of the Premium upgrade.
For charging, Toyota provides a charging guide to help RAV4 Prime owners get the most efficient charge. Level 1 and 2 charging can fully recharge the 18.1 kWh battery pack overnight or in just 2.5 hours, respectively. Using DC fast charging, the battery can be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The RAV4 Prime has an estimated EPA rating of 94 MPGe and 38 miles of all-electric range. Pricing is expected to start around $41,000 before any tax credits or incentives. With the $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective cost could be below $35,000.
Stay tuned to Toyota for the latest RAV4 Prime updates. Pre-order timing will vary by region, so connecting with your preferred Toyota dealer is the best way to get a spot in line when ordering opens.
Read about TROUBLESHOOTING WIND NOISE IN YOUR RAV4
Getting Your Name on a Pre-Order List
Once pre-order timing is announced, getting your name on a pre-order list at your desired dealership should be a top priority. Call around to several local dealerships to ask about their pre-order process and get on their priority list. Some key questions to ask:
- Do I need to put down a deposit to pre-order? If so, how much?
- Will pre-orders be first come, first served?
- How many RAV4 Prime’s do you expect to get in the first allocations?
The earlier you can get your name on a pre-order list, the better your chances of securing one of the very first RAV4 Prime deliveries. Keep in touch with the dealer regularly leading up to pre-order time to ensure you don’t lose your spot.
Pre-Order Deposits
Most dealerships will require a deposit with your RAV4 Prime pre-order, usually around $500. This deposit simply holds your place in line and is applied to the total down payment when you actually purchase the vehicle. Make sure you get a receipt for your pre-order deposit clearly stating your name, the vehicle specifications, and that the deposit secures your place in line.
Pre-Order Paperwork
When pre-orders officially open, you’ll need to complete any necessary paperwork and agree to purchase terms to convert your pre-order to an actual order. Dealers will likely require you to sign a purchase agreement detailing the model trim, color, options, MSRP, and projected delivery timing. Make sure all the details are correct.
You won’t have to finalize financing details until the vehicle is close to delivery, but credit approval in advance can help ensure there won’t be any issues securing your preferred financing terms later on.
The Wait for Delivery
Once pre-orders are placed, expect a multi-month wait for your actual RAV4 Prime to arrive. For very high demand models like this, 6-9 month delivery timeframes are not uncommon as Toyota ramps up production. Stay patient and avoid trying to track down availability at other dealers unless you’re willing to risk losing your place in line.
Make sure to consider insurance needs early. You may need to put a deposit down to add the RAV4 Prime to your policy before taking delivery.
Allocation Shifts
Toyota produces vehicles based on pre-order demand, but production constraints can impact actual allocations. If fewer RAV4 Primes are produced than anticipated, some pre-order holders may be pushed to later production batches. Check in with your dealer leading up to delivery month to confirm your vehicle is on track. Be prepared to wait a bit longer if necessary.
Conclusion
Pre-ordering is the best way to secure priority access to the remarkable new Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. By getting on pre-order lists early, diligently watching for the pre-order launch, and taking care of necessary paperwork and deposits as soon as possible, you can maximize your chances of being one of the very first RAV4 Prime owners when this exciting new model arrives at dealers in 2023. The wait may be long, but the payoff of getting behind the wheel of the RAV4 Prime as soon as possible will be well worth it.