The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is the meat-and-potatoes crossover for many buyers; the RAV4 Prime supplies the all-electric range.
Pros Performance plug-in hybrid Great exterior looks Wide customization possibilities Standard active safety features Good all-wheel-drive systems
Cons Interior is compromised Top trims cost how much? Buzzy base inline-4 Small-ish rear seat
All-new plug-in hybrid variant Offers an estimated 42 miles of all-electric power Based on the fifth-generation RAV4 introduced for 2019
Pros 42 miles of electric-only driving range Impressively quick acceleration Comfortable and quiet ride Generous cargo and passenger space
Cons Very low handling capabilities Longer-than-average braking distances Disconnected steering feel Uncomfortable front passenger seat
The all-new 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime has a potent powertrain and a comfortable, welcoming cabin with plenty of features. This vehicle does not have an overall score or ranking because it hasn’t been fully crash tested or rated for reliability.
Pros Good all-electric driving range Strong acceleration Roomy, comfortable seats Long list of features
Cons Slightly outdated touch-screen graphics
The Santa Fe receives a visual freshening for 2021 that includes bolder front-end styling and improvements to its interior. Three new powertrains are offered: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces the standard 2.4-liter unit, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, and a hybrid variant powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor joins the lineup. The Santa Fe gains a push-button shifter, several new optional driver-assistance features including a semi-autonomous driving mode, larger 8.0-inch and optional 10.3-inch infotainment displays, an optional 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Following in the larger Palisade's footsteps, the Santa Fe also gains a fancy Calligraphy trim level with quilted leather upholstery, a color head-up display, standard all-wheel drive, unique exterior accents, and more upscale interior embellishments.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe pushes efficiency with a new hybrid model.
PROS Larger standard and available touchscreens Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models More efficient, potent powertrains Revised transmission
CONS Expected price increase Calligraphy edges into Genesis turf Unknown standard features Unknown value
Pros Comfy, spacious, clever tech
Cons Not very interesting, not as cheap as it was, lack of choice RE engines
