2021 Toyota RAV4 Review
Price Range: $19,750 - $35,997
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Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 RAV4 is a pleasant SUV that rides smoothly, has a roomy interior that's easy to live with, and offers plenty of utility. It brakes and handles in a confident way, and it's fuel-efficient. The merely satisfactory engine and indifferent steering, however, prevent it from being a top choice for a small SUV.
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2021 Toyota RAV4 Review
Pros
- Quiet interior and comfortable ride quality
- Abundant cargo and passenger space
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons
- Lackluster power from powertrain
- Uncomfortable front passenger seat
- Vague steering
What's new
- No significant changes for 2021
- Part of the fifth Toyota RAV4 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
209 listings
- $26,900great price$3,266 below market
- 29,027 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 27 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Don Beyer Volvo Cars of Falls Church (19 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Falls Church, VA
VOLVO OF FALLS CHURCH!!! Temporary Spare Tire, 3 Spoke Leather Heated Steering Wheel, All Weather Floor Liners, All Weather Liner Package (TMS), Anti-...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (27 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T3A1RFV5MW145402
Stock: T29756V
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-30-2025 - $23,000good price$1,947 below market
- 52,099 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 27 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Koons Ford of Falls Church (21 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
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Located in Falls Church, VA
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE 4D Sport Utility 8-Speed Automatic ** Bluetooth **, ** BLIS / Blind Spot Monitoring **, ** Rear View Camera **, ** Navigation / N...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (27 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T3P1RFV3MW195774
Stock: KFCP220231A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-17-2025
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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.7
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Toyota RAV4 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience: 0-60, engine & performance
7/10
How does the RAV4 drive? The RAV4 doesn't impress here, unfortunately. The engine is willing around town, and passing and merging are drama-free. But if you're in a huge rush, you might notice the engine's ultimately modest power delivery. In Edmunds testing, our RAV4 Adventure test vehicle needed 9.1 seconds to cover 0-60 mph, which is slightly slower than the class average.
Another gripe we have is with the steering, which is vague at the center point and doesn't have appropriate levels of feel and heft. As such, it's easy to misjudge your level of input. In better news, the RAV4's optional upgraded all-wheel-drive system includes rear-axle torque vectoring and more advanced traction control systems with selectable terrain settings and hill descent control. These systems, plus respectable ground clearance, give the RAV4 Adventure above-average off-road ability for a small SUV.
Another gripe we have is with the steering, which is vague at the center point and doesn't have appropriate levels of feel and heft. As such, it's easy to misjudge your level of input. In better news, the RAV4's optional upgraded all-wheel-drive system includes rear-axle torque vectoring and more advanced traction control systems with selectable terrain settings and hill descent control. These systems, plus respectable ground clearance, give the RAV4 Adventure above-average off-road ability for a small SUV.
Comfort: seats, ease of use, and getting in & out
7.5/10
How comfortable is the RAV4? The RAV4's suspension is tuned to strike a good balance between control and softness. The body doesn't bound or float when you drive over bumps, and small to moderate impacts are absorbed without much drama. 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. We do like the climate system's performance. Air distribution is ideal, with forward vents that can be closed off completely and vents for the rear seat.
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. We do like the climate system's performance. Air distribution is ideal, with forward vents that can be closed off completely and vents for the rear seat.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The driving position, roominess, and ease of entry and exit are all good. But the RAV4 would score higher if the front passenger seat wasn't set so high or could be adjusted down. The driver's seat and steering wheel have a good range of adjustment, but tall drivers might want a smidge more of each. Outward visibility is praiseworthy.
The control layout is intuitive with large, easy-to-read labeling. The audio system and climate system controls are islands unto themselves, and everything else is right where you expect it to be. The big rubberized climate control knobs are nice too. Our only gripe is that the touchscreen is too far away from the driver. The tuning knob, in particular, requires a reach to twist.
The control layout is intuitive with large, easy-to-read labeling. The audio system and climate system controls are islands unto themselves, and everything else is right where you expect it to be. The big rubberized climate control knobs are nice too. Our only gripe is that the touchscreen is too far away from the driver. The tuning knob, in particular, requires a reach to twist.
In-cabin tech: infotainment & phone integration
8/10
How’s the tech? The RAV4's interface has a mix of touchscreen and fixed buttons that are easy to learn without consulting the owner's manual. But even though the RAV4 is relatively new, the touchscreen's graphics look dated. The sound system works well enough, but it's nothing special. You do get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. It's a good thing too since Toyota's native Entune software remains clunky.
