2021 Toyota RAV4 — Tire Size & Pressure

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/65R17, 235/55R19 (depending on trim)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 36 psi (front and rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3
• Wheel Size: 17x7, 19x7.5 (depending on trim)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 102H, 101V (may vary slightly by tire model)
• Spare Tire Size: T165/80D17 (temporary spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Recommended replacement tires

When it's time for new tires, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has several excellent options across different price points, offering a balance of all-season performance, comfort, and longevity.

• Michelin Defender T+H (Premium Tier): A popular choice for its excellent all-season traction, long tread life, and quiet ride. Expect to pay around $180-$220 per tire.
• Goodyear Assurance MaxLife (Mid-Tier): Known for its exceptional tread life warranty and confident handling in various conditions. Priced approximately $160-$200 per tire.
• Falken Ziex CT60 A/S (Value Tier): Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, with good wet and dry traction. Typically around $130-$170 per tire.

When to inflate to max load psi

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a passenger SUV and does not require inflation to max load psi. The recommended cold tire pressure found on your vehicle's door placard (36 psi for most RAV4s) is designed to provide the best balance of safety, handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity under normal driving conditions, even when the vehicle is fully loaded. Only heavy-duty trucks or vehicles designed for significant towing/hauling loads typically require adjustments to tire pressure based on load, and even then, specific guidelines would be provided by the manufacturer.

Lug nut torque & pattern

The lug nuts on your 2021 Toyota RAV4 should be torqued to 76 lb-ft (103 Nm). It is crucial to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (also known as a criss-cross pattern) to ensure the wheel is properly seated and evenly secured. This prevents uneven pressure on the wheel hub and studs, which can lead to loosening or damage.

Always use a torque wrench to ensure accurate tightening. Over-tightening can stretch wheel studs or damage the lug nuts, while under-tightening can allow the wheel to come loose.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

• Uneven Wear: Like many vehicles, the RAV4 can experience uneven tire wear if the tires are not rotated regularly (every 5,000-7,500 miles) or if the alignment is off. Front-wheel drive biased vehicles often show more significant wear on the front tires.
• TPMS Sensor Malfunctions: While generally reliable, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors can occasionally fail due to battery depletion (they have an internal battery that lasts several years) or physical damage during tire changes. The 2021 RAV4 uses 315 MHz sensors.
• Road Hazard Damage: Potholes, nails, and other road debris are common culprits for tire punctures, bulges, and sidewall damage. Regularly inspect your tires for any signs of damage.
• Tire Noise: As tires wear, they can sometimes become louder, especially if there's uneven tread wear. Selecting a quality replacement tire designed for a quiet ride can mitigate this.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.