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In what may seem like an uneven battle of Toyota TRD competitors, I decided to compare two popular models – Toyota RAV4 and Toyota 4Runner.
I got this idea from the introduction of the Lunar Rock paint color to the TRD Pro lineup for 2021 model year. I wanted to see how RAV4 TRD Off-Road stacks up against 4Runner TRD Pro.
Lunar Rock style.
2021 Toyota 4Runner vs RAV4
RAV4 TRD Off-Road was brought to market in 2020 to provide a way for owners to enjoy RAV4 in entirely new ways than what they were used to.
Time to hit the trails.
Standard multi-terrain select allows RAV4 drivers to get the most optimal traction on surfaces such as mud and sand, rock and dirt, snow and normal dry roads. But this certainly does not make RAV4 a replacement for 4Runner, the off-roading king.
Toyota 4Runner is equipped with standard systems like multi-terrain select, crawl control and locking rear differential to tackle the toughest terrain on the planet. Give the victory here to 4Runner.
However, a 2021 RAV4 TRD does offer dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive with rear driveline disconnect. This allows your RAV4 to drive like a front-wheel drive until loss of traction is detected. The drive system can send up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels, and then distribute power to individual left and right wheels as needed.
This definitely assisted me when I took a RAV4 TRD Off-Road on some serious trails this past summer.
2021 4Runner specs vs RAV4
A Toyota 4Runner is the way to go if you are looking for more passenger and cargo space. Many people might prefer a smaller sport utility vehicle, though. This could make 2021 RAV4 attractive.
Time for towing capacity statistics. Toyota 4Runner can pull 5,000 pounds while 2021 RAV4 can tow 3,500 pounds (as can RAV4 Adventure).
2021 4Runner TRD Pro interior
Powertrain for 2021 Toyota 4Runner consists of a 4.0-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. This produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. torque.
RAV4 TRD utilizes a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, which delivers 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. torque.
2021 Toyota RAV4 and 4Runner videos
I recently reviewed each of these models for my “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel.
Feel free to watch these videos to see if this helps you gain additional research and perspective on the Toyota sport utility vehicle you would like best.
Also, what do you think of Lunar Rock color? What Toyota model do you think it looks the coolest and toughest and prettiest and most rugged on?
Time for your thoughts on 2021 Toyota 4Runner
While it may seem like a comparison that should never happen, there are other times you might see Toyota 4Runner and RAV4 together. Many households have both in their driveways.
2021 RAV4 TRD Off-Road interior
Some of my YouTube channel followers had the same idea.
“No way lmao. My girlfriend and I are getting both of these exact cars this year!” Said Renoreece.
Alialoha808 commented. “My car and hubby’s car models.”
“This is hilarious. I just picked up my 4Runner TRD in Lunar Rock and it matches my wife’s RAV4 TRD!” Laughed Glenn.
You see, my unusual comparison turned out to be quite appropriate after all. Whether you are deciding between the two, or if you might end up buying both for your family, 2021 Toyota RAV4 and 4Runner are great choices.
What is your preference, and do you already own one or both of these popular Toyota SUV models?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I review the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE.
Follow Jeff Teague on social media:
- My Toyotajeff.com website
- Torque News Toyota - my regular column
- YouTube channel - My "Toyotajeff" Toyota reviews
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Thank you everyone for following me.
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