2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE - (A Comprehensive Overview!)

[@marioz2397]

Bro is making a better review than 90% of other channels with an Iphone and no editing. Props to you!

[@brianruperti]

Thank you so much. Made my night to read this 🙏🏼

[@alexsanders1652]

This was one of the best car reviews I’ve ever seen. Thank you

[@brianruperti]

Thanks!

[@roncleminson9005]

Very helpful and informative. Appreciate the time and effort, although you make it seem effortless. It’s not, I know, but I’m totally in awe of anyone that seemingly conveys this much detail in one take! Amazing!

[@brianruperti]

I’m so glad I helped! Thank you so much for the kind words. Your support means more than you know. I hope you enjoy future content!

[@Dave-tv3hn]

One of mu bigger issues with it is the fact that you have to turn off the stop to turn off mode EVERY TIME you turn it back on. pretty annoying, should be set it once and forget it like everything else. But other than that, I love mine!

[@brianruperti]

I agree

[@KarenSilva-b1w]

Love my Rav 4! So much better than the last video I watched! Very clear and understandable except for the heat setting? Thank you ! Bought mine new and you are the only one that took the time to go through each setting, asked when I picked it up but he said he didn’t have time! Thank you!

[@brianruperti]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eric6238]

I like how Brian doesn't ignore anything, this is well explained. Thanks

[@brianruperti]

Thanks!!! More content to come :-)

[@MrTotalAhole]

I just picked mine up last night and was to dark to really sit in it and read the book. And since Im a big kid at heart, I just started pushing buttons, "Oohhh, whats this do?" "Neato, different colors!" "Ahh, snow flake graphics, cool." "So much fun!". Well, I must have hit the 'shut the engine off at idle button' and couldnt figure out why the RAV had a little lurch at take off. Fixed, because now I know. Thanks Brian! The 'Hold' button (in all seriousness) pure genius. I get stuck in start-stop crawling traffic way too often. The door handle lock feature, I would have never figured that out by accident. Thanks again! The scenario on climbing a hill in snow @12:30, A++ tip. There are a few big hills where I live (and work) that have very steep grades, I will be using that suggestion. * Psst you forgot to cover the wipers...(I have the auto sensing) Yes, I know, I will eventually read the owners manual. Thanks again Brian! This was a very helpful overview, I did learn a lot.

[@brianruperti]

Congrats on the new car and so glad my video helped! Also just so you know, if you download the FREE Toyota app, you can access the booklets from the comfort of your phone!

[@Agrippa-nl2rn]

I appreciate your making these videos. I just bought a 2024 Rav4 Hybrid and find your videos extremely helpful in learning all of. the buttons and settings. Your explanations are way better than the Toyota manuals that came the the car.

[@brianruperti]

Thanks you made my day! Congrats on your car :-)

[@jeff8907]

Picked mine up today. If u keep ur hand on the drivers door handle for a little longer it will beep again and unlock all of the doors

[@brianruperti]

Congrats! And thanks for that tip!

[@roncleminson9005]

Great tip!

[@jeff8907]

And there's a setting to make all doors open on first beep too.

[@pattigiomi422]

This is the 2nd time I’ve watched the video & it’s great. I watched it before I actually picked up my car & then again after driving for a couple of weeks. Great information

[@brianruperti]

Your comment made my night!! Thank you so much for watching 🙏🏼

[@ricardocarrero8243]

I got a 2021...love it been driving family sedas for over 20 years....what a difference....😊

[@lynnita321]

Extremely helpful. Thank you! You are really good at these explanations without the annoyances that drive me away from other channels.

[@brianruperti]

Thanks!

[@realm1595]

Thanks bro I appreciate your help. I just bought the 2021xle yesterday and also a new driver so definitely helped a lot.

[@brianruperti]

Hey I’m happy I was able to help and congrats! XLEs are amazing cars take care of it!

[@realm1595]

Will do. Thank you

[@thehotone12]

I order a 40 gal hot water heater and did curb side pick up. They brought it out and I had moved the front passenger seat forward and reclined the two rear seats I asked the guy if I could help him pick the heater up and slide it forward. Of course it fix I had no doubt. I looked at him and said I bet you thought that water heater will never fix in there. Told me when he saw the RAV4 he thought that not going to fix. He said I really fool him. Thx Toyota!! Love mine. ❤️👍🏻

[@brianruperti]

💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@TheThegreenbird33]

Where is the video that goes into how to use the buttons more such as the display touch screen etc?

