2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 Hybrid is available in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited. Pricing starts at $29,675 including destination for the base LE model and reaches $38,205 for the range-topping Limited.

The RAV4 Hybrid is equipped with Toyota’s familiar and very efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, with one at the front axle and one at the rear. The system can seamlessly transition between electric-only, gas-only, or utilize both power sources for a combined output of 219 horsepower.

It can also vary which axles (front, rear, or both) are engaged to help with acceleration and energy recuperation while the continuously variable transmission keeps the engine’s droning to a minimum during acceleration. Speaking of which, the RAV4 Hybrid is estimated to be about a second faster to 60 mph than the gas-only model.

Under the right conditions (low speed, easy acceleration, and sufficient battery power level) the RAV4 Hybrid can be locked into EV mode which ideal for traffic jams or motoring about in the city. While your fuel efficiency score will vary, the EPA-estimated 41 miles per gallon city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 combined rating is 12 points better and about $350 less expensive annually in fuel cost than the standard RAV4. Its 14.5-gallon fuel tank affords a bladder-busting range of 580 miles.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s ground clearance is likely sufficient for most adventures at 8.1 inches and trailer towing capacity is 1,750 pounds, which is par for the class.

The RAV4 Hybrid is similar dimensionally to the Honda CR-V Hybrid with a length of 180.9 inches, a wheelbase of 105.9 inches, and a width of 73 inches. The interior is a different story, where the RAV4 Hybrid’s 37.8 inches of rear leg room and 39.5 inches of rear head room aren’t as spacious.

The same goes for the cargo area with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with them folded.

As with all Toyota models, the RAV4 Hybrid includes a healthy list of active safety technology features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and a one-year subscription to Safety Connect which can automatically notify authorities in case of a collision. Blind-spot monitoring is available for $590 on the base LE trim and standard on all others.

The RAV4 has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The base LE trim is well equipped (especially for a base model) with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and wi-fi with a 3-month trial period, all controlled through a 7-inch touchscreen.

The XLE gains additional USB ports, the XSE is equipped with a larger, 8-inch touchscreen and a 10-year Service Connect “trial” period, and the Limited trim is standard with a premium JBL 11-speaker audio system and navigation.

The LE trim carries a long list of notable standard features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, active grille shutters, black roof rails, and body-color door handles, and dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips (on a Hybrid!).

Inside, a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster display, cloth seats with six-way adjustability for the driver, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and a soft-touch dash with hand stitching give the impression of being more than just a base trim level.

The XLE gains several convenience features such as proximity entry, automatic headlights, fog lights, variable-speed wipers, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat but the XLE is probably most attractive for its newly available packages.

They include the Weather Package ($925) which adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a heated wiper parking area; the Convenience Package ($1,265) that includes a power tailgate and a sunroof; and the Audio Plus package which can be had with the Weather and/or the Convenience Package for an additional $990.

The new XLE Premium trim includes 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, Softex leatherette seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and rear passenger air vents plus the features of the XLE Convenience Package.

The XLE Premium Weather Package ($1,075) adds to the XLE Weather Package with memory position seating and rain-sensing wipers. The Audio Plus with JBL Package is newly available for $1,570. The Advanced Technology Package adds to the Audio Plus with JBL Package with front and rear automatic parking assist, a digital rearview mirror, and a centrally-located and easy-to-use wireless charging pad for a total of $2,835.

The sportiest of the RAV4 lineup includes a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch black wheels, and a black painted lower front bumper, fog light trim, mirror housings, roof section, wheel arch trim, rocker panels, and a rear bumper that also sports a metallic gray insert.

Leather seats with blue fabric inserts, blue accent stitching, blue ambient lighting, and a black headliner bring the unique sporting touches inside. The XSE also features a 7-inch digital gauge cluster display, a digital rearview mirror, and the content of the Weather Package.

The stepping-stair level of optional packages starts with the JBL audio and Navigation Package for $1,620, to which the Weather and Technology Packages can be added for a sum of $2,635. Those features plus a panoramic sunroof can instead be selected for a total package cost of $3,135.

The Limited trim can be identified from the rest of the lineup by its chrome trim in the door handles, interior accent trim in brown, and standard memory seats.

The XLE’s Weather Package is enhanced with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats for $1,015 while the Technology Package now includes four-door (plus tailgate with kick-motion) proximity entry and a surround-view camera system for $2,040. The Weather and Technology Packages can be had with adaptive headlights ($2,455) or the panoramic sunroof ($2,540). For $2,955, the RAV4 can be equipped with it all.

Compare RAV4 Hybrid Trims Side-By-Side