Toyota RAV4 2022 Review

The Toyota RAV4 is consistently one of the best-selling vehicles on the market, and if you're looking for a small SUV, chances are the RAV4 is on your short list. Highlight qualities include a roomy interior, a smooth ride and easy-to-use controls. It's an SUV you can get in and drive without thinking much about it.

Toyota offers a wide range of trim levels for the RAV4, so there's a good chance you'll find the one for you. There's a wallet-friendly base model, a top-trim version loaded with all the features, and more in between. There's also the RAV4 Adventure, which has tougher exterior styling and a bit more off-road capabilities, as well as the TRD Off-Road, which adds all-terrain tires and special suspension tuning. These trims don't transform the RAV4 into a Jeep Wrangler, but they do give it more capability than most other small SUVs.

Our test team has found the Toyota RAV4 to be a respectable pick for a small SUV, but there are plenty of other great options to consider as well. These include the well-rounded Honda CR-V, classy Mazda CX-5 and value-packed Nissan Rogue. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our full evaluation of the RAV4's comfort, utility and more.

Which RAV4 does MatoCar recommend?

[Editor's note: The following information is based largely on last year's 2021 RAV4. We'll continue updating this section as more information on the 2022 RAV4 comes out.] The RAV4 is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road and Limited. All come with a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on most of the trim levels, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. The Adventure and the TRD Off-Road come standard with an upgraded all-wheel-drive system that can enhance traction on loose and slippery surfaces. Standard feature highlights include:

LE Starts you off with:

• LED headlights
• 7-inch touchscreen interface
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
• Six-speaker sound system
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of safety features:
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the RAV4 and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automatic high beams
• Traffic sign reader

XLE Adds more convenience features such as:

• Keyless entry and ignition
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Additional USB charging ports

XLE Premium Dresses up the RAV4 with:

• LED foglights
• Larger wheels
• Slightly raised suspension
• Sunroof
• Power liftgate
• Simulated leather upholstery (Toyota's SofTex)
• Soft-touch dashboard materials

Adventure This trim goes without the sunroof and power liftgate but adds some off-road appearance and mechanical elements that include:

• Fender flares
• Taller roof rails
• Selectable terrain drive modes
• Hill descent control
• 8-inch touchscreen

TRD Off-Road It gets the sunroof and liftgate back and adds more capabilities with:

• All-terrain tires
• Off-road-tuned suspension
• Unique black trim elements and interior trim

Limited Builds on the XLE Premium equipment list and adds:

• Chrome exterior trim
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• 11-speaker premium JBL audio system

Some features are available as options on supporting trims. Other notable options are dependent on trim level and include:

• Surround-view camera system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Wireless charging pad