The Toyota RAV4 has long been recognized as a leader in the compact SUV segment, and the fifth generation continues to impress. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 lineup introduces even more compelling options, especially with the addition of the XLE Premium trim to the hybrid range. For those seeking a blend of comfort, technology, and efficiency, the Rav4 Xle stands out as a particularly attractive model. Let’s delve into the features and specifications that make the RAV4 XLE a smart choice for SUV buyers in 2021.
Unveiling the 2021 RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid
The 2021 model year marked an exciting expansion for the RAV4 Hybrid lineup with the introduction of the XLE Premium grade. This new trim level builds upon the already well-equipped gas-powered XLE Premium, adding hybrid efficiency and unique features. The RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid is designed to offer a step up in sophistication and amenities while maintaining the renowned fuel economy of the hybrid powertrain.
Key features that define the RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid include:
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18-inch 5-Spoke Super-Chrome Finished Sport Alloy Wheels: These stylish wheels enhance the exterior aesthetics of the RAV4 XLE Premium, giving it a more refined and sporty look.
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Power Moonroof: Enjoy open-air driving and natural light with the convenience of a power moonroof, adding to the cabin’s spacious feel.
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LED Projector Headlights with Chrome Bezels: Providing excellent visibility, these headlights also feature Automatic High Beams and auto on/off functionality for added convenience and safety. The chrome bezels add a touch of elegance to the front fascia.
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LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with Accent Lighting: Enhance visibility during the day and contribute to the RAV4’s modern lighting signature.
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Integrated Fog Lamps: Improve visibility in adverse weather conditions, ensuring safer driving in fog or heavy rain.
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Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System: Maintain optimal comfort for both the driver and passenger with independent temperature settings. The system includes a dust and pollen filter, front center vent flow controls, and rear-seat vents, ensuring clean and comfortable air circulation throughout the cabin.
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Leather-Trimmed Tilt/Telescopic 3-Spoke Steering Wheel: Experience a premium feel with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, complete with silver accents and integrated audio controls for easy access to entertainment and phone functions.
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SofTex®-Trimmed Seating Surfaces: Enjoy the comfort and durability of SofTex®-trimmed seats, accommodating up to five passengers. SofTex® is lighter than leather, yet highly durable and easy to maintain.
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8-Way Power-Adjustable Front Driver’s Seat with Lumbar Support: Find the perfect driving position with extensive adjustability and lumbar support, reducing fatigue on long journeys.
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4-Way Adjustable Front Passenger Seat with Seatback Pocket: Ensure passenger comfort and provide convenient storage with a seatback pocket.
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4.2-inch Digital Multi-Information Display (MID): Access essential vehicle information at a glance on the clear and customizable digital MID.
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7.0-inch Touchscreen Multimedia System: Stay connected and entertained with a user-friendly 7.0-inch touchscreen, featuring six speakers, and compatibility with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa. It also includes a USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability, Bluetooth® wireless technology for music streaming, and SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial subscription.
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5 USB Ports: Keep all your devices charged with multiple USB ports located in both the front and backseat areas.
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Power Back Door: Enjoy easy access to the cargo area with the convenience of a power back door, especially useful when your hands are full.
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Smart Key System with Push Button Start: Experience keyless entry and ignition for added convenience and modern technology integration.
These features collectively elevate the RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a well-equipped and fuel-efficient SUV.
RAV4 TRD Off-Road: Rugged Capability for Adventure Seekers
While the RAV4 XLE focuses on premium features and hybrid efficiency, the 2021 RAV4 lineup also caters to adventure enthusiasts with the TRD Off-Road model. For 2021, the TRD Off-Road received an enhanced feature in the form of a TRD-stamped stainless steel front skid plate.
This addition reinforces the TRD Off-Road’s persona as a capable and rugged SUV, drawing inspiration from Toyota’s off-road racing heritage. The new skid plate provides increased protection against rocks and debris encountered both on and off the beaten path.
