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The country’s top selling small SUV is adding to its family this year.
Toyota has also created new trim levels for its most popular models, as witnessed by 2021 Tacoma Trail and 2021 Tundra Nightshade, among others. There is a new 2021 Corolla Apex, too.
So why would Toyota not add to its wildly popular 2021 RAV4 lineup? Oh, that is right, it did.
New 2021 RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota currently offers four RAV4 Hybrid grades for the 2020 model year. Buyers can choose from LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, Limited Hybrid and XSE Hybrid.
Look for a new choice for 2021.
Introducing the 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid.
Yes, the RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid. This may sound familiar, as this trim level is currently offered in 2020 RAV4 gasoline models. It is positioned in the market between RAV4 XLE and RAV4 Limited trims.
Now, potential buyers can still get the features they want, but with excellent gas mileage as well.
Double bonus.
2021 RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid performance
Fuel estimates should come in at 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. With a fuel tank of 14.5 gallons, drivers can expect a driving range of around 580 to 594 miles before needing to refuel.
RAV4 Hybrids utilize both a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motors to produce 219 combined hybrid horsepower. 2020 RAV4 XLE Premium gasoline versions achieve 203 horsepower, so this increase in power should please new owners.
VIDEO: Compare 2020 RAV4 XLE vs RAV4 XLE Premium in my video review.
RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid (or RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium, as some people call it) uses an electronic continuous variable transmission. It employs an electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system as well.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid features
One of the biggest appeals for buying a 2020 RAV4 XLE Premium over an XLE is the addition of useful features such as power moonroof, SofTex seating and power back liftgate.
These are also standard on the new 2021 RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid.
Look for 18-inch super chrome alloy wheels, LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, and a power driver’s seat.
New owners can also look forward to smart key push button start, 7-inch multimedia touch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 5 USB ports and dual zone temperature controls.
Other 2021 RAV4 News and Notes
Pricing for 2021 RAV4 has not been made available at this time. Since there are no major refresh or redesign plans for 2021, I expect price increases of only one hundred to a few hundred dollars from 2020 offerings. A guess may be XLE Premium Hybrid will have a factory MSRP starting between $32,000 and $33,000.
New 2021 RAV4 inventory should begin reaching local Toyota dealerships later this month in September and into October.
Time for your thoughts on 2021 Toyota RAV4
Thanks for reading everyone.
What do you think of the new RAV4 Hybrid addition? Will this be a model you will consider for your next vehicle?
Do you currently own a Toyota RAV4, and if so, what it is and how many miles do you have so far?
See you next story when I show off the Top 17 Cool Gadgets for your 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum.
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Comments
I own a 2011 Toyota RAV4 4
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I own a 2011 Toyota RAV4 4 cyl 2 wheel drive w 204,000 miles. it's been incredibly reliable only recently requiring repairs beyond routine maintenance. While I had a dealership handle all maintenance I spent $3K having a trans shop rebuild its trans. Yes I'm a candidate to buy a 2021 hyrid RAV4
Don't believe anything about
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Don't believe anything about the RAV4 Hybrid having a 14.5 gallon gas tank. They all have defects and you can only get 10 gallons of gas in them. Just Google it. They have extended the warranty on the tanks to 100k miles but had this issue on all the 19-20 Hybrids. They say a fix is coming out soon but they've said it since at least Sept 2019 when I bought mine. The dealer won't tell you about the issue so educate yourself.
"drivers can expect a driving
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In reply to Don't believe anything about by Kevin (not verified)
"drivers can expect a driving range of around 580 to 594 miles before needing to refuel." This is what I was expecting when I bought my RAV4 after reading this article, but apparently it bullshit, and Toyota knows it. Mine brand new RAV4 Hybrid only goes about 360 miles (highway) before needing to the empty light comes on. That's worse than most gas vehicles built in this century. So you should probably stop telling people this.