2021 Toyota RAV4

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2021 Toyota RAV4

/10

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Original MSRP

$27,565–$37,495

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Features We Love

Lower anchors on both outboard seats: two full LATCH positions on the sides, easy to access and straightforward installs
Top tether anchors across all three seats: you can run a forward-facing seat in any position, including the middle
Removable headrests help with installs: makes it easier to get a secure forward-facing fit without awkward positioning
Rear-facing fit is tight for taller drivers: with the driver seat set for me, I barely had clearance with an infant seat
Forward-facing installs are easy: anchors are accessible and the seat went in securely without a fight
Three-across is possible but very tight: not the easiest setup if you’re trying to fit multiple seats across
Door opening is a bit narrow: doable for loading an infant seat, just not the most convenient with a heavier baby
Hybrid option adds efficiency without extra effort: switches between gas and electric automatically, no plug-in needed, just takes a little getting used to while driving

Car Mom Review

The Exterior

Updated Design That Feels More Premium

Overall, I like the way it looks and it definitely leans more premium, but the proportions, especially that longer hood, might not be for everyone. The redesign gives it a more modern, slightly aggressive feel that stands out.

Sharper front end: more angular and a little more high-end than older RAV4s
Hybrid details: blue Toyota badging is a subtle but fun touch

Simple Side Profile With Functional Touches

From the side, it’s clean and not overly styled, which I don’t mind.

Black roof rails: great for extra storage if you need it
Subtle body lines: keeps it from feeling too plain without overdoing it

Busy Rear but Still Practical

The back has a bit more going on, but it still works.

More angles and chrome in the rear: not my favorite view, but it’s fine
Sloped rear glass with slight overhang: gives it a sportier look

Easy Size for Everyday Use

The shape is practical, which matters.

Good height for kids and loading: easy to get in and out
Compact overall size: manageable to drive and park

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Premium look, practical size

First Row

Simple Interior That’s Easy to Use but Feels a Bit Clunky

The first row is very simple, and I don’t mind that from a mom perspective because it’s easy to clean. That said, some of the design feels a little random and not super refined, especially for the price point.

Lots of plastic surfaces: durable and easy to wipe down, but not the most premium feel
Some awkward design choices: random storage spots and layout pieces that don’t feel super intentional

Big Buttons and Straightforward Controls

Everything is really easy to use, which I do appreciate, but some of it feels oversized and a little outdated.

Large climate control knobs: very easy to adjust, but they take up a lot of space
Infotainment feels a bit dated: not the most modern system compared to competitors
Physical buttons for key features: heated steering wheel and other controls are easy to find and use

Solid Everyday Storage and Cupholders

There are enough places to put your things, and it works for daily life.

Two usable cupholders: fit a standard water bottle without an issue
Wireless charging pad: nice to have and easy to access
Small center console: fits the basics, plus a couple of USB ports

Good Features Where It Counts

Even though the design isn’t my favorite, it does have the features most people want.

Heated and ventilated seats: great for year-round comfort
Auto hold feature: super useful for stoplights, carpool lines, and drive-thrus
Strong safety tech: includes adaptive cruise control and other key features

Visibility Is Just Okay

This is one area I noticed right away.

Limited rear visibility: the back window shape and headrests get in the way
Digital rearview option: helps you see behind you clearly even with passengers or car seats back there

Second Row

This second row is where everything happens in the RAV4, and it’s a pretty typical setup for a two-row SUV. It works well for one or two kids, but space is something to be aware of as you start adding more seats.

Lower Anchors on Outboard Seats + Tether Anchors Across the Bench

You’ve got two full LATCH positions on the outboard seats, which is what we expect. There are top tether anchors in all three seating positions, so you can install a forward-facing seat on either side or in the middle.

Lower anchors on driver and passenger side seats: easy to access and use
Top tether anchors in all three positions: adds flexibility for forward-facing installs

Rear-Facing Fit Is Tight Behind a Tall Driver

Rear-facing is doable, but it’s a tighter fit than I’d like if you’re taller. With the driver seat set for me, I barely had clearance with an infant seat.

Minimal space behind the driver seat: especially with a larger infant seat
You may need to adjust your seat position: depending on your height

Forward-Facing Installs Are More Straightforward

Once you move to forward-facing, things get easier. The setup feels much more manageable and less cramped.

