2021 Toyota RAV4

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Rating7.3

Ranked #6 in 

SUV
Write Review
$26,350 - $36,280
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Spacious cabin

Inconsistent steering

No noticeable changes

Impressive fuel economy

Poor front passenger space

Plenty of standard features

Intutive controls

Specs & Features

$27,750

price

203 hp @ 6600 rpm

horsepower

184 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

torque

8-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

2.5L 4cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The RAV4 is a compact sport utility vehicle launched by Toyota in 1994, and has been loved by customers worldwide. The Toyota RAV4 has been at the forefront of the mid-size SUV segment ever since it was launched, and the 2021 model will keep that tradition alive. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 will continue to be a leader in the mid-size SUV segment. It will provide Toyota customers with what they've come to expect: quality, durability and reliability.

Buying Advice

With the RAV4, Toyota has a wide range of trims tailored for people with a variety of needs. Therefore, it is all up to your needs and purpose. In most cases, the LE trim will suffice for travelers seeking a basic commuting option. Camping enthusiasts should choose the Adventure or TRD Off-Road trims. Regardless of your choice, you will get many features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 will be a crossover SUV that is capable of handling anything it encounters. With its powerful engine, it can run on highways, and its agility can handle even the toughest trials off-road. Convenient features like Android Auto and Apple Car Play allow you to access your smartphone while keeping your hands on the wheel. It takes on a tough group of adversaries like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe. 

Features
8.0/10

There are six trim levels for the 2021 Toyota RAV4: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. These models are all powered by the same four-cylinder engine and come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. MSRP starts at $26,150 for the base variant and goes up to $36,080 for the top Limited trim. 

There are numerous features included with all of the trims right out of the box. Features include an infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a USB port, satellite radio, a wifi router, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. A cloth interior, manually adjustable seats, and remote keyless entry are also standard features.

Trims

LE

XLE

XLE Premium

Adventure

TRD Off-Road

Limited

MSRP (FWD)

$26,150

$27,445

$30,150

-

-

$34,680

MSRP (AWD)

$27,550

$28,845

$31,550

$33,255

$35,880

$36,080

Key Features

7-inch touchscreen

Adds/upgrades the features of LE trim

Adds/upgrades the features of XLE trim

Adds/upgrades the features of XLE Premium trim

Adds/upgrades the features of Adventure trim

Adds/upgrades the features of Off-Road trim

 

LED Headlights

Keyless entry and ignition

Raised suspension

Hill descent control

All-terrain tires

Panoramic sunroof

 

6-speaker sound system

Blind-spot monitor

Sunroof

8-inch touchscreen

Off-road-tuned suspension

Heated steering wheel

 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Dual-zone Climate Control

Power liftgate

Taller roof rails

Unique black trim elements and interior trim

Heated and Ventilated front seats

 

USB Port

8-way Power-adjustable driver’s seat

Simulated leather upholstery

Fender flares

18-inch alloy wheels

Wireless charging pad

 

Satellite radio

Heated outside mirrors

Leather wrapped steering wheel

7-inch digital instrument cluster

LED foglights

11-speaker JBL Stereo

 

Cloth upholstery

Alloy wheels

19-inch alloy wheels

Five USB ports

 

Front and rear parking sensors

 

Remote keyless entry

Upgraded LED Headlights

 

120-volt outlet

   
 

Manually adjustable front seats

         

Which trim should you buy? 

With the RAV4, Toyota has a wide range of trims tailored for people with a variety of needs. Therefore, it is all up to your needs and purpose. In most cases, the LE trim will suffice for travelers seeking a basic commuting option. Camping enthusiasts should choose the Adventure or TRD Off-Road trims. Regardless of your choice, you will get many features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-performing compact SUVs in terms of fuel economy. 

Typically, the SUV gets 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. As a result of selecting all-wheel drive in the base trim, these figures fall to 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on highway, while other trims with AWD achieve 25 to 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on highway. On the other hand, the TRD Off-Road trim is the least fuel efficient in the lineup: 25/32 mpg city/highway.

