Even the harshest critics find something positive to say about nearly every vehicle they test. And when the vehicle is superb, reviewers try to point out at least a couple of drawbacks for evaluation and recommendation balance. But when it came time to drive the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD, MotorTrend testers might not have been prepared for it to knock their socks off. 

The best-selling compact SUV is dominating in a big way. And after the latest rave review, you might want to experience the Toyota RAV4 for yourself. You might even find yourself as impressed as the critics.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is hitting huge sales numbers

There’s no compact crossover SUV that sells better than the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Its sales demonstrate this crossover’s wild popularity among consumers. GoodCarBadCar reports that 262,340 units have sold so far this year. The numbers suggest a significant growth over past years, too.

Affordability likely plays a key role in these results, with the base model starting at only $26,150. Even the higher trim levels, including the $34,680 Toyota RAV4 Limited, offer incredible value. And the critics are raving, too. In fact, MotorTrend testers might have to pick up their socks after driving the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD.

MotorTrend was beyond impressed 

MotorTrend calls the Toyota RAV4 the “Camry of compact SUVs.” And the accolades don’t stop there. The 2021 RAV4 Limited AWD — the crossover’s fanciest trim — is the best “all-around vehicle” for the average driver.

Bragging rights include ample cargo and passenger space, enough power for a fun drive, enough tech to feel connected, and an affordable price. It has style, function, and performance in a way that MotorTrend testers were left feeling beyond impressed. Sure, the RAV4 won’t dominate in any extreme categories, but it over-delivers perfectly in every aspect most daily drivers, families, and commuters want most.

Why you, too, might love the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD

U.S. News also has a high opinion of the 2021 Toyota RAV4, giving it an 8.2 out of a possible 10. It’s also the winner of the 2021 Best Compact SUV for Families award. This distinction acknowledges the RAV4’s remarkable cargo and passenger space, high safety ratings, and robust menu of family-friendly must-haves.

Choose among the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims. And every model comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver assists and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Under the hood, every 2021 Toyota RAV4 comes with a capable 2.5-liter four-cylinder harnessing 203 hp. You’ll feel plenty of power surging up to highway speeds without compromising the fuel economy, either. EPA ratings are 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Limited’s all-wheel-drive capability won’t detract from the fuel efficiency, with ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Overall, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD offers lots to love. Sure, it doesn’t venture into luxuriousness or high performance. But it satisfies all the daily driving requirements in a big way and where it counts most. It has left MotorTrend testers and other automotive experts impressed. So when you’re ready for a new compact SUV, consider the 2021 Toyota RAV4.

Just make sure you’re wearing form-fitting socks because this crossover might knock them off.