The 2020 Toyota RAV4 covers more bases this year with smartphone compatibility and tough-looking off-road trims.
Pros Great looks New smartphone compatibility Tough-looking TRD Off-road Good cargo space Standard active safety features
Cons Compromised interior Off-road hardware more about looks Expensive top trims Cheap-feeling plastics
Toyota is introducing the TRD Off-Road model for 2020, which comes with unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a TRD Off-Road suspension kit with red coil springs, and plenty of TRD logos dotting the interior and exterior. Elsewhere in the lineup, Android Auto capability becomes a standard feature as does SiriusXM satellite radio; XLE models now come with a power-adjustable driver's seat but lose the standard moonroof, which becomes part of the optional Convenience package. The mid-range Adventure model gains a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but that model's power liftgate is now optional. Limited trims now come with the premium JBL audio system as standard.
Pros Rugged styling, available hybrid model, plenty of standard safety tech.
Cons Overly spartan base model, rough-edged engine noise, mundane driving dynamics.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.New TRD Off-Road trim,Android Auto added to Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.Power driver's seat now standard on XLE grade.
Pros Quiet interior and comfortable ride quality Abundant cargo and passenger space Controls are easy to use
Cons Lackluster power from base powertrain No other engines available Uncomfortable front passenger seat Vague steering means you'll sometimes misjudge your inputs
Six-way power driver's seat now standard on SES and Titanium trims.Cargo cover and package tray included on SE trim and above.Minor exterior styling changes.
Pros Above-average cargo space for the class All-wheel drive can be ordered on every trim level Widespread availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Sync 3 infotainment interface is fast and easy to use
Cons Aside from blind-spot monitoring, advanced safety features aren't available Below-average fuel economy Base engine can struggle while carrying passengers and cargo Choppy, jittery ride on most surfaces
Very little is new on the EcoSport for 2021, but it does get an updated appearance package, a standard power driver’s seat on the top SES 4WD trim (oddly, it didn't have one before) , and techy faux-leather seat coverings in the Titanium model.
Pros Affordable, compact and maneuverable, easy-to-use infotainment.
Cons Disappointing fuel efficiency, sleep-inducing acceleration, lacks interior space.
The 2021 Ford Ecosport small crossover forsakes its name and doesn’t offer much by way of driving excitement or efficiency.
Pros Easy to park Big enough back seat Cargo space isn’t bad
Cons No active safety tech Spartan base model Hardly a value Built to a budget Cheap, but somehow still too much
