Flash Drive

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited

April 14, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD SUV

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has crisp styling and a comfortable ride along with excellent fuel economy.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 219 combined horsepower, 163 lb-ft torque

Transmission: Electronic CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 41-mpg city, 38-mpg highway, 40-mpg combined

Base Price: $37,030

As Tested: $42,462

Performance:

Peppy performance with electric assist

Good fuel economy—our best was 40.2-mpg

The exterior size is relatively compact, but interior space is generous.

EV mode

Trail mode

Dial for Eco, Normal, Sport modes

Sport mode makes a noticeable difference

Lots of excellent safety features

Competent off-road, snow performance

Pleasant highway ride

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

The RAV4 is most often used on paved roads, but it has lots of rugged off-road capabilities, too.

Supportive comfortable seats

Heated and vented front seats (3 temps)

Driver power lumbar support

Medium thick, heated, slightly contoured leather wheel

Very good range tilt/telescopic column

Low rear floor hump

Excellent, adult-friendly backseat room

Adults can fit in middle position

Middle cushion not too firm

RAV4 front seat room and comfort are excellent.

Ample shoe room under front seats

Utility:

Power tailgate with foot motion activation

Ample size cargo area

Flat floor, no lift-over

Split folding rear seats have slight slope

Large, textured HVAC dials are easy to use without looking

Inductive smart phone charger on center console

Large infotainment touch screen

Rear seat room is better than many larger SUVs. Even the middle position is adult friendly.

Medium size front door bins

Padded, medium size console bin/cover

Medium size glovebox, but no lock

Open storage shelf above glovebox

Two rear row USB ports

Rear doors only have bottle notch, no bin

WOW Factors:

Spacious, comfortable interior

Adult size rear seat

Versatile cargo space

There’s ample cargo space behind the split, folding rear seats. The cargo deck is flat.

High content/value

Speedometer has Eco info

Foot activated tailgate

Large panoramic moon roof

Impressive fuel economy for an SUV

Whines:

No rear door bins

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a great multi-purpose vehicle that hits lots of sweet spots—reasonable exterior size,

The infotainment screen is large and the center stack controls are easy to use.

spacious/comfortable inside, good cargo utility, high technology/safety content, crisp styling, and excellent fuel economy. All these factors explain why the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of the leaders in the popular compact SUV segment.