2021 Toyota RAV4

The compact SUV segment is a fierce one, with the Toyota RAV4 going up against top contenders like the Honda CR-V. Yet, it remains one of America's most beloved models, outselling every other vehicle except trucks. Its footprint isn't that much larger than a traditional car, but it supplies way more passenger and cargo capacity. It also offers very competitive mileage figures from the standard four-cylinder engine, while a bevy of electrified hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants improve performance and efficiency even further. Each model comes with a complete Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, but the other standard features are a bit lacking at the base level. Despite this, the RAV4 has never struggled to sell well, and as Toyota continues to improve the recipe, the chances of Americans losing interest dwindles.

If you want an SUV that stands out from humdrum boxy utility vehicles, the Toyota RAV4 is certainly worthy of your attention. Its design is delightfully contemporary, and each trim sets itself apart from the rest with a unique exterior element here and there. The smallest wheels naturally come equipped to the lowest trims levels, with the LE and XLE riding on 17-inch steel and alloy wheels, respectively. Almost every other model receives 19-inch alloys in varying designs, with only the TRD Off-Road slotting between these with its 18-inch chrome-finished sport alloys. Multi-LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard on even the base model, but the XLE adds auto on/off function and fog lights. Each of the hybrids, save for the base LE, get LED projector headlights instead. A black hexagon-patterned grille is outfitted to the LE, XLE, and XLE Premium, while the Adventure and TRD Off-Road get a split bar front upper grille. Both the Limited and XSE opt for the more premium dark gray hexagon-patterned grille. There is also some variation with the accent colors of the door handles, mirror caps, and light bezels across the range, while a power moonroof is standard on each model from the XLE Premium upwards, apart from the Adventure.

The RAV4, in all its different configurations, slots within the compact crossover segment, but its dimensions vary slightly across the lineup. Only the wheelbase is standard at 105.9 inches long, while length varies between the town and off-road variants. This means that the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, and XSE each measure 180.9 inches long, while the Adventure and TRD Off-Road add an extra 0.6 inches. Similarly, width varies between 73 and 73.4 inches between the two categories. The LE, XLE, and XSE stand 67 inches tall, the XLE Premium and Limited 67.2 inches, and the Adventure and TRD Off-Road 68.6 inches. In terms of ground clearance, the XSE is the worst suited to going off-road with just 8.1 inches of clearance, while the LE and XLE stand 8.4 inches above the ground. The rest of the range all gain an extra 0.2 inches. The lightest trim is the FWD LE, tipping the scales at 3,370 pounds, while the XSE Hybrid in its standard AWD guise has a hefty weight of 3,755 lbs. Despite all these differences, approach and departure angles are standard at 19 and 21 degrees, respectively.

You certainly aren't limited for choice when it comes to paint colors. Even the base-model LE offers quite a few options, such as Magnetic Gray, Silver Sky, and Midnight Black metallics, or Blue Flame and Super White. For an additional $425, the premium Ruby Flare Pearl paint is available. The XLE expands the standard palette with Lunar Rock and Blue, while the Limited has access to many of the same paints, but its selection is slightly more refined. There are some standout combinations available to the Adventure and TRD Off-Road. Each can opt for a dual-tone aesthetic at an additional cost of $500. On the Adventure, your options comprise of Lunar Rock, Midnight Black Metallic, or Blue Flame, each paired with Ice Edge. The TRD Off-Road trades out Blue Flame for Magnetic Gray instead. New for 2021 is the XSE Hybrid, bringing with it a unique color palette. Dual-tones are your option here, with Magnetic Gray, Silver Sky, and Blueprint paired with Midnight Black offered for free, while Blizzard Pearl/Midnight Black will cost you an additional $425.

