2021 Toyota RAV4 XSE

The RAV4 is Toyota's compact SUV, offered in both conventional and hybrid forms, with the rugged Adventure and TRD Off Road trims adding trail-ready capability. It goes up against the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5, standing out with its available hybrid powertrain and off-road-focused variants. The RAV4 handles with a composed, car-like feel, and the hybrid's instant torque makes it feel eager around town; the ride is firm but well controlled. Inside, the cabin is practical and roomy, with a straightforward layout and plenty of cargo space for a family's gear. Toyota Safety Sense is standard, bringing pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control to every trim. The XSE is the sporty hybrid trim, adding a mesh grille, black wheels, and paddle shifters over the XLE Premium, while keeping the fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain. The XSE's sport-tuned suspension firms up the ride noticeably, so expect a bit more road feel than the standard RAV4, but the trade-off is sharper handling.