- Kelley Blue Book’s Compact SUV Best Buy for 2021
- Toyota Safety Sense is standard on every model
- IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA 5-Star rating
- Terrific gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options
- Known for excellent reliability and resale value
- Pricing starts at $26,250 (plus $1,175 destination) | Price yours
The Toyota RAV4 has long been known as a roomy, practical, reliable compact SUV that places a high priority on safety. None of that has changed. However, what the current generation RAV4 adds to the mix is a serious helping of excitement. Don’t believe us? Among the gas and hybrid models of the 2021 Toyota RAV4, the hybrid XSE has the best fuel economy and best performance, with a 7.8-second 0-to-60 mph time and combined fuel economy of 40 mpg. The RAV4 Prime tops that with 302 horsepower, 0-to-60 in 5.7 seconds, and 94 MPGe combined.
Safety is Standard
Whichever parent has the key fob to the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is going to be happy to get behind the wheel. In fact, there is a lot that parents will like about the RAV4. While they are enjoying the performance and ride of this SUV, they know that their kids are safe. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard on every model. It includes lane departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-tracing assistance. Higher trim levels add a blind-spot monitor with rear traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist. The RAV4 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and earns a 5-star rating from NHTSA.
Three Powertrain Choices
One of the most rewarding ways to save money while owning a vehicle is by paying less at the pump. All three of this Toyota’s powertrains make that easy. With the gas engine, you can get up to 35 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is optional and only reduces fuel economy by 1 mpg on the highway. With the Hybrid, where AWD is standard, fuel economy is 40 mpg combined. And the AWD Prime can go 42 miles on electric power alone, with a total range of 600 miles. Toyota made its hot-rod SUVs the most frugal models in the RAV4 lineup. That’s about as close to a no-compromise proposition as you can get.
As we said in our Expert Review of the RAV4 Hybrid, “At the wheel, the RAV4 Hybrid handles decently, responding competently to steering inputs and managing excessive body roll in corners. The best handling hybrid version is the XSE trim, which has a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers.”
Great for Family Adventures
Toyota offers a variety of trim levels to meet your family’s needs. If you and the kids are interested in exploring the out-of-doors, the Adventure might be the one for you. Sitting taller and wider than the rest of the RAV4 lineup, the Adventure has a more aggressive exterior, handy roof rails, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Want to venture further? Consider the TRD Off-Road model, which uses a suspension, wheels, and tires designed for off-road use, as well as an extra skid plate. It also has a Multi-Terrain Select System so you can choose the right drive mode for the road conditions.
If you prefer to stay on-road, there are plenty of amenities in the LE, XLE, and Limited to choose from to make your trip pleasant for everyone aboard. There’s 11-speaker JBL audio, Qi wireless smartphone charging, five USB ports, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic moonroof. Whatever your adventure, there’s room for up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo, and the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Value
The price of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 starts at $27,425, including destination. The RAV4 Hybrid starts at $29,975, and the RAV4 Prime starts at $39,425. But regardless of powertrain or trim level, every RAV4 is backed by the company’s reputation for reliability and resale value, and traditionally offers impressive cost-to-own numbers.
More 2021 Toyota RAV4
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