2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium AWD: America's Popular Compact Crossover

Highlight: The vehicle is available in an electric and a hybrid configuration.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $36,804 (Base LE Model: $27,525)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; pre collision system with pedestrian detection; a lane tracing assist; automatic high beams; a lane departure alert system; a radar activated cruise control system; a road sign assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist control; a trailer sway control system; and a spare tire

Standard Equipment (LE): 17-inch wheels; multi-LED headlamps with black bezels; LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL); LED tail and stoplights; black hexagon-patterned bar front grille; power outside mirror with folding feature; colored-keyed outdoor door handles; black profile roof rails; dual chrome exhaust tips; privacy rear glass; climate control system with dust and pollen filter; cloth seats; 60/40 rear spilt seats with a center armrest; black carpet flooring with driver-side footrest; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; soft-touch dash and armrests, with stitched dash accents; black interior door handles; sun visors with illuminated mirrors; five USB ports; an electric parking brake with a brake hold feature

Standard Equipment (XLE Premium): 19-inch wheels; integrated fog lights; automatic high bema headlights; power exterior mirrors with blind spot warning indicators; color-keyed outside door handles with touch senor lock and unlock feature; a power moonroof; a height adjustable power liftgate; variable intermittent windshield wipers; a dual zone automatic climate control system; pseudo leather seats; 8 way power driver’s seat; a leather trimmed steering wheel; leather trim gear shift lever; soft touch with center console accents and anti-slip interior door grip; black anti-slip in-dash storage trays; silver interior door handles; keyless entry system; and a rear cargo area cover

Options: Premium Grade Weather Package: heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat with a memory function and a rain-sensing wiper system; a 11-speaker JBL touchscreen audio system; a 360-degree camera; Premium Grade Technology Package: front and rear park assist with automated braking, a digital rearview mirror, smartphone charging; and carpeted floor mats/cargo mats

Other Trims:

XLE

Adventure

TRD Off-Road

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Depending on trim

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/203-hp

Maximum Towing: 1,500 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 27-city/35-hwy

What’s New: For the 2021 model year, a higher level XLE trim has been added to hybrid model. And the TRD Off-Road package adds a stainless steel font skid plate.

Why: 

Stylish design

Easier to maneuver than full-size SUVs

Available as a gasoline, hybrid and plug-in

Available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration

17 thru 19-inch wheels available – based on trim

A panoramic roof available on a higher-level trim

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Great for trips around town or road trips

A wireless charging system

Compatible with all smartphones

A high-level of standard driving features

Comfortable roomy seating

But: 

None

Verdict: With this being a competitive segment, Toyota has pulled out all of the stops, making this one of the best-selling vehicles in America. The current fifth-generation RAV4 is available as a gasoline, hybrid and electrified model. The only powertrain the engineering team haven’t produced, as of yet, is an all-electrified model. With all of that said, the roomy compact RAV4 continues to remain ahead of the competitors as it relates to the diversity of powertrains.

Overall the RAV4 is affordable, available in a host of trims and has a high-level of standard safety equipment too. It's no wonder why this vehicle continues to be a consumer favorite.

Competition: Chevy Equinox; Ford Escape; GMC Terrain; Honda CR-V; Kia Sportage; Mazda CX-5; Nissan Rogue; Subaru Forester; and VW Tiguan