A comprehensive review of the 2021 Toyota RAV4

The fifth generation of the RAV4 was released in 2018 and is built on the GA-K platform that is shared with the latest Toyota Camry. For 2021, Toyota is introducing a new more powerful version called the RAV4 Prime which makes around 100 hp more than the standard model. The RAV4 has been selling like hotcakes ever since its launch and it is still one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S with almost half a million being sold last year. There are three powertrain options to choose from now including two hybrids.

Unlike the previous model years, the new RAV4 Prime model is a Plug-In Hybrid that allows the 18.1 kWh battery to be charged individually. The RAV4 Prime can deliver up to 42 miles of all-electric driving and can switch between hybrid driving and EV mode seamlessly. The EPA-estimated MPGe rating stands at 94.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Price

The RAV4 comes in a wide range of trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, TRD Off-Road, SE, and XSE. The new Prime PHEV version comes in SE and XSE trims, the rest of the trims can be bought with a Hybrid powertrain instead of the regular gas engine. Prices start at $26,150 for the base LE version and go all the way up to $41,425 for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim level.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Exterior

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 remains mostly unchanged from last year’s model and still gets that quirky and unique design language. There have been only minor updates to the exterior this year. The design elements from the Tacoma and 4Runner are evident and the RAV4 always looked like a capable mini off-roader. The TRD Off-road and Adventure trim levels get a different design for the fenders with a wider and chunkier look. The new RAV4 Prime model gets a distinctive grille and a gloss-back bumper, making it easy to distinguish from the regular models.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Interior

Interiors of the RAV4 remain mostly the same with some soft-touch materials used. The front seats are wide and comfortable with sufficient bolstering and support. However, space at the rear is limited, and fitting three adults will be a squeeze because of the sloping roofline and average shoulder room on offer. The new RAV4 Prime gets red inserts on the seats on the XSE variants for a sportier look and complements the improved performance on offer.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Verdict

The RAV4 is still an excellent choice in the market although better-accomplished rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V offer a better package overall. Still, none can compete with the off-road capabilities of the RAV 4 especially in the TRD Off-Road avatar. The new RAV4 Prime further enhances the capabilities of the SUV and makes it a more balanced product thanks to the improved performance on offer. If you’re looking for a small and reliable SUV that can also handle light Off-Roading, the RAV4 is still the pick of the lot.