Family-hauler crossovers prioritize efficiency over outright performance, so the RAV4 is not particularly quick. The base four-cylinder engine takes around eight seconds to launch the SUV from 0 to 60 mph, but it has a decent top speed of 130 mph. Regardless, this is quite a bit slower than what the Mazda CX-5 is capable of. The RAV4 Hybrid variants have access to a little more power and come standard with the all-wheel drivetrain, but they are also heavier, meaning they are about as quick as their gasoline siblings.

When it comes to towing capacity, the Toyota is actually well-endowed. The front-wheel-drive options, namely the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited, have a maximum capacity of just 1,500 pounds - on par with the likes of the popular Honda CR-V. The remaining trim levels and all the hybrids get all-wheel drive, instead, which increases the hauling ability of the hybrids to 1,750 lbs and the TRD models to 3,500 lbs. This is about the best you can hope for in the compact crossover segment.

Each of the gas-fed RAV4s is powered by the same engine, a 2.5-liter four-pot that develops 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it powers the front wheels on the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited, though each can be equipped with the all-wheel drivetrain that comes standard on the Adventure and TRD Off-Road. The motor isn't overly energetic, but the compact crossover isn't very heavy either. Still, it's far more suitable for puttering around town than trying to race past the competition on the highway.

The hybrid variants take the same engine, tweaked to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle, but bolsters it with a pair of electric motors that increase total output to 219 hp. As with most hybrid automobiles, they rely on an ECVT transmission to simulate gear shifts. Although this powertrain has a bit more power, its focus is still on efficiency, so don't expect it to be that much more eager on the highway. At least it doesn't make quite as much noise when pushed to perform.

While one or two trims may be equipped to go off-road, the RAV4 is predominantly a town car. Its light, electrically assisted steering is ideal for maneuvering on tight, busy streets or grabbing that surprise parking spot before anyone else can. Unfortunately, this lightness doesn't really change when you speed up on the highway, so the wheel requires constant attention. Similarly, the brakes are quite light, too. But they aren't actually weak, so you can bring the car to a halt if you just apply the pedal hard enough.

This same town-centric design flows over into road comfort, though, meaning that most bumps and abrasions are soaked up easily by the suspension and tires. In this area, the smaller 17- and 18-inch wheels are preferable, but the 19-inchers don't negatively affect it that much. The Adventure and TRD have slightly stiffer suspensions for going off-road, but they work well on tarmac, too.

Naturally, these two trims do well off the beaten path, where their smaller tires, stiffer suspensions, and AWD are ideal for dealing with rougher ground conditions.

Non-luxury crossovers do a respectable job of delivering competitive fuel economy figures. The gas-only models return an EPA-estimated 28/35/30 mpg when equipped with the front-wheel drivetrain. The heavier all-wheel-drive models are a bit thirstier, with the TRD Off-Road only managing 25/32/28 mpg. Naturally, the hybrid variants of the LE, XLE, and Limited nameplates offer significantly better mileage figures, returning 41/38/40 mpg each. Regardless of powertrain, every model is outfitted with a 14.5-gallon fuel tank. This gives the gasoline motor a maximum cruising range of 435 miles, while the hybridized engines can travel a much more impressive 580 miles.

Though falling into the compact category, the RAV4 is pretty massive on the inside. The cabin has a fair amount of rugged and durable hard plastic, but almost all the key touchpoints and high traffic areas are covered in soft-touch materials. This gives the interior a refreshingly upscale feeling. True to its nature as a practical people hauler, the compact Toyota is laid out with people fore of thought. There is plenty of room to move about and get comfortable, and all the controls for the comfort and infotainment features are laid out for ease of access. You'll have to settle for cloth upholstery and manually adjustable seats at the cheaper end of the lineup, while electric seats with leatherette upholstery and heating are available if you spend a little more. Almost every model from the XLE Premium upwards also receives a power moonroof.