Models

2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 Mazda CX-5

2021 Honda CR-V

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

MPG (City)

27

25

27

24

MPG (Highway)

35

31

32

29

MPG (Combined)

30

28

29

28

Fuel Capacity (gallons)

14.5

14.8

14.0

18.8

Range (City/ Highway/ Combined)

377/508/435 miles

370/459/414 miles

378/448/406 miles

414/545/470 miles

With a lighter curb weight than competitors, the BMW X7 offers the best fuel economy. On the other hand, GLS Class is more fuel efficient than Navigator. Its expansive fuel tank ensures that it can drive for longer distances without stopping at a gas station, but it's least fuel efficient among its competitors. 

Interior
6.0/10

Toyota RAV4 2021 is a stylish and reliable car from inside and out. Its sharp, modern styling, expertly crafted cabin, and innovative features make it a great choice for your next adventure. ??€? contemporary design with soft touch points as well as durable materials give the RAV4's cabin a nice look. With increased trim levels, you'll find this Toyota to be more utilitarian, comfortable, and opulent than a luxury vehicle. Additional options include synthetic leather seats and stitching and accents unique to each seat.

This Toyota SUV seats up to five people and features ample front- and rear-legroom. Even tall passengers should have no trouble finding a comfortable seat in the spacious cabin. In addition, the seats are nicely cushioned. Unfortunately, only the driver's seat is power-adjustable on the RAV4. There are, however, optional features for the driver's seat including an eight-way power reclining seat, heated front and rear outboard seats, and ventilated front seats.

Models

2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 Mazda CX-5

2021 Honda CR-V

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

39.5/57.8/41.0

41.0/57.1/41.0

40.1/57.9/41.3

41.2/59.1/44.1

Second (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

39.5/56.4/37.8

39.0/54.8/39.6

39.2/55.6/40.4

39.2/58.3/40.9

Cargo Volume (cubic feet)

40.0 cu-ft.

30.9 cu-ft.

12.6 cu-ft.

35.9 cu-ft.

While the Lincoln Navigator gives all of its competitors a run for their money when it comes to seating, the Cadillac Escalade offers more space for the first row. Despite being compact, the BMW X7 has ample passenger space in all rows. On the other hand, the GLS Class comes with the largest third row. 

Standard interior features of the 2021 Toyota RAV4r include:

  • Faux-leather seats
  • Dual-zone Climate Control with interior air filtration
  • A Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob
  • Tablet style touchscreen
  • Moonroof
  • Red stitching on black faux leather upholstery
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat

How intuitive is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Infotainment System?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 comes with an intuitive infotainment system that comes with a responsive 7-inch touch screen. Digital buttons are well placed on the screen, and the user interface is intuitive. For things like stereo volume and climate control, there are physical knobs and buttons.

With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a 6 speaker audio system, you can count on staying entertained and rejuvenated after a long day at work. In addition, if you are an audiophile, you can get the additional JBL Audio system with 11 speakers to enhance your audio experience.

All the standard Infotainment features are listed below:

  • 7-inch or 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System 
  • Navigation system
  • 6-speaker sound system or 11 Speaker JBL Audio System
  • A Color TFT instrument console
  • Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility
  • Wireless Charging Pad
  • Sirius XM/FM/HD standard radio

Exterior
8.0/10

The distinctive look of the RAV4 gives it a strong presence on the road. Its aerodynamically contoured body is intended to slip through the air with less wind resistance, and its big wheels work to keep it stable in all kinds of driving environments. Toyota has an iconic, upright grille. In fact, it's one of the most distinctive elements of its styling. With well-integrated LED headlights and nicely built LED DRLs, the 2021 RAV4 has a formidable appearance. 

Further, the RAV4 received a new color option for 2021, which will be a Blizzard Pearl. With the XLE Premium trim, you could optionally opt for 19-inch alloy wheels. Only the highest trims have them. A full-sized, panoramic sunroof, two-tone paint scheme, high-performance LED foglights, black chrome-covered exhaust tips, as well as other exterior features are available with the Limited and Adventure trims.