Building upon the foundation of the RAV4 Adventure grade, the TRD Off-Road enhances its off-road prowess with:
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Off-Road Tuned Suspension: Engineered for enhanced body control and small-bump isolation, smoothing out rough trails and city streets alike. Exclusive red-colored coil springs and re-valved twin-tube shocks with internal rebound springs improve control. New bump stops maximize wheel travel and body control over challenging terrain.
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18-inch Matte-Black TRD Alloy Wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All-Terrain Tires: These lighter and rigid wheels are paired with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires, featuring a unique tread pattern and compound developed to TRD specifications. The tires are Severe Snow Rated and designed with a rugged square-shoulder to resist punctures.
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Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Driveline Disconnect: Standard on the TRD Off-Road, this system provides exceptional traction and control in various driving conditions.
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Exterior and Interior Styling: Unique Magnetic Gray Metallic two-tone paint with Ice Edge Roof, dark gray fascias, LED fog lights, red stitching and trim accents in the interior, and Black SofTex® seats with TRD logo stitched headrests.
The RAV4 TRD Off-Road is designed for those who demand more capability from their SUV, while the RAV4 XLE offers a more comfort and technology-focused experience.
RAV4 Prime: The Plug-In Hybrid Powerhouse
For those prioritizing performance and maximum fuel efficiency, the 2021 RAV4 Prime emerges as a groundbreaking plug-in hybrid model. It holds the title of the most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever produced, delivering up to 302 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in a projected 5.7 seconds.
The RAV4 Prime also boasts an EPA-estimated 42 miles of all-electric driving range on a single charge, the highest EV range for any PHEV SUV in its class. It also achieves an EPA-estimated 94 combined MPGe, making it incredibly efficient. Standard Electronic On-Demand AWD further enhances its capabilities.
The RAV4 Prime is available in sporty SE and XSE grades, with the SE being a new addition and the XSE grade exclusive to the hybrid lineup.
The RAV4 XLE, while not a plug-in hybrid, still benefits from Toyota’s renowned hybrid technology in the XLE Hybrid version, offering excellent fuel economy and a smooth driving experience, albeit with a focus on affordability and everyday usability compared to the Prime’s performance focus.
Standard Features Across the 2021 RAV4 Range
Regardless of the trim level, the 2021 RAV4 models come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard features. All models include multimedia compatibility with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa, along with SiriusXM® with a three-month all-access trial.
For enhanced value, the RAV4 XLE and XLE Hybrid include a power driver’s seat as standard. The Weather Package, available on both FWD and AWD XLE models, adds heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a windshield wiper de-icer for enhanced comfort in colder climates.
The RAV4 Adventure grade includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as standard, while the Limited grade elevates the audio experience with Premium Audio featuring Dynamic Navigation and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with 11 JBL® speakers.
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) is standard across all 2021 RAV4 models, encompassing a suite of active safety technologies:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Higher grades, including the RAV4 TRD Off-Road and likely the RAV4 XLE Premium trims, also feature Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB). Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB) is available as an option.
Design and Driving Dynamics
The fifth-generation RAV4 embodies a bolder SUV design, built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. This platform contributes to a more rigid chassis, enhancing handling and ride comfort. The RAV4’s design conveys athleticism, with a strong stance and available 19-inch wheels.
The high-strength unibody chassis is significantly more rigid than previous generations, resulting in improved agility and a smoother ride, further refined by Toyota’s takumi master craftsmen who focused on optimizing vehicle dynamics in diverse conditions.
The RAV4 XLE, benefiting from this platform and design philosophy, offers a balanced driving experience suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys, prioritizing comfort and ease of use.
Powertrain Choices and Fuel Efficiency
The 2021 RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades offer a choice between gas and gas/electric hybrid powertrains. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road grades are exclusively available with the gas engine, while the Prime is a plug-in hybrid.
The standard Dynamic Force 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 203 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. This combination achieves an EPA-estimated 30 combined MPG in the LE FWD configuration.
The RAV4 Hybrid models, including the RAV4 XLE Hybrid, utilize Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with the 2.5-liter engine, delivering a remarkable EPA-estimated 40 combined MPG, making them leaders in fuel efficiency within the RAV4 lineup.