There is more than enough space for a full family of five within the cabin of the RAV4, or just as many adults in fact. Those in the back actually have more headroom than those up front since the available sunroof does eat a few inches, but nobody is actually lacking. Similarly, there is a great amount of legroom all-around, but front-row passengers get four inches more in this regard. A six-way manual driver's seat is standard on the base LE, but from the XLE upwards they become electrically adjustable in eight directions including lumbar support. Of course, the natural height of the crossover provides a good view of the road, but the ergonomic position of the driver's seat provides optimal visibility out of the front windshield. The rear windows are quite a bit smaller and the large rear pillars limit rearward vision quite severely. Blind-spot monitoring helps with this, but it isn't included in the entry-level trim as standard.

The entry-level models are not as upscale as their more expensive siblings, which is shown by the presence of more hard plastics around the cabin and the urethane steering wheel. From the XLE Premium upwards, this is upgraded to a leather-wrapped wheel, though. The LE and XLE have fabric-trimmed seating, while the XLE Premium upwards all receive SofTex. Color options include Black or Nutmeg for all three, while Light Gray is added as an option on the upper two. The Adventure's seating color schemes comprise Mocha or Black, while the TRD can only be dressed in Black. The Limited doesn't offer Mocha but adds Nutmeg and Light Gray as extra options. The XSE stands out for its SofTex upholstery with fabric inserts, offered in an equally unique palette that comprises a combination of Black/Blue.

SUVs are loved for their practicality, and the Toyota RAV4 plays directly into this strength. It isn't quite as impressive as the cavernous Honda CR-V, but the 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats is still very generous. The hybrids stand out here by offering the same amount of space, instead of losing some to the battery. If you fold the rear seats down in a 60/40-split, you can expand the base trunk space to 69.8 cubic feet. Within this area, you can store cargo to the weight of 1,050-1,240 lbs, depending on the model.

Small-item storage around the cabin is just as practical. Each row of seats receives a pair of cupholders, and there are a number of small bins around the console to assist with storing small items. The glovebox and armrest cubby can accommodate larger items, while the door pockets can store water bottles. Back-seat passengers can stow their mobile phones or tablets in the seatback map pockets.

Considering its higher-than-average starting price, the Toyota RAV4 is somewhat sparsely equipped in its base guise. The seats are covered in plain fabric and the driver's seat is six-way manually adjustable. Other standard features include keyless entry, air conditioning, and a pair of 12-volt power outlets. The list of safety systems begins with the rearview camera, complemented by Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and a Star Safety System. The LE Hybrid upgrades to dual-zone automatic climate control and adds a vehicle proximity notification, which is exclusive to the hybrids. An eight-way power driver's seat is added on the XLE, along with additional safety features in the form of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a Smart Key system and push-button start. The XLE Premium installs a power liftgate and a panoramic moonroof. The 4.2-inch driver-information display is upgraded to a seven-inch model on the Adventure, while downhill assist control and a 120-volt power outlet are added. Heated front seating is included on the XSE and Limited, and the latter gets a driver-seat memory function. Seat heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel, are also available on certain trims.

Toyota has kept the RAV4 up to date on the infotainment front. The LE, XLE, and XLE Premium, as well as their hybrid variants, come equipped with the seven-inch touchscreen interface, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi, and a six-speaker sound system. The XLE Premium hybrid benefits from extra USB charging ports. The Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and XSE upgrade to the larger eight-inch screen, though the sound system is only upgraded with navigation and a premium 11-speaker JBL setup on the Limited. However, the XLE Premium has the option of upgrading its speakers and screen, while the XLE can upgrade to the larger screen only. Higher trims also avail themselves to standard navigation.

Even with the smaller screen, the display is high-quality and responses are quick, but the upgrades across the trim levels do a lot to assist with increasing the number of available USB ports. Unfortunately, the wireless charger is never offered as standard, but rather as an optional add-on.

While there is no J.D. Power reliability review for the 2021 Toyota RAV4, it did score 80 out of 100 last year. Despite this relatively good rating, the RAV4 was recalled four times in 2020, for reasons including loss of electric steering, leaking engine coolant, and fuel pump failure for the gasoline-only models. A further seven recalls were issued in 2019. We can only hope that Toyota has ironed out the problems with this latest iteration of its compact SUV, but so far, the 2021 model is free from recalls.

