2021 Toyota RAV4 review
Toyota RAV4 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Suspension blends comfort and control
- Cabin offers plenty of passenger space, and the trunk is large
Cons
- Gas engine is a bit lackluster
- Tech interface is a touch dated
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a big seller for good reason
After a couple of years of finessing its newly designed RAV4, Toyota took a break from fiddling with the specifications and trim levels of the 2021 model. The RAV4's blend of qualities create broad appeal, making it one of America's top-selling passenger vehicles. More than ever that appeal is targeted to particular interests, with Toyota offering a fuel-efficient and quick Hybrid model, an outdoorsy Adventure model, and a TRD Off-Road option if your lifestyle is more about actually heading into the wilderness than looking like you do. Trim levels encompass LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and XSE Limited for the Hybrid model, and the gas-powered RAV4 comes in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims. The XLE trim makes sense for most buyers, offering a nice mix of standard equipment at a sensible price point. New for 2021 is the Prime, a plug-in hybrid capable of up to 25 miles of battery-only driving.
All but the TRD Off-Road, Hybrid, and Prime are front-wheel-drive as standard. The TRD Off-Road model gets off-road-specific suspension and all-wheel drive to give it rugged capability; the Hybrid's all-wheel drive comes because of the electric motor working on the rear axle. Non-hybrid RAV4s are powered by a 2.5-liter engine with 203 hp paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. No RAV4 is really remarkable to drive, but they're all smooth and easy on the road, and the cabins are spacious for passengers and luggage alike. The breadth of appeal and core competence in all areas make the 2021 Toyota RAV4 difficult to ignore. It underlines why it's consistently such a big seller despite being bested by some competitors in particular areas.
All Toyota RAV4 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota RAV4 generation from 2011 to 2024
2021 Toyota RAV4 trims
LE:
Seven-inch touchscreen interface
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
Six-speaker sound system
XLE:
Adds keyless entry and ignition
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Blind-spot monitor
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Additional USB charging ports
XLE Premium:
Also includes larger wheels
A slightly raised suspension
Sunroof
Power liftgate
Simulated leather upholstery
Soft-touch dashboard materials
Adventure:
Omits sunroof and power liftgate
Adds fender flares
Taller roof rails
Selectable terrain drive modes
Hill descent control
Eight-inch touchscreen.
TRD Off-Road:
Includes the sunroof and liftgate
Adds off-road-tuned suspension
Black trim and interior trim elements
Limited:
Builds on the XLE Premium
Includes heated front seats
Digital rearview mirror
Eight-inch touchscreen
Navigation system
Premium audio system
Toyota RAV4 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Toyota RAV4
1. Variety of trim levels
Whether you have your eye on a generously-equipped, streamlined crossover or an off-road-capable machine, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 can fulfill your needs. Even the base model comes with 60/40-split, reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders. You'll also get a tilt and telescoping, three-spoke steering wheel with controls for audio, touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and cruise control. Working your way up the trim ladder, you can add the features that mean the most to you, whether that's a sunroof or a premium audio system. This variety means you'll be able to take this vehicle to the grocery store in town or a campsite to get away any time you want.
2. Plenty of cargo space
The 2021 RAV4 has an ample cargo hold for golf clubs, camping gear, and more. With the second row stowed, you'll have 69.8 cu-ft of storage space, which compares favorably with other SUVs in its class. A myriad of bins and nooks give you options to store small things as well — like snacks, maps, and charging cords. The low cargo floor in the RAV4 is a boon for anyone who needs to load something in the back, and you'll appreciate the comfortable level of access to the seats — a great feature for those with small kids or anyone with mobility challenges.
3. Off-road ready
Standard with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine, the RAV4 is certainly capable in countless road conditions. For a little extra off-road punch, opt for the Adventure or TRD Off-Road trim, both of which include the same standard engine. Both of these upgrades include a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a dust and pollen filter, which is terrific for dusty off-road situations.
4. Driver assist features
A couple of years ago, Toyota made its driver-assist suite standard on all models. That's a spectacular addition for you and any other drivers in your household, with features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist. All RAV4 models include a backup camera, and the upper trims also include blind-spot monitoring.
5. Colorful exterior color options
Not only is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 versatile, it's colorful. Available in 12 diverse colors, the RAV4 comes in Super White, Midnight Black and everything in between. A few models come in new color combinations, like Lunar Rock with Ice Edge Roof, which is only for the TRD Off-Road and Adventure trims. You can choose from nine hues even on the base model.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Toyota RAV4, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Honda CR-V
The five-passenger Honda CR-V crossover was completely redesigned in 2017, making a great SUV even better. The base CR-V from model years 2017–2019 comes with a 184-hp, 2.4L four-cylinder engine; however, if you step on up to one of the other three trims OR look at 2020 and new, you get a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 190 hp along with more features. Standard equipment on 2017–2022 models includes:
LED running lights
Automatic climate control
Cruise control
View our photos, specs, and expertise of the 2021 Honda CR-V.
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV, which is a smart level-up if you need a little more passenger room to seat up to eight. The base LE model is powered by a 2.7L four-cylinder engine making 185 horsepower, and the other five trims — LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited, and Limited Platinum — are equipped with a bigger 295-hp 3.5L V6. The handsome Highlander is the SUV you want for families and groups on the go, with a spacious interior and generous feature set. All Toyota Highlanders for model years 2017–2019 include:
Rearview camera
Driver-assist features like automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure intervention
Five USB ports
Rear privacy glass
View our photos, specs, and expertise of the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota RAV4 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota RAV4 4th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota RAV4Toyota RAV4 features and specs
Limited 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Entune
- Front Seat Heaters
- JBL Sound System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leatherette Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
203
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
14.5
Wheelbase
105.9"
Overall length
180.9"
Width
73"
Height
67.2"
Leg room
F 41"/R 37.8"
Head room
F 37.7"/R 37.7"
Front tires
P235/55HR19
Rear tires
P235/55HR19
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Toyota RAV4 FAQ
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 27 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- 28 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- 28 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- 27 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- 25 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
The Toyota RAV4 received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Toyota RAV4 as 3 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Toyota RAV4, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Toyota RAV4 Reviews.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of between 1500 and 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Toyota RAV4:
- Navigation System
More about the 2021 Toyota RAV4
Exterior colors
Blizzard Pearl (now avail for XLE Premium)
Blueprint
Blue Flame
Blue Flame with Ice Edge Roof (Adventure and TRD Off-Road Grade only)
Lunar Rock
Lunar Rock with Ice Edge Roof (Adventure and TRD Off-Road Grade only)
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Magnetic Gray Metallic with Ice Edge Roof (TRD Off-Road Grade only)
Midnight Black Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic with Ice Edge Roof (Adventure and TRD Off-Road Grade only)
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver Sky Metallic
Super White
Interior details
69.8 cu-ft of storage space behind the front row with the second row stowed
37.5 cu-ft of storage space behind the second row
Seats a total of 5 people
7-inch touchscreen is standard (8-inch for Adventure and Limited trims)
Full suite of driver-assist features on every RAV4
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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