2021 Toyota RAV4 hybrid

2021 Toyota RAV4: Quick Buying Tips

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With so many options, cool look, and reliable engine, there is no wonder why RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in the US, and worldwide. Anyone can find a suitable version. The look of the compact crossover is muscular, reminding us of larger siblings, 4Runner SUV or Tacoma truck. But, the sporty ride is more car-like. The entry-level version is affordable and economical. You can still build the 2021 Toyota RAV4 with some premium features that will improve the luxury, or drive upgrades to boost off-road ride. Finally, the biggest addition for the upcoming season is the PHEV model, RAV4 Prime.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 brings back all the advantages buyers praised in the past. On the other hand, the Japanese manufacturer has to work on improving some things. Definitely, that won’t be the price, which is above the average for the compact segment. Well, the sales go well, so why would bosses give up some extra profit? Also, it will be worth of spending more money if the company extends the warranty. Nowadays, more carmakers offer six or seven years of coverage.

2021 Toyota RAV4 first drive

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Rav4 was the first compact crossover to return more than 40 mpg thanks to its efficient hybrid system. Now, we have more vehicles available at dealerships, and even more to come. Meanwhile, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is debuting with the plug-in hybrid configuration.  The company says the fuel economy will be 38 mpg combined. So, the standard hybrid can be more efficient. But, the PHEV will burst 302 horsepower and sprint to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

A 2.5-liter engine is delivering 175 hp and an electric battery adds 180 more. However, the total is 302 ponies and 250 lb-ft of torque. CVT automatic transmission sends power to all-wheel drive exclusively. The Rav4 Prime can ride by only using an electric motor and covers 42 miles, which is 5 miles more than Ford Escape plug-in hybrid can do. In this case, the crossover will accelerate 0-60 mph in 9 seconds.

Source: Toyota

Changes

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is also introducing some new features. We can see a new button layout on the dashboard. Nevertheless, that won’t be carried over to the rest of the lineup. Upscale materials are used for upholstery and seating surfaces. The safety is also on a higher level. Upper trims are offering advanced accessories. Leatherette seats are becoming standard, as well as more USB ports. A 10-inch HUD will be available only for the Rav4 Prime. Panoramic sunroof, foot-controlled tailgate, and ventilated front buckets are optional for other models, but standard for PHEV configuration. This version will also harm a storage space because of the underfloor-mounted battery. The cargo room drops to 33.5 and 63 cubic feet, from 37.5 and 70 cu.ft. available with conventional and hybrid units.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Standard Configurations are Unchanged

So, the main focus was on the Prime package and the PHEV system. The rest of the lineup is not going to bring too many novelties. Still, Toyota will make a few surprises. Rav4 is definitely not getting the TRD Pro bundle, but the TRD Sport features will enhance the off-road capability of the crossover. In the future, the 4×4 specialist might join the squad. For now, we are happy with the TRD Sport trim. If you want to get the best from the crossover, then the Limited edition is the best choice. It costs as much as the TRD, but instead of boosting the drive system, it improves the interior. The list of features is pretty long on this model. You can still save a lot by purchasing the XLE or XLE Premium trims.

The only powerplant available for the crossover is a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder. With 203 horsepower, it is above the competition average values. On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is offering only hybrid alternatives. So, no extra power is available through a turbocharged four-pot or a six-cylinder engine. Still, the Rav4 Hybrid adds nearly 20 more ponies over the standard setup. Electric batteries attached to the drivetrain system will improve the gas mileage to 40 mpg combined. The base hybrid is significantly lighter from the PHEV, and that is where the difference in MPG rating is coming from.

2021 Toyota RAV4 interior

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prices

With so many options, you can make the price float between $26,000 (base MSRP) and nearly $50,000 (heavily-loaded Prime model). The XLE package adds $1,500 over the base price, and you can spend nearly $3,000 more to make it XLE Premium. Top trim levels are going to cost above $35,000 (TRD Sport and Limited). An all-wheel drive upgrade costs $1,500. Hybrid offers it as the standard drive and the base price for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid will be just under $30,000. The Prime plug-in system is significantly more expensive, with $39,220 MSRP, which will go up to $42,545 if you want the XLE model. Have in mind that some states will offer the federal tax credit, which can be $7,500.

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