The 2021 Toyota RAV4 continues the tradition of being an excellent SUV and one of the most popular options you can buy. However, it could be time for a refresh and to consider rivals that have been improved. Let’s see if the Toyota RAV4 really deserves all the popularity. 

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a good SUV? 

Of course, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a good SUV. We aren’t calling it bad. We are merely suggesting that it’s time for some updates because the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Kia Sportage are beginning to outrank it. 

Since the RAV4 was introduced in 1994, it has set the standards for an agile, compact, and capable SUV. According to NewsRoom, the Toyota RAV4 sold over 10 million units. It took 26 years and five model generations to achieve this victory. 

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 got a makeover and became the world’s best-selling SUV. Not much has changed since this model was introduced. However, the TRD Pro off-roading trim was released, the Toyota RAV4 Prime has come out. 

But the gas-powered model remains nearly the same. Despite its age, the Toyota RAV4 is still being nominated for the 2021 Best Car to buy. However, the RAV4 has been dropping on other lists. 

The 2021 RAV4 is dropping in rank 

According to U.S.News, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is ranked in sixth place on the list of Best Compact SUVs for 2020 and 2021. It’s actually tied with the Chevy Equinox, meaning it failed to beat it. Also, the 2021 Honda CR-V is in first place on this list, and the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is in last place. 

These rankings are compiled from credible and professional reviews gathered from various sources to fairly score vehicles based on performance, interior, and critics’ ratings. The score for each vehicle is based on 27 pieces of research. So, Instead of being amazed by the 2021 model, critics are finding it to be average. 

According to Edmunds, just because an SUV is popular, doesn’t mean it’s the best. That’s why they placed the Honda CR-V and Mazda-CX-5 ahead of the RAV4. They also noted that the 2021 RAV4 has a lackluster performance, uncomfortable seating, and vague steering. 

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine takes about 9.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, which is slower than the class average. Also, the engine can be noisy at highway speeds. Positives for the 2021 RAV4 include abundant cargo and passenger space, easy to use tech, and tons of safety features. 

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 reliable? 

Yes, the Toyota RAV4 is pretty reliable. Consumer Reports gave it a score of three out of five. This rating is pretty average, but it could be much worse. The predicted reliability rating is based on problems that owners report with previous models, so at least the RAV4 has a pretty good record. 

The most common issues stem from the 2019 Toyota RAV4 model. It seems to be prone to transmission, engine, and fuel system problems. Similar problems are starting to be reported for the 2020 model too, so the predicted reliability rating could get worse. It might be better to wait for the 2022 model to come out or to consider vehicles with higher rankings instead.