2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a blend of rugged styling and practical design. Despite its fully loaded status, it resembled a typical rental car, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The electronic all-wheel-drive system was not suited for off-road adventures, unlike the non-hybrid Trail trim. The RAV4 Hybrid's exterior was tough yet needed bolder wheels to enhance its appearance. Inside, it offered a stylish and functional cabin with a mix of quality materials and some hard plastics. However, a rattle from the license plate marred the otherwise practical interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged roots, reminiscent of the 1980s SUV craze. It shared its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup, offering a niche appeal for off-road enthusiasts. The 4Runner's design emphasized adventure, with a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper. Inside, the cabin reflected its last redesign in 2009, with a late-2000s dash layout. The 4Runner Trail model featured unique elements like 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck. The 4Runner's standard four-wheel drive and off-road capabilities made it a suitable choice for those seeking rugged adventures.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided a lively driving experience, with instant electric-motor torque enhancing acceleration. The RAV4 Hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and its regenerative braking system was effective. However, the four-cylinder engine's noise was unpleasant at high revs. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Its suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system contributed to favourable driving dynamics, although the all-season tires lacked grip during spirited driving.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, the engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll. However, off-road, the suspension excelled, absorbing rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models offered additional off-road features like Crawl Control and a locking differential. The 4Runner's towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms was modest compared to compact pickups but exceeded most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with a reclining backrest for added comfort. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment controls. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 1,059 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres behind the second row. The three-row model reduced maximum cargo space to 2,514 litres. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for convenient access. While the cabin was not as spacious as modern SUVs, it provided ample storage for gear.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy operation. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While not the most advanced system, it provided essential tech features with tactile controls, ideal for off-road driving. The 4Runner's infotainment system lacked a head-up display but offered a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system as an upgrade.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It received four stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA and three stars for rollover testing. The 4Runner had not been evaluated by the IIHS.