When Toyota introduced RAV4 in the ’90s, it was one of its kind. It combined great performance and rugged stance with a great compact dimension. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a reflection of this innovative and pioneering spirit. It beats most SUVs of its price range due to its stellar performance, unparalleled safety, and sleek design. 

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has superior handling and an eye-catching design. Albeit the good ground clearance, the low roof accented by low hood lines tends to squeeze up the RAV4’s interior. It’s what the 2021 model had to suffer for beauty.

The Toyota RAV4’s interior space can cause discomfort 

Probably due to steep competition from other SUVs like Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester ST, and Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota had to sacrifice interior space for sleekness and beauty. According to Consumer Reports, the rugged styling has made the interior more compact. This can be a source of discomfort to many passengers.

The bold and rugged styling of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 delivers an appearance that matches the thrill of the drive. No doubt. Its two-tone paint scheme brings a sense of elegance and grandeur. You can say with confidence that the latest RAV4 is more attractive than the bunch of compact crossovers out there. If you love the magnificent looks of the 2021 Nissan Rogue and 2021 Kia Sportage, then the design of the new RAV4 won’t disappoint.

However, Toyota sacrificed the space in the passenger seat to accommodate the RAV4 intriguing design. The roofline is low but stylish. Because of the low hood, RAV4 has too small windows than other crossovers of its range. The low roof can take a toll on passengers, especially if they’re having a long ride. It can force taller passengers to slouch slightly.

The rear seats also provide scanty legroom. Well, there are 37 inches of legroom at the back, which is good, but it’s not better than what Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan provide. 

This year, Toyota chose looks over comfort. It is safe to say for the RAV4, style takes priority over the passenger’s comfort. Toyota lovers can now smile and see the yesteryears of bland and boring RAV4s fade away.

The 2021 RAV4 asks for some compromises for its avant-garde design. The front seats can be snug for taller drivers. It’s even worse when you include the impact of the optional sunroof that cuts into the already-small headroom. The seat bottoms are thin too, which can really make drivers crampy on long hauls. 

The RAV4’s outstanding performance and safety

Despite the small space in the passenger seat area, the Toyota RAV4 remains one of the most popular SUVs. According to Car and Driver, RAV4 is the fourth best-selling vehicle in 2021. The car combines both performance and styling to achieve what most car buyers need. Reliability, safety, and fuel efficiency. 

Running on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and powerful powertrain, the RAV4’s gas-only variants feature Multi-Terrain Select on All-Wheel Drive (AWD). You can choose between different modes: mud, rock, dirt, sand, snow, and normal for enhanced traction.

The hybrid variant has a plug-in powertrain that delivers impressive performance. Its four-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient; it gives you 37 mpg on highways while producing 219 hp. The gas-only model produces a lower horsepower output of 203 hp but delivers 27 mpg. 

What are the Toyota RAV4 trims?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is offered in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited trims. Like in previous years, the difference between trims is small. It depends on whether or not you fancy certain features. For instance, unlike other trims, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road has some impressive off-road capabilities. On the other hand, the RAV4 Prime is sporty and boasts of sport suspension and inline-4 delivering 302 hp. 

The new RAV4 is the first Toyota SUV to benefit from additional Toyota Safety Sense features. Toyota has equipped the 2021 model with advanced safety tech including driver assistance features that are common with upmarket vehicles.