The Toyota RAV4 lineup is expanding for 2021 as the company has announced a new RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium. Designed to slot between the XLE and XSE trims, the XLE Premium starts at US$ 32,500 and comes nicely equipped with LED headlights, a moonroof and a power liftgate. The crossover also has a passive entry system and 18-inch alloy wheels with a “super chrome” finish.
Moving into the cabin, drivers will find a
leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate
control system and SofTex upholstery. Other highlights include an eight-way
power driver’s seat, a push-button ignition and a 4.2-inch multi-information
display in the instrument cluster. The model also has a 7-inch infotainment
system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Elsewhere in the lineup, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road gains a new stainless steel front skid plate. That’s a welcome addition as the model is billed as a trail-ready crossover that features 8.6 inches (218 mm) of ground clearance, a revised suspension and 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
The trims join the RAV4 Prime which is new for 2021 and is the most powerful RAV4 ever created. It features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a lithium-ion battery and a rear-mounted electric motor. This setup enables the all-wheel drive crossover to have a combined output of 302 hp. The model can travel 68 km on electricity alone and accelerate from 0-96 km/h in approximately 5.7 seconds. The 2021 RAV4 starts at US$ 26,050 – excluding a US$ 1,175 delivery, processing and handling fee – and is currently arriving at dealerships.