Models

2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 Mazda CX-5

2021 Honda CR-V

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Curb Weight (lbs)

3490

3541

3455

3591

Length (inches)

180.9

179.1

180.6

187.8

Width (inches)

73.0

72.5

73.0

74.4

Height (inches)

67.0

66.2

66.5

66.1

Ground Clearance (inches)

8.4

7.5

8.2

7.3

Wheelbase (inches)

105.9

106.2

104.7

108.9

The dimensions of the 2021 RAV4 are compact and the overall drive is much more nimble. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is almost an inch shorter than the RAV4's maximum ground clearance thanks to its 19-inch alloy wheels. It is the Hyundai Santa Fe which is the bulkiest SUV of the lot, while the Honda CR-V is the most compact option.

Some standout exterior features of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 include:

  • 18/19-inch alloy wheels
  • Power liftgate
  • Height-adjustable power liftgate with Jam Protection
  • Powered Moonroof
  • Automatic High-Beam LED Headlamps with DRLs
  • LED Taillamps
  • LED Foglights
  • Active grille shutters
  • Puddle lights
  • Dual chrome exhaust tips

Safety
7.0/10

Toyota has built an excellent reputation for producing some of the safest vehicles on the market over the years. As a result of its great safety record, IIHS accords the 2021 Toyota RAV4 the prestigious title of "Top Safety Pick" for a small SUV, and an overall 4-star rating by the NHTSA. With the 2021 RAV4, there are many excellent safety features, both active and passive, which will ensure the safety of passengers as well as pedestrians. 

Standard and available safety features include:

  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane trace assist
  • Lane keep assist
  • Rearview camera
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Road sign recognition
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Available Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Available Front and rear parking sensors
  • Available Blind spot monitoring
  • Available Surround-view parking camera system
  • Available Rear cross traffic alert

Competition
9.0/10

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

Both Mazda and Toyota make compact SUVs that are among the best on the market. While both cars have different competitive advantages, they both offer quality vehicles.

Both the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are some of the most affordable models of SUV's on the market, but they both have a lot more to offer than their price tag would indicate. Adding fun-to-drive sedan characteristics to an SUV is an interesting way to showcase the Mazda CX-5's dynamic personality. With its perfect balance of performance, comfort, and technology, the RAV4 is a standout choice. 

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V are two of the most popular crossover style SUVs in their respective segments. They're both stylish, protective, and ready for action. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

As it stands, the Toyota RAV4 is more luxurious and offers a more spacious interior, while the Honda CR-V is a little cheaper and offers an overall better driving experience. Anyone seeking a fuel-efficient and luxurious SUV should consider the Toyota RAV4. Alternatively, a CR-V would be ideal if performance was the primary concern. 

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

In the small crossover SUV category, the competition is intense. Two of the most popular entries are the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe.

These two vehicles are very similar in size and price, yet offer different strengths and compete in slightly different markets. A balance of functionality and style is offered by the Santa Fe while performance, handling and fuel economy are better in the RAV4. 

Final Verdict

The Toyota RAV4 has been one of the best selling compact crossovers on the market since its introduction nearly twenty years ago, and for good reason. It's a great looking vehicle with excellent dynamics, and a broad range of powertrain solutions. Its 2021 iteration takes all these strengths and wraps them in a much more attractive package, while adding new technology to keep both drivers and passengers entertained on long road trips. As a whole, it's safe, comfortable, quiet, attractive, and well-equipped for the price.

