2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 had a rugged-looking exterior that captured the essence of a traditional SUV. Toyota intentionally designed it with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, sharply contrasting the more approachable look of previous generations. These features added to the perception that the RAV4 was more than just an ordinary vehicle, giving it an aggressive look that stood out in the family car segment.

Underneath its striking exterior, the RAV4 was based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, a well-engineered foundation also used for sedans, hatchbacks, and the Toyota Sienna minivan. The RAV4's styling seemed to suggest the toughness of the 4Runner, but its mechanical bits were more akin to the Camry’s.

Toyota offered several options to make the gasoline RAV4 even more appealing. The RAV4 Adventure model added a retro look with an Ice Edge (white) roof, complemented by orange interior accent stitching and trim. The TRD Off-Road version featured matte black 18-inch wheels (with 19-inch wheels available on some trims), standard LED fog lights, dark gray exterior trim, red interior accents, and a front skid plate for added ruggedness.

Inside, the RAV4 featured some rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, functional elements that distinguished its cabin from other Toyota models. Material quality was fairly good on lower trims, but it didn't improve commensurately with the price on higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model tested had SofTex upholstery—a lighter, durable alternative to leather. However, real leather was absent, even on the top-range Limited trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited came packed with almost every available option, bringing the MSRP up to $42,083, including the destination charge. Despite its fully-loaded status, it could have used the larger wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited for a more robust appearance. Moreover, the electronic AWD system wasn't strong enough for an Adventure trim level akin to its gasoline counterpart.

The RAV4 Hybrid's design was polished without being overtly luxurious. It had an attractive and functional interior, using a mix of high-quality materials and glossy hard plastics typical of compact SUVs. One downside was a persistent rattle behind the front seats, traced back to the license plate on the tailgate.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 ran on a single engine option: the “Dynamic Force” 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, this engine was paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD). For more power, buyers could consider the 219-hp RAV4 Hybrid or the 302-hp RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid.

With 40% thermal efficiency—a level typically seen only in racing engines—the Dynamic Force engine stood out. It revved eagerly, peaking at 6,600 rpm with a 6,750 rpm redline. However, the transmission lagged behind, hesitating to shift gears accurately, making for a subpar driving experience. The steering was responsive yet lacked a genuine feel, drawing comparisons to a video game. Although Toyota included a “Sport” driving mode, its main effect was to add weight to the steering, negatively impacting the responsiveness.

The RAV4 excelled on highways, where low cabin noise and a well-tuned suspension shone through. While the RAV4 aimed to combine the dynamic engine with its TNGA platform, it fell short in driving dynamics.

Despite its focus being shifted to off-road capabilities, the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models impressed with 8.6 inches of ground clearance and torque-vectoring rear axles. These versions could tow up to 3,500 pounds, significantly more than the 1,500-pound capacity of other RAV4 models. However, limited suspension articulation and shallow approach, departure, and breakover angles hindered true off-road performance.

On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and higher power than the standard RAV4 engine but less than the RAV4 Prime. The front electric motor generated 149 pound-feet of torque, while the rear motor contributed 89 lb-ft.

Various driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV were available, the latter emitting a whirring noise to alert pedestrians. Weighing between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, depending on the trim, the RAV4 Hybrid had instant electric-motor torque for lively acceleration. However, the four-cylinder engine sounded unappealing at high revs. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and our tests averaged 39.7 mpg.

The Hybrid’s continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, without the droning often associated with such systems. Regenerative braking was effective, and the steering was nicely weighted. However, the test vehicle's P225/60R18 all-season tires offered low grip, causing noise during cornering.

Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid delivered a smooth ride, absorbing bumps efficiently. The XSE trim, with its sport-tuned suspension, offered a firmer ride, but tire issues persisted. Off-road, the RAV4 Hybrid's 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Trail mode helped it navigate mild terrain effectively.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom in both rows and excellent outward visibility. However, legroom lagged behind several competitors. The form-fitting front seats in the TRD Off-Road model were comfortable, but the rear seats had hard, flat cushions, making long trips uninviting.

A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, but it didn't slide like those in the Ford Escape or Nissan Rogue. The gasoline RAV4 offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats upright, and although this was above average, it trailed behind the segment-leading Honda CR-V. Loading cargo was straightforward, thanks to a wide aperture, but the higher lip made it less convenient than the Honda.

Similarly equipped, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a roomy and comfortable interior. Features included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom, good foot space, and reclining backrests, despite seats feeling slightly low. Rear air conditioning vents and heated seats enhanced comfort.

The RAV4 Hybrid also featured clearly legible instrumentation that varied by driving mode. Controls were logically placed and included oversized climate and stereo knobs with rubberized grips. The infotainment system was intuitive and easy to use.

Storage was practical, with useful shelves on the dashboard, a center armrest with cupholders, door bottle holders, and front seatback pockets for rear passengers. With the rear seats up, the Hybrid offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than the gasoline RAV4. Maximum cargo capacity was 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Both the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid provided a full suite of standard and optional technologies. The RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month free trial. Depending on the trim, an infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen was available, with the RAV4 Prime offering up to a 9-inch screen. Five USB ports could be found throughout the cabin, and an optional JBL premium audio system was available.

Despite its ease of use, the RAV4’s infotainment system wasn’t particularly impressive. The touchscreen, perched atop the dashboard, featured easily readable graphics and shortcut buttons for key functions like navigation and audio. However, it lacked features like the head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime, and its overall interface was more functional than flashy.

The RAV4 Hybrid offered similar infotainment features, available with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, along with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Two connected services—Safety Connect and WiFi Connect—were standard, offering limited free trials. The test vehicle came with the top-tier infotainment system, including the 11-speaker JBL premium audio, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition with free updates for three years.

The 8-inch display was mounted tablet-style at the top of the dashboard, flanked by shortcut buttons, with stereo volume and tuning knobs below. The home screen simultaneously displayed radio, phone, and map details. Voice recognition worked well, although it failed to handle climate settings. The JBL sound system was satisfactory, and available camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system and a rearview camera mirror.

Safety was a strong suit for both the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid. The RAV4 earned a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention. However, it didn’t achieve “Top Safety Pick+” due to mixed headlight ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests.

Standard safety features included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, featuring forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

Similarly, the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, lane-centering, automatic high beams, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on most trims, with rear automatic braking exclusive to the Hybrid Limited.

In NHTSA tests, the RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating. The IIHS also gave it top scores, except for its headlights, with only the adaptive front lights on the Hybrid Limited earning a top "Good" rating.