2021 Toyota RAV4: Road testing an extraordinary SUV

Try for yourself: it is simply impossible to spend a day outside without seeing a Toyota RAV4 on the road, no matter where you live! This SUV first hit the market over 20 years ago, has been at the top of its class for almost as many years. And for good reason: it is extremely versatile, all of its versions are well-equipped, and it offers hybrid and plug-in versions at unbeatable price.

Spinelli Toyota Lachine, your Toyota dealer near Laval and the South Shore of Montreal, took the new 2021 Toyota RAV4 for a test drive, and here are our impressions!

Overview of the 2021 RAV4

With a base price ranging from $30,949 to $44,049 for the gas models, the 2021 RAV4 is a modern SUV with an athletic silhouette, and it is available in 6 versions. Add the hybrid and plug-in models and you'll have 12 different versions to choose from! You can be sure you'll have no trouble finding one that suits your needs and budget!

With wheels up to 19 inches in size (depending on the version), LED daytime running lights, projector style headlights, a power sunroof as well as a bold exterior with rugged lines that stand out from previous models, the RAV4 knows how to please and be noticed.

Performance

In terms of engines, the RAV4 can be equipped with a 203-horsepower 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine, which is the one we drove. As for the hybrid versions, they are equipped with a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine paired with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, generating a combined 219 horsepower. Finally, if you're lucky enough to get your hands on a plug-in hybrid model, you'll get a total output of 302 horsepower, the highest ever for a RAV4.

Gasoline engine versions are available in All-Wheel Drive and Front-Wheel Drive, and offer a towing capacity of between 1500 and 3500 pounds, depending on the model you choose. If you need more convincing, its impressive fuel efficiency - one of the RAV4's strong points - will definitely win you over. AWD models boast impressive city/highway fuel economy ratings of just 8.5/6.8 L/100 km, and FWD models get up to 9.4/7.1 L/100 km.

Life on board

The spacious interior of the 2021 RAV4 can seat up to 5 passengers and offers plenty of room for everyone, including their luggage. And with a cargo volume ranging from 1059 L to 1977 L depending on whether the rear seat is folded or not, the RAV4 is one of the most spacious SUVs in its class.

When it comes to onboard features and technology, a lot is expected from Toyota; and they got it right with this one! Even the entry models boast a generous list of standard and optional equipment. Entry-level models offer a host of standard safety features that are not always found with the competition, even in the higher-end versions. For example, they include pre-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a feature that some competing SUVs do not offer. You'll also find the intelligent clearance sonar, a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning and more. 

We also appreciated the dual-zone climate control as well as the heated and ventilated front seats in our SUV, which allowed us to enjoy a very pleasant drive even if the morning was quite chilly.

Finally, fans of cutting-edge technology will be happy with the 7, 8 or 9-inch touchscreen (depending on the options chosen), navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, among other features. 

Behind the wheel

The RAV4's handling is simply incredible; it feels like you're driving a small vehicle. The ride is smooth and pleasant, whether you are in the busy downtown streets or on winding mountain roads. One thing is for sure: test driving the RAV4 makes it clear that the competition has a lot of catching up to do!

If you choose the Trail version, you can select the driving mode that best suits the type of terrain you're driving on, resulting in an even better driving experience.

Conclusion

As is tradition, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 offers the most value for money on the market. In our opinion, buyers looking for a versatile, fuel-efficient and reliable SUV will find all of that and more in the Toyota RAV4.

To learn more about this SUV, or to take it for a test drive yourself, come see us at Toyota Lachine today!