Trims

    LE
    $26,350 onwards
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Remote keyless entry
    XLE
    $27,645 onwards
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Heated mirrors
    XLE Premium
    $30,350 onwards
    • Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    • Softex leatherette Seat trim
    Adventure
    $33,455 onwards
    • 19-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    Limited
    $34,880 onwards
    • 3 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Navigation system
    • Parking assist
    TRD Off-Road
    $36,080 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl AWD 8AM
    • Horsepower: 203 hp @ 6600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 184 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 28 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$26,350- $36,280

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.28

Horsepower

203 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque

184 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$26,050- $37,230

Gasoline

6.93

201 hp @ 5600 rpm

225 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,245- $39,095

Gasoline

6.93

184 hp @ 4360 rpm

221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

7

Read Review

$24,885- $36,155

Gasoline

7.26

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

190 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,000- $37,500

Gasoline

6.75

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,795- $34,895

Gasoline

7.07

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

176 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,850- $42,450

Gasoline

7.59

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,245- $27,995

Gasoline

6.57

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

145 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,210- $38,975

Gasoline

6.13

180 hp @ 6250 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

-

Read Review

$24,090- $35,250

Gasoline

7.04

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.8 sec15.6 sec119 mph
    6.5 sec15.0 sec135 mph
    6.8 sec15.2 sec-
    7 sec15.4 sec111 mph
    7 sec--
    7.8 sec15.8 sec-

    2021 Toyota RAV4 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.
      2021 Kia Niro

      Ranked #1

      53 mpg48 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.630.70/571.20 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/448.8 mi.
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg16.6 gal.431.6/547.8 mi.
      25 mpg31 mpg28 mpg14.8 gal.370/458.8 mi.

      2021 Toyota RAV4 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        180.9 in.73 in.67 in.8.4 in.105.9 in.
        205.2 in.78.5 in.68.3 in.4.5 in.118.1 in.
        201.4 in.78.1 in.68.5 in.6.7 in.120.5 in.
        188.9 in.74.8 in.66.7 in.6.9 in.110.8 in.
        188.4 in.74.8 in.66.3 in.8.2 in.108.9 in.

        2021 Mitsubishi Outlander

        Ranked #5

        185.8 in.71.3 in.67.3 in.8.5 in.105.1 in.

        2021 Toyota RAV4 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          37.6 cu.ft.98.9 cu.ft.69.8 cu.ft.
          31.1 cu.ft.111.9 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.
          31.6 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.74.1 cu.ft.
          24.3 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.58.8 cu.ft.
          12 cu.ft.123.9 cu.ft.65.7 cu.ft.
          29.6 cu.ft.103.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.

          2021 Toyota RAV4 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            69.8 cu.ft.37.6 cu.ft.69.8 cu.ft.-
            60.1 cu.ft.30.7 cu.ft.60.1 cu.ft.-
            63.3 cu.ft.29.6 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.-
            76.1 cu.ft.31.1 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.-
            54.7 cu.ft.-54.7 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            2021 Kia Niro

            Ranked #6

            -12 cu.ft.54.5 cu.ft.-

            2021 Toyota RAV4 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1500 lbs.1240 lbs.3370 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1621 lbs.4398 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1642 lbs.4443 lbs.
              2021 Kia Niro

              Ranked #2

              2800 lbs.849 lbs.3100 lbs.
              2000 lbs.-3467 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1521 lbs.3794 lbs.

              2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              1

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              311

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              Horsepower : 219 hp @ 5700 rpm

              MPG Combined : 40 mpg

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              #10

              2021 Toyota RAV4 User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              RL

              Rebecca Luke

              2020 Toyota RAV4

              Adventure 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 24, 2024

              Worth every penny

              Pros - ["Space, blind spot monitoring, dynamic radar cruise control, integration between your phone and media screen for map navigation while traveling", "Safety features like dynamic radar cruise control and blind spot monitoring"]

              Cons - ["Fabric seats", "Nothing else"]

              I absolutely adore my 2020 RAV4 XLE. The ease of entry makes it perfect for driving elderly family members to church. The automatic liftgate feature comes in handy picking up the Walmart pick up order or carrying a pet to the vet. The dynamic radar cruise control is perfect for long drives and trips. The blind spot monitor helps when you're merging on the interstate.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review