2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review
Price Range: $20,970 - $38,998





+123
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 RAV4 Hybrid promises the comfort of a roomy interior and smooth ride with the practical benefits of large cargo space and impressive fuel savings. It delivers where it counts, but it comes with small compromises to the driving experience and interior quality. It's versatile and among only a handful of hybrid SUVs, but it shares the regular RAV's shortcomings compared to other compact utes.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- New midgrade XLE Premium trim joins the lineup
- Part of the fifth Toyota RAV4 generation introduced for 2019
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$142/mo for RAV4 Hybrid LE
RAV4 Hybrid LE
vs
$242/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Exceeding Expectations
5 out of 5 starsSampson, 10/07/2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We brought our 2021 rav 4 Hibred home this evening. Earlier we test drove two other brands of crossovers. The comparison is not even close. The room inside really surprised both my wife and I. The visibility while driving is great. The highway noise was minimal. On the 70 mile trip home we averaged 40.8mpg @60/ 65 mph. The info center is impressive. As an older couple we have a lot to … learn about some of its features. The design is attractive and getting in and out of it no problem. Seats are comfortable and the ride seemed to be very smooth. Time will tell, but I think this one is a keeper for us. We have driven 4x4s for 3 decades. We have owned some of the best out there. I will say I believe we got more for our money when we bought this one compared to past purchases of some very popular SUVs.
Great but for 12 volt battery
3 out of 5 starsEL, 02/17/2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I have the LE, which rides smoothly, gets good mileage, and is comfy for me, an average sized woman. Main problem is that after 3 months it wouldn’t start. The 12 volt battery on which starting depends hadn’t charged. It needed a tow. Dealer replaced the battery for free but told me I didn’t drive enough to keep it charged. Hmmm. I drive short distances 4 or 5 days a week. I’ll also need … to leave the car at airport lots or camping sites in the future and worry about battery drain. A new car shouldn’t do this. Except for the battery, which is a big deal, I like it, but think Toyota should anticipate real people’s driving habits.
A hybrid that drives like a full size SUV.
5 out of 5 starsMike R, 03/22/2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I've only had the RAV4 for a few weeks but so far loving it. I'm getting about 35 MPG (combined) but I do drive "fast" and tend to gun it from time to time. First off, the RAV4 drives quiet at highway speeds with stock Firestone tires. In sport mode this SUV can move---reports show 0-60 in 7.3 seconds and it feels like it. Toyota sense is nice---but I would recommend an XLE with a few … upgraded packages. I like the additional BSM with cross traffic alert, automatic headlights, adaptive cruise control but like the addition of autosensing wipers and power tailgate. BTW, the problems they had with the 2019 and some 2020 models has been fixed---battery drain, roof leak and gas tank filling problem. I have the CR-V as well (2020) and both are great SUVs---both are quiet, comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
Love the 2021 XSE trim
5 out of 5 starsHokieAggie, 09/25/2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
After living a year with a 2020 Highlander (a big lumbering box with cheap cabin materials,) I traded for a 2021 Rav4 Hybrid XSE and LOVE it. After 4,000 miles, mix of highway and town...
The Good
Fun and peppy to drive, especially in sport mode
MPG has been between 39 and 45
Ride is comfortable and quiet
Great turn radius
Knobs and door handles are covered in a rubbery, non-slip … material with a great feel (it's the little things)
Two cubbies for misc stuff, also non-slip lined
JBL stereo is excellent
Infotainment is fine, not too distracting
The Bad
Tire pressure is displayed only in the phone app
THE PHONE APP
2021 RAV4 Hybrid Highlights
LE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 40 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $142/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 37.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the RAV4 Hybrid models:
- Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection
- Detects and warns of potential front impacts, including one involving a pedestrian or cyclist, and automatically engages the brakes.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Monitors your blind spots for other vehicles, illuminating a warning signal on the outside mirrors.
- Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist
- Monitors the vehicle's position in its lane and corrects the steering so the vehicle doesn't leave the lane unintentionally.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover15.5%
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