2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083 with almost every option, appeared more like a rental car than a fully-loaded model. Despite its high price, it lacked the larger wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic all-wheel-drive system wasn't suitable for an Adventure trim level. However, the RAV4 Hybrid had a tough look, needing only bolder wheels to enhance its appearance. Inside, it was stylish and practical, though quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastic. A rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was a minor annoyance.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering, particularly its VC-Turbo engine. The large honeycomb grille and athletic-looking hood gave it a sporty appearance. The rear featured a unique chrome strip, adding character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and offered stunning views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window hindered visibility. The Sensory AWD model had attractive 20-inch alloy wheels and all-season run-flat tires. Inside, the cabin featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions.

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 pack, producing 219 horsepower. The front electric motor generated 149 pound-feet of torque, while the rear motor produced 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, making it feel lively when accelerating. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 39.7 mpg during testing. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and controlled ride, though the all-season tires lacked grip in corners. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Trail mode, it handled light off-road conditions well.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for power and efficiency. The CVT had simulated shift points for a familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The QX50's drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, with Sport mode providing increased responsiveness and steering effort. The QX50 remained composed on various road conditions, including a rainy, construction-laden Interstate drive. The intelligent AWD system provided reassurance in slippery conditions.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom, foot space, and reclining backrests, though the seat felt slightly low. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, with large climate control and stereo knobs. The cargo area provided 37.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage options included dashboard shelves, a center armrest with cupholders, and door panel bottle holders.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 felt spacious inside, with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers had 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for adjustable legroom or cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The optional Cargo package included a reversible cargo area protector, cargo blocks, and nets. The QX50 also featured numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, including USB ports and a 12-volt charging port.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display had shortcut buttons and stereo knobs, with a home screen showing radio, phone, and navigation details. The JBL sound system was satisfactory, and camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens—an 8-inch upper LCD/VGA and a 7-inch lower color unit. It included voice recognition and Infiniti InTouch Services, offering navigation, entertainment, communications, convenience, and safety features. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered powerful sound. The Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar and moving-object detection aided parking. ProPilot Assist, available on all but the base trim, combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance for a semi-autonomous driving experience.

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

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered standard safety features such as blind-spot warning, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, automatic collision notification, emergency call, rearview monitor, hill-start assist, and high-beam assist. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on all but the base trim, with traffic sign recognition available on higher trims. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS for crash protection and front crash prevention.