2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 presented a bold and angular appearance that marked a departure from the softer lines of its predecessors. This redesign aimed to give the compact SUV a tougher look, aligning its exterior ruggedness with its proven durability. The Adventure trim level, introduced in the previous year, enhanced the SUV’s off-roading capabilities with features like a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the Adventure trim lived up to its name, offering genuine off-road prowess.

Toyota introduced the TRD Off-Road trim in 2020, elevating the ruggedness with matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, severe-duty all-terrain tires, and a special TRD-tuned suspension. This new trim could be distinguished by its wheels, tires, and badges, although it looked similar to the Adventure model. The TRD Off-Road model I tested boasted the attractive Lunar Rock gray paint with an additional-cost white roof, which proved excellent at hiding dirt.

Inside, the TRD Off-Road model featured TRD logos on the front-seat head restraints, complemented by rubber floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The interior quality varied, combining plush and soft-touch materials with less appealing inexpensive plastics. Positioned near the top of the gas-powered RAV4’s trim levels, the TRD Off-Road offered an attractive combination of ruggedness and sophistication for a wide range of buyers.

For 2021, the Toyota RAV4 maintained its tough-looking exterior with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This design direction contrasted sharply with earlier, more approachable generations of the RAV4, as well as with most compact crossovers on the market. The aim was to instill a perception of the RAV4 as more than just an ordinary family vehicle.

Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the 2021 RAV4 shared its underpinnings with several other Toyota models, lending a sense of robustness and proven reliability. However, this platform also meant that the RAV4’s mechanical bits were more aligned with the practical and efficient than with the rugged image projected by its styling.

The 2021 RAV4 offered style enhancements, notably in the Adventure model, which featured an Ice Edge (white) roof and orange interior accents. The TRD Off-Road model included matte-black 18-inch wheels, standard LED fog lights, and interior accents like rubberized knobs and door handles. Material quality was generally good on lower trims, but higher trims didn’t necessarily match up to the elevated prices.

The 2020 RAV4 came equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For buyers seeking better fuel efficiency and power, the RAV4 Hybrid offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel economy of up to 40 mpg combined. However, the TRD Off-Road trim was only available with the standard gasoline engine.

In practice, the non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain provided adequate power, especially in Sport mode. Nevertheless, a turbocharged engine would have been preferable, especially in high-altitude areas like Denver. The 8-speed automatic transmission performed well most of the time, although it occasionally struggled to choose the right gear.

The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with fuel-saving driveline disconnect technology and offered several driving modes, including Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance and a downhill assist control system, the TRD Off-Road was well-equipped for challenging terrains.

My testing included navigating a tricky trail with steep ravines and slick muddy spots, where the TRD Off-Road handled admirably. In everyday use, the RAV4 proved capable for school runs, errands, and urban driving, aided by features like the 360-degree surround-view camera system. However, I averaged 23.4 mpg in fuel consumption, falling short of the EPA estimate of 27 mpg. Overall, the TRD Off-Road balanced off-road capability with urban practicality, although its all-terrain tires compromised high-speed handling on mountain roads.

The 2021 RAV4 carried forward the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional AWD. For more power and efficiency, the RAV4 Hybrid offered 219 horsepower, while the new RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered an impressive 302 horsepower.

The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a characteristic more common in racing engines, and power peaked at a high 6,600 rpm. Despite its impressive efficiency and power output, the engine’s performance felt mismatched with the RAV4’s overall character. The transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering, while responsive, lacked feel, resulting in a somewhat disconnected driving experience. The Sport mode added weight to the steering but did little to enhance overall responsiveness.

On highways, the RAV4 performed better, with low cabin noise levels and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. However, Toyota's focus on off-road capability meant that road performance was not significantly upgraded. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, with the TRD Off-Road also benefiting from enhanced suspension tuning and all-terrain tires. These models offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for other RAV4 trims.

The 2020 RAV4 excelled in ease of entry and exit, with seating hip points ideally positioned. The driver's seat provided a low and sporty driving position, adjustable in 8 ways, while the front passenger seat, though lacking height adjustment, offered good thigh support. The TRD Off-Road’s SofTex upholstery simulated leather and required the Weather Package to include heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Rear seat accommodations were generous in legroom, easily fitting adults and children, with air conditioning vents and USB ports enhancing passenger comfort. Interior storage solutions were abundant, highlighted by a shelf across the dashboard. Cargo capacity was impressive, offering 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded down. The tested model also featured a durable roof rack with crossbars and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 RAV4’s tall, upright roof provided ample headroom in both rows, with good outward visibility. However, rear legroom fell behind some competitors. While front seats in the TRD Off-Road trim were notably comfortable, the rear seats had flat, hard cushions that were less suitable for long journeys.

Cargo space remained competitive at 37.6 cubic feet with rear seats up. Although Toyota didn't quote figures with the seats folded, loading cargo was facilitated by a wide aperture, despite a higher load lip compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V.

Large, easy-to-use knobs and steering-wheel controls were practical features, even usable with gloves. Storage solutions included a spacious center-console storage bin and a designated smartphone space, although these seemed to limit overall console storage. Unlike traditional SUVs, the RAV4 lacked large cupholders but included functional vehicle controls like a drive-mode knob and buttons.

Technology in the 2020 RAV4 was user-friendly and practical. Depending on the trim, the infotainment system featured either a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen. The 8-inch system in the TRD Off-Road trim suffered from glare but was otherwise satisfactory. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot with a free trial.

The system was easy to use, with flanking shortcut buttons and separate climate controls. Upgrades comprised an embedded navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The superb voice-recognition technology stood out, accurately responding to various commands.

The optional Technology Package added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable height and angle, enhancing overall usability and convenience.

Standard technology in the 2021 RAV4 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Limited models had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, along with a JBL premium audio system.

The infotainment system was simple but effective. The well-positioned touchscreen came with clear graphics and helpful shortcut buttons for essential functions, although the system wasn't particularly flashy. Unlike the RAV4 Prime, the gasoline RAV4 didn't have a head-up display.

Overall, while the RAV4’s technology wasn’t designed to impress tech-savvy buyers, it provided a straightforward interface that made in-car infotainment easy to navigate.

The 2020 RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a suite of advanced driving assist features, including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and more. These systems worked smoothly and accurately, encouraging drivers to keep them activated.

Toyota also included a complimentary 1-year Safety Connect subscription, offering automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and enhanced roadside assistance. The IIHS awarded the 2020 RAV4 a Top Safety Pick rating, contingent on models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights. Without these, headlight performance was rated lower, but overall crash protection and ADAS performance were top-notch.

The IIHS awarded the 2021 RAV4 a Top Safety Pick rating, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention technology. However, mixed headlight scores on certain trim levels prevented the highest rating. The NHTSA gave the 2021 RAV4 a five-star overall rating, including four stars in frontal and rollover tests and five stars in side tests.

Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. A 360-degree camera system was also an option in certain packages.