2021 model shown
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | PHEV |
| Base Price | $39,757–$53,594 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a phev that earns a Carivo score of 8.4/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.1/10, while Performance at 7.6/10 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 9.1/10. The RAV4 Prime nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.9/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.6/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. On technology it rates 8.5/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $39,757–$53,594, 91 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota RAV4 Prime sits in the mid-market bracket of the phev segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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 Prime will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good phev 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 Prime ranks #3 of 40 phevs in the Carivo database — better than 95% of the segment. Its 8.4/10 overall score is 0.9 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $39,757 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $43,041 by about 8%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full PHEV ranking →
Across the RAV4 Prime model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.5/10 | $45,000 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.5/10 | $43,690 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $42,379 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.4/10 | $41,068 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.4/10 | $39,757 |
The following recall campaigns have 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.
| Exterior lighting / Headlights 12/11/2020 · 20V698000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles. The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam. As such, these vehicles fail to comply… |
|---|---|
| Electronic stability control (esc) / Control module / Software 13/04/2022 · 22V239000 | Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The… |
| Electrical system / Propulsion system / Hybrid management / Power control unit/module (hpcu) 02/02/2023 · 23V041000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During certain cold weather driving conditions, while driving in EV Mode, the hybrid vehicle control engine control unit (HEV ECU) software may… |
| Electrical system / Propulsion system / Dc/dc converter 12/07/2023 · 23V478000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The electric current rectifying module contained within the DC-DC converter may have been damaged… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime's reliability 9.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 8.4/10 overall, ranking #3 of 40 phevs in our database (better than 95% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $39,757 and ranges up to $53,594 across trims (MSRP when new). At 91 MPG, expect roughly $577/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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