2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior that mimicked the look of a traditional SUV, setting it apart from previous generations and most compact crossovers. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end gave it an aggressive appearance, which contributed to its unique presence on the road. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional than its exterior suggested.

Toyota offered several options to enhance the RAV4's appearance, such as the Trail model with its retro Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, and the TRD Off-Road package, which included matte black alloy wheels and a TRD front skid plate. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, although material quality did not improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable, but real leather was not available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, retained a design that had remained largely unchanged for over a decade. While not conventionally attractive, its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless styling and utility. The 4Runner's design was akin to a reliable tool, with its durability and functionality taking precedence over frequent redesigns. For 2021, Toyota offered the 4Runner in various trims, including Trail and SR5, with options for TRD Off Road, Limited, Venture, Nightshade, and TRD Pro packages in Canada.

The 4Runner's interior was characterized by hard plastic materials, which were easy to clean and aligned with its rugged mission. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, and manual air conditioning, emphasizing simplicity and durability. Despite its age, the 4Runner's truck-like driving characteristics and off-road capabilities endeared it to owners who appreciated its authenticity and charm. However, its on-road performance was less refined, feeling slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and revved like a racing engine, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the "Sport" driving mode only added weight to the steering without enhancing performance.

Despite its shortcomings on the road, the RAV4 excelled in off-road capability, particularly in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, which featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, its limited suspension articulation and shallow approach angles were potential liabilities on challenging trails.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered part-time four-wheel drive with 4-Hi and 4-Lo settings, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. While the 4Runner felt slow and heavy on pavement, its off-road prowess was undeniable. The A-Trac system, locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control made it a formidable off-roader, capable of tackling mud, hills, and ruts with ease.

However, the 4Runner's truck-like driving characteristics, including heavy steering and clunky handling, were less suited for urban environments. Its fuel consumption was also a consideration, with an average of 14.0 L/100 km during testing, resulting in a range of about 620 kilometres with its 87-litre fuel tank.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that provided ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded, although still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter passengers without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with good support and generous legroom in the rear. The back seat provided air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, and the moonroof and power windows created an open-air feel. Cargo space was substantial, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seat and 2,540 litres with it folded, complemented by a large roof rack for additional storage.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen. The RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio were optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade had limited technology, but it included a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with five USB ports. Higher trims offered audio system upgrades and dynamic navigation. The system's physical buttons and knobs were easy to use, even with gloves, and the navigation map included off-road trails.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. A 360-degree camera system was available in certain packages.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The NHTSA gave it a three-star rollover resistance rating, while the IIHS rated its roof crush strength as "Good." The 4Runner's protection in small overlap frontal-impact collisions was rated "Marginal" by the IIHS, reflecting its age and design.