The 2021 Toyota RAV4 lasts around 300,000 miles with relatively minor rattling noises and battery drain issues reported. At $28,100 to $41,400, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a very dependable compact SUV.
Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Toyota RAV4 since it offers excellent reliability along with great safety features. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, comfortable seats, along with the stereo system technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are good for a small SUV in its price range, the seats are very comfortable, cargo space is also fantastic.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no major problems on the 2021 RAV4. Models from 2010 through 2022 are all very reliable small SUVs.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard four-cylinder engine, although it’s more efficient rather than powerful.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 RAV4 is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane trace assist as well as adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, along with parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 30 MPG, giving 435 miles of range out of the 14.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $62 cheaper than average at $189 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 RAV4 is expensive, although slow depreciation rates paired with low ownership costs make it a great long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota RAV4?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota RAV4 sets a very high standard for the small SUV segment, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 RAV4 at 3.4/5, praising the easy-to-use controls, but doesn’t like the vague steering feel.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the RAV4 a 3.6/5, praising the spacious interior for a small SUV, but owners don’t like the noisy cabin.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 include rattling noises from the B-pillar in the cabin, excessive wind noise, along with rapid battery drain. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other compact SUVs on the market, leading to lower repair bills.
Rattling noises from the B pillar in the cabin are the most widespread complaint from 2021 RAV4 owners in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by loose clips on the interior panel. Re-attaching the panel fixes the issues usually, although some people have had clips replaced that were damaged, costing around $15.
Excessive wind noise is another problem mentioned by some 2021 RAV4 owners at around 1,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a damaged window or door gasket from the factory or shipping. Some gaskets can be repaired while others have to be replaced. When the vehicle is new, most dealerships will replace the gaskets for free under warranty.
Rapid battery drain has also been reported by 2021 RAV4 owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the RAV4, and some of them draw power even while the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $25, and fixing it can cost $20 to $100.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Toyota RAV4, which is better than other SUVs and simply means that none of the issues have been widespread or affected the safety of the RAV4.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Toyota RAV4 can last around 300,000 miles, which is longer than other popular compact SUVs including the Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $379 per year.
As a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt idler pulley for $150, the radiator hose costing $280, along with the voltage regulator which costs $375.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is excellent, offering a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a JBL stereo system.
Standard safety technology is also fantastic since it includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which has:
- Lane trace assist (keeps vehicle centered)
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure alert
- Pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rearview camera
- Road sign recognition
Optional advanced safety features include:
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rain sensing windshield wipers
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a good value since it’s an extremely reliable compact SUV with low ownership costs as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $28,100 to $41,400, making it more than a Nissan Rogue or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $26,050 to $37,230. In current market conditions depreciation is nonexistent, although in normal times we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota RAV4?
There are six models of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered from the base LE, all the way through to the more luxurious Limited. The RAV4 comes standard with front-wheel drive, while an all-wheel drive system is available as an optional upgrade.
LE is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Upholstery
- Steel Wheels
- LED Headlights
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Interface
- Six-Speaker Sound System
XLE is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- More USB Charging Ports
XLE Premium has more upgrades such as:
- Larger Wheels
- Sunroof
- Power Liftgate
- Simulated Leather Upholstery Known as SofTex
- Soft-Touch Dashboard Materials
- Raised Suspension
Adventure offers more items including:
- Fender Flares
- Selectable Terrain Drive Modes
- Hill Descent Control
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
TRD Off-Road is a popular choice which has:
- All-Terrain Tires
- Off-Road Tuned Suspension
- Black Exterior Trim Pieces
Limited is the flagship luxury model with:
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Digital Rearview Mirror
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- 11-Speaker JBL Audio System
What Engines Come In the Toyota RAV4?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 comes with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, which delivers 203 horsepower at up to 30 MPG. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is average, taking 8.1 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Toyota RAV4 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota RAV4?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is known for its comfortable and well-appointed interior that caters to the needs of both drivers and passengers alike. The cabin features supportive and well-cushioned seats, with ample headroom and legroom for occupants in both the front and rear seat. The RAV4 can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers, making it an ideal choice for families or groups of friends.
Additionally, the cabin is equipped with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, which further enhance the overall comfort and aesthetic appeal. The SUV also offers a smooth and composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and minimizing cabin noise. With its combination of ergonomic design, spacious seating, and a pleasant driving experience, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 provides a comfortable journey for all its occupants.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota RAV4 Have?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a versatile and spacious compact SUV that offers an impressive amount of storage space for its class. With its 60/40-split rear seats folded down, the RAV4 provides a generous 69.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This expansive area can easily accommodate larger items, such as a bicycle, camping gear, or even a small kayak.
When the rear seats are upright, the cargo space is still substantial at 37.6 cubic feet, which is more than enough room for several suitcases, a week’s worth of groceries, or sports equipment for a family outing. The RAV4’s well-designed interior and practical storage solutions make it a popular choice among those who require ample space for their adventures and daily needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Toyota RAV4 was introduced for the 2019 model year.
2015: More exterior paint color choices offered.
2016: LED headlights added to all models, along with minor exterior styling changes.
2017: New Platinum model available, and more standard safety tech across the lineup.
2018: The SE model has a raised suspension, Adventure model introduced.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with all-new technology, styling, cabin, and engine.
2020: Android auto offered on all models, new TRD Off-Road model introduced.
2021: No major changes from earlier years.
How Does the Toyota RAV4 Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is one of the best small SUVs on the market since it provides excellent long-term reliability ratings as it ages, along with a lot of the newest technology features.
The Honda CR-V is another popular compact SUV which costs around $2,500 less. Passenger room is slightly better in the Honda CR-V, while the Toyota RAV4 offers lower ownership costs. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s more reliable, although both are excellent choices for the 2021 model year.
The Nissan Rogue is another small SUV which costs about $4,500 less. Interior materials are nicer in the Nissan Rogue, while the Toyota RAV4 has fewer owner complaints. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since there are not as many mechanical issues reported as it ages.
