Overview
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has seating for up to five people. It’s a popular compact SUV with a spacious cabin and great fuel economy, making it a good choice for small families or shoppers who need a fuel-efficient SUV for commuting. Despite its compact size, the RAV4 has a roomy cargo area with up to 69.9 cubic feet of space and a spacious backseat that has 37.8 inches of rear legroom. Toyota also sells the RAV4 with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid engines, giving shoppers plenty of choices that deliver performance and fuel economy to match their needs.
The RAV4 stands out in the compact SUV segment with its wide range of engines, great fuel economy, roomy cabin, long list of standard safety features and good off-roading capability. Keep in mind, though, it trails key rivals when it comes to standard features, interior quality, affordability and available tech features. With a starting price of $26,350 when new, the RAV4 costs more than its rivals, making it a poor value option in the class. And compared to competitors, the RAV4 has low-quality interior materials and a loud cabin that lets in a lot of engine, road and wind noise. While it does have modern safety features, this SUV is not available with the same advanced tech features as segment leaders and isn’t as well-equipped with convenience features.
Toyota RAV4 Changes for 2021
New RAV4 Prime PHEV.
New XLE Premium for RAV4 Hybrid.
Buy a Used 2021 Toyota RAV4 Near You
Where the RAV4 Sits in the 2021 Toyota Lineup
Toyota’s vehicle lineup includes SUVs, pickup trucks, a minivan, sports cars and cars such as the Mirai. The RAV4 is one of the smallest SUVs in Toyota’s lineup. It’s positioned above the C-HR, but below the Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia and Land Cruiser.
2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. the Competition
Honda CR-V:
The Honda CR-V is another popular option in the compact SUV class and is the RAV4’s main competitor. The CR-V has an upscale interior design, good fuel economy and a large cargo area with 75.8 cubic feet of space. It’s also available with a hybrid engine, but has a smaller 5-inch touchscreen, lacks an off-road ready model and isn’t available with an even more efficient plug-in hybrid engine.
Toyota Venza:
Shoppers wanting a more luxurious cabin should explore the Toyota Venza. The Venza has a standard hybrid engine that delivers good fuel economy, high-end interior features and upscale styling. It also has a more powerful standard engine than the RAV4, more standard features and a nicer cabin, but it doesn’t have the same interior space or off-roading capability. Compared to the RAV4, the Venza is also more expensive.
Nissan Rogue:
The Nissan Rogue is another popular option in the compact class. It has distinctive styling, impressive tech features and a premium interior design. Compared to the RAV4, the Rogue has less power, isn’t available with hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines and has less off-roading capability, but it has a larger cargo area with 74.1 cubic feet of space and a more affordable starting price.
Key Features
MPG Range : 28 city / 35 hwy
Standard Powertrain : 203 hp, 2.5-Liter, I4
Standard Seating : 5 Passengers
Standard Drivetrain : FWD
Max Cargo Space : 37.5 cubic feet
NHTSA Safety Rating : 5/5
