LA MOTOR SHOW: Powerful Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV makes debut

The fastest, most powerful and most efficient Toyota RAV4 ever has made its debut overnight at the Los Angeles motor show.

Called the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV combines the regular model's 131kW/228Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine petrol engine with front and rear-mounted electric motors that provide all-wheel drive.

Combined, the RAV4 Prime produces a punchy 225kW – 62kW more than the RAV4 Hybrid -- and with the extra power it can hit 97km/h in a claimed 5.8 seconds, threatening many supposed hot hatches away from the lights.

Perhaps more relevant for its target audience, the RAV4 Prime is, er, primed to offer ultra-low running costs in part thanks to its decent 63km pure-electric range.

Toyota hasn't announced exact fuel consumption for the plug-in version of the RAV4, but a claimed figure of around 2.8L/100km is expected.

Mirroring the set-up in the regular RAV4 hybrid, both front and rear electric motors claw back energy to recharge the on-board battery under braking, and drivers are able to add or lessen the regenerative braking using steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Still a year away from its launch in 2021, the RAV4 Prime revealed at the LA show suggests the production version get different exterior styling including unique wheels, a new grille and some new aero elements like a new front splitter and rear diffuser.

Higher levels of standard equipment are also expected, but there's no word yet on whether the RAV4 Prime will come to Australia.