Toyota RAV4 2021 Review

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling passenger vehicles today. It's easy to understand why: This small SUV has a smooth ride, plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and many standard advanced driver safety features. No doubt the RAV4's long-running status — it debuted all the way back in 1996 as one of the first crossover SUVs — and Toyota's name recognition help too.

But this popularity doesn't necessarily mean it's the best. In fact, we rank a few other small SUVs ahead of the RAV4, including the equally popular Honda CR-V and the upscale Mazda CX-5. If you want a RAV4, we're more inclined to recommend the RAV4 Hybrid or the new RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. They are more powerful and easily justify their higher initial cost. Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth take on the 2021 RAV4.

Which RAV4 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 RAV4 is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road and Limited. All come with a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on most of the trim levels, and those offer all-wheel drive as an option. The Adventure and the TRD Off-Road come standard with an upgraded all-wheel-drive system that can enhance traction on loose and slippery surfaces.

The RAV4 LE trim may be the base model, but you still get a decent number of features that include:

• LED headlights
• 7-inch touchscreen interface
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
• Six-speaker sound system
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of safety features:
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the RAV4 and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automatic high beams
• Traffic sign reader

The XLE adds more convenience features such as:

• Keyless entry and ignition
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Additional USB charging ports

The XLE Premium dresses up the RAV4 with:

• Larger wheels
• Slightly raised suspension
• Sunroof
• Power liftgate
• Simulated leather upholstery (Toyota's SofTex)
• Soft-touch dashboard materials

The Adventure trim goes without the sunroof and power liftgate but adds some off-road appearance and mechanical elements that include:

• Fender flares
• Taller roof rails
• Selectable terrain drive modes
• Hill descent control
• 8-inch touchscreen

The TRD Off-Road trim gets the sunroof and liftgate back and adds more capabilities with:

• All-terrain tires
• Off-road-tuned suspension
• Unique black trim elements and interior trim

At the top of the range, the Limited builds on the XLE Premium equipment list and adds:

• Chrome exterior trim
• Heated front seats
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Premium 11-speaker JBL audio system

Some features are available as options on supporting trims. Other notable options are dependent on trim level and include:

• Surround-view camera system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Wireless charging pad