2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, thanks to its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and aggressive front end. This marked a sharp contrast from the more approachable look of previous generations and most other compact crossovers. It stood out in its class and supplemented its image as more than just an ordinary vehicle. However, under the sheet metal, the RAV4 was just an ordinary vehicle based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which it shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna minivan.

Toyota added flair to the gasoline RAV4 with specific models like the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road. The RAV4 Adventure featured a retro Ice Edge (white) roof and orange interior accents, while the TRD Off-Road boasted matte black 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, dark gray exterior trim, red interior accents, and a front skid plate. The interior included rugged styling touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, although material quality did not always align with price escalation in higher trims. For instance, the TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery that, while appropriate for its outdoorsy focus, lacked genuine leather, even on the range-topping Limited trim.

Compare this to the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, an icon whose styling had remained virtually unchanged over the years. The Wrangler was instantly recognizable with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and protruding bumpers and fenders. It looked like a toy truck for adults and embraced this image proudly. Different trims could adopt unique looks, such as painted or exposed fenders and choices between soft or hardtops, but all maintained core Wrangler elements.

Inside, the Wrangler wasn’t designed for comfort synonymous with car-based SUVs. The upright driving position, limited legroom, and seats adjusted with awkward ripcords were more about charm than convenience. Trim levels ranged from the bare-bones Sport, with manual locks and cloth seats, to the more luxurious Sahara and High Altitude trims that included amenities like leather seats and dual-zone climate control. The off-road-focused Rubicon featured beefed-up suspension and running gear, making it ideal for enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with a single engine option for its gasoline models—a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine’s thermal efficiency reached an impressive 40%, reminiscent of racing engines, and it delivered power with a noticeable eagerness to rev. However, the rest of the RAV4 didn’t match this dynamism. The transmission struggled to keep up, and steering lacked the feel, making for a less engaging driving experience.

On highways, the RAV4 performed adequately, with commendable cabin noise levels and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections efficiently. Off-road versatility was more pronounced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Specific adjustments like all-terrain tires and model-specific suspension tuning enabled some off-road capabilities, albeit not on par with true off-road vehicles.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler’s powertrain lineup was more varied, featuring the standard 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine could be paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant of the V6, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 delivering 260 hp and a robust 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon variant came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine producing a massive 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, a setup that turned the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse capable of tackling the most challenging terrains.

The Wrangler’s 4WD systems varied by trim, with the Command-Trac standard on Sport and Sahara, Select-Trac optional, and the Rock-Trac system with front-and-rear locking differentials for the Rubicon, making it suitable for difficult off-roading. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid was another option, offering a combination of 275 hp and up to 22 miles of electric range.

The tall, upright roof of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided ample headroom and good visibility, though legroom was less competitive. The front seats in the TRD Off-Road model were notably comfortable, but the rear seats had hard cushions that weren’t ideal for long trips. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, though still trailing behind class leaders like the Honda CR-V. The wide aperture aided loading, although the high cargo lip could be inconvenient. The cabin's oversized knobs and easily accessible controls—including glove-friendly steering-wheel buttons—emphasized functionality.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a more utilitarian interior. Various soft and hardtop options existed, including the Sunrider and Sky one-touch power top, the latter allowing for quick and easy retraction. The Wrangler’s cabin was all about function, featuring small storage areas and in-door cargo nets. It also had drain plugs for easy washing. Cargo capacity stood at 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparable to smaller crossovers though complicated by wheel-wells and roll-bars.

For technology, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 boasted standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio across all models. Most trims included a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims like the Limited offering an 8-inch screen and the RAV4 Prime extending up to a 9-inch screen. The touchscreens had user-friendly layouts, but didn’t stand out in terms of flashiness. The available JBL premium audio system and multiple USB ports added to the overall tech package, although more advanced features like a head-up display were restricted to the RAV4 Prime.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler initially offered a basic 5-inch screen, but higher trims or optional packages could upgrade this to a 7-inch or even an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. These larger screens featured crisp graphics and straightforward layouts, supplemented by intuitive radio toggles on the steering wheel. The Rubicon 392 trim added a TFT screen in the instrument cluster and an off-road camera nestled in the front grille, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned impressive safety ratings: a “Top Safety Pick” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist, as well as an available 360-degree camera system.

Safety in the 2021 Jeep Wrangler was less comprehensive. While exposed roll cages were once considered impressive, modern advancements in safety meant it lagged behind. Optional rather than standard, features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors were available, but lane-departure warning was nonexistent. The backup camera was standard, and tire-pressure monitoring was helpful for off-roading, but overall, the Wrangler’s safety tech was basic, especially in lower trims.