Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

For the past few years, the Toyota RAV4 has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. Here at MatoCar, however, we've been less enthusiastic. While the RAV4 is undoubtedly practical, it has enough minor drawbacks to make us recommend some other top small SUVs instead. But things are different with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The big difference is that we like the hybrid powertrain more than the regular RAV4's. Not only is it more powerful, but it also gets you better fuel economy — about 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. Toyota does charge a little more for the hybrid compared to the regular RAV4, but it'll be pretty easy to make up for it in reduced fuel costs.

Though small SUVs are quite popular, there are surprisingly few direct competitors. Only recently have the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid made their debuts. These three are pretty evenly matched, so it's worth doing some comparison shopping. And if you want something even more efficient — though more expensive — check out the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid.

Which RAV4 Hybrid does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium (new for 2021), XSE and Limited. All five are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor with a continuously variable automatic transmission. A second electric motor powers the rear wheels when traction is necessary, meaning every RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. Altogether, the hybrid powertrain makes 219 horsepower.

LE The base LE model is the most affordable hybrid in the RAV4 lineup and includes these features:

• 17-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• One USB media port
• 7-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa smartphone integration

Every RAV4 Hybrid also comes with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver safety systems. It includes:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning with steering assist (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and steers the RAV4 Hybrid back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Automatic high beams

XLE Stepping up to the XLE gets you all of the LE's features, plus:

• Projector-style LED headlights
• Foglights
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Additional USB charging ports
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

XLE Premium The new midlevel trim fills a gap both in features and price in the lineup. Equipment includes:

• 18-inch wheels
• Sunroof
• Power liftgate
• Upgraded climate control with additional vent controls
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

XSE Like other Toyotas, the XSE is the sportiest model in the RAV4 Hybrid lineup. Standard features include:

• Sport-tuned suspension
• Black-painted 18-inch wheels
• Two-tone paint with black trim
• Partial digital instrument cluster
• Simulated leather upholstery with cloth inserts and blue stitching
• Heated front seats
• 8-inch touchscreen

Limited The top-tier Limited trip eschews the XSE's sporty looks but keeps many of its features, adding:

• 18-inch chrome wheels
• 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