2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 had a fresh redesign for 2019, resulting in a bolder and more angular appearance to match its proven durability. Comparable to the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V, the RAV4 adopted a tougher exterior, appealing to those who wanted ruggedness in a compact SUV. The Adventure trim introduced last year enhanced off-roading capability with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, various driving modes adapted for weather and terrain, and downhill assist control. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, it was well-suited for off-roading.

For 2020, Toyota introduced the TRD Off-Road trim, taking ruggedness further. This trim featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires rated for severe snow duty, and a specialized TRD suspension setup. Visually, it resembled the Adventure trim but with specific TRD accents, including unique wheels, tires, and badges.

The TRD Off-Road's interior contained TRD logos on the headrests and practical rubber floor and cargo mats. Though the SUV boasted quality construction with soft-touch surfaces, it also contained cheaper-looking plastic elements. The TRD Off-Road was near the top of the RAV4's trim level ladder, with the base LE and FWD starting at $25,950 and the Limited with AWD at $35,880. The XLE trim offered the best blend of equipment and value at around $33,000 for a hybrid AWD model. The test vehicle, with full options and dealer-installed accessories, totaled an unusual $42,902.

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited also had a high MSRP—$42,083 including the destination charge. Its appearance didn’t stand out as a fully-loaded version; larger wheels would have been a suitable upgrade from the standard 18s. If only Toyota offered the RAV4 Hybrid in an Adventure trim level, its off-road capabilities would be enhanced. The RAV4 Hybrid had a tough look, and those seeking upscale refinement might prefer the 2021 Toyota Venza, effectively a refined RAV4 Hybrid.

Inside the RAV4 Hybrid, the cabin was stylish, functional, and practical, although some materials were impressive, glossy hard plastics detracted from the premium feel. A noticeable rattle from the license plate behind the front seats affected the test vehicle’s experience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Alongside the traditional model, Toyota marketed a RAV4 Hybrid producing 219 horsepower with a fuel economy of up to 40 mpg in combined driving. However, the TRD Off-Road trim wasn’t available as a hybrid. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain in the test vehicle proved energetic, especially in Sport mode, but might have benefited from a turbocharged engine for better performance at higher altitudes.

Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4 functioned well most of the time but occasionally struggled with gear selection. Notably, the TRD Off-Road version employed a torque-vectoring AWD system with selectable settings for different terrains such as Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt. Along with an 8.6-inch ground clearance, the TRD Off-Road excelled in off-road conditions. Though intended mainly for dirt trails, it also performed well in urban settings, with the TRD suspension making speed humps nearly unnoticeable.

Fuel economy averaged at 23.4 mpg, falling short of the EPA estimate of 27 mpg. Despite this, the vehicle remained capable and versatile, though the all-terrain tires weren’t ideal for high-speed driving on mountain roads.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Together, they produced 219 horsepower, slightly under the RAV4 Prime’s 302 horsepower. The electric motors provided 149 pound-feet of torque in the front and 89 pound-feet at the rear. Various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, helped adapt performance to different conditions. The test vehicle averaged an impressive 39.7 mpg, close to the EPA estimate of 40 mpg.

The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) of the RAV4 Hybrid operated seamlessly, without the typical droning complaints. The regenerative braking system was well-calibrated, and steering felt responsive. However, the test vehicle’s all-season tires showed limited grip, struggling during aggressive cornering.

The RAV4 Hybrid handled daily driving tasks with ease, absorbing bumps efficiently and maintaining stability. Although it could tackle mild off-road conditions, it wasn’t meant for deeply rutted terrain at high speeds.

Entering the 2020 Toyota RAV4 was easy thanks to well-positioned seating. The driver’s seat featured 8-way adjustability and a low, sporty driving position. Although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustability, it generally provided sufficient support. The TRD Off-Road came with Toyota’s SofTex upholstery, with optional heated and ventilated front seats available through the Weather Package, significantly enhancing overall comfort.

Rear-seat occupants enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports, ensuring comfort on longer journeys. Interior storage was ample, with a handy shelf across the dashboard. Cargo space was notably expansive, offering 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A sturdy roof rack further extended the vehicle’s utility.

For the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, comfort came easily with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, and heated/ventilated front seats. Although the passenger seat lacked height adjustment, it was not problematic. Rear-seat passengers had decent legroom, with adjustable backrests and heated seats adding to comfort.

The RAV4 Hybrid featured user-friendly dashboard controls, with oversized knobs for climate control and the stereo. Storage solutions included dashboard shelves and ample compartments for rear-seat passengers. Cargo capacity was slightly smaller compared to the regular RAV4, with 37.5 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and up to 69.8 cubic feet when folded flat. However, the premium sound system’s subwoofer took up some cargo space, and the all-weather mat was cumbersome.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4’s technology suite was practical and straightforward. Depending on the trim, it offered a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display. Although the screen could suffer from glare, its menu buttons, and audio controls were intuitive. Features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot with a three-month free trial.

The TRD Off-Road’s infotainment impressed with accurate voice-recognition technology, facilitating easy navigation. Optional technology packages included wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 8-inch display in the Hybrid was user-friendly, mounted like a tablet with shortcut buttons and volume/tuning knobs. Dynamic voice recognition worked well, albeit with minor issues, and the JBL sound system provided satisfactory audio quality. Advanced camera technology, such as a 360-degree surround-view system, was also available.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid shared the same TSS 2.0 suite, providing adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and lane assistance features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warnings were standard on higher trims, with rear automatic braking available on the Hybrid Limited.

However, some inconsistencies were noted in the lane-centering and adaptive cruise control functions. The RAV4 Hybrid received an overall five-star rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, except for headlight performance.