Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4

2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited

Pros: Extensive range of standard safety features; cargo room and versatility; availability of frugal Hybrid models

Cons: Base prices are higher than most rivals; engine is a bit noisy when accelerating; non-linear transmission feel

CG Says: The 2021 Toyota RAV4 gains a new plug-in-hybrid Prime model with 302 horsepower that is capable of traveling 42 miles on electric power alone. The non-plug-in-hybrid adds a new XLE Premium trim. The all-terrain-ready TRD Off-Road model gains a stainless-steel front skid plate and new wheels that are lighter and more rigid. The RAV4 is compact crossover SUV that was redesigned for 2019. The RAV4 model lineup offers a choice of conventional, Hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid Prime versions powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. The engine develops 203 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission in gas models; Hybrid versions use a CVT automatic transmission and pair the gas engine with an electric motor for a total output of 219 hp. The Prime bumps that output up 302 hp thanks to a bigger battery. All gas models offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, save for the off-road-oriented Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which come standard with AWD. All-wheel drive is also standard on Hybrid and Prime models. Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of safety features is standard on all RAV4s, and includes lane-keep assist and road-sign recognition features, as well as a forward collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot alert, and a camera rearview mirror display are also available. Other available features include panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, heated/ventilated front seats, 120-volt AC power outlet, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone capability. The old RAV4 was the best seller in the compact-crossover segment, and the new generation builds on its strengths while projecting a “stronger” image. All-around refinement is improved, there’s good passenger and cargo room within the tidy exterior dimensions, and the Hybrid models offer surprisingly peppy acceleration in addition to their better fuel economy. Prime has even better acceleration and the ability to drive on electric power alone. The new-generation heightens the RAV4’s already enviable standing in its class.

The Facts
Class Compact SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Toyota
Nation of Manufacture Canada
Base Prices LE: $27.225
AWD LE: $28,625
XLE: $28,520
AWD XLE: 29,920
XLE Premium: $31,225
AWD XLE Premium: $32,625
AWD Adventure: $34,330
Limited: $35,755
AWD Limited: $37,155
AWD TRD Off-Road: $36,955
AWD LE Hybrid: $29,675
AWD XLE Hybrid: $30,970
AWD XLE Premium Hybrid: $33,675
AWD XSE Hybrid: $36,000
AWD Limited Hybrid: $38,205
AWD Prime SE Plug-in Hybrid: $39,275
AWD Prime XSE Plug-in Hybrid: $42,600

Base Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
203
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
25-28
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
32-35

Optional Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder/electric (Hybrid)
Horsepower
219
Std. Transmission
CVT
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
41
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
38

Optional Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder/electric (Prime)
Horsepower
302
Std. Transmission
CVT
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg)
38
EPA Electric Engine Combined (MPGe)
94

Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
2021 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
Toyota RAV4 Prime
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 4
80%

For complete ratings click here.

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