Toyota hasn’t yet clued us into what’s coming for the 2021 RAV4, but unless there’s another MiniDisc player on the way, we’re pretty sure it’ll look a lot like the 2020 version.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 likely will be offered in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, SE, and XSE trims. Adventure and TRD Off-Road models angle toward outdoorsy folks and sub in some handy off-road hardware. RAV4 Hybrids are offered in LE, XLE, Limited, and XSE trims, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is available in SE and XSE trims.
Frankly, we’re not surprised that the RAV4 is a figurative rainbow of trim levels—it’s one of the most popular cars on the planet. Based on its options and standard hardware, including a 7.0-inch touchscreen on all models, it’s an 8 for features.
We expect the 2021 RAV4 to cost about $ 27,000 in base LE configuration and include cloth upholstery, 17-inch wheels, a split-folding rear seat, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment with smartphone compatibility software. Active safety features are included too, but we cover that above.
The XLE has always been a sweet spot for us for less than $ 30,000 with all-wheel drive equipped. (Hybrid versions cost a little more than that.) The RAV4 XLE adds alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless start, more USB chargers, and more available options including heated seats.
The RAV4 TRD Off-Road introduced last year is interesting with chunky, 18-inch wheels, twin-tube shocks, and a power liftgate. They’re pricey, but offer some modicum of off-road capability to the RAV4 family.
The 302-hp RAV4 Prime is the wild child. It steers toward sporty with its exterior accents, sport suspension, available 9.0-inch touchscreen, synthetic leather upholstery with red accents, subwoofer, and moonroof. All-in, it’s a safe bet that a RAV4 Prime XSE that’s fully loaded will cost more than $ 40,000, but Toyota hasn’t told us yet.
Review continues below