Torn between getting a chic and a muscular compact SUV? Why sweat it when you can have both? The 2021 Toyota RAV4 boasts of its swanky yet truckish appearance—so if you are looking for style and sportiness rolled into one, this car will definitely fit the bill. The best thing about the new RAV4 is that it has a bit of everything to cater to a variety of tastes, so you will definitely have something to love about it no matter what type of buyer you are. Take a look at our 2021 Toyota RAV4 review and see why it makes an ideal choice for a compact SUV.
Design
It takes but just a single look to recognize how the exterior design of the new RAV4 is influenced by the designs of the Tacoma pickup truck and the 4Runner SUV. With its square-jawed appearance, this vehicle blurs the line between spartan and fashionable. In terms of color, the Toyota has introduced for the 2021 model year a new color to replace the Super White on its color palette—the Blizzard Pearl. But that’s not all about it.
Accompanying its progressive exterior styling is its spacious and premium-looking interior. Apparently, the Toyota has gone all-out with making the interior of the new Toyota RAV4 as convenient and as comfortable as possible with the addition of a reasonably distinctive and spacious cabin, power-adjustable seats, and storage space that gives precedence to ergonomics. Even the entry-level RAV4 comes with a hodgepodge of soft touch yet durable surfaces and plastics and a superior steering wheel! Depending on the model you choose, you can either have cloth seats, faux-leather, or leather upholstery.
Overall, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 features a nice finish and has an interior that feels like a cozy place to be in. When it comes to infotainment and connectivity, what you get depends on the model you go for. For instance, lower trims feature a 7.0-inch touchscreen but you have the XLE level option if you want an 8.0-inch screen. It is nice though that all RAV4 models come with a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. If comfort is what you’re after, this compact SUV will definitely make the grade.
Performance
It’s easy to appreciate the 2021 Toyota RAV4 based on its interior and exterior features, but how is it on the road? Well, it’s just as amazing to drive as it looks. It is quite impressive how this SUV manages to run smoothly and quietly with its 2.5-liter engine and even at broad throttle. Even when you want acceleration at times, you will love how it is able to deliver superior performance without having to use up much of your fuel. And mind you, the RAV4’s acceleration is distinctively progressive and snappy. Even during sudden needs for direction shifts, you will find that the new Toyota RAV4 gives you nothing less than precise and sharp direction changes while gaining swerve just as accurately. That is all thanks to the changes that Toyota has made to its steering setup. You might also notice its steering is now lighter.
Rides are also much better with the 2021 Toyota RAV4, thanks to its ability to react supplely to rugged surfaces. Off-road, its delicate traction control lets you easily find your grip. If you wish to use added engine braking for downward slopes, the new RAV4’s steering column paddles can let you do that without a hitch.
Safety
Since you are most likely to use your Toyota RAV4 as a day-to-day family car, safety is most likely one of your top priorities. Well, did you know that this car has been awarded a five-star rating by the National highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its safety features? It has also been named by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick+, thanks to its wide range of safety features, including the standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and more. You also have the option of having a blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, although those features are not readily available at the base level.
Verdict
All things considered, it is safe to say that the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a pretty good choice for a compact SUV. This car performs well on the road, is fun to drive, and makes an appealing family wagon. It also comes with all the modern conveniences you may be looking for in a family car, so there is no reason to think twice about choosing it as your next investment.