[@brianruperti]

It would be one of my rav4 tutorials on the rav4 playlist

[@jenniferstephens6645]

Thanks for all the info! Just reserved a 2021 RAV4 that k should be getting in a few weeks and this was helpful! Every other review I’ve seen have been the fully decked out ones with the convenience and weather packages.

[@brianruperti]

You’re welcome! Glad I could help :-)

[@denisetesiero7131]

I have a 2021 RAV XLE premium and I love it, had it for a year now, but thanks for the info on that hold button I had no idea, and I also love the stop and start feature.

[@brianruperti]

Nice ride! Rare car. And glad I could help!

[@sptrader6316]

I have the 2021 XLE gas and really like it. (8spd trans not a cvt.) 2.5 4 cyl has plenty of passing power. I've taken (2) 1000mi trips and looking forward to another 500mile trip next week. Some road noise at least partially due to the Toyo tires at high speed(70+ mph). Michelins are much quieter. (I had a 2020 with Michelins). That would be my only complaint, road noise, ride is very comfortable.

[@brianruperti]

Nice thanks for sharing! Michelins are a fine tire I ran those on my motorcycle for years. Safe traveling! Where to?

[@sptrader6316]

@@brianruperti To Denver (from Amarillo TX area).

[@greg4795]

I just bought a 2021 XLE. I bought it because of no CVT and no Turbo. I am loving it so far. It came with michelins on it. but I wouldn't mind putting some all terrains on it for when I take it off road and also winter time.

[@seaweedsally]

Thank you SO much for this video - very well done, succinct & informative. Just got my new 2021 Blueprint and I LOVE it. Still getting used to the bells & whistles. I got almost halfway thru the book, but then thought of KZbin and said "What an idiot!" Videos are faster and more informative. Your videos are all great!

[@brianruperti]

My pleasure! And thank you so much for the kind words. Congrats on the classy cool blue 😎. I’m always here to help!

[@suecollins1381]

I wish the door controls would light up,annoying in the dark to find the unlock button, but love my Rav otjerwise

[@brianruperti]

I agree. FYI the unlock button is the one with the little bumps just like on the remote.

[@Riley1416]

I’m actually looking into one right now since I have an infant. It fits a car seat very well! Better than a 2013 Jeep wrangler Sahara!!! But honestly this was very informative and helpful in my decision

[@brianruperti]

Thanks for watching! Your baby will be very safe and happy in a RAV4! 🙂

[@annhughes2639]

15:58 please make a similar video for the latest Rav 4 hybrid thx!

[@susheelkumar8061]

Thanks for the informative video. Would be helpful if you can do a review video on 2022 RAV4 XLE Gas and Hybrid models.

[@brianruperti]

You’re welcome! Check this out! (99% identical to the 2021) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnfKnppth7CbpJI

[@CarlosRuiz-b6h]

Sweet little suv only thing is I bought my wife her 2021 rav 4 and took it to the car wash and the roof started leaking apparently it’s a roof rack malfunction

[@brianruperti]

Oof sorry to hear that!

[@heathlindsay-hayden3529]

We have the same 2021 XLE but ours doesn't have the SNOW/MUD/ROCK modes. We have one button that can cycle between the three ECO/NORMAL/SPORT modes. I wonder why ours doesn't have those other modes?

[@brianruperti]

You must have a hybrid?

[@heathlindsay-hayden3529]

@@brianruperti no, it's an XLE non-hybrid.

[@lloydhannemann6863]

Really good job, Brian. Helpful and well explained. Thanks!

[@brianruperti]

Thank you! Glad I could help

[@randyransio7870]

Very helpful, i just got the 2022.

[@brianruperti]

Congrats!

[@BlueDotInTexas]

THank you! I just bought one amd learned alot from you! I love it!

[@brianruperti]

Glad I could help!

[@richardlocher3789]

wife just got her one she loves it i wish the pass seat was lower n not as stiff but over all great

[@brianruperti]

Congrats!

