Used 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

It’s hard to argue with the success of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This fuel-efficient compact SUV is Toyota’s best-selling hybrid model, eclipsing even the famous Toyota Prius hybrid.

Toyota is making hybrids a major part of its overall product portfolio, so the dominance of the RAV4 Hybrid is doubly significant. The new RAV4 Hybrid greets the 2021 model year with an additional trim level, giving consumers more purchase flexibility.

The RAV4 Hybrid goes head to head with the Honda CR-V Hybrid, the Toyota’s closest sales rival. The 2021 CR-V presents a honed and polished image, both in its refined interior and in its smooth driving characteristics. But the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a slightly tougher air about it, with a more rugged stance, sportier cabin trim, and less refined road manners.

These factors do not necessarily make the Toyota the lesser choice. It’s more a matter of taste for a buyer, as both contenders (along with the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid) are fairly evenly matched in terms of performance, fuel economy, cabin space, practicality, and price.

Another important twist to the Toyota RAV hybrid story is the availability of a plug-in version, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. To learn more about this higher-priced, more powerful RAV4, take a look at our 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Review

Small SUVs typically come with small, modestly powered engines and are not exactly peppy. However, the introduction of hybrid versions, such as the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, brings a horsepower boost and that zippy off the line acceleration feel of a battery-powered car.

The result is that the RAV4 Hybrid feels more energetic than its non-hybrid cousin (reviewed separately). The Toyota will cover the 0-60-mph dash in well under 8 seconds, which is pretty decent by compact SUV standards.

The 2021 RAV4 Hybrid is also a tad quicker in acceleration than the Honda CR-V Hybrid, which has a smaller 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine compared to the Toyota’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Both Toyota and Honda hybrids team their engines with two electric motors, although the engineering configurations are different. When it is being driven hard, the Toyota’s engine noise does invade the cabin, which is a flaw you will notice in most hybrids, large or small.

At the wheel, the RAV4 Hybrid handles decently, responding competently to steering inputs and managing excessive body roll in corners. The best handling hybrid version is the XSE trim, which has a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers.

However, the Toyota’s ride quality does have a rough edge and feels less composed than the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

What’s impressive is the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid’s fuel economy, which easily outpaces that of its non-hybrid peers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the Toyota will return 41 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined.

Considering that the RAV4 Hybrid accelerates relatively keenly for a small SUV, the Toyota’s impressive fuel efficiency is remarkable and a compelling reason for putting it on your shopping list.

Logically laid out and well equipped, the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid cabin leans towards a purposeful look that’s appropriate for an SUV with a slightly sporty attitude.

While the Honda CR-V Hybrid interior can be specified with simulated wood dashboard and door trim, the Toyota is all about metal finish accents and blue and brown stitching colors.

Practical touches abound inside the RAV4 Hybrid, with the welcome presence of buttons and rotary controls for functions like heating and cooling and the audio system.

When it comes to cargo space, the RAV4 Hybrid provides the same generous amount of storage as regular RAV4 models, and there are plenty of spots to store small items.

The standard touchscreen display in lower trim levels is a 7.0-inch unit that sits up proud of the dashboard. Move up to the top two trim levels, and you get a larger, 8-inch display. The infotainment system is far from state of the art, with dated graphics, but at least it covers the main communications and entertainment functions adequately.

The RAV4 Hybrid sits high on its wheels and looks like it is ready for some modest off-road action.

Shod with the stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, which are standard on the XLE Premium trim and above, the Toyota takes on an upscale and tough persona that belies its fuel sipper status.

The body design is on the busy side at the front and rear, with too many angular forms. And the available 2-tone color schemes are not to everyone’s taste.

But if you want a small SUV with an edgy look, then the RAV4 Hybrid clearly outpoints the competition.

RUGGED DESIGN
Even though the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid’s mission is to be fuel efficient, Toyota still accentuates the purposeful, tough image of its popular compact SUV.

TOYOTA SAFETY SYSTEMS
Toyota makes occupant safety a big part of the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid’s appeal with an impressive suite of safety technologies available in all trims.

The base RAV4 LE Hybrid model rides on 17-inch wheels, has multi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, power mirrors, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows and locks, and an electric parking brake.

Like all the higher trim levels, the LE comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, the automaker’s suite of driver aids. These include pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and radar cruise control.

All trims also benefit from the Toyota Safety Star system, which includes stability control, traction control, and ABS.

The only safety feature fitted as standard to higher grades but optional on the LE is blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

At the RAV4 XLE Hybrid trim level comes LED projector headlights with auto high beam, 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, push-button start, and five USB ports.

The new RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium grade adds 18-inch alloy wheels, power moonroof, faux leather seat trim, and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

The XSE Hybrid trim focuses on sporty elements such as a standard 2-tone exterior paint scheme, which combines a black roof with pearl, silver, great or blue body colors. Inside, the black faux leather seating comes with blue accents.

The XSE Hybrid also receives a 7.0-inch instrument display screen (replacing the lower trim level 4.2-inch screen), 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and heated front seats.

At the top RAV4 Limited Hybrid trim level, the standard audio plus system includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen and 11 JBL speakers with a subwoofer. There is also a dark brown-accented cabin color scheme, with brown stitching on the dashboard, door, and seats. Dashboard storage trays come with blue lighting.

The RAV4 Hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with two electric motors, one powering the front wheels via a continuously variable (CVT) transmission and one independently powering the rear wheels.

The system’s combined output is 219 horsepower, which is a little better than that delivered by the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

In slippery conditions, the motor on the rear axle will proactively deliver torque to the rear wheels to maximize grip.

Like most hybrid systems under full acceleration, the Toyota gasoline engine drones loudly as it runs at full power while the vehicle speed catches up.

2.5-liter 4-cylinder, dual electric motors
219-horsepower total output
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 41/38/40.