In a market where compact SUVs must balance efficiency, safety, comfort, and long-term reliability, only a few models manage to get everything right. The Toyota RAV4 has been an industry leader in the compact SUV segment all around the world and the 2021 year model only enhanced the position even more. Being the best selling non-pickup of America, the 2021 RAV4 achieved the perfect combination of reliability, fuel economy, security, and all-purpose daily use. The fifth-generation RAV4, being based on the Toyota TNGA platform, features a broad powertrain range that includes petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (RAV4 Prime), which makes it appealing to city residents, families, and outdoor adventure participants. It remains one of the most intelligent buying SUVs in the whole world to date, 2026.
In this Article we will discuss all the detailed information about 2021 Toyota Rav4, Price, Mileage, Variants, Competitors And More.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Company Overview
Toyota Motor Corporation is an internationally acclaimed firm in the manufacture of durable, economical, and technologically advanced vehicles. Toyota was established in 1937 and is based in Japan, the company controls various segments based on reliable engineering quality and resale value. One of the most successful global nameplates in Toyota is the RAV4 which has been instrumental in making the compact SUV a popular one. By 2021, Toyota had perfected the RAV4 into one product that merges the ruggedness with the time-tested mechanical reliability.
| Attribute | Details |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Generation | Fifth Generation |
| Platform | TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) |
| Body Type | Compact SUV |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Powertrains | Petrol, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Global Market | USA, Europe, Asia |
2021 Toyota RAV4 – Variant-Wise Pricing & Specifications (2021)
Toyota RAV4 (2021) appeared in the United States with a large price range, which has been determined by the variety of powertrains. Initial MSRPs started at $25,950 with the base LE FWD petrol and went up to $50,725 with a fully equipped RAV4 Prime Limited AWD plug-in hybrid. These prices were without destination fees of about 1175 and optional packages.
The XLE was a mid-level with prices ranging between 27,950 (FWD) and 29,300 (AWD) which was deemed as the best value, as it provides a good balance of comfort, safety, and technology. Being offered with petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, RAV4 2021 entered the compact SUV market as a competitive model that can attract both cost-effective and efficiency-conscious customers.
Toyota RAV4 was not officially introduced at all in India. Nonetheless, some of the units gained access in the market via the grey-market imports or CBU personal imports. With high customs taxes (usually 100150 percent), GST and registration fees, ex-showroom prices varied between 22.526.4 lakh (base petrol versions such as LE or XLE) to 3560 lakh (hybrid and Prime versions). Still availability is limited still, mostly relying on parallel importers.
| Variant | MSRP (FWD) | MSRP (AWD) | Drivetrain | Key Features |
| LE | $25,950 | $27,300 | FWD / AWD | 7″ touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, cloth seats |
| XLE | $27,950 | $29,300 | FWD / AWD | Moonroof, blind-spot monitor, 17″ alloy wheels |
| XLE Premium | $30,645 | $32,000 | FWD / AWD | SofTex seats, power tailgate, digital cluster |
| Adventure | — | $35,000 | AWD only | Torque-vectoring AWD, roof rails, off-road modes |
| TRD Off-Road | — | $37,155 | AWD only | TRD suspension, skid plates, 18″ matte wheels |
| Limited | $35,880 | $37,230 | FWD / AWD | JBL audio, ventilated seats, 360° camera |
Hybrid Variants (2.5L + Electric, 219 hp, e-CVT)
| Variant | MSRP | Drivetrain | Key Features |
| LE Hybrid | $29,075 | AWD | Hybrid efficiency, TSS 2.0 |
| XLE Hybrid | $30,370 | AWD | Dual-zone climate, smart entry |
| XLE Premium Hybrid | $33,075 | AWD | SofTex upholstery, power driver seat |
| XSE Hybrid | $34,675 | AWD | Sport styling, black accents |
| Woodland Edition | $35,525 | AWD | All-terrain tyres, raised suspension |
| Limited Hybrid | $38,550 | AWD | JBL premium audio, heated & ventilated seats |
RAV4 Prime (Plug-in Hybrid, 302 hp, AWD)
| Variant | MSRP | Key Features |
| SE | $43,690 | 18″ wheels, EV mode, fast charging |
| XSE | $47,445 | Digital rear-view mirror, surround camera |
| XSE Premium | $49,530 | Panoramic roof, heated steering wheel |
| Limited | $50,725 | JBL 11-speaker audio, ventilated seats |
2026 Used-Market Value Snapshot
| Variant Type | Typical Used Price (USD) | Value Retention |
| Gas | $20,000 – $28,000 | ~60% |
| Hybrid | $23,000 – $32,000 | ~70% |
| Prime (PHEV) | $32,000 – $40,000 | ~75% |
Key Notes
| Item | Details |
| Total Configurations | 18+ |
| Seating | 5 |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD / AWD |
| Safety | Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard |
| Best Value Pick | XLE Hybrid / XLE Gas AWD |
2021 Toyota RAV4 City-Wise Price Insights in India (Grey-Market Estimates, 2026)
By 2026, second-hand RAV4 vehicles are available in selected Indian megalopolises through individual importers and dealers. The on-road price is normally 28 percent GST, custom duty, RTO fees (8-12 percent), and insurance (approximately 1- 2 lakh). City such as Delhi-NCR is more expensive since it has a cost of logistics and compliance, whereas in Mumbai and Bangalore, the road taxes are higher. The final price largely depends on the mileage (below 50,000 km), the service history, and the general state.
