2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 continued the bold and angular design introduced in the 2019 model, which set it apart from its competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. This redesign aimed to enhance the SUV's rugged appearance, aligning with its reputation for durability. The Trail trim, known for its off-roading capabilities, featured a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control, making it a versatile choice for various terrains. The TRD Off-Road package, introduced in 2020, further enhanced the Trail's off-road prowess with matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, providing a comfortable ride on diverse surfaces. The TRD Off-Road's distinct features, such as its wheels, tires, and badges, complemented the RAV4's overall aesthetic, while the Lunar Rock grey paint with a white roof added a unique touch.

Inside, the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos on the front-seat head restraints and practical elements like rubber floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The interior combined quality construction with plush centre armrest padding, soft-touch upper door-panel trim, and rubberized surfaces, contrasting with some less expensive-looking plastic elements. Positioned near the top of the gas-powered RAV4's trim levels, the TRD Off-Road offered a blend of equipment and value, with the XLE trim being a popular choice for those seeking a balance of features and affordability. The test vehicle's price reflected its unique features and capabilities, making it a compelling option for those interested in a versatile and rugged SUV.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 maintained its rugged exterior styling, characterized by boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, which set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. This aggressive design contributed to the perception of the RAV4 as more than just an ordinary vehicle. However, beneath the bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, providing a solid foundation for various vehicle types. While the styling suggested a 4Runner-like toughness, the mechanical components were more akin to a Camry.

Toyota offered options to enhance the gasoline RAV4's appeal, such as the Trail model with an Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, red interior accents, and a TRD front skid plate. The interior featured rugged styling touches, including large rubberized knobs and door handles, distinguishing it from other Toyota models. While material quality was decent on lower trims, it didn't improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road test car featured SofTex upholstery, which Toyota claimed was lighter and durable, but real leather was not available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided adequate performance for the class, especially in Sport mode. However, a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The RAV4 Hybrid, a separate model, offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, but the TRD Off-Road package was not available for it. The RAV4 Prime, a high-performance plug-in hybrid, was set to debut in 2021.

The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with fuel-saving driveline disconnect technology, along with multi-terrain select settings and downhill assist control. With 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance, the TRD Off-Road excelled in off-road conditions, handling challenging trails with ease. In urban settings, the TRD suspension smoothed out speed humps, and the 360-degree surround-view camera system facilitated parking. The JBL premium sound system and heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort and convenience. Despite averaging 10.0 L/100 km in fuel consumption, the TRD Off-Road proved versatile in both off-road and urban environments.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 retained the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, akin to racing engines, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in delayed gear shifts. The steering, though responsive, lacked feel, creating a videogame-like experience. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and refinement, making them attractive alternatives.

On the highway, the RAV4 excelled with low cabin noise and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections. However, Toyota focused on off-road capability rather than on-road dynamics. The Trail and TRD Off-Road models featured torque-vectoring AWD, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and model-specific suspension tuning. While capable off-road, the RAV4's limited suspension articulation and approach angles posed challenges on rugged trails. The TRD Off-Road's towing capacity of 3,500 pounds exceeded that of other RAV4 models, enhancing its utility.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy access with well-positioned seating hip points. The driver's seat was 4-way power-adjustable, providing a low and sporty driving position, while the front passenger seat, though lacking height adjustment, offered good thigh support. The RAV4 Trail featured SofTex upholstery, known for trapping sweat, but included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was generous, accommodating adults and children comfortably, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for added convenience.

Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard-wide shelf and a cargo space of 1,062 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,974 litres with the seats folded. The test vehicle's robust roof rails and roof rack with crossbars enhanced its utility, accommodating various carriers and racks.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4's tall, upright roof provided competitive headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats in the RAV4 Trail TRD Off-Road were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat didn't slide like those in some rivals. Cargo space was above average at 1,059 litres with seats up and 1,977 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The cargo area's wide aperture facilitated loading, but the lip was higher than in the Honda.

Oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were user-friendly, even with gloves. The centre-console storage bin and smartphone space were generous, but they limited console storage. The RAV4's design, reminiscent of old-school SUVs, lacked large cupholders and loose change storage but featured a larger shift lever and vehicle controls.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly and practical. Depending on the trim, it featured a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, with the latter standard in the Trail trim. While the screen suffered from glare, the infotainment system was easy to use, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected services packages. The system included menu shortcut buttons and separate climate controls. Upgrades included navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was impressive, accurately responding to commands. Wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror were available, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models featured an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, along with a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was straightforward, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics. However, it lacked flashiness, and the gasoline RAV4 didn't offer a head-up display. While not catering to tech enthusiasts, the RAV4 provided a simple interface for hassle-free infotainment.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The systems operated smoothly, encouraging drivers to keep them active. Toyota offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, including collision notification and emergency assistance. The IIHS awarded the 2020 RAV4 a Top Safety Pick rating, contingent on full LED, curve adaptive headlights, while other models received Marginal headlight ratings. The RAV4 excelled in crash protection and ADAS performance.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, mixed headlight scores prevented it from achieving the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests and five stars in side tests. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. A 360-degree camera system was available in certain packages.