Description
SUV
car_truckCompared with other compact SUVs that force a trade-off between winter traction, fuel thrift, and everyday comfort, this 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE blends those priorities with unusual ease. It looks composed in Silver Sky Metallic—rugged enough with its black cladding and roof rails to nod at weekend plans—yet refined in the details. Where some rivals emphasize either efficiency or capability, this one delivers both without drama, backed by Toyota’s quietly confident hybrid engineering.
Under the hood, Toyota’s 2.5‑litre Dynamic Force four-cylinder teams with an electric system and a smooth CVT to serve up responsive, seamless power. Regenerative braking harvests energy on the go, while intelligent all-wheel drive adds calm to slippery commutes and cottage-lane detours alike. The payoff at the pump is compelling: ratings as low as 5.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.3 L/100 km on the highway, meaning long stretches between fill-ups without sacrificing the surefooted feel drivers expect from an SUV.
Inside, the layout is sensible and pleasantly upscale without pretense.
Dual-zone climate control keeps temperatures just right front to back, and cold mornings are easier thanks to heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A power liftgate simplifies grocery runs and gear loading, while the adjustable cargo floor, roll-up cover, and 60/40 split rear seat transform the space to suit errands, strollers, or ski bags. Cabin storage is thoughtfully placed, from the covered console bin to door pockets and a discreet seatback pocket.
Technology supports rather than distracts. The central touchscreen pairs quickly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands are straightforward, and five USB ports make life easier for a family of devices. Steering‑wheel audio and cruise controls keep hands where they belong; the digital driver display relays key info at a glance; and the sunroof brings in just enough sky to brighten long drives.
Confidence comes baked in through Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and a smart set of driver assists: radar-guided cruise for highway ease, lane tracing to reduce wander, lane departure alert for gentle corrections, and a pre‑collision system with pedestrian detection for city awareness.
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert expand your view when changing lanes or backing out of crowded lots, while LED lighting with automatic high beams sharpens nighttime clarity.
Rolling on 17‑inch alloys with a balanced suspension tune, the RAV4 Hybrid feels planted over broken pavement yet light on its feet in town. With 117,857 kilometres traveled, it’s a proven companion that still presents with the calm, unflappable character that made it a segment benchmark. Efficient, capable, and genuinely versatile, this XLE finds the sweet spot others in the class keep chasing.
