History/Overview
Toyota’s modern lineup revolves around the RAV4, a compact crossover that competes in one of Canada’s most popular vehicle segments and offers the category’s most varied powertrain lineup with conventional and plug-in hybrid options. The RAV4 has been around since the late 1990s, and the current Canadian-built fifth-generation model was introduced in 2019.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2022, most RAV4 trims get new headlights and a few get new wheel designs, and Toyota has added a new Hybrid SE trim, the fifth distinct model offered with the conventional hybrid powertrain.
Available Trims
Toyota offers the RAV4 in LE, LE Hybrid, XLE, XLE Hybrid, SE Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, Trail, Limited, and Limited Hybrid trims. Gas-powered models use a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed transmission, and RAV4 Hybrid matches the 2.5L with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission.
LE starts with FWD and can be optioned with AWD; all other gas and hybrid trims come standard with AWD.
The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is covered in its own buyer’s guide entry.
Standard Features
LE trim comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, heated front seats, a front wiper de-icer, 17-inch steel wheels with covers, and LED headlights. LE Hybrid also adds dual-zone A/C and alloy wheels.
All RAV4 trims come with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane tracing assist, radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
XLE adds passive keyless entry, projector LED headlights, a power tailgate, power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and a sunroof. XLE gas models also add dual-zone A/C and alloy wheels.
XSE Hybrid adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a 7.0-inch digital gauge display, a digital rearview mirror, and LED front accent lighting.
Trail models gain wireless smartphone charging, Softex upholstery, 7.0-inch digital gauge display, 19-inch wheels, and LED fog lights.
Limited trim adds a panoramic view monitor and bird’s-eye view cameras, front parking sensors, a hands-free tailgate, an 11-speaker stereo, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power front passenger seat. Limited gas models get a digital rearview mirror, and Limited Hybrid rides on 18-inch wheels and adds LED fog lights.
Key Options
An XLE Premium package adds LED fog lights, the 8.0-inch touchscreen, 19-inch wheels, and Softex upholstery. Trail models can add a TRD Off Road package with 18-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, 9.0-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker stereo, and a skid plate.
RAV4 XSE Hybrid offers a technology package of 11-speaker audio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, panoramic view monitor, 9.0-inch touchscreen, front parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.
Fuel Economy
The RAV4 Hybrid is the most efficient non-plug-in model, with fuel consumption estimates of 5.8/6.3 L/100 km (city/highway). Gas models start at 8.5/6.8 L/100 km with FWD, and 8.7/6.9 L/100 km with AWD. RAV4 Trail is rated at 9.5/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The Toyota RAV4 competes for buyers with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, Jeep Cherokee, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
