The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is the meat-and-potatoes crossover for many buyers; the RAV4 Prime supplies the all-electric range.
Pros Performance plug-in hybrid Great exterior looks Wide customization possibilities Standard active safety features Good all-wheel-drive systems
Cons Interior is compromised Prime priced prime near $40,000 Buzzy base inline-4 Small-ish rear seat
Toyota has made only one change to the RAV4 for the 2021 model year: Blizzard Pearl replaces Super White on the color palette. A plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime joins the lineup, and the hybrid model gets a new XLE Premium trim; we review the two hybrid models separately.
Pros Truckish good looks, car-like road manners, driver-assistance features are standard.
Cons Spartan entry-level model, engine moans and groans, top trims can be pricey.
No significant changes for 2021.
Pros Quiet interior and comfortable ride quality Abundant cargo and passenger space Easy-to-use controls
Cons Lackluster power from powertrain Uncomfortable front passenger seat Vague steering
Pros Value-oriented pricing, more cargo space than Corolla hatchback, plenty of standard driver-assists.
Cons Poky acceleration, unrefined engine, doesn't look as upscale as some rivals.
Pros Borrows from the RAV4 playbook Stronger inline-4 on board Lots of safety tech Good infotainment
Cons No hybrid, yet Too much RAV look? Sluggish acceleration Seats need better lumbar
Pros Intuitive infotainment system Huge cargo hold Great gas mileage
Cons Weak engine Less sporty than rivals
