2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a complete redesign in 12 years, although it had received updates over time. Despite these updates, a used 4Runner was quite similar to a new one, minus some of the latest infotainment and safety technologies. The 4Runner's design was not conventionally attractive, with most versions adopting a somewhat aggressive look, except for the chrome-adorned Limited model. However, its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches had aged well, maintaining balanced proportions, timeless styling, and undeniable utility. The 4Runner was like a reliable tool, not needing frequent redesigns.

Toyota offered the 4Runner in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, Venture Special Edition, and Nightshade Special Edition. Pricing ranged from $36,950 for the SR5 RWD to $50,570 for the TRD Pro 4WD. The test vehicle, a Trail Special Edition, was priced at $38,565 MSRP for the RWD model, with an additional $1,875 for 4WD. With premium audio, a cargo cover, and a TRD front skid plate, the total price was $43,729, including the destination charge. Toyota planned to build only 4,000 units of the Trail Special Edition, available in white, black, Cement (gray), and Army Green, featuring dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket.

Inside, the Trail Special Edition had black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a custom-made 40-quart cooler. The interior was dominated by hard plastic, which was easy to clean and suited the SUV's rugged mission. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs, buttons, and manual air conditioning. The 4Runner required a traditional key to start, adding to its charm. These qualities made the 4Runner a simple, durable vehicle that could last for decades, provided gasoline stations remained available.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, on the other hand, was a fully-loaded model with an MSRP of $42,083, including the destination charge. Despite its high price, it looked similar to rental car versions. The RAV4 Hybrid Limited deserved larger wheels like the non-hybrid version and an Adventure trim level, but its electronic AWD system was not up to the task. Nevertheless, the RAV4 had a tough appearance, needing only bolder wheels to complete the look. For a more upscale option, the 2021 Toyota Venza was essentially a refined RAV4 Hybrid.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish, functional, and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastic. The test vehicle had a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate. The interior featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with a heated rim, and heated and ventilated front seats. The passenger seat did not adjust for height but was comfortable. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with good leg support and a reclining backrest. The dashboard had clear instrumentation, large climate control knobs, and easy-to-use infotainment controls. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was tested at Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area, where it showcased its off-road capabilities. The Trail Special Edition, equipped with A-Trac, tackled challenging terrain, including the Frame Twister, by braking spinning wheels to move forward. The 4Runner handled mud, hills, and ruts with ease, and higher trims offered additional off-road features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control.

The 4Runner had a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds. On pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. It averaged 16.8 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but frequent gas station stops were necessary.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, providing standard AWD. The powertrain generated 219 horsepower, with the front electric motor producing 149 pound-feet of torque and the rear motor 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid had multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, with instant electric-motor torque making it feel lively. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg combined, and it averaged 39.7 mpg during testing.

The RAV4 Hybrid's CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The steering was nicely weighted, and the suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, the test vehicle's tires had low grip, affecting cornering performance. The RAV4 Hybrid handled well on roads and was agreeable to drive, with a relatively flat cornering stance. It was also capable off-road, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a Trail driving mode.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, making it challenging for shorter individuals to climb aboard without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable front and rear seats with good support and legroom. The rear seat had air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The 4Runner provided an open-air feeling with the sunroof, power windows, and rear tailgate glass open. A third-row seat was available, but the test vehicle had a sliding cargo deck instead, holding up to 440 pounds. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, with additional storage on the roof rack.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The passenger seat was comfortable despite lacking height adjustment. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with good leg support and a reclining backrest. The dashboard had clear instrumentation and large climate control knobs. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had limited technology, with a windshield wiper de-icer system and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, dynamic voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered several infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and various connected services. The 8-inch display was easy to use, with shortcut buttons and knobs for primary functions. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. However, it had a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision and a three-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact crash.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a road-sign recognition system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on all but the Hybrid LE trim level, and rear automatic braking was available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.