[@nicolegomez7895]

Love how detailed this video is👏🏽

[@brianruperti]

Thank you!!

[@srtalukdar]

Thank you for the detailed review. Do you think it is still worth buying with about 60,000 miles in late 2023?

[@brianruperti]

You’re welcome. I cannot recommend a car I can’t see in person.

[@angelarose1432]

Does it have an automatic garage door opener button?

[@brianruperti]

No

[@greg4795]

yes, mine does, built into the mirror. XLE

[@kcnoise]

Great review! I just ordered one of these and found this very helpful.

[@brianruperti]

Congrats!

[@audioallday]

Why is it a good idea to keep traction control on during normal weather driving?

[@brianruperti]

Because if a wheel slips during a dusty patch or turn taking, the system will de-power that wheel so it can instantly regain traction and help you maintain control. This saves lives.

[@marvabingham7073]

The best review!!! Just got a 2021 rav 4. How will I know when my FOB battery is dying?

[@brianruperti]

Thanks! The car will tell you

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

The car won’t start when it’s in your pocket. You hold the fob up to the start button and it will start.

[@FilipinaTeacherinAmerica]

Thank you for sharing these important infos about RAV4 XLE, I learned alot . Thanks

[@brianruperti]

My pleasure!

[@thomasisinspacethomasisins8471]

Good review.

[@brianruperti]

Thanks!

[@ofcbob6391]

Brian, nice work here! Ref the auto stop/start, I wonder if keeping the AC on regular mode (compressor always engaged) vs eco mode (compressor will on/off on/off).. I wonder if regular AC mode will keep the engine from cutting off even if you did NOT opt to turn the auto stop/start button off. I've read online that some other cars work that way.

[@brianruperti]

Thanks! Yes when you increase demand it keeps the engine on. I do sport mode, heat high, or sport mode, AC cranked.

[@kyqorioskygo8999]

To keep the ac compressor last longer set it to normal instead eco

[@ofcbob6391]

@@kyqorioskygo8999 Why would the AC compressor last longer if operated in NORMAL vs ECO? Please explain. Is it the on/off function that wears a compressor out ?

[@kyqorioskygo8999]

@@ofcbob6391 A few auto AC mechanics suggested that i keep the ac at normal instead of eco or lower temp. They said when the ac compressor is always on running will keep the compressor last longer. If you set at eco the compressor will go on an off. That on and off will make it wear out faster. I take the advice and i noticed my ac last longer.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

I pulled the the wire off of the hood latch switch to permanently disable the stalling (start stop) at traffic lights and stop signs on my 19 RAV4 LE AWD. It’s a dumb feature that saves zero gas because the alternator has to work harder to recharge the battery. Without using the stalling feature my starter will outlast the rest of the car.

[@nancymullen1520]

Thank you for this video. Very informative - more info than the dealer gave me.

[@brianruperti]

I’m glad I could help!

[@mmr0221]

When I looked at newer Rav4s, I noticed that when you close the front doors, the side mirrors shake a lot since they are attached to the body and not the frame of the doors. I thought that was a bit of poor designing.

[@brianruperti]

Perhaps. But all that matters is that they don’t shake while driving. The purpose of the mirrors being moved from the door corner to the actual door is to increase visibility. And I will say, it actually helps a TON with visibility.

[@ofcbob6391]

Harry, did you get a fix at the dealer for that mirror shake? I saw another youtube mechanic guy talk about it, said it's sort of a recall and the dealership can install something inside the door panel to alleviate that? (or did you just learn to live with it?)

[@rammerron2460]

Love your info videos, good work. If ya can love to see ya pretend you have a flat tire and what you go through to change it on a Tacoma. Tks.

[@brianruperti]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the compliment. I try to help! And if I have the opportunity to break down the process of tire changing on a Tacoma I will gladly do it for you!

[@KarenSilva-b1w]

How do you work the heat? Do you put on auto/ then ac comes on , do you turn it off?

[@brianruperti]

Just push auto, then dial the temp you want. AC comes on to dehumidify the air, but if you don’t want air dehumidified, you can turn off ac and let the auto feature do its thing!

