2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

　　

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　For the past few years, the Toyota RAV4 has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. Here at zzdcar, 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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$96/mo  for RAV4 Hybrid LE

　　RAV4 Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $28,900 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $30,195 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $32,900 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $34,850 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $37,430 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the RAV4 Hybrid drive? Surprisingly swift acceleration, aided by the hybrid's electric power unit, makes the RAV4 Hybrid kind of fun to drive. There's always enough power ready for lively slingshots around traffic, and straight-line sprints are equally entertaining. Our test vehicle did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. That's more than a second quicker than the non-hybrid RAV4 and respectably quick for a small SUV.

　　Things are less amusing when stopping — the brakes feel mushy and devoid of much feedback — and the same can be said of the steering. Still, the XSE's sport-tuned suspension helps the hybrid stay planted and stable around turns. All RAV4 Hybrids have all-wheel drive. It's not meant for off-roading, but it will definitely help provide more traction on snowy and icy roads.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the RAV4 Hybrid? The RAV4 Hybrid can cover long and short distances in pleasant comfort. The XSE trim we tested handled rough patches and bumps with ease without feeling overly firm or harsh. As for the front seats, they are nicely sculpted and padded appropriately, but the seat bottoms begin to feel flat on longer drives. The passenger side's lack of adjustment can also make it difficult to find a comfortable position.

　　At highway speeds, the RAV4 is generally quiet. The exception is when you hit the gas for a burst of speed, at which point the engine sound gets rather coarse. The climate control system regulates temps quickly and distributes air well throughout the cabin.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? It's easy to get in and out of the RAV4 Hybrid's front and back seats, and the roomy cabin gives four adults plenty of space to stretch out. The RAV4 doesn't feel claustrophobic, and there's good visibility in all directions. And while the rear seats are set low, the front seats are oddly high and can't be adjusted down. It can be an issue for taller drivers and front passengers.

　　Most controls are logically placed and easy to figure out at a glance. Unfortunately, there's still a long reach to the touchscreen. The tuning knob and buttons on the passenger side of the screen require a reach to use.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Audio and navigation controls are easy to use thanks to a large tablet-style display, but the graphics look pretty dated. The tablet is nothing fancy, but it does the job. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. It's a good thing too since Toyota's native Entune software remains clunky.

　　Voice commands can handle basic phone, audio and navigation functions but require deliberate verbal input. It pays to spend time training the system to learn your voice — or use Siri or Google Voice instead. The inclusion of advanced driver aids as standard equipment is a huge plus.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The RAV4's cargo hold is nearly the largest in its class, hybrid or otherwise, and the load floor is low and makes loading items easy. The battery pack doesn't consume valuable cargo space, and the RAV4 Hybrid offers the same luggage space (37.5 cubic feet) as its gas counterpart. Tie-down hooks and a 12-volt power outlet enhance the hybrid's utility.

　　A small center console and a handful of storage nooks offer space for most small items, although a nifty tray lined with rubber grip spanning the length of the dash makes a good spot to park phones and wallets. Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Forward-facing seats and boosters fit readily, but installing a rear-facing infant seat on the passenger side will likely require scooting the front seat up.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? You'll have a hard time doing better than the RAV4 Hybrid's EPA rating of 40 mpg combined (41 city/38 highway). That's not only impressive in its own right, but it's also a full 10 mpg better than non-hybrid RAV4 models. We averaged 35.2 mpg during our test, and that was when driving with an often heavy foot. Drive a bit more deliberately and 40 mpg is within realistic reach.

　　

Value

8.5/10

　　Is the RAV4 Hybrid a good value? The RAV4 Hybrid looks and feels well built. Nice tactile touches abound, such as rubberized grips on dials and soft landings for elbows. The optional simulated leather upholstery is soft and pliable.

　　The hybrid doesn't cost much more than a non-hybrid, and in return you get better power and fuel economy. It'll actually pay for itself in gas savings during your loan or lease. Toyota's traditional warranty coverage is average, but the hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. Free scheduled maintenance for two years/25,000 miles is generous.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The RAV4's most recent styling change gives it a tougher look, but there's only so much design aggression you can bake into a crossover. Much of the fun of stabbing the hybrid's throttle for a juicy burst of low-end punch is negated by its rubbery steering, numb braking and droning engine under high load.

　　Still, its zippy electrically assisted acceleration, taut suspension and modest off-road capability make the RAV4 Hybrid a solid all-around driver. Toyota has mostly succeeded in taking the bland out of the RAV4.

　　

Which RAV4 Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

We suggest going with the new XLE Premium trim level. It's less expensive than the XSE (last year's recommendation) and still packs a good mix of features. You don't get the sporty looks or retuned suspension, but we think it's worth the trade-offs given the savings.

　　

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models

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 integrationEvery 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 beamsXLE

　　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 wheelXSE

　　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 touchscreenLimited

　　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 systemSome 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

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2021 RAV4 Hybrid Highlights

Trim: LEXLEXLE PremiumXSELimitedLE

　　

Base MSRP	$28,900
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	40 MPG
Cost to Drive	$96/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	37.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles