2021 Tesla Model Y vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Tesla Model Y and 2021 Toyota RAV4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Tesla Model Y and the 2021 Toyota RAV4.
When we compare the 2021 Tesla Model Y's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Tesla Model Y has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Tesla Model Y's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the 2021 Tesla Model Y.
Pricing: A used 2021 Tesla Model Y ranges from $28,999 to $41,571 while a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $22,244 to $32,499.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Tesla Model Y loses 53.4 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 loses 28.7 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota RAV4 retains 24.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Tesla Model Y.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Tesla Model Y’s base engine makes 283 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 203 horsepower. The Model Y is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 244 miles. The RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles.This gives the 2021 Tesla Model Y the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 the advantage in maximum range. The Model Y uses electricity, and the RAV4 uses regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Tesla Model Y and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$41,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$53,945
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$41,990 - $65,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,350
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$35,219
Price Range:
$28,999 - $41,571
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$36,290
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$35,219 - $37,360
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
804
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42,359
# Good or Great Deals:
455
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,833
Price Range:
$22,244 - $32,499
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,843
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
47,129
# Good or Great Deals:
245
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Tesla Model Y
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota RAV4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
40.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
601.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
10.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
3.4 - 601.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Tesla Model Y Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 44Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
7 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
11 out of / 44Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 44Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 44Ranking
21 out of / 44Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 59Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
36 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Summary Review
The Tesla Model Y is a two-row, five-passenger crossover. An optional third row with two jump seats is also available in some trims. Like every Tesla, it offers great performance bang for the buck, with acceleration that surpasses most gas-powered crossovers in its price range.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Pros and Cons
- Roomier than its sibling the Model 3
- Optional third row
- Segment-leading range
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
- Some early reliability issues
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Long Range, Performance, Standard Range
2021 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
283 hp
Torque:
317 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
127 / 119 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
244 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
75 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 35 / 30
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
68 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3920 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
63.9 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3370 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blue Flame
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Super White
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Not available
Beige
Nutmeg