The RAV4 XLE offers optional All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Control and Rear Driveline Disconnect for enhanced traction and fuel efficiency. Adventure and TRD Off-Road models feature Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive for superior off-road capability, while the Limited model offers both FWD and optional Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD.
RAV4 XSE Hybrid and RAV4 Adventure
The RAV4 XSE Hybrid stands as the sport-tuned flagship model, featuring a sport-tuned suspension for enhanced on-road handling and unique styling cues like two-tone exterior paint and piano-black accents.
The RAV4 Adventure provides a balance of style and function, offering 8.6-inch ground clearance, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive, and Multi-Terrain Select, catering to those seeking a more rugged aesthetic and some off-road capability, bridging the gap between the standard models and the more specialized TRD Off-Road. The RAV4 XLE sits in a more mainstream position, prioritizing features and value for a broader audience.
RAV4 Limited: Luxury and Refinement
The RAV4 Limited elevates the compact SUV experience with luxury-focused features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, a standard moonroof, and a heated 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory.
Technology highlights in the Limited trim include a standard 7-inch Multi-Information Display and the Digital Rearview Mirror. Optional premium features include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic moonroof.
While the Limited offers top-tier luxury, the RAV4 XLE and XLE Premium trims provide a sweet spot, balancing desirable features with a more accessible price point, making them attractive for buyers who want premium amenities without the highest price tag.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Across all RAV4 models, the interior design emphasizes sophistication and user-friendliness. Features like a premium-designed shifter, tactile HVAC knobs, and a standard Electronic Parking Brake contribute to a refined cabin experience.
Ample storage solutions are integrated throughout the RAV4 interior, including a large center console, side-by-side cup holders, and a passenger-side in-dash tray. Rear seat passengers benefit from increased space and legroom, and the rear cargo area is versatile with a reversible liner and 60/40 folding seats.
Multimedia features are a highlight, with every RAV4 including Toyota Multimedia with SiriusXM®, Wi-Fi Connect, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa. Touchscreen sizes vary from 7 inches standard to optional 8 and 9-inch units, with available Premium Audio systems by JBL®. Up to five USB ports and optional Qi wireless charging cater to modern connectivity needs.
The RAV4 XLE trim, in particular, balances these interior and technology features effectively, offering a comfortable and connected environment without necessarily requiring the top-end upgrades found in the Limited or XSE trims, making it a value-conscious choice.
2021 RAV4 Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2021 RAV4 lineup offers a range of trims and price points to suit different budgets and preferences. The RAV4 XLE and XLE Hybrid models represent a strong value proposition, offering a compelling set of features and either standard gas efficiency or hybrid fuel economy at a competitive price.
[Pricing Table Image of 2021 RAV4 Models]
The RAV4 XLE trim, positioned above the base LE and below the more premium XLE Premium and Limited trims, strikes an excellent balance, providing many of the desirable features without the higher cost of the top-tier models. This makes the RAV4 XLE a smart choice for buyers seeking a well-rounded and affordable SUV in the competitive compact segment.
Safety and Warranty
The 2021 RAV4 prioritizes safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) and Toyota’s Star Safety System as standard across all trims. Available advanced safety technologies like Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Parking Assist further enhance driver and passenger security.
Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage includes a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and specific coverage for hybrid components and the HV battery. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan, and roadside assistance are also included, adding to the overall value and peace of mind for RAV4 owners.
Conclusion: Why Choose the RAV4 XLE?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 lineup offers something for everyone, from the rugged TRD Off-Road to the high-performance RAV4 Prime and the luxurious Limited. However, the RAV4 XLE, particularly the XLE Premium Hybrid, emerges as a standout choice for many buyers.
The RAV4 XLE provides a compelling blend of premium features, comfort, technology, and value. It offers significant upgrades over the base LE trim while remaining more accessible than the top-tier Limited and XSE models. Whether you opt for the standard gas engine or the fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, the RAV4 XLE delivers a well-rounded SUV experience that is perfectly suited for daily driving and family needs. For those seeking a smart, versatile, and well-equipped compact SUV, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE is undoubtedly a top contender.