The standard suite of driver aids is impressive. It includes adaptive cruise control that works down to 0 mph, automatic emergency braking, drowsy driver detection, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist and something called Line Tracing Assist, which is an active (but not hands-free) steering aid.
The standard suite of driver aids is impressive. It includes adaptive cruise control that works down to 0 mph, automatic emergency braking, drowsy driver detection, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist and something called Line Tracing Assist, which is an active (but not hands-free) steering aid.
Storage: cargo space & space for small items
8/10
How’s the storage? The RAV4's cargo hold is nearly the biggest in its class. You get 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet with them stowed. The RAV4 is also easy to load thanks to a low cargo floor. Up front, the cabin has numerous shelves and bins to handle assorted road-trip paraphernalia. If you're planning on towing, certain versions of the RAV4 can pull up to 3,500 pounds, which is above average for a small SUV.
Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Likewise, tethering to the three upper anchors is straightforward. 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. The too-high front passenger seat is the issue.
Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Likewise, tethering to the three upper anchors is straightforward. 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. The too-high front passenger seat is the issue.
MPG: gas mileage & fuel economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the RAV4 will get 27-30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on the powertrain and trim level. We drove an AWD Adventure carrying three people, equipment and luggage for more than 7,000 miles. And over a variety of road and weather conditions, we averaged 28.6 mpg. Our best tank was 32.3 mpg and the worst was 25.6 mpg.
Value: cost, features & warranty
8/10
Is the RAV4 a good value? The RAV4 is well built inside, with nice layered materials and seams that are invisible because they're built into the styling. It has tactile touches such as rubberized grip surfaces on the interior door pulls and the radio and climate knobs. The RAV4's optional simulated leather upholstery feels soft and pliable, and the stitching is tidy. Toyota's warranty coverage is average, but you do get a generous two years/25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
7.5/10
Driving a RAV4 isn't a chore, but it's not particularly memorable either. It's at its best when you go with the Adventure or TRD Off-Road trim level. The advanced torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system, capable traction control system with multiple terrain settings, and styling that's a little more rugged help the RAV4 stand out a little more.
2021 Toyota RAV4 trim level differences
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.
Which RAV4 trim does Edmunds recommend?
The RAV4 in midrange XLE Premium trim gets our recommendation. It has enough features and interior upgrades to make it look and feel nicer than supporting models, and delivers it all at a sensible price.
Compare 2021 Toyota RAV4 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$117/mo for RAV4 LE
RAV4 LE
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #4 out of 29 among Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#4 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$367/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
0.69x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
7.4%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 23V865000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 23TA15, 23
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 999901
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- Defect Consequence:
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. This is a phased recall. The next phase is anticipated in June 2025. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 2 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 2 years / 25,000 miles
Toyota RAV4 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(39%)
4(14%)
3(19%)
2(14%)
1(14%)
Owners Say
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 receives mixed reviews, with many customers praising its features, reliability, and improvements over previous models, while others criticize its road noise, uncomfortable interior, and stability issues at highway speeds. Some specific complaints include misleading information about navigation systems, swaying with cruise control, and engine noise, but there are also compliments on its style, gas mileage, and integration with smartphones.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
Most Helpful Owner Review
Lost some luster over the years
4 out of 5 starsJohnIL, 05/15/2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
We have purchased several Toyota's over the years. All of them have given us great service. Our latest a 2021 XLE has taken the shine off that impression. We hear whistling noises at highway speeds, the engine is much noisier then previous generation and the transmission is also not as enjoyable. Interior sort of jumps back to a more sterile and cheaper finish. I guess everything is … still providing a decent experience just not what I have come to expect from past Toyota's.
2021 Toyota RAV4 videos
Top 10 Best Compact SUVs | Ranking the Best Small SUVs of 2021
It's the Ford Bronco Sport vs. Subaru Forester in a battle of off-road crossovers. The Bronco Sport is the smaller sibling of the new Ford Bronco, which was revived last year. Though not as potent as the bigger Bronco, the Bronco Sport promises strong off-road capabilities for the class since it's loaded with all-wheel drive, various traction settings, and a bunch of… options for off-road upgrades. The Subaru Forester is an easy go-to choice for off-road enthusiasts. The Forester also comes standard with all-wheel drive, but it also excels off-road due to its ground clearance and trail and hill descent controls. In this video, Alistair Weaver takes both crossover SUVs out to the desert to see which one is the best off-road vehicle. It's the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vs. the 2021 Subaru Forester in our off-road crossover comparison test.
2021 RAV4 Highlights
LE
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,350 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $117/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 37.6 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the RAV4 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 steering to avoid unintentionally leaving the lane.
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 Rollover15.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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