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, blending the RAV4 Prime's plug-in powertrain with blacked-out exterior accents and a firmer suspension tune; you give up the Limited's leather and ventilated seats for a sharper look and lower price. This XSE pairs a 2.5L I4 plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive for 302 horsepower, and it can cover 42 miles of range on electricity alone before the gas engine kicks in, which helps it achieve 38 mpg combined. The XSE comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, so it feels more responsive through corners than the standard RAV4, though the ride is stiffer as a result.