2021 Toyota RAV4 EPA Fuel Economy Summary

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 delivers an EPA-certified 28–40 MPG combined (25–41 city / 32–38 highway depending on engine and drivetrain) across 8 configurations. Hybrid variants achieve up to 40 MPG combined, compared to 30 MPG for standard gasoline trims. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models offer up to 42 miles of all-electric range at 94 MPGe. Estimated annual fuel costs range from $1,550 to $2,200.

Combined MPG
28–40 MPG
55% city / 45% highway weighted
City MPG
25–41 MPG
Stop-and-go urban cycle
Highway MPG
32–38 MPG
Sustained open-highway test
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,550–2,200
EPA estimate @ 15,000 miles/yr

2021 Toyota RAV4 Powertrain & Efficiency Comparison

Factual efficiency differences across gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants

Internal Combustion

Standard Gasoline Trims

28–30 MPG Combined

Annual Fuel Cost: $2,050–$2,200 (6 configurations)

Gas-Electric Hybrid

Hybrid (HEV) Trims

40–40 MPG Combined

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,550–$1,550 (Saves ~$500/yr vs gas)

Plug-In Hybrid

Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

42 mi EV Range • 94 MPGe

Gasoline Combined: 38 MPG • Annual Energy Cost: $1,600

Official EPA Fuel Economy Ratings by Configuration (8 Variants)

Laboratory certification test values across engine, transmission, and drivetrain permutations

Configuration / Model Powertrain Drivetrain Transmission City Highway Combined EV Range Annual Fuel Cost CO2 (g/mi)
RAV4 Hybrid AWD Regular 2.5L Hybrid All-Wheel Drive Automatic (AV-S6) 41 MPG 38 MPG 40 MPG — $1,550 —
RAV4 Prime 4WD Regular Gas and Electricity 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid All-Wheel Drive Automatic (AV-S6) 105 MPGe (40 MPG) 84 MPGe (36 MPG) 94 MPGe (38 MPG) 42 mi $1,600 —
RAV4 Regular 2.5L 4-Cyl Gas Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S8) 27 MPG 35 MPG 30 MPG — $2,050 —
RAV4 Regular 2.5L 4-Cyl Gas Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S8) 28 MPG 35 MPG 30 MPG — $2,050 —
RAV4 AWD LE Regular 2.5L 4-Cyl Gas All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S8) 27 MPG 34 MPG 30 MPG — $2,050 —
RAV4 AWD Regular 2.5L 4-Cyl Gas All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S8) 27 MPG 33 MPG 29 MPG — $2,100 —
RAV4 AWD Regular 2.5L 4-Cyl Gas All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S8) 25 MPG 33 MPG 28 MPG — $2,200 —
RAV4 AWD TRD OFFROAD Regular 2.5L 4-Cyl Gas All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S8) 25 MPG 32 MPG 28 MPG — $2,200 —
EPA Test Methodology: Fuel economy estimates are determined by vehicle manufacturers in accordance with EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 600) and verified by EPA laboratories. Estimates assume 15,000 miles per year of driving (55% city, 45% highway) at prevailing fuel and electricity prices.

Deterministic Fuel Cost & Consumption Benchmarks

Standardized annual energy consumption and operating cost metrics based on 15,000 annual miles

Fuel Cost per 25 Miles

$2.19–$3.13

Based on $3.50 per gallon regular gasoline

Annual Fuel Consumption

375–536 Gallons

Estimated annual energy units needed for 15,000 miles

5-Year Fuel Cost vs Avg Vehicle

Official EPA Benchmark

Compared to the average new vehicle over 5 years

Related Official Reports for 2021 Toyota RAV4

Cross-reference safety ratings, owner defect complaints, and recall campaigns

Official US Government Data Provenance

Fuel economy ratings, electric range figures, and energy cost estimates on this page are retrieved directly from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (FuelEconomy.gov) certified vehicle database.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.