Written by Marco Carvajal
2021 RAV4 Limited AWD
The RAV4 Limited is not just your regular compact crossover SUV, the Limited is the top of the lineup RAV4 gasoline models with lots of features and AWD optional to transform your RAV4 into a powerful moving machine, efficient, sporty, modern, compact, and powerful.
Test driving the Limited RAV4 makes me feel that the RAV4 is premium and very attractive. The limited top-of-the-line is one of these models that can make every driver happy. Even if you are not a RAV4 fan, you will find the Limited a very complete compact SUV with great value and features. If you decide to purchase the Limited version, I suggest adding the optional AWD.
The 2021 RAV4 Limited is very efficient for a regular gasoline car engine, with 30 combined estimated Miles per Gallon, 27 in the city, and 35 on the highway.
Standard advanced safety features like TSS 2.0, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 make the Rav4 more attractive
For those who like modern connectivity, the RAV4 limited gives you standard Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, so you can connect your RAV4 with all your devices and take advantage of all modern technologies.
The RAV4 is a modern crossover with 5 seats, it features a small-medium size to provide easy handling on any city center and compact roads.
The Rav4 limited is the top of the 2021 model line priced starting near $35,000. This is not the low price you expect from a Rav4, but the limited provide a generous amount of features.
203 Horsepower is very good power for this compact SUV, it is more than you will need in your city SUV, now you can take your RAV4 everywhere, especially when adding all-wheel drive to your RAV4 limited model.
The RAV4 engine 2.5-Liter Dynamic Force 4-Cylinder DOHC D-4S Injection with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) is combined with Direct Shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift mode.
RAV4 Keeps Moving Forward with its 5th Generation
The RAV4 was completely redesigned for 2019 with a better exterior look and a new interior with more technology. The new RAV4 attracts car buyers by providing a unique modern distinct design combined with a good reasonable price and a very efficient engine.
This new generation includes more technology, better dynamics, improved design and style, and a higher level of performance.
The 2021 RAV4 includes sportiness and comfort providing all the CUV-style features and practicality for a city SUV.
The 5th Generation RAV4 is built on the new platform Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) with new engines.
The RAV4 2021 includes new enhancements as the RAV is evolving into a more trendy car than its previous versions.
Toyota engineered the new 2021 RAV4 with more features and versions, with a flexible price range from $26K with the base LE Rav4 model, up to $37K with the top-of-the-line Limited Hybrid.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is considered the best-selling SUV in the US and in the world. Toyota’s fifth-generation RAV4 has a modern and practical layout and it features a very attractive modern exterior design.
2021 RAV4 Trim Models
The RAV4 is available with the following models for the 2021 car year version.
- RAV4 LE Starting at $26,250 MSRP
- RAV4 LE Starting at $28,880 MSRP
- RAV4 XLE Starting at $27,545 MSRP
- RAV4 XLE Hybrid Starting at $30,095 MSRP
- RAV4 XLE Premium Starting at $30,250 MSRP
- RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid Starting at $32,800 MSRP
- RAV4 Adventure Starting at $33,355 MSRP
- RAV4 TRD Off-Road Starting at $35,980 MSRP
- RAV4 XSE Starting at $34,750 MSRP
- RAV4 Limited Starting at $34,780 MSRP (the one I am test driving)
- RAV4 Limited Hybrid Starting at $37,330 MSRP
Toyota’s pricing for the 2021 RAV4 gives a lot of flexibility to car buyers, from $26K to $37K, letting you select the best-priced RAV4 according to your needs and budget.
RAV4 Limited Highlights
- 19-inch multi-spoke super chrome-finished alloy wheels
- Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD)
- Premium Audio, Dynamic Navigation 83, and JBL 88 with Android Auto 95 & Apple CarPlay 98 & Amazon Alexa 92compatible
- SofTex-trimmed 90 seats and power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory function
- 2.5-Liter Dynamic Force 4-Cylinder DOHC D-4S Injection with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
- SPORT, ECO, NORMAL Modes
- 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm
- 184 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm
- Direct Shift – 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift mode
RAV4 Evolution
The first RAV4 version I know was manufactured about 26 years ago in 1994, with great success since its beginning in Japan, the United States, and the European Union. It was the first compact SUV made by Toyota. This small SUV was designed for consumers who wanted a vehicle that had most of the benefits of a regular SUV, such as increased cargo space, greater visibility, and the option of permanent four-wheel drive, along with easy maneuverability and efficient fuel economy similar to the one of a regular sedan.
RAV4 means “Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive”, however not all RAV4 are all-wheel drive, with most RAV4 4-wheel drive is optional.
The Rav4 is known to be the founder of the compact SUV segment. It was originally created as a small SUV, but it started a very fast-growing segment for drivers who want a city SUV. Several years after the creation of the RAV4 this model keeps growing and Toyota is producing several electric plugin, hybrid, and gasoline versions.
The RAV4 is manufactured in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, and it has about 50 percent of its parts are imported from Japan.
There have been several generations and variations in the RAV4, the hybrid models highlight with feature increased performance, fuel efficiency, and a better driving experience using Hybrid technology. The new popular Rav4 Prime is very efficient in combining hybrid and plugin technologies. Rav4 gasoline models are also extremely efficient compared to other brand cars.
New RAV4 Multi-Terrain Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a great powerful feature that lets you choose between four driving modes to enhance traction on different conditions like Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal driving mode.
Rav’s advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) works with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, enhancing driving performance, giving more power to the wheel that needs it.
Competition
The RAV4 is America’s best-selling SUV, and every there are new competitors like the Honda Cr-V, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V. $25,350, Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape are trying to compete and take sales away from the RAV4, but competition is tough as the RAV4 has a strong value name and identity, and it is positioned as a great value crossover with buyers around the world.
I think that the RAV4 continues to be so successful among its competitor due to its generous standard features, low-value pricing, and the variety of trim models to choose from, providing a good buying alternative for every buyers with different needs and budget.
