2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came across as a rugged yet sleek crossover, designed to appeal with its SUV-like styling. Its boxy fender flares, sharp taillights, and scowling front end offered a stark contrast to previous generations and competitors, making it more aggressive in appearance. The Adventure model added a retro feel with an Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, while the TRD Off-Road trim got matte black wheels, dark gray exterior trim, and red interior accents. Inside, large rubberized knobs and door handles amplified the rugged feel, with SofTex upholstery in the TRD Off-Road designed for durability. However, the interior materials, even in higher trims, lacked the premium touch found in competitors.

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner largely retained its design from over a decade ago, with only minor updates. Its appearance was more functional than attractive, but its two-box design with trapezoidal wheel arches emphasized utility and timelessness. The 4Runner Trail Special Edition, tested at a moderate $43,729 price point, came with dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket. While the overall design wasn't modern, it held a charm reminiscent of a reliable, old tool. The interior was filled with durable hard plastics and old-school controls, emphasizing simplicity and longevity over luxury.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This Dynamic Force engine boasted impressive efficiency, with power peaking at 6,600 rpm. However, the transmission's lackluster performance and the steering's video game-like feedback made the driving experience less engaging. The RAV4 was better suited for highway cruising, where it offered a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride. Off-road capability was enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, although they lacked the ruggedness of traditional off-road vehicles.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, showcased its prowess in off-road conditions. Equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, and a five-speed automatic transmission, the 4Runner excelled in challenging terrains with the help of its A-Trac system. It tackled mud, hills, and ruts with ease but felt slow, heavy, and cumbersome on paved roads. The 4Runner had a solid tow rating of 5,000 pounds and an authentic SUV feel, which contributed to its charm. However, its fuel economy was dismal, averaging 16.8 mpg, making frequent fuel stops necessary.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided a practical cabin with ample headroom and good outward visibility due to its tall, upright design. The front seats in the TRD Off-Road trim were comfortable, but the rear seats lacked adequate cushioning for long trips. Cargo space stood at 37.6 cubic feet, which, while above average, was still less than the Honda CR-V. The interior featured large knobs and a sizable center-console storage bin, but small cupholders and minimal loose-change storage detracted from overall convenience.

Conversely, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a more utilitarian interior layout. While the high seating position might challenge shorter passengers, the seats were generally comfortable with good support. The rear seats provided generous legroom and excellent visibility. Cargo capacity was impressive, offering up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with them folded, far exceeding the RAV4. The 4Runner also featured a sliding cargo deck capable of holding 440 pounds, enhancing its practicality for various activities.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came well-equipped with modern tech features including standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The base models included a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims boasting an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offering a 9-inch screen. Despite the intuitive interface and well-placed screen, the system wasn’t flashy and lacked a head-up display in its gasoline variant.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, especially the Trail Special Edition, kept things simple but effective. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with comprehensive connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The premium audio upgrade in our test vehicle added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, enhancing usability. The infotainment system was straightforward, with physical buttons large enough to operate with gloves, reflecting the 4Runner's utilitarian ethos.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned high marks for safety. The IIHS awarded it a "Top Safety Pick" with top scores in crash tests and superior front-crash prevention. However, it missed the "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave the RAV4 a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and park assist.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner included the basic TSS-P package, which covered essentials such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked modern features like blind-spot monitoring, which was a significant drawback. Safety ratings reflected its age, with marginal ratings in small overlap front-impact and three-star ratings for front passenger protection by the NHTSA. The 4Runner’s safety features were functional but not as comprehensive or modern as the RAV4's offerings.