The Toyota RAV4 has become a ubiquitous sight on roads across America, and for good reason. It’s the sensible choice in a crowded compact SUV market, offering reliability and practicality in spades. While Toyota often pushes its higher-trim models for reviews, showcasing the best (and most expensive) versions, we wanted to experience the more attainable side of the RAV4. So, we spent nearly 3,000 miles in a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Xle, the trim that offers excellent value without sacrificing essential features. Our aim? To discover what you gain – and, crucially, what you lose – when you opt for the more grounded XLE over the flashier, off-road focused trims like the TRD Pro we tested previously.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD front three-quarter
Image of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD front three-quarter view, showcasing its practical and understated design.
Stepping down from the top-tier TRD Pro to the XLE trim brings a welcome dose of restraint. Gone are the overtly rugged styling cues and aggressive off-road tires that, frankly, feel out of place in everyday suburban driving. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE embraces a more understated aesthetic, shedding the faux-tough persona for a cleaner, more functional look. This translates to both the exterior and interior, where practicality takes precedence over perceived ruggedness. You lose the TRD Pro’s shouty styling, and in our book, that’s a definite plus for most drivers who prioritize daily usability over weekend trail adventures.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD rear three-quarter
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD rear three-quarter angle, highlighting its conventional SUV shape and practical cargo space.
Inside the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE, the changes are equally focused on practicality and value. The TRD Pro’s leather interior is replaced with a durable and comfortable cloth upholstery. While you might miss the feel of leather, the cloth in the XLE is perfectly serviceable and likely more resistant to the wear and tear of family life. Similarly, the leather accents on the steering wheel and other touchpoints are swapped for plastic. While the plastic feels basic, it’s functional and hard-wearing. For those who desire a touch more refinement, Toyota offers an upgrade package that can add leather touches, but honestly, for the price point, the standard XLE interior is perfectly acceptable and prioritizes long-term durability over fleeting luxury.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD front seat
Interior view of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD front seats, emphasizing the comfortable cloth upholstery and functional design.
Under the hood, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE retains the same dependable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine found across the RAV4 range. This engine produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent primarily to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive available on the XLE trim for enhanced traction in various weather conditions. While this powertrain isn’t going to win any races, it provides adequate performance for daily driving and highway cruising. In a market increasingly filled with smaller turbocharged engines, Toyota’s choice of a larger naturally aspirated four-cylinder speaks to their focus on long-term reliability and proven technology. The AWD system offers different drive modes, but in real-world driving, it’s a seamless and effective system that inspires confidence, rather than transforming the RAV4 into an off-road conqueror.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD back seat
Image showing the spacious rear seats of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, illustrating its family-friendly passenger capacity.
Stepping inside the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE is like stepping back in time, in some ways. While competitors push for increasingly luxurious and tech-laden interiors, the RAV4 XLE feels deliberately straightforward. The interior materials prioritize durability over plushness, and some of the controls feel basic, reminiscent of older vehicles. For instance, the fuel door and hood release levers are simple plastic pulls, located close together on the lower dashboard. It’s a minor detail, but it highlights the RAV4’s focus on functionality over flashy design. And yes, you might occasionally pull the hood release when intending to open the fuel door – a testament to their similar design and proximity. Even the fuel cap is a traditional twist-off, a far cry from the capless systems found in many modern cars.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD buttons
Close-up image of the dashboard buttons and controls in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, showcasing the functional but basic design.
The steering wheel in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE feels basic, and the standard audio system is underwhelming. Audiophiles will likely want to consider upgrading the sound system, as the base setup lacks depth and clarity. The interior color scheme is a mix of greys that might not be the most visually exciting, but again, it’s functional and likely to age well. The overall impression of the interior is one of practicality and durability, rather than luxury or excitement. This isn’t a car designed to impress with opulent materials or cutting-edge technology; it’s built to be a reliable and functional tool for everyday life.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD infotainment
The infotainment screen in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, showing its functional but not overly sophisticated interface.
However, despite its lack of frills, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE excels where it truly counts: in everyday usability. Over thousands of miles of driving, including long highway stretches and varied road conditions, the RAV4 XLE proved to be a capable and comfortable companion. Fuel economy is impressive, achieving around 32 mpg at highway speeds. The ride is comfortable, handling bumps and imperfections with composure. The seats, both front and rear, are spacious and supportive, even on longer journeys. The cargo area is generously sized, with a practical square shape and durable plastic linings that are resistant to scratches and damage.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD dash
Dashboard view of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, highlighting the clear instrument cluster and functional layout.
The infotainment system in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE is functional and easy to use, if not the most visually stunning. Storage space is plentiful throughout the cabin. Visibility is good, particularly to the rear three-quarter, a common blind spot in many SUVs. The headlights are adequately bright, and the windshield wipers are effective. All the primary controls operate with a solid, reassuring feel, reinforcing the sense of durability and dependability. While the RAV4 XLE might not be thrilling, it is consistently competent in all the areas that matter for daily driving.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD trunk
Image of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD trunk space, demonstrating its practicality and cargo capacity.
Ultimately, the strongest selling point of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE is its Toyota badge and the reputation that comes with it. Toyota is synonymous with reliability and longevity, and the RAV4 XLE embodies these qualities. It’s a vehicle designed to last, requiring minimal maintenance and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. While the initial purchase experience at a dealership might be typical, the long-term ownership experience is where the RAV4 XLE shines. Unlike some vehicles that depreciate rapidly or become maintenance headaches as they age, the RAV4 holds its value remarkably well and is known for its durability. Even with high mileage and a few cosmetic blemishes, a RAV4 remains desirable on the used car market.
In an era of automotive anxieties, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE offers peace of mind. It’s not designed to excite car enthusiasts, but it earns respect through its unwavering functionality and reliability. For those who need a dependable, practical, and long-lasting vehicle without unnecessary frills, the RAV4 XLE is an excellent choice. If you know someone who views a car as a tool rather than a toy, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE is a recommendation you can make with confidence. It may not be the most thrilling SUV on the market, but it’s arguably the most sensible – and in the long run, the most satisfying.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD – Key Takeaways
Price (as tested): Around $30,000
Pros: Reliable, fuel-efficient, spacious, practical, comfortable ride, excellent resale value.
Cons: Uninspired interior, basic audio system, not exciting to drive.
Summary: The 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD is the automotive equivalent of a dependable and comfortable pair of shoes – not flashy, but always gets the job done and lasts for years. A practical and sensible choice for those who prioritize reliability and value in a compact SUV.
