Everybody loves the Toyota Rav4; it's the bestselling SUV in the country with two powertrains, including hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. No matter which one you prefer, buyers can still choose among a handful of trims that even include one off-road-oriented model called the Rav4 Woodland. If you're the adventurous or outdoorsy type, and value reliable efficiency in a compact package, then you really can't go wrong with a Rav4 today. However, those same outdoorsy types might benefit from some additional capability. That's where a used Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes into play.A brand-new Wrangler Rubicon starts at $46,170 for a two-door configuration; for better interior space with four doors, you'll have to spend at least $50,095. However, stepping back to view the used market opens a whole new world of possibilities. We'd like to introduce you to the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This SUV is about as rugged and capable as it gets.No, it's not as reliable as any Rav4, but if you're just looking for the ultimate adventure rig, it's worth the trade-off. In this article, we'll talk about the new Rav4 – especially its Woodland trim – before diving into why we think you should spend less on a more capable model.New prices are correct at the time of writing, and exclude destination, options, taxes, and other fees. Used prices fluctuate due to a variety of factors we discuss later in the article. 2026 Toyota Rav4 Specs Overview ToyotaStarting with its new generation for the 2026 model year, Toyota made the Rav4 all-hybrid. Buyers can no longer choose a gas-only Rav4 of any trim level; instead, the 2.5-liter hybrid I4 and its plug-in hybrid counterpart continued on from its previous generation to power the 2026 model. We know that some people might be upset about that news, but it's not all bad.Firstly, there's no trim or variant with poor fuel economy – even the regular hybrid with all-wheel drive can get up to 42 MPG combined. The plug-in hybrid model offers even more horsepower and even better fuel economy with the help of up to 52 miles of all-electric range. Both powertrains are offered on the Woodland off-road trim, too. Go More Places With This Off-Road SUV StellantisThe Jeep Wrangler has been at the top of off-road SUV capability since it debuted for the 1987 model year. It was introduced as a "go anywhere" type vehicle with tall ground clearance, rugged styling, and standard four-wheel drive. Since then, The Wrangler has passed through four generations, leading us to the model we know today. Its current generation, the JL Wrangler, has been in production since the 2018 model year. Other than a single refresh for the 2024 model year, it's remained cosmetically the same. There are a handful of powertrains to choose from; the Rubicon variant has access to most of them. 2021 Jeep Wrangler Specs Overview StellantisThe 2021 Jeep Wrangler finally depreciated to a reasonable price on the used market, so we're using that trim to compare today. That said, the single trim had a diverse spread of options when it came out. Buyers who chose the Rubicon trim level got standard four-wheel drive and a transfer case that offers a 4:1 gear ratio in low range. That allows this version of the Wrangler to crawl over large obstacles, climb and descend steep hills with ease. The Rubicon could be equipped with any of the four powertrains in the table above. Its cheapest option was the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, but many buyers opted for the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 for its available six-speed manual transmission. Used Jeep Wrangler Rubicon vs New Toyota Rav4 Pricing 2026 Toyota Rav4 Trims and Pricing ToyotaToyota's Rav4 isn't all that affordable anymore. At least, not when you reach its Woodland trim level or if you want a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Since the automaker dropped its gas-only powertrain with its new generation, the least-expensive model now starts at $31,500 before destination, options, and fees. However, if we're looking at only the past model year's hybrid trims, that's actually less than the 2025 Rav4 Hybrid. Nevertheless. There are six hybrid trims to choose from, and four plug-in hybrid trims. The hybrids start with the LE and end with the Limited, leaving the Woodland variant in the middle at $39,900. PHEV trims start with the SE and end with the GR Sport, which places the Woodland in the middle at $45,300. 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Current Values StellantisThe chart above represents the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon's current value based on recent sales and listings. It doesn't necessarily represent exactly what you can expect to pay for one, since used car prices vary depending on a variety of factors. Some factors include the number of previous owners it's had, any modifications it may have (mods don't usually increase value – in fact, some may decrease value), how many miles are on the odometer, its mechanical and cosmetic condition, and more. Another source to check current values is Kelley Blue Book; its data shows the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon with a fair purchase price of $27,300. 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon vs New Toyota Rav4 Reliability StellantisEven though the 2026 Toyota Rav4 is an all-new generation, it uses the same hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains as previous generations. There isn't a ton of data on these yet, but that which does exist shows what we can already assume: the Rav4 is a reliable SUV. The 2021 Wrangler, on the other hand, also has data to show what many of you already assume.The NHTSA shows the '21 Wrangler's 14 recalls. Between the NHTSA and Car Complaints, it also has over 1,000 customer complaints regarding various issues. Starting with recalls, we can see a few that are intended to solve reliability or safety issues: affecting 320,068 Wrangler 4Xe and Grand Cherokee 4Xe units is a recall pertaining to a potential high-voltage battery fire. Models equipped with the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine could have high-pressure fuel pump failure (affecting 45,832 units), and 35,829 units are at risk of the frame puncturing the fuel tank.As for customer complaints, there are 213 complaints about the electrical system, 203 complaints regarding steering problems, 106 people with drivetrain problems, 199 people with engine problems, and 145 complaints pertaining to suspension problems, to name the major categories. We Know the Wrangler Rubicon can Off-Road; Can the Rav4? Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/ValnetIt's a given that the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon is the ultimate off-road SUV. It offers a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles, electronic lockers and is one of the few SUVs to offer a six-speed manual transmission for even more control. The Rubicon's transfer case has a 4:1 LO gear in addition to upgrades like rock rails and a disconnecting sway bar.Obviously, no Rav4 can keep up with a true off-roader. If that's what you're looking for from Toyota, check out the 4Runner or the Tacoma. That said, the Rav4 Woodland trim has some nice features that might help on some weekend camping trims that take you on gravel paths or fire access roads: Standard all-wheel drive 18-inch 6-spoke matte metallic gray alloy wheels with all-terrain tires Woodland-branded raised black roof rails with crossbars Woodland all-weather floor mats and cargo liner Integrated Rigid Industries LED fog lights Putting Reliability Aside, the Wrangler is a Great Choice StellantisFor less money than you would spend on a new base-model Toyota Rav4, you could get behind the wheel of one of the most capable off-road SUVs on the market. We know it's not reliable: that's why it's so cheap.But if you're the kind of buyer who can stomach larger repair bills, or maybe you intend to customize and modify your way to a more reliable vehicle, then we feel as though it's worth the trouble. Anyone would be happy with a new Rav4's reliability, fuel efficiency, and maybe even the Woodland's off-road styling, but it's no match for the best.Sources: Toyota, Jeep, Stellantis, Kelley Blue Book