| City | Base LE Petrol FWD (₹ Lakh) | XLE Hybrid AWD (₹ Lakh) | Prime Limited AWD (₹ Lakh) |
| New Delhi | 25.5 – 30.5 | 42 – 48 | 55 – 65 |
| Mumbai | 26.5 – 32.0 | 44 – 50 | 58 – 68 |
| Bangalore | 26.0 – 31.5 | 43 – 49 | 57 – 67 |
| Chennai | 25.8 – 31.0 | 42.5 – 48.5 | 56 – 66 |
| Hyderabad | 25.2 – 30.0 | 41.5 – 47.5 | 54 – 64 |
| Kolkata | 24.8 – 29.5 | 41 – 47 | 53 – 63 |
| Pune | 26.2 – 31.8 | 43.5 – 49.5 | 57.5 – 67.5 |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Exterior Design and Dimensions
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has a brash and rough look that represented a significant shift in the previous, more feminised designs. The extreme body lines, wheel arches, and intense front grille make it look like an SUV but not a crossover. Higher trims have LED headlights that increase visibility and presence on the road.
The RAV4 is practically 4,596 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, 1,702 mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. The ground clearance is 8.4 to 8.6 inches which is adequate to do light off-roading and poor road conditions. Available power tailgate and roof rails are practical additions to everyday life.
| Measurement | Value |
| Length | 4,596 mm |
| Width | 1,854 mm |
| Height | 1,702 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4–8.6 inches |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Interior Space and Comfort
The interior of the 2021 RAV4 has a well-thought cabin based on its orientation on comfort, ergonomics, and durability. It has comfortable seating, a size of five adults, and its front and back legroom is generous and is 39.5 and 37.8 inches respectively. The high seating position enhances the visibility and this is one of the reasons why the seat has gained popularity among family buyers.
When it comes to cargo capacity, it is one of the best in the segment as the cargo space is 37.5 cubic feet behind the front seat and extends to 69.8 cubic feet when folded flat. Higher trims with soft-touch surfaces, dual-zone climate control and optional moonroof contribute to the luxury touch without losing the functionality.
| Area | Measurement |
| Front Legroom | 39.5 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 37.8 inches |
| Cargo (Seats Up) | 37.5 cu.ft. |
| Cargo (Seats Down) | 69.8 cu.ft. |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Engine and Powertrain
The RAV4 2021 has one of the most varying powertrain options in its category. The four-cylinder 2.5-litre engine with the 8-speed automatic transmission has a power of 203 horsepower and a torque of 184 lb-ft and spins the wheels of the standard petrol version. It has a front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive
The hybrid will also have the petrol engine but it will be coupled with the electric motors to produce a combined 219 horsepower giving it faster acceleration and better fuel efficiency. On the top is the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid that generates a staggering 302 horsepower and can cover up to 42 miles of pure electric range.
| Variant | Power Output | Transmission | Drivetrain |
| Petrol | 203 hp | 8-speed AT | FWD / AWD |
| Hybrid | 219 hp (combined) | e-CVT | AWD |
| Plug-in Hybrid (Prime) | 302 hp | e-CVT | AWD |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Performance and Driving Experience
The RAV4 provides a calm and assured ride on the road. The petrol model takes about 8 seconds to go 060 mph whereas the hybrid takes about 7.8 seconds to go 060 mph. The steering is light and predictable making it easy to drive in the city. AWD versions incorporate the Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which is able to redistribute power to the rear wheels to provide a better grip in the corner. The suspension system is comfortable and stable at highways, and therefore suitable for long distance travels.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Fuel Efficiency and Range
One of the strongest selling points of RAV4 is fuel economy. The FWDs achieve an approximate of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, but the AWDs achieve slightly less. Hybrid models are brilliant with 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a combined rating of 94 MPGe and has an impact on minimizing the fuel expenditure when it comes to commuting to work with short daily trips. Petrol models have a 14.5-gallon fuel tank that gives them 500 miles range on a single tank when on the highway.
