Description
SUV
car_truck“I wanted something practical for every day, but I didn’t expect to enjoy driving it this much,” is how a fictional previous owner might sum up this 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD in Magnetic Grey Metallic. This is an SUV that feels composed and confident in all seasons, yet still easy to maneuver and live with in tight city spaces. Its clean, modern lines and subtle black/grey contrasts give it a purposeful look without shouting for attention.
Under the hood, the Dynamic Force 2.5L I-4 engine delivers 203 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and lock-up overdrive for smooth, efficient acceleration. The automatic full-time all-wheel drive system works with Multi-Terrain Select, allowing the driver to tailor traction for varying conditions, while trailer sway control adds extra reassurance when towing light loads.
Fuel economy is impressively sensible for a capable SUV, with a city rating of 8.8 L/100 km and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway, running on regular unleaded.
Inside, the cabin is designed for everyday durability and comfort. Cloth upholstery covers supportive bucket front seats, with the driver’s seat offering 8-way power adjustment, 2-way power lumbar support, and cushion tilt, plus manual height and fore/aft adjustments to fine-tune your driving position. The heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors make cold mornings far more comfortable. Dual-zone automatic climate control keeps both front occupants happy, while rear under-seat ducts help distribute warm or cool air to rear passengers.
The interior layout emphasizes useful storage and flexibility. You’ll find 1 seatback storage pocket, covered floor console storage, a standard glove box, and well-placed front and rear door bins.
The 60/40 folding rear seat with fold-forward seatbacks and split-bench layout allows you to balance passengers and cargo as needed, while a roll-up cargo cover and concealed cargo storage keep belongings out of sight. The multi-level cargo floor, spare tire mounted under the floor, and cargo tie-downs add versatility for everyday errands or weekend trips.
Technology is a core strength of this RAV4 XLE, especially its smartphone integration. The primary touchscreen display serves as the hub for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart device mirroring, bringing your familiar apps directly onto the vehicle’s screen. Apple CarPlay lets iPhone users access maps, messages, calls, podcasts, and music with an interface designed to be glanceable and simple to operate while driving; Siri voice control adds hands-free convenience for tasks like sending a text or setting a destination.
Android users benefit from equally robust Android Auto integration, providing Google Maps or other navigation apps, incoming messages, call handling, and media control, with Google Assistant voice commands to minimize distraction. This deep integration effectively turns the RAV4’s cabin into an extension of your smartphone, so you stay connected and informed without fumbling with your device. Five USB ports mean both front and rear occupants can keep their devices powered, while Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and wireless audio streaming support calls and entertainment. A 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM, auxiliary input, external memory control, speed-sensitive volume, internet radio capability, and seek/scan functionality rounds out the tech experience.
Safety and driver assistance are comprehensive, anchored by Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist for hands-on cruise control, helping ease highway driving and enhance confidence in traffic.
Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert watch the areas you cannot easily see, particularly helpful in crowded parking lots. An array of 8 airbags, including front, side, curtain, driver knee, and front passenger seat cushion airbags, work with 4-wheel ABS brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and tire pressure monitoring to help keep you secure.
Practical touches continue on the outside. The Magnetic Grey Metallic finish is complemented by body-coloured door handles and mirrors, black bodyside cladding, and a rear lip spoiler. LED low and high beam headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED brake lights provide bright, efficient illumination, while auto high-beams and auto on/off headlight control manage lighting for you.
Rain-detecting wipers, rear wiper, and heated wiper park support visibility in challenging weather. The power liftgate makes loading and unloading easier, and roof rails open up additional cargo-carrying options with compatible accessories.
On the road, the RAV4 XLE balances comfort and control through independent front and rear suspension, gas-pressurized shocks, front and rear anti-roll bars, and standard-ride tuning, all riding on 17 x 7-inch machined aluminum wheels with P225/65HR17 all-season tires. Electric power steering with speed sensitivity delivers light, easy maneuvering in parking situations and more weight at highway speeds, while the compact turning behavior suits urban environments.
Security and peace of mind are further supported by Smart Key with push-button start, tailgate/power door lock integration, wheel locks, immobilizer, and Toyota’s Connected Services including Safety Connect emergency SOS and Service Connect service interval indicators.
Trip computer, trip odometer, digital clock, exterior temperature display, and variable instrument panel lighting keep the driver informed at a glance, and retained accessory power lets you continue using select features briefly after shutting off the engine.
Altogether, this 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD delivers a thoughtful combination of real-world practicality, advanced smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, confident safety technology, and everyday comfort—an SUV clearly built to make daily driving smoother, more intuitive, and more connected.
