2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 8.5 out of 10. Given these ratings, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a better choice. It offers superior fuel efficiency, additional safety features, and improved overall performance, making it a more versatile and pragmatic option for most consumers. While both vehicles have their merits, the RAV4 Hybrid stands out as the more refined and capable model.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if:
Shop Now- You value higher fuel efficiency with a combined 40 mpg rating.
- You prefer the instant torque and smooth acceleration provided by the hybrid powertrain.
- You want enhanced safety features, including responsive regenerative braking and advanced cruise control.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You prefer a more aggressive, rugged-looking exterior with higher ground clearance for off-road capabilities.
- You’re looking for a comfortable, form-fitting front seat experience.
- You want a straightforward and easy-to-use infotainment system without needing a head-up display.
Overview | |
MSRP$26,350 | MSRP$28,900 |
Average price$26,768 | Average price$31,021 |
Listings4034 | Listings1175 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Toyota RAV4 Reviews SummarySince its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE. We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division. | |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Reviews SummaryA 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid pays for itself in a little more than three years. We’ll show you the math later in this review, but based on national averages, it goes from being more expensive to buy to saving you money after about 40 months of ownership. Toyota sells the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited trim levels. Pricing runs from $28,650 to $37,180, plus a $1,175 destination charge that can vary depending on your region. The XLE Premium trim is new for the 2021 model year and adds a super chrome wheel finish, a power sunroof, SofTex leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity1.6 kWh |
MPG City28 | MPG City41 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity1.6 kWh |
MPG City28 | MPG City41 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway38 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space37.6 cu ft | Cargo Space37.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3370 lbs | Curb Weight3690 lbs |
Height67.0 in | Height67.0 in |
Length180.9 in | Length180.9 in |
Width73.0 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase105.9 in | Wheelbase105.9 in |
Maximum Payload1240 lbs | Maximum Payload1230 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1750 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 8.5 out of 10. Given these ratings, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a better choice. It offers superior fuel efficiency, additional safety features, and improved overall performance, making it a more versatile and pragmatic option for most consumers. While both vehicles have their merits, the RAV4 Hybrid stands out as the more refined and capable model.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if:
Shop Now- You value higher fuel efficiency with a combined 40 mpg rating.
- You prefer the instant torque and smooth acceleration provided by the hybrid powertrain.
- You want enhanced safety features, including responsive regenerative braking and advanced cruise control.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You prefer a more aggressive, rugged-looking exterior with higher ground clearance for off-road capabilities.
- You’re looking for a comfortable, form-fitting front seat experience.
- You want a straightforward and easy-to-use infotainment system without needing a head-up display.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $26,350 | $28,900 |
Average price | $26,768 | $31,021 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Since its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE. We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division. | A 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid pays for itself in a little more than three years. We’ll show you the math later in this review, but based on national averages, it goes from being more expensive to buy to saving you money after about 40 months of ownership. Toyota sells the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited trim levels. Pricing runs from $28,650 to $37,180, plus a $1,175 destination charge that can vary depending on your region. The XLE Premium trim is new for the 2021 model year and adds a super chrome wheel finish, a power sunroof, SofTex leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
EV Battery Capacity | 1.6 kWh | |
MPG City | 28 | 41 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 38 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 1.6 kWh | |
MPG City | 28 | 41 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 38 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.6 cu ft | 37.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3370 lbs | 3690 lbs |
Height | 67.0 in | 67.0 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 180.9 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 105.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1240 lbs | 1230 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 1750 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.