[@thekatiea6388]

Have you heard about the “secret” remote start feature, and does it work on the XLE? Apparently if you press the lock button three times and hold it down on the third press, the vehicle will remote start and run for 10 minutes but will turn itself off when you get in. I’ve read mixed reviews that said only the models with 8” screen are capable of this but others say you can do it with the 7” screens as well.

[@brianruperti]

Yes models with Audio plus and up will get this feature!

[@shadowtruck5991]

What would be the benefit to start when it shuts off when driver gets in? Thnx.

[@greg4795]

@@shadowtruck5991 I don't know. but the engine will shut of at every intersection you stop at as well. unless you toggle the switch to disable that feature. I don't know the reasoning behind half the shit they do nowadays. something to do with the brainwash word 'sustainable' probably . They don't want you to drive anywhere, even though that's what you got into your car to do.

[@freddymack6518]

You nailed it. Great video

[@brianruperti]

Thank you!

[@harshakarupasinghe3374]

Very useful Thank you so much

[@brianruperti]

You are most welcome

[@raykane7171]

Excellent video. Thanks...

[@brianruperti]

Glad you liked it!

[@ladykat16]

Thorough review!! Informative!!

[@brianruperti]

Thanks for watching!

[@VHall-xv6hl]

Very thorough💯 Thank you.

[@brianruperti]

Thanks for watching

[@jcparson4489]

The switch on the dash that changes the flow of the air to your head only or head and legs, etc. does not light up on my 2021 Rav 4 XLE when the switch is on that setting. Is this normal?

[@brianruperti]

If it’s the air direction changing button then yes that’s normal.

[@bethmuraski1482]

You are awesome! Thank you. Just got my new 2021 in sept. I'm still trying to figure out all the functions. You were very helpful! Have you ever heard of a defective windshield? I had to have mine replaced right off the bat. I look forward to seeing more of the settings and functions.

[@brianruperti]

Thank you so much! Congrats on your new car. I’m glad I was able to help. I’ve never heard of a defective windshield. What happened?

[@bethmuraski1482]

@@brianruperti It was like looking at a warped cheap mirror. I would get dizzy driving it. Distorted street signs in one area of the glass. Nobody would believe me, but I took it in and 3 techs drove it and all 3 said it was defective. Made in Canada. Got a new one, which is much better, but still not perfect, but I can deal with it.

[@brianruperti]

@@bethmuraski1482 YES!! I saw that on 2 Toyota’s over the years I thought I was crazy.

[@oldndayzd9281]

Same here it was a little overwhelming at dealership trying to retain all the information this video helped me alot for sure this is the first Toyota I've ever owned and it is by far the best vehicle in every respect I have ever owned it was worth the every cent

[@sstrunks920]

@@bethmuraski1482 I think mine is like that!! It seems almost zoomed in when looking at it sometimes almost makes me dizzy as well! Will definitely be mentioning this soon to the dealership.

[@eddiejclayton1]

Great overview, thank you!

[@brianruperti]

Thank you! My pleasure 😎

[@sarageller6887]

Is it difficult to add a CD player. Is there a downside to adding one?

[@brianruperti]

Yes and yes. You may be able to run a Walkman via USB cable but your best shot is to use Bluetooth music and just download all your CDs that you own onto your phone and do it that way.

[@redrav4570]

Hey Brian , Thank you for another video.have a question , Do we need to buy an aftermarket inverter for 12v/120w cigarette lighter to convert in to a two pin power outlet. And certain after market inverter can generate up to 150 watts too.. will it intiate the the breaker andcutoff power

[@brianruperti]

Hey! You’re welcome! And I think the 150w would initiate the breaker. Seeing all the accessories available, I think you have the option. Please let me know how it goes!

[@sandypilon3582]

How do we make the heater kick in. I Tried turning the knows to higher temperature but still cool. I think not working 😕???

[@brianruperti]

How old is your car? What model?

[@sandypilon3582]

@@brianruperti it's a 2021 RAV4 XLE

[@shadowtruck5991]

Try this...Turn off the AirCon button then turn temperature knob in Sync mode to desire temperature. Hope it heats up. System is a combo Aircon/Heater which is confusing to me at first too always cold.

