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2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE is a 302-hp 2.5-liter with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. It starts at $41,575 MSRP and is rated at 38 mpg combined.

It makes 302 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 40 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (38 mpg combined).

The RAV4 Prime measures 180.9 inches long on a 105.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,300 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainPlug-in Hybrid
Price
MSRP$41,575
MSRP with Destination$42,750
Destination Charge$1,175
Engine
Engine Type2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle PHEV, DOHC 16-valve Dual VVT-i, D-4S Dual Injection
Displacement2.5 L
Horsepower302 hp
Torque165 lb-ft
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve, Dual VVT-i
Compression Ratio14.0:1
Injection TypeD-4S Dual Injection EFI (direct + port)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeElectronic On-Demand AWD (separate rear electric motor)
Transmission
TransmissionElectronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode
Final Drive10.781
Fuel Economy
City40 MPG
Highway36 MPG
Combined38 MPG
Recommended Fuel87-octane or higher
Tank Capacity14.5 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionSport-tuned independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Rear SuspensionSport-tuned multi-link with stabilizer bar
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated disc, 12.9 in.
Rear Brake DiscVentilated disc, 12.4 in. with integrated regenerative braking
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front19-in. 5-spoke painted and machined sport alloy
Wheels Rear19-in. 5-spoke painted and machined sport alloy
Tires Front235/55R19 all-season
Tires Rear235/55R19 all-season
Dimensions & Weight
Length180.9 in
Width73 in
Height67.2 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Front Track62.6 in
Rear Track63.3 in
Ground Clearance8.2 in
Approach Angle19.5°
Departure Angle21.5°
Cargo Volume33.5 ft³
Curb Weight4,300 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37.7 in
Headroom Rear39.5 in
Legroom Front41 in
Legroom Rear37.8 in
Shoulder Room Front57.8 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.4 in
Hip Room Front54.3 in
Hip Room Rear47.7 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2021 Toyota RAV4 PRIME SUV AWD).

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 PRIME. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jul 12, 2023 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The electric current rectifying module contained within the DC-DC converter may have been damaged during production, which can result in an electrical short-circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit can cause the DC-DC converter to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Dealers will replace the DC-DC converter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB07/23LB01.

NHTSA campaign 23V478000

Feb 2, 2023 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:HYBRID MANAGEMENT:POWER CONTROL UNIT/MODULE (HPCU)

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During certain cold weather driving conditions, while driving in EV Mode, the hybrid vehicle control engine control unit (HEV ECU) software may cause the hybrid system to shut down if the accelerator is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle, resulting in a stall.

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the HEV ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA01.

NHTSA campaign 23V041000

Apr 13, 2022 · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.

NHTSA campaign 22V239000

Nov 12, 2020 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles. The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Adjusting the horizontal headlight beam can increase glare, reducing the visibility of an oncoming driver or the vehicle operator, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will close the aiming caps on the headlights, free of charge. The recall began January 6, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA15.

NHTSA campaign 20V698000

99 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 PRIME

Owner Complaints

99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 PRIME (12 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System37
Unknown Or Other24
Fuel/Propulsion System18
Service Brakes16
Forward Collision Avoidance10
Air Bags5
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 10, 2026 · Unknown Or Other
“Rear glass broken all of sudden when the vehicle is parked outside”
Jun 7, 2026 · Power Train, Electrical System, Fuel/Propulsion System Fire
“Observed arcing noises and strong electrical fire smell upon plugging in L2 EVSE charging cable. MIL lit, Hybrid Vehicle Charging System codes active; vehicle refused to charge afterwards…”
May 22, 2026 · Unknown Or Other
“Something needs to be done because Toyota is stalling on sending out a critical safety component that has been recalled in thousands of vehicles. It is the HV floor wire connector, when the corrosion…”
May 5, 2026 · Visibility/Wiper
“Random windshield crack that appeared out of no where when leaving work. 4 hour time span of video shows no foul play, nobody was mowing the yard. No way anything hit it - I confirmed. Crack started…”
May 4, 2026 · Latches/Locks/Linkages
“Front Driver side and front passenger side door actuator has failed. Locks are non responsive to key fob or interior master switch. The door locks have to be manually unlocked with the key or by the…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2021 TOYOTA RAV4 PRIME. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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