SUVs are popular in the country owing to their boxy design, durability, and high-tech features. A top-selling option in this car segment is the Toyota RAV4. Despite its launch years ago, Toyota has consistently upgraded the model to cater to the evolving needs of car buyers. The latest Toyota RAV4 for sale has a bold appearance, new trim levels, and a couple of unique tech features one can benefit from.
Trims and pricing
The Toyota RAV4 has several trims one can choose from, each with unique features. The price varies depending on the trim. The base Toyota RAV4 LE starts at $28,675. When one shops for the range-topping RAV4 TRD Off-Road, the price goes up to $38,295. There are four trims in between these two. Comparing them all can help one pick the best option for their needs.
- LE – $28,675
- XLE – $30,185
- XLE Premium – $33,075
- Adventure – $34,870
- Limited – $36,980
- TRD Off-Road – $38,295
Besides these, one can consider Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid lineup. Toyota RAV4 sales and deals can help one save and bring down the prices of the car.
Performance
The RAV4’s base variant has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 203 hp and 184 lb-ft torque. This setup provides enough power to zip through traffic and race along the highway. Acceleration is also quick, with the car reaching 60 mph from a halt in just 9-10 seconds. Even while cruising at such high speeds, the steering feels light and responsive. Buyers also get an option to choose between RWD and AWD variants. An AWD powertrain offers more grip, making it suitable for off-road adventures and driving in all weather conditions.
Despite generating more power and providing quick acceleration, the SUV has a competitive fuel economy estimate. Its base LE variant with FWD provides a mileage of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on highways. The TRD Off-Road AWD delivers 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways, which are commendable figures for its class.
Interiors and storage
While all Toyota RAV4 trims have a well-designed cabin, buyers should pick the variants above the entry-level LE for maximum visual appeal. The base variant has hard black plastics across the interiors, manual single-zone climate control, and cloth seats. That said, its price is the lowest. The XLE trim’s price is slightly higher, but buyers enjoy extra features, such as a dual-tone cabin and illuminated vanity mirrors. In the XLE Premium, customers get leather-trimmed shift levers, luxe upholstery, and a padded and stitched center console armrest and dashboard.
Besides improving the cabin’s appearance, Toyota has ensured sufficient space in the car. The rear seats, for instance, can fold almost flat, creating more room for cargo. One can easily fit 22 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat with this arrangement or ten with the rear seats upright. With the rear seats up, the available cargo space is 37.5 cubic feet. It can increase to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The low cargo floor makes loading and unloading easy. In addition to the trunk, several bins and shelves help store tiny objects like water bottles and wallets.
Towing capacity
Those wanting an SUV to pull a trailer will be happy to know that some RAV4 models, such as the TRD Off-Road, can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is much higher than most rivals in the class. The base trims, like the LE and XLE, can tow around 1,500 pounds. Toyota also provides customers with tow prep equipment, such as a tow hitch receiver and wiring harness. While some towing equipment is standard, others must be purchased as part of an add-on package.
Safety features
An important thing to check when buying a car is its safety ratings. The latest version of the Toyota RAV4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, mainly because of its high-tech safety features. The car includes several safety technologies as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite.
- Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
The car’s safety features make the driver and the passengers feel confident when seated inside the Toyota RAV4.
Technology
Toyota has upgraded the technology suite to the latest version of the RAV4. The car now has several advanced systems to ensure a convenient and enjoyable journey. For instance, every trim has a touchscreen infotainment system measuring 8 inches in the base trims and 10.5 inches in the higher variants. This system supports Android Auto and Wireless CarPlay.
The SUV also has several other tech features one can benefit from. For instance, while all models have three USB ports, many top-trims have up to five ports. One can also benefit from a premium JBL audio setup, in-built navigation, a 360-degree surround camera system, and wireless charging.
Overall, the Toyota RAV4 is a great SUV to add to one’s list. It has a well-designed exterior, a spacious cabin with handy features, and an efficient engine that provides a decent fuel economy. One can also choose from different trims as per their budget and preferences.