Anchors are easy to reach and tighten: installs feel straightforward
Removable headrests: help you get a better, more secure fit

Tight Three-Across + Narrow Door Opening

If you’re trying to fit multiple seats across, this is where you’ll feel the size limitations. It’s not impossible, but it’s definitely tight.

Three-across is possible but very snug: not a comfortable setup for most families
Rear door doesn’t open very wide: makes loading an infant seat a little harder, especially as your baby gets heavier

Third Row

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Works best for 1-2 car seats

Trunk

Trunk Space Is a Standout for This Size

This is where the RAV4 really shines. For a compact, two-row SUV, the trunk feels big and very usable. It’s one of those spaces where you immediately know it’s going to work for your day-to-day.

37.6 Cubic Feet Behind the Second Row Is Right in the Mix

With 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, it lands right in line with other top options in this category.

Right there with CR-V (39.3) and Rogue (36.5): very comparable to the best in the segment
Bigger than CX-5 (31.4): you’re getting more usable space for strollers and gear
More practical than smaller options like Taos (27.9): better width and shape for real-life use

Stroller + Groceries Fit Without a Second Thought

This is the kind of trunk where you don’t have to think too hard about what you’re loading.

Fits a full-size stroller easily: no rearranging or forcing it in
Still room for groceries: this could handle a full grocery run, even a bigger haul
Wide, usable opening: easy to load and unload without fighting the space

Folded Seats Give You Even More Flexibility

When you need more room, it opens up in a really usable way.

47.7 cubic feet with seats folded: great for trips or larger items
Seats fold down easily: quick to switch when you need the extra space

Simple Storage That Actually Helps

It’s not overcomplicated, but it has what you need.

Side storage cubby: good for smaller items you don’t want rolling around
Underfloor storage + spare tire: practical and easy to access

Safety

The RAV4 has a really strong safety reputation overall, especially from earlier model years in this generation. That said, newer IIHS testing did introduce some lower ratings in specific crash scenarios, so it’s not a perfect across-the-board score for 2021.

Standard Safety Tech Comes on Every RAV4

You’re getting a really solid set of safety features right out of the gate, which I always like to see.

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Adaptive cruise control (full-speed range)
Lane departure alert with steering assist + lane tracing assist
Automatic high beams + road sign assist

Blind Spot Monitoring and Parking Assist Add Extra Help

As you move up in trim, you get a little more support:

Blind Spot Monitor + Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: especially helpful in parking lots
Available parking assist with automatic braking: can step in if you’re getting too close to something

Front Seatbelt Pretensioners

This is one of those features you don’t see, but it matters.

Pretensioners in driver and front passenger seats: built into the seatbelts to tighten instantly in a crash
Helps keep you in position: works together with airbags to reduce forward movement

Car Seat Setup

Two LATCH Positions Outboard + Tether Anchors Across All Three Seats

You’ve got a solid, standard setup when it comes to anchors.

Lower anchors on both outboard seats: driver and passenger side positions
Top tether anchors in all three seats: you can install a forward-facing seat on either side or in the middle
Flexible for forward-facing installs: middle seat is an option because of that tether anchor

Rear-Facing Fit Is Tight Behind a Tall Driver

This is one of the biggest callouts.

Very limited clearance behind the driver: I could barely fit a finger between the seat and the car seat
Front seat position matters: you may need to move it up depending on your height
Still doable: just not the most spacious setup

Forward-Facing Installs Are Much Easier

Once you move out of rear-facing, this gets more straightforward.

Anchors are easy to access and use: installs feel simple and secure
Removable headrests: helps get a better, tighter fit for forward-facing seats

Three Across Is Possible but Not Comfortable

You can make it work depending on your seats, but it’s tight.

Very limited space across the bench: fitting three seats or sitting between them is a squeeze
Not ideal for daily use with multiple seats: especially if you need to access buckles

Door Opening Makes Loading a Bit Harder

This is something you notice quickly with an infant seat.

Rear door doesn’t open very wide: makes getting a car seat in and out more difficult
Manageable, but not easy: especially with a heavier baby

Overall Car Seat Takeaway

This setup works really well for one or two kids and gives you flexibility with forward-facing installs. Just know that rear-facing space is tighter, and once you start trying to fit multiple seats across, you’re going to feel the size of the vehicle.

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