Overview
The Toyota RAV4 continues to be a top seller for a reason – it prioritizes practicality over flash. This compact crossover isn't about standing out; it's about competently handling everyday adventures. You won't find a thrill ride here, but you will find a reliable and fuel-efficient companion for conquering your suburban to-do list. While the available all-wheel drive gives it a bit of an adventurous appearance, the RAV4 truly shines on familiar roads. It caters to a wide range of budgets with its diverse trim levels and feature offerings. The standard engine provides smooth acceleration without sacrificing fuel economy, thanks to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota goes a step further than its competitors by including a suite of driver-assistance technology and a user-friendly infotainment system as standard features on the RAV4. These are just some of the reasons why the RAV4 remains a tough act to follow for other automakers. There are even hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available for those who prioritize eco-friendly driving.
What has Changed for 2022?
This year, the RAV4 gets a fresh look with Army Green paint (free on Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims) – a bold option for those who want to stand out. It's also available in a two-tone combo with a white or black roof.
2024 Toyota RAV4: Engine and Performance
The Toyota RAV4 gets its muscle from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, churning out 203 horsepower and paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard across most trims, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and everyday practicality. For those who crave extra capability, all-wheel drive is available on most trims, with a more sophisticated system with torque vectoring on the Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road trims. This advanced system can even disconnect the rear axle for improved fuel economy when not needed. While acceleration is adequate, it won't win any drag races. The focus here is on comfortable cruising, and the RAV4 delivers stable and predictable handling. It tackles everyday commutes and highway stretches with ease, but if you're looking for a sporty thrill ride, there might be better options out there.
2024 Toyota RAV4: Interior and Comfort
The RAV4's interior prioritizes practicality over pizazz. Base LE trims offer a utilitarian setup with cloth seats, basic plastics, and manual climate control. If aesthetics are important, you'll want to step up to a higher trim level. XLE trims offer a slight upgrade with a two-tone cabin option and some extra features. But for a truly comfortable and visually appealing interior, the XLE Premium delivers. This trim boasts premium-feeling faux leather upholstery, nicer plastics, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and even stitched accents on the dashboard and armrests. The RAV4 excels in cargo space, with rear seats that fold nearly flat to maximize capacity. While it doesn't quite match the Subaru Forester's cargo capacity, it offers ample room for luggage and gear, making it a great choice for both passengers and cargo.
2024 Toyota RAV4: Connectivity
The RAV4 offers two touchscreen infotainment system sizes, depending on the trim you choose. Lower trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher-end Limited and TRD Off-Road trims boast a larger 10.5-inch display. Standard features include smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a convenient 4G LTE mobile hotspot for in-car Wi-Fi. For those who desire a more luxurious audio experience, a JBL premium sound system is available as an option. Navigation and a wireless charging pad for your smartphone can also be added for extra convenience. Another tech upgrade to consider is the digital gauge cluster. While most models come with a separate 7-inch display in the gauge cluster, a larger and more modern 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display is optional on some trims and standard on the Limited.
2024 Toyota RAV4: Pricing
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 pricing varies depending on the trim level you choose:
LE: Starting at $28,675 (most affordable option)
XLE: Starting at $30,185 (most popular trim)
XLE Premium: Starting at $33,075
Adventure: Starting at $34,870
Limited: Starting at $36,980
TRD Off-Road: Starting at $38,295 (most expensive option)
There are also hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available, but their pricing differs:
Hybrid LE: Starting at $31,475
Hybrid XLE: Starting at $32,985
Hybrid SE: Starting at $34,170
Prime SE: Starting at $43,440
Prime XSE: Starting at $47,310 (most expensive overall)
Which one to Purchase?
While the rugged appeal of the TRD Off-Road is undeniable, for most drivers the XLE Premium trim hits the sweet spot between features and affordability. Compared to the base LE and XLE trims, the XLE Premium boasts a bunch of upgrades that elevate the everyday driving experience. This includes fog lights for better visibility, stylish 19-inch wheels, a convenient power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof that opens up the cabin. Comfort is also enhanced with dual-zone automatic climate control and heated SofTex seats, a significant step up from the cloth options in lower trims. The XLE Premium doesn't skimp on aesthetics either, replacing the standard hard plastics with nicer materials and treating you to a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob for a more premium feel. The good news is that safety isn't sacrificed by choosing this trim, as Toyota equips all RAV4s with their comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard. So, unless you require the extra off-road capability of the TRD Off-Road or the ventilated seats offered on some higher trims, the XLE Premium seems like a well-equipped and budget-conscious choice.
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