The five-year-old Japanese hybrid SUV that rarely ever needs repairs

Buyers looking for a reliable used SUV in 2025 are increasingly turning to a remarkable Japanese hybrid that has earned a reputation for almost never requiring repairs. While many five-year-old models are starting to show their age with increasing maintenance costs, this hybrid consistently proves itself to be one of the safest options on the market. Its blend of efficiency, durability and low running costs makes it an ideal choice for drivers looking for long-term value without sacrificing everyday ease of use.

Part of its appeal comes from engineering that prioritizes simplicity and longevity over risky new tech features. Owners regularly report minimal problems, predictable service costs, and reliability that surpasses that of many newer crossovers. Even after half a decade on the road, this hybrid continues to offer excellent fuel economy and a comfortable driving experience, reinforcing why it has become a favorite among budget-conscious buyers.

We explain what makes this five-year-old Japanese hybrid SUV such a smart used buy. From its impressive reliability history to its strong resale value and feedback from real owners, here’s why it remains one of the lowest-maintenance hybrids you can buy today.

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Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most reliable SUVs you can buy

Reliability is something we all worry about, especially if you’re buying something on the second-hand market. The last thing you want is to buy a car that will drain your bank account because it constantly requires expensive repairs. Ask anyone and they will tell you that if you want reliability, you should go with Toyota. In particular, the RAV4 Hybrid is among the most reliable crossovers on the road, and even a five-year-old model should last a long time without requiring many repairs.

Reliability of the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid

There are a number of sources to support the claim that Toyota is among the most reliable automobile brands on the market. Consumer Reports currently ranks it third, behind Lexus and Subaru. In previous years, however, Toyota and Lexus have traded first place. JD Power particularly ranks the 2021 RAV4, giving it a score of 87 out of 100 for quality and reliabilitywhich places it among the best performers on the site.

Finding owners unhappy with their RAV4 Hybrid is no easy task. Reliability issues for the 2021 model are almost non-existent. A total of 62 owners reviewed their 2021 model and gave it a combined rating of 4.9 out of five stars for reliability. They gave it an overall rating of 4.8 out of five.

RAV4 Hybrid Maintenance Costs

• Average annual maintenance costs: $429 (Repair)
• Average maintenance costs over ten years: $6,005 (CarEdge)
• Reminders: 1

One of the great advantages of buying a Toyota is that maintenance costs are generally much lower than the competition. Reliability is great, but at some point you’ll probably need to get something repaired, and it helps to know that the RAV4 Hybrid is more affordable, on average, than its competitors. CarEdge estimates that you’ll spend $2,161 less to maintain the RAV4 Hybrid over ten years than you would for an average SUV.

A recall was issued for the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid. It involved a faulty occupant sensor that could prevent the airbag from deploying. Make sure the model you are looking at has been resolved by Toyota.

A 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Can Be Purchased For Less Than $25,000

Credit: Toyota

Perhaps one of the most popular SUVs ever built, the RAV4 is a simple, sturdy machine. Part of what has established its popularity is its staying power over time. You will be happy to know that this applies to the most current generation. With a new RAV4 Hybrid starting well above $30,000, you may be looking for something a little more affordable. If you’re ready to buy something used, you can get a five-year-old RAV4 at a great price.

Average price of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 is the most popular SUV in the United States, and it’s held that title for some time now. The only other SUV that comes close is the Honda CR-V, but it hasn’t yet toppled Toyota’s crossover. The hybrid model is gaining ground and represents a large portion of RAV4 sales. This feels like a pretty significant improvement over the non-hybrid model, with more power, better fuel economy, and a somewhat smoother, more refined driving experience.

When you buy a used 2021 model year, you have five different trims to choose from. New for 2021 was the XLE Premium, located right in the middle of the trim range. This is the model we would choose. It adds some pretty significant equipment, including 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, LED headlights and leather upholstery. When it was new, its starting price was $34,115, meaning the five-year-old model is almost $7,000 off.

Future depreciation

Depreciation is a huge cost that few people really think about when buying a car. The model you choose could mean a difference of thousands of dollars in the future. Fortunately, Toyota’s compact SUV holds its value better than most. CarEdge estimates it will have lost only 28 percent of its value after five years. This may work against you at first, with higher second-hand prices, but in the long run it will save you money.

The average list price for a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is $27,553. Depreciation is greatest in the first year, which means you are already ahead of the used purchasing curve. CarEdge estimates that if you buy a five-year-old RAV4 Hybrid and own it for another five years, it will depreciate another 23.5 percent. That means if you buy it at its average list price and resell it five years later, you should recoup about $21,353, which isn’t too bad at all.

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The RAV4 Hybrid consumes fuel but picks up speed quickly

Credit: Toyota

One of the most obvious reasons to buy a hybrid vehicle is that it uses much less fuel than non-hybrid vehicles. This translates into daily savings, things you can see and feel in your everyday life. To that end, Toyota’s compact hybrid SUV is not only efficient, it’s one of the most efficient crossover SUVs on the market. On top of that, it is also much more powerful and faster than its non-hybrid variant.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Performance Specs

Under the hood of every 2021 RAV4 Hybrid is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. An electric motor assists the engine in powering the front wheels while a separate electric motor powers the rear wheels, with all-wheel drive being the standard configuration. The standard continuously variable transmission also helps achieve the fuel efficiency target.

The RAV4 is a bit faster than its non-hybrid sibling. You’ll also feel the extra dynamism, thanks to the electric motors which will get you going quite quickly. In terms of driving dynamics, the RAV4 is good across the board, but it’s not particularly good in any area. It feels composed and handling is reasonable, and its suspension system absorbs road bumps well.

Fuel economy

Because of the amount of work done by the electric motors at low speeds, the RAV4 Hybrid is actually more efficient in the city than on the highway. That being said, again, it’s still pretty close to 40 miles per gallon. The EPA estimates that the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid will save you about $2,250 in gas over five years. This assumes you drive about 15,000 miles per year and that 55 percent of that is in the city and 45 percent on a highway.