[@brianruperti]

@@sandypilon3582 Make sure AC button is not on. Also make sure both sides of the dual zone AC are on Hi temp. Turn the fan setting to 3 or 4, not all the way up to 7. Just 3 or 4 Then change the air direction to face and feet. Then drive the car around for 10 minutes and when the engine gets to operating temperature, your heat should be really hot.

[@rafaelhanlet]

Thank u so much 🙏

[@brianruperti]

Most welcome 😊

[@3636lk]

Love your videos! Wish the door arm rest didn't hit my leg. I have the Hybrid and Love it. Going to remove the pinstripes and black out the wheels. Not a bad car, love the sport driving mode.

[@brianruperti]

Thanks!! 🙏🏼 that’s going to be a good look for the car!

[@musawanambwa7112]

Very thorough

[@bossgobbler226]

I have a 2021 XLE Premium, my rear view camera does not have the yellow grid lines showing wheel direction. Should this be working? Dealer set up not done? Not a big deal but nice to have.

[@brianruperti]

That’s called the dynamic rear view camera which it sounds like you have a regular base level rear view camera. Normal not to have the lines!

[@melisaphung6859]

Thank you so much for this video! You are very thorough and informative! Better than a salesperson! I have a couple of questions: when is AWD activated? When in the normal mode? I did not hear you mention an AWD button like how some other cars are designed. Also, are you able to read your car tire pressure right there while navigating through the MID?

[@brianruperti]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching! So the AWD activates many times throughout your drive. There is no button for it. That’s what makes it great. Any type of wheel slip, kicks in. Snow or rain or slippery surfaces, kicks in. Hard acceleration, kicks in. But you benefit with the back wheels kicking off when you’re cruising, reducing tire consuming, and also wear and tear on the drivetrain. The tire pressures individually are not standard so it has to be on an upgraded package.

[@melisaphung6859]

@@brianruperti thank you so much for the reply! One more question: I accidentally pressed the traction control button today and turned it off. How do I verify that it is turned back on?

[@brianruperti]

@@melisaphung6859 you’re welcome! So that system turns itself back on every time the car is restarted! :-) you’ll only know when it is OFF. If it doesn’t claim the system is OFF, then it is ON! :-)

[@melisaphung6859]

@@brianruperti makes sense! Wow the technology sure has advanced! Everything is automatic!

[@brianruperti]

@@melisaphung6859 Less to worry about right? More energy saved to focus on the ride 😎

[@ofcbob6391]

Are the LED's simply the low beam headlights always on?

[@brianruperti]

If you’re asking what I think you are, it’s if the low beams are always on. No. They’re only on when you either select “DRL” on base models or “AUTO” on others. All cars have an option to ride without lights on.

[@Puffer_001]

Great video think I’m now know the car better than my dealer does. He basically tells me nothing about the car. BTW how did you turn ur audio off and is there anyway to turn off the Bluetooth power?

[@brianruperti]

Thank you! Glad I could help. To turn audio off just press the round volume knob. To turn off Bluetooth you can either turn the phones Bluetooth off in your phones settings. This is the most efficient way, so that when you turn the Bluetooth back on (in phone settling or control panel), the phone will automatically reconnect. If you turn Bluetooth off the inefficient way, by disconnecting it from the car, you will have to manually reconnect every time. Hope that helps. P.S. all smart phones have a control panel where you slide down or you and it shows the Bluetooth symbol. Tap it and it disconnects!

[@richardlocher3789]

very very helpful video thank you

[@brianruperti]

You’re welcome thanks for watching

[@hongchang9370]

Good job Brian, thank you

[@brianruperti]

Thanks!

[@roncleminson9005]

Hey Brian, I watched this video again, enjoyed it just as much. Appreciate the attention to detail. Are there significant changes coming your aware of on the upcoming ‘22 model year?

[@brianruperti]

Thanks for watching it again! I am doing my 1 year review as well next month. So for 2022 there are not any changes that I was made aware of. 2022 is the year of the Tundra. Which I am really looking forward to seeing.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

The big change for the RAV4 comes for the 25 model year.

[@krao6605]

Where are the home link buttons?

[@brianruperti]

They are on the mirror when the RAV4 has the CP package

[@sarageller6887]

Thank you so much!