The warranty plan is pretty standard for the segment, too. Bumper-to-bumper issues are covered for 3 years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain plan is valid for five years/60,000 miles. The hybrid models also receive an eight-year/100,000-mile electrical component warranty. ToyotaCare is included with every new purchase, offering two years/25,000 miles of scheduled maintenance, and two years of roadside assistance.

Safety reviews of the Toyota RAV4 show it to be one of the safest cars on the road, with an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA. Only the rollover and driver-side frontal crash tests returned a slightly lower result of four out of five stars. Similarly, the IIHS awards it a top score of Good in every category, with only some of the lower-grade headlights scoring worse. The 2020 iteration of the RAV4 even received a Top Safety Pick award from the organization.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard on all new RAV4s. This suite comprises a range of features, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert and lane tracing, dynamic cruise control, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System is also equipped, adding ABS, EBD, stability and traction control, and smart stop. The rearview camera can be bolstered with the surround-view camera available to the upper trims, along with front and rear parking sonar, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. If you are still unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, your safety is ensured by the eight airbags spread around the cabin: dual front, front knee, front side, and side curtain.

There is a reason that the Toyota RAV4 is the top-selling SUV in the USA, and that is because it does so many things right. It isn't overly expensive, it offers competitive fuel economy, and it is extremely practical with loads of passenger and cargo scape. It's not the best equipped crossover on the market, but Toyota has done a good job of keeping it updated year after year. When regarded in comparison to its chief competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, it holds its ground and manages to beat them in a few areas. You get loads of choice with so many models on offer, including a range of hybrid options. It's not the greatest SUV on the market, though, with lackluster acceleration and unengaging driving damages. But it makes up for this my being capable of off-roading without too much fuss and towing impressively heavy trailers. It is definitely one of the better value-for-money compacts on the market right now, and it deserves a test drive at the very least so you can see just how much you're getting for your money.

The price of the Toyota RAV4 is not super affordable, but nor is it overly expensive. Things start off with the gas-fed LE, which has a base price of $26,050. From there, the price steadily climbs through the XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited, at increments of $27,345, $30,050, and $34,580, respectively. Each of these trims offer alternate specs in the form of an all-wheel drivetrain for $1,400 or a hybrid powertrain for $2,450. The XSE Hybrid has no gasoline variant, and slots in just below the Limited at $34,450 The remaining trims are the more off-road-focused variants and come standard with AWD. The Adventure is the cheaper of the two at $33,155, while the TRD Off-Road is the priciest of all the gasoline options, with a starting cost of $35,780. These prices are MSRP and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or Toyota's $1,175 destination charge.

The 2021 lineup comprises six standard RAV4 models, with five hybrid options. The LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited are all available as hybrids, while the Adventure and TRD Off-Road are not. The XSE Hybrid is the only such exclusive trim. Every single model receives a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, but the hybrids also get a pair of electric motors. Similarly, the eight-speed automatic transmission is traded out for an ECVT on the hybrids. The Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and hybrid models all get the all-wheel drivetrain as standard, while the rest can choose between FWD or AWD.

The base-level LE rides on 17-inch steel wheels and is outfitted with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. It also gets the full Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and Star Safety System suites. Beyond that, the driver's seat is manually adjustable, and keyless entry, air conditioning, and a rearview camera all come standard. A seven-inch touchscreen grants access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and SiriusXM, channeled through six speakers.

The LE Hybrid is slightly more advanced with automatic dual-zone climate control.

The XLE and its Hybrid counterpart build on this with 17-inch alloy wheels, Smart Key and push-button start, an eight-way power driver's seat, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A few extra USB ports facilitate connectivity.

The XLE Premium and the corresponding hybrid wrap the steering wheel and shifter in leather and dress the rest of the interior in SofTex. A power liftgate, panoramic moonroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels are standard at this level.

