Toyota RAV4 V 2.5 (200 HP) AWD Automatic

The compact SUV segment is a fierce one, with the Toyota RAV4 going up against top contenders like the Honda CR-V. Yet, it remains one of America's most beloved models, outselling every other vehicle except trucks. Its footprint isn't that much larger than a traditional car, but it supplies way more passenger and cargo capacity. It also offers very competitive mileage figures from the standard four-cylinder engine, while a bevy of electrified hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants improve performance and efficiency even further. Each model comes with a complete Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, but the other standard features are a bit lacking at the base level. Despite this, the RAV4 has never struggled to sell well, and as Toyota continues to improve the recipe, the chances of Americans losing interest dwindles.

While very little has changed for the new RAV4 and its hybrid models, there has been an addition to the lineup in the form of the XLE Premium Hybrid. Modeled on the gas-powered version of the same nameplate, it comes similarly equipped but with some changes. These include LED projector headlights, daytime running lights with accent lighting, active grille shutters, a hybrid instrument cluster, and a vehicle proximity notification system. The TRD Off-Road also gets a new TRD-stamped stainless steel front skid plate.

If you want an SUV that stands out from humdrum boxy utility vehicles, the Toyota RAV4 is certainly worthy of your attention. Its design is delightfully contemporary, and each trim sets itself apart from the rest with a unique exterior element here and there. The smallest wheels naturally come equipped to the lowest trims levels, with the LE and XLE riding on 17-inch steel and alloy wheels, respectively. Almost every other model receives 19-inch alloys in varying designs, with only the TRD Off-Road slotting between these with its 18-inch chrome-finished sport alloys. Multi-LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard on even the base model, but the XLE adds auto on/off function and fog lights. Each of the hybrids, save for the base LE, get LED projector headlights instead. A black hexagon-patterned grille is outfitted to the LE, XLE, and XLE Premium, while the Adventure and TRD Off-Road get a split bar front upper grille. Both the Limited and XSE opt for the more premium dark gray hexagon-patterned grille. There is also some variation with the accent colors of the door handles, mirror caps, and light bezels across the range, while a power moonroof is standard on each model from the XLE Premium upwards, apart from the Adventure.

You certainly aren't limited for choice when it comes to paint colors. Even the base-model LE offers quite a few options, such as Magnetic Gray, Silver Sky, and Midnight Black metallics, or Blue Flame and Super White. For an additional $425, the premium Ruby Flare Pearl paint is available. The XLE expands the standard palette with Lunar Rock and Blue, while the Limited has access to many of the same paints, but its selection is slightly more refined. There are some standout combinations available to the Adventure and TRD Off-Road. Each can opt for a dual-tone aesthetic at an additional cost of $500. On the Adventure, your options comprise of Lunar Rock, Midnight Black Metallic, or Blue Flame, each paired with Ice Edge. The TRD Off-Road trades out Blue Flame for Magnetic Gray instead. New for 2021 is the XSE Hybrid, bringing with it a unique color palette. Dual-tones are your option here, with Magnetic Gray, Silver Sky, and Blueprint paired with Midnight Black offered for free, while Blizzard Pearl/Midnight Black will cost you an additional $425.

Family-hauler crossovers prioritize efficiency over outright performance, so the RAV4 is not particularly quick. The base four-cylinder engine takes around eight seconds to launch the SUV from 0 to 60 mph, but it has a decent top speed of 130 mph. Regardless, this is quite a bit slower than what the Mazda CX-5 is capable of. The RAV4 Hybrid variants have access to a little more power and come standard with the all-wheel drivetrain, but they are also heavier, meaning they are about as quick as their gasoline siblings.

When it comes to towing capacity, the Toyota is actually well-endowed. The front-wheel-drive options, namely the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited, have a maximum capacity of just 1,500 pounds - on par with the likes of the popular Honda CR-V. The remaining trim levels and all the hybrids get all-wheel drive, instead, which increases the hauling ability of the hybrids to 1,750 lbs and the TRD models to 3,500 lbs. This is about the best you can hope for in the compact crossover segment.

While one or two trims may be equipped to go off-road, the RAV4 is predominantly a town car. Its light, electrically assisted steering is ideal for maneuvering on tight, busy streets or grabbing that surprise parking spot before anyone else can. Unfortunately, this lightness doesn't really change when you speed up on the highway, so the wheel requires constant attention. Similarly, the brakes are quite light, too. But they aren't actually weak, so you can bring the car to a halt if you just apply the pedal hard enough.

This same town-centric design flows over into road comfort, though, meaning that most bumps and abrasions are soaked up easily by the suspension and tires. In this area, the smaller 17- and 18-inch wheels are preferable, but the 19-inchers don't negatively affect it that much. The Adventure and TRD have slightly stiffer suspensions for going off-road, but they work well on tarmac, too.

Naturally, these two trims do well off the beaten path, where their smaller tires, stiffer suspensions, and AWD are ideal for dealing with rougher ground conditions.

The entry-level models are not as upscale as their more expensive siblings, which is shown by the presence of more hard plastics around the cabin and the urethane steering wheel. From the XLE Premium upwards, this is upgraded to a leather-wrapped wheel, though. The LE and XLE have fabric-trimmed seating, while the XLE Premium upwards all receive SofTex. Color options include Black or Nutmeg for all three, while Light Gray is added as an option on the upper two. The Adventure's seating color schemes comprise Mocha or Black, while the TRD can only be dressed in Black. The Limited doesn't offer Mocha but adds Nutmeg and Light Gray as extra options. The XSE stands out for its SofTex upholstery with fabric inserts, offered in an equally unique palette that comprises a combination of Black/Blue.

SUVs are loved for their practicality, and the Toyota RAV4 plays directly into this strength. It isn't quite as impressive as the cavernous Honda CR-V, but the 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats is still very generous. The hybrids stand out here by offering the same amount of space, instead of losing some to the battery. If you fold the rear seats down in a 60/40-split, you can expand the base trunk space to 69.8 cubic feet. Within this area, you can store cargo to the weight of 1,050-1,240 lbs, depending on the model.

Small-item storage around the cabin is just as practical. Each row of seats receives a pair of cupholders, and there are a number of small bins around the console to assist with storing small items. The glovebox and armrest cubby can accommodate larger items, while the door pockets can store water bottles. Back-seat passengers can stow their mobile phones or tablets in the seatback map pockets.

Price Range (MSRP):$26,350 - $36,280.