[@brianruperti]

🙏🏼

[@monk33ypitola87]

Damm ive been looking for a way to open my trunk with out going outside. Seems like this frature of rav4 doesnt havve an insed button like regula vehicles would thts so stupid 😡😡😡

[@brianruperti]

Gotta get the convenience package for that

[@monk33ypitola87]

@@brianruperti facts

[@pedromartinez6498]

Spare Tire?

[@marvabingham7073]

Does it come with anti theft if no can I get it installed?

[@brianruperti]

Yes to both

[@monk33ypitola87]

Great video by the way bro🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@brianruperti]

Thanks for the visit!

[@bethmuraski1482]

I actually took notes!!!

[@brianruperti]

🤓awesome!

[@yelinemartinez8745]

love this 100%

[@brianruperti]

Thanks!

[@shadowtruck5991]

I hit Liked. Best button review. i subscribed.

[@brianruperti]

Thank you so much! Welcome to my channel and I hope you enjoy my future content during my career with Toyota!

[@Elizabeth-qs2sg]

Thanks

[@jennifertoribio5982]

Is Apple Carplay wireless?

[@brianruperti]

Not yet

[@chandragay14]

Toyota-ALEXA cannot be setup. I have tried EVERYTHING....I think. Is it something that was offered but no longer. Let me know what you think. Thank you.

[@brianruperti]

It should Work bring in to service

[@adamraymontero]

Awesome video! Thank you 🙏

[@brianruperti]

Thanks! And my pleasure 🙏🏼

[@khatreen]

Does it have a wireless charger?

[@brianruperti]

Not this one

[@wild_bill25]

The radio is too difficult to use, so I carry a small portable radio in the vehicle.

[@brianruperti]

🤣

[@heathlindsay-hayden3529]

It's not hard at all. AUDIO>FM RADIO Use the scroll knob on the right to go through your stations. You can even program presets.

[@22Kevi]

I do! I'm actually a second owner '20 Rav4 XLE Premium.

[@brianruperti]

Nice! How you liking it so far?

[@22Kevi]

@@brianruperti Oh, I love it. I initially had the '19 Limited AWD, but I traded it due to a potential full pump issue and not immediate fix for it. I then went to the XLE Highlander, due to no Rav's being available in the XLE premium model in that year, but it was unfortunately totaled in an accident. Now, I'm back to the Rav in the trim I set out to get back in 2019 but got talked into the Limited.

[@ofcbob6391]

Does the XLE Premium come with a leather wrapped steering wheel? I want just the regular XLE trim, but I can't believe it comes with just the plastic steering wheel. Even the new Corolla Cross gives you a leather wheel in the middle LE trim.

[@22Kevi]

@@ofcbob6391 Yes, the XLE Prem does come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

[@brianruperti]

@@ofcbob6391 depends on where you live. Please visit Toyota.com and spec out the vehicle.

[@chencuenca]

Thank you

[@brianruperti]

You’re welcome

[@chrismetcalf223]

Very thorough! I love my 2019 RAV4 XLE Hybrid. I learned a few things about my own vehicle by watching this video.

[@brianruperti]

Thanks! Awesome car! When we got the first few 2019s in hybrid I actually took one in silver down to cape May (it was a rental fleet) and have so many personal memories traveling in the 19 RAV4 XLE hybrid. Thanks for watching!

[@jeanedmond7818]

Thanks

[@brianruperti]

Of course

[@thomasa1294]

Sold!! 😉

[@brianruperti]

My fav word!

[@spearmint123]

🔥🔥🔥

[@RogueParses]

Wish there was a trunk button lol

[@brianruperti]

If it under the emblem on the hatch

[@RogueParses]

@@brianruperti you're right! Sorry, I meant I wish there was a button near the driver side or on the remote

[@brianruperti]

@@RogueParses ah yes the rav4 XLE with the convenience package will have that. Without the convenience package it won’t exist.

[@yazminmojica4458]

👍🏼💯🦋

[@ibm6542]

You talked about the buttons for 18 minutes dude that's ridiculous

[@brianruperti]

I know and yet it helps so many people!

[@thomasisinspacethomasisins8471]

Great job reviewing. Get your pilots license and fly, 🥲😌🕊️❤️🌎

[@brianruperti]

That’s a dream of mine!