The Adventure markets itself as a slightly more off-road-focused model. And while it may remove the moonroof, it sticks with the larger 19-inch alloy wheels. It does get a rearview camera with guidelines. The infotainment is upgraded to an eight-inch model.

Meanwhile, the TRD Off-Road receives smaller 18-inch wheels, a multi-terrain select system, a TRD tuned suspension, front skid plate, a red-accented interior, and Falken All-Terrain tires.

The XSE is exclusive to the RAV4 Hybrid and adds heated front seats, LED projector headlights, two-tone paint, and offers the eight-inch infotainment suite as standard.

The Limited and Limited Hybrid further add navigation and a premium 11-speaker JBL sound system for the infotainment, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, automatic reverse braking, and the option of a 360-degree camera.

There are numerous ways to customize your RAV4 to meet your specific needs and tastes, thanks to a wide selection of packages and standalone add-ons.

Those looking to save a buck by sticking with the base model will definitely want to cover the missing safety bases by adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for $590. Higher up, the XLE Convenience Package ($1,265) equips the SUV with a power liftgate and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. Equipping the XLE Premium with the available JBL premium sound system will cost you $2,645.

The Adventure Grade Weather Package ($1,015) adds heating to the steering wheel and both heating and ventilation to the front seats. The TRD Off-Road can also add a bunch of extra features with the Advanced Technology, Weather, and Premium Audio packages. Combined, they cost a hefty $4,585, with added features including front and rear parking assist, a surround-view camera, a wireless charger, heated and ventilated seats, navigation, an 11-speaker JBL sound system, and a heated steering wheel.

If you ever want to take your SUV off-road, you'll want the TRD Off-Road trim. However, the Off-Road is pretty pricey, so we'd suggest sticking with the more reasonable Adventure for the AWD capability and increased towing capacity, but less of the hardcore off-road aggression. It possesses most of the capability of the range and a fair number of the features available to the RAV4. It also gets the all-wheel drivetrain as standard. If you plan on sticking around town, one of the hybrids would be your best bet. The new XLE Premium Hybrid is a good middle ground that delivers great value for money. If you go for the off-roader setup, the Toyota RAV4 will cost you around $35k, while a middle-ground hybrid will set you back by around $33k.

Nissan develops slightly more budget-friendly crossovers for the American market, but this generally comes at a cost other than money. In this case, the Rogue is much more of a niche purchase, but newly-designed for 2021 is a vastly more appealing option than ever before. Its engine is a little less powerful, developing only 181 hp and 181 lb-ft, so acceleration times are even longer than the RAV4's. It makes up for these shortcomings with a larger cabin and greater maximum trunk capacity. However, the lack of power means the Nissan Rogue can't handle payloads of the same weight, nor can it tow nearly as much as the RAV4. Size isn't everything, though, but the Rogue is still plush and comfortable, and is packed with features. It's a little less fuel efficient, with returns of 27/35/30 mpg and it doesn't offer a hybrid option. The new Rogue is better than ever, but the RAV4 is a better jack of all trades.

Perhaps the most capable rival to the RAV4, the Honda CR-V is one of the best compact crossovers on the US market. Its 190-hp engine may not sound exciting on paper, but it allows the Honda to go from 0-60 mph quicker than the Toyota, although it isn't quite as fuel efficient as the most frugal setup on the RAV4. Still, it is smooth and quiet in comparison. The CR-V can't quite compete when it comes to towing, since it caps out at 1,500 lbs, but it can handle quite a bit more cargo thanks to its 39.2-cubic-foot trunk. But, between the two, the Toyota leads in terms of infotainment. It offers full smartphone integration at every trim level, including Wi-Fi and more speakers. If you can look past that and care more about how practically your family hauler is, then the Honda seems like the better choice, but if you want the better all-rounder, the RAV4 seems to have the better value proposition. But, with each nameplate offering different types of powertrains and comparable utility, it will likely come down to personal taste and preference.