DecodedCars2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 177 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 38 combined · 40 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 59% better than the average 2021 small SUV (23.9 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 177 hp, versus about 235 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 41 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 38 MPG combined (40 city / 36 highway), 59% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Trims, performance & features
Engine177 hp2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
XLE PremiumLEXSE HV
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Rear cross-traffic alertOptional
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Obu, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2021 RAV4 Prime configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Prime 4WD Plug-in Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 40 / 36 / 38 | +59% | $1,750 | 72 |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime (this car) | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Jul 12, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V478000 · 43,442 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 during production, which can result in an electrical short-circuit.
- Risk
- A short circuit can cause the DC-DC converter to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Dealers will replace the DC-DC converter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB07/23LB01.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Hybrid Management › Power Control Unit/Module (Hpcu) · Feb 2, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V041000 · 16,679 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 cause the hybrid system to shut down if the accelerator is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle, resulting in a stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the HEV ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA01.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module › Software · Apr 13, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V239000 · 458,110 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Nov 12, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V698000 · 413 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Adjusting the horizontal headlight beam can increase glare, reducing the visibility of an oncoming driver or the vehicle operator, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will close the aiming caps on the headlights, free of charge. The recall began January 6, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA15.
Not every 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
99Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
12Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
9,300 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 37 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 18 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Service Brakes — 16 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RAV4 Prime years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 RAV4 Prime | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 29 |
| 2023 RAV4 Prime | 38 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 65 |
| 2022 RAV4 Prime | 38 | – | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →