The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's #2 ranking is based on its score within the Hybrid and Electric SUVs category. It is the winner of our 2021 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for the Money award and a finalist for our 2021 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families award. Currently the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a score of 8.0 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 23 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Energetic powertrain Great gas mileage Spacious, handsome cabin Plenty of standard features Ample cargo space
Cons Road noise permeates the cabin
The Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has an impressive all-electric range and low emissions, but the extremely high list price limits its appeal for private buyers and company car buyers alike. The regular front-wheel drive RAV4 hybrid is the sweet spot in the range. It’s fairly ordinary to drive, but strong resale values, astounding economy and a fantastic reliability record make it a tempting option in the large SUV category.
Pros Exceedingly frugal Regular hybrid has slow predicted depreciation Strong reliability record
Cons Terrible infotainment system Rivals are better to drive No seven-seat option
The standard RAV4 Hybrid receives a new mid-range XLE Premium trim for 2021, but the big news this year is the introduction of the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime models. The RAV4 Prime is the most powerful RAV4 offered with a total of 302 horsepower between its gas engine and electric motors; it also offers a claimed 42 miles of electric-only driving per charge.
Pros Strong acceleration, driver-assistance tech is standard, roomy cabin.
Cons Prices start above $30,000, uninvolving handling, most desirable features quickly increase the price.
The Santa Fe Sport’s cushy ride pairs with energetic handling for respectable on-road performance, but where the Sport shines is in its exceptionally well-appointed interior, wide array of available safety features, and price tag. The Santa Fe Sport delivers middling fuel economy, but its ample cargo hold makes up for some of that lost advantage and turns this compact version of the Santa Fe into a truly useful automobile.
Pros Upscale interior, agreeable to drive, a features list as long as your leg.
Cons Four-cylinder power in a V-6 class, light on standard safety gear, hoped-for fuel economy gone missing.
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport still does what good crossover SUVs do best: it delivers flexible space, decent performance, and great value.
Pros Hits all the right crossover-SUV marks Lots of standard features A very good value, then and now Clever sliding seat Turbo-4’s minimal gas mileage penalty
Cons Dull base engine Gas mileage isn’t its strong suit Could use better steering feel 4-cylinders only
Pros Relative value Lots of available luxury features Cabin storage Handling Seating flexibility
Cons Off-the-line power versus V-6 competitors Rearward visibility Rear seating position Road noise Interior quality
