How much does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 cost?

Prices have softened 2.40% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,754 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $23,442.64, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Toyota RAV4 earns 4.43/5 from owners and 7.33/10 from our experts. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Safety.

Drivers consistently praise its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency, and many also like the spacious interior and safety features. The review feedback also points to good handling and strong value for money.

The trade-offs are a small display/control setup and a few missing features, along with a high asking price for used examples. For you, that means the RAV4 makes the most sense if you want a practical, versatile compact SUV rather than the most exciting one to drive.

With 32.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.43/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Review feedback highlights reliability, and owners also describe the RAV4 as dependable and a vehicle they can count on over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes Toyota’s reputation for reliability, which supports the case for long-term ownership.

ToyotaCare includes two years or 25,000 miles of free factory-scheduled maintenance, which helps reduce early ownership costs. For used buyers, the main risk is less about the model’s reputation and more about how well a specific example was maintained.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Toyota RAV4?

At 74.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the cabin and electronics show wear that matches the mileage. If you’re comparing multiple examples, the cleanest history and best-maintained condition should carry the most weight.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base gasoline models get the rugged exterior theme and standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, but higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.
• Powertrain: The gasoline model uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and available with FWD or AWD.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist.
• Infotainment: Most trims get a 7-inch touchscreen, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM; the Limited gets an 8-inch screen.
• Fuel efficiency: Most gasoline models are rated at 30 mpg combined with FWD and 29 mpg combined with AWD, while the TRD Off-Road is rated at 28 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Toyota RAV4 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is offered in 6 trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The LE is the value play, but it keeps the standard 7-inch screen and misses the extra driver-assistance features that show up higher in the lineup.
• Sweet-spot trim: The XLE Premium is the best all-around choice if you want a more upscale feel without jumping to the top of the range.
• Premium/top trim: The Limited is the most polished pick, with the larger 8-inch touchscreen and the most upscale feature set in the gasoline lineup.
• Off-road trim: The TRD Off-Road adds all-terrain tires, model-specific suspension tuning, and a skid plate, but its rough-road focus makes it less ideal for typical daily driving.

Higher trims also bring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Toyota RAV4?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you should shop with a clear target and be ready to move on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,754 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.40% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,442.64, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota RAV4's resale value?

The current average of $25,077 sits slightly below last year's $25,694.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to sell later, the current trend means you may not see rapid appreciation, but steady demand should still support values. The RAV4’s broad appeal and strong owner satisfaction help keep it attractive to future buyers.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.43/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 safe?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal and rollover crash tests and five-star ratings in side crash tests.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard and includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.

The main caveat is that some headlights kept the RAV4 from earning the higher Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota RAV4 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.40% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.43/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the gasoline TRD Off-Road model’s distinctive tuning and the broader current-generation feature set.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,521, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,077 average.
• It offers broad versatility with gasoline and hybrid choices across multiple configurations.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,985, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,077 average.
• It adds a more mature, well-rounded compact SUV package with a roomy, flexible interior.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday usefulness, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value path; if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling alternative, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.