2021 model shown
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $30,689–$38,828 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a hybrid that earns a Carivo score of 8.3/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 9.0/10. The RAV4 Hybrid nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.8/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.8/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $30,689–$38,828, 38 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Its value score of 8.8/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good hybrid should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ranks #32 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 8.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $30,689 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $31,584.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking → · Best Hybrids under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 8.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.3 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.5/10 | $34,736 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.5/10 | $34,736 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.6/10 | $33,725 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.5/10 | $32,713 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.4/10 | $31,701 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.3/10 | $30,689 | |
| 2020 | 8.3/10 | $29,678 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.2/10 | $28,666 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.3/10 | $27,654 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.2/10 | $26,642 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 8.0/10 | $25,631 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 20/12/2023 · 23V865000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry,… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's reliability 9.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 8.3/10 overall, ranking #32 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $30,689 and ranges up to $38,828 across trims (MSRP when new). At 38 MPG, expect roughly $1,382/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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