| Variant | City MPG | Highway MPG |
| Petrol FWD | 27 | 35 |
| Petrol AWD | 25 | 33 |
| Hybrid | 41 | 38 |
| Prime (EV) | 42 miles electric |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2021 RAV4 has a significant strength in the area of safety. All of the models are powered by Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which comprises adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
With an NHTSA safety rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the SUV has a 5-star safety rating. The RAV4 has eight airbags, stability control, and a blind-spot view, which will provide family members and long-distance travelers with peace of mind.
| Feature | Availability |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Mid trims onward |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Technology and Infotainment
The infotainment system of the RAV4 is functional and not dazzling. Base trims will be provided with a 7-inch touchscreen, and upper trims will have an 8-inch display with navigation. The range is equal in terms of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations.
The additional features are higher trims with wireless charging, JBL premium audio, and digital instrument clusters. Although the interface is not as modern as some new competitors, it is still user-friendly and trustworthy.
| Feature | Details |
| Touchscreen | 7-inch (base), 8-inch (higher trims) |
| Smartphone Support | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa integration |
| Navigation | Available on higher trims |
| Audio System | 6-speaker standard, JBL premium on top trims |
| Wireless Charging | Available on mid & higher trims |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital display on select trims |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Suspension and Handling
The RAV4 is based on the TNGA platform which has a lower center of gravity and higher chassis rigidity. The independent suspension is used to provide a relaxed ride on rough roads. The TRD Off-Road model is equipped with tuned suspension, skid plates and all-terrain tires to make it gain more trail capability. The response is steerable and the body roll is managed and hence easy to drive in the road and on the highway.
| Aspect | Specification |
| Platform | TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) |
| Front Suspension | Independent MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Independent double wishbone |
| Off-Road Setup | TRD Off-Road tuned suspension, skid plates |
| Steering | Electric Power Steering (EPS) |
| Ride Quality | Comfortable, stable, well-controlled body roll |
| Driving Use | Easy in city traffic and confident on highways |
Ownership Costs and Reliability
The Toyota RAV4 of 2021 is an embodiment of the reliability of the brand. Even after 150,000 miles, the owners complain of very low levels of mechanical problems. The annual cost of doing routine servicing is approximately 450 dollars which is cheap as compared to most competitors.
Warranty coverage covers On 3 years/36,000 miles basic and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, and has hybrid battery extended warranty. The resale values are still one of the best in the compact SUV market.
2021 Toyota RAV4 – Key Competitors Comparison Table
| Aspect | Toyota RAV4 | Honda CR-V | Nissan Rogue | Subaru Forester | Hyundai Tucson | Kia Sportage |
| Base AWD MSRP (2021) | ~$32,000 | ~$32,150 | ~$37,000 | ~$34,395 | ~$29,650 | ~$31,890 |
| Engine Power | 203 hp | 190 hp | 181 hp | 182 hp | 187 hp | 240 hp (turbo) |
| Mileage (AWD, comb.) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg | 28 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Hybrid Option | Yes (40 mpg) | Yes (34 mpg) | No | No | Yes (37 mpg) | Yes (38 mpg) |
| Max Cargo Space | 69.8 cu.ft. | 75.8 cu.ft. | 74.1 cu.ft. | 76.1 cu.ft. | 80.3 cu.ft. | 73.4 cu.ft. |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Safety Suite | Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 | Honda Sensing | ProPILOT Assist | EyeSight | SmartSense | DriveWise |
| Key Strength | Hybrid efficiency, reliability | Ride comfort | Interior tech | AWD traction | Cargo space | Performance value |
Conclusion
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has still managed to be different within the already competitive compact SUV market with its balanced set of reliability, fuel efficiency, safety and long time value. Although competitors such as Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are winning the battle of ride comfort and cargo capacity, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are luring buyers with features and warranty, RAV4 hybrid leadership and resale value puts it in a decisive position. Its wide range of powertrain and stable performance made it ease the U.S. sales in 2021 and continue being one of the wise purchases even several years later in the second-hand market. Altogether, the RAV4 demonstrates that balance and reliability can be of greater importance than performing well in a single aspect.
FAQ
Honda CR-V is regarded to be the nearest competitor because it has a similar price, efficiency, and comfort, but it is a bit lower in terms of hybrid miles than the RAV4.
Yes, most particularly in the hybrid version, when the RAV4 achieves an approximate of 40 mpg combined, which is more than most others.
Competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson, the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V have larger maximum cargo capacity than the RAV4.
The reliability and good resale value associated with Toyota makes the RAV4 superior to most of its competitors when it comes to long term ownership satisfaction.
The Hybrid XLE is commonly regarded as the perfect all-rounder, as it is more affordable, features more, but has an outstanding fuel economy.
