Bland, one-thing-suits-all merchandise are previous information. Selection and customization are the secret as of late, and whereas the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is hardly a make-your-own, bespoke creation, it does supply an unmatched number of fashions for various tastes and desires. There’s the sporty SE and XSE Hybrids, as an example, and the extra ruggedly succesful Journey and TRD Off-Street. It is also one of many uncommon compact SUVs that gives each hybrid and plug-in hybrid fashions. The latter is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime, and it is terrific.
In addition to this selection, the RAV4 nonetheless delivers the nuts-and-bolts, sensible necessities anticipated of this nameplate and the compact SUV class. Its inside area, usability, options and construct high quality are all above common. Gasoline financial system is phenomenal, and the driving expertise units a pleasant stability between consolation and response. There’s additionally the matter of its sterling reliability status and resale worth.
If there are areas the place the RAV4’s selection does not fairly attain each nook, they’re its lack of a extra invigorating engine improve (the Prime does not fairly rely) and an inside that by no means fairly reaches a premium stage in look not like some rivals. The styling additionally will not be for everybody, however we are saying turning some folks off is best than being bland for everybody.
Inside & know-how | Passenger & cargo area | Efficiency & gasoline financial system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & options | Crash rankings & security options
What’s new for 2022?
There is a new trim stage for 2022. The SE Hybrid successfully provides you the sportier chassis upgrades and styling of the XSE, however with a cheaper price and gear stage. Updates embody a brand new headlamp design for all trim ranges however the base LE, plus new LED foglights for the XLE Premium, Restricted, Journey and TRD Off-Street. The XSE Hybrid positive aspects the vertical LED operating lights of the XSE Prime. Different updates embody a brand new locking glove field on all trims, an eight-way energy passenger seat for the Restricted, and a brand new shade, Calvary Blue.
What are the RAV4 inside and in-car know-how like?
Inside supplies are acceptably common for the RAV4’s compact crossover class, and significantly better than previous generations. Match and end are glorious. That stated, the RAV4 by no means achieves the near-luxury vibe of a prime trim stage Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue or Mazda CX-5. Real leather-based shouldn’t be out there, and the SofTex vinyl that comes on up-level fashions is not a convincing substitute. This might definitely be an issue on pricier trim ranges, particularly the Prime that may strategy $50,000 with choices. Nonetheless, we like using colourful trim items that differentiate the assorted fashions, preferring them to unconvincing faux wooden or metallic trim of rival SUVs. And should you are going for a extra premium vibe, the Toyota Venza is mainly only a fancier RAV4 Hybrid. And the brand new Lexus NX is one fancier step past that.
There are three sizes of touchscreen out there: 7, 8 or 9 inches relying on trim stage. All of them sit excessive atop the sprint, making them simple to see and attain. Whereas now we have not take a look at the smallest model (pictured above proper), the 8- and 9-inch models share the identical primary, easy-to-operate person interface. It isn’t probably the most fashionable in look nor quickest to function, however many ought to admire its simplicity. Contributing to that’s the inclusion of bodily knobs and menu buttons.
In-car storage is best than most with giant and versatile cupholders, an simply accessed spot to retailer and cost your cellphone, an under-armrest bin and distinctive cabinets constructed into the sprint. Within the cargo space, the ground is double sided (one carpet, one easy-to-clean plastic) and the cargo cowl could be hidden away under it. Neither is included with the RAV4 Prime, however we do like that it offers a spot for the cumbersome moveable cost wire: it cleverly could be wrapped round a foam doughnut inside the spare tire. Often a plug-in automobile resorts to a small briefcase-like bag that takes up cargo area.
How huge is the RAV4?
The 2022 RAV4 is extra distinctive in look and mannequin selection in comparison with its drab predecessors, nevertheless it does imply it sacrifices just a few inches right here and a few cubic-feet there in consequence. It is now not fairly as uber-sensible as rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. The roof is decrease and passengers might discover issues a little bit confining in consequence, particularly with the optionally available sunroof (the RAV4 now feels an terrible lot like a miniature 4Runner). Rear seat legroom is mainly mid-pack, however full-sized adults and rear-facing little one seats nonetheless match comfortably sufficient. The automobile seat LATCH anchors are very simply accessed, however are solely situated within the outboard positions. The CR-V has one within the heart.
Cargo quantity of 37.5 cubic toes with the again seats raised or 69.8 cubic toes with them folded is greater and higher than most compact crossovers, but additionally lower than the CR-V and Tucson. That is largely the results of that decrease roof and a extra raked tailgate space — basically area up within the greenhouse the place you usually do not retailer stuff. Because of this, we discovered the RAV4 and CR-V might mainly maintain the identical quantity of stuff. The Tucson is then only a bit higher, however the RAV4 Hybrid has a bonus over each of its competitor’s hybrids because it retains a spare tire. Now, it must be famous that the RAV4 Prime’s giant battery pack raises the ground and reduces cargo area in consequence (and kills the spare), however many won’t discover the amount distinction.
We might even be remiss if we did not point out the RAV4’s ample floor clearance, particularly within the Journey and TRD Off-Street trim ranges, which contributes to it being one of many extra succesful compact SUVs off the overwhelmed path. Solely the Subaru Forester, and particularly its new Wilderness mannequin, and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk have better clearance than the off-road-oriented RAV4s. Even the bottom RAV4 — the XSE Hybrid — nonetheless clears 8 inches, which is best than most.
What are the RAV4 gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?
The usual RAV4 powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That is above common for the phase, however acceleration does not wow, with a run from 0-60 mph taking an estimated 8.1 seconds.
An eight-speed computerized transmission and front-wheel drive are normal, whereas two all-wheel-drive programs are optionally available relying on trim stage. The primary is a primary reactive system that sends energy to the rear wheels within the occasion of slippage, whereas the second out there on the Journey, TRD Off-Street and Restricted trim ranges extra actively sends energy round, together with between the rear wheels to enhance moist climate traction in addition to dry highway dealing with. It additionally contains off-road automobile settings for “Mud & Sand,” “Rock & Dust” and “Snow.”
EPA gasoline financial system estimates weren’t out there for 2022 on the time of this writing, however we doubt they’d differ a lot from the ultimate ’21 rankings. A base, front-wheel-drive RAV4 obtained 28 miles per gallon metropolis, 35 mpg freeway and 30 mpg mixed. They’re successfully the identical with the LE and XLE’s primary all-wheel drive system. The Journey and TRD Off-Street solely go down to twenty-eight mpg mixed and we managed 31.3 mpg throughout a 700-mile highway journey within the TRD Off-Street.
The RAV4 Hybrid will get a unique 2.5-liter engine together with three electrical motors that mix to supply up 219 horsepower. The electrical motor on the rear successfully provides the Hybrid normal all-wheel drive. Its 0-60 estimate is 7.8 seconds, which means the Hybrid shouldn’t be solely a extra fuel-efficient selection, however the next efficiency one too (albeit barely). Gasoline financial system for each Hybrid trim stage is 41 mpg metropolis, 38 mpg freeway and 40 mpg mixed. That is distinctive for a compact SUV, nevertheless it’s additionally successfully the identical as what you’d get in different compact hybrid SUVs.
Lastly, there’s the brand new RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid that has extra highly effective motors and the next capability battery pack. When totally charged, it yields 302 complete system horsepower, a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and an EPA-estimated vary of 42 miles (greater than most different PHEVs). Must you exhaust the all-electric vary, it mainly operates just like the common hybrid and returns related gasoline financial system. So, the extra you utilize its all-electric vary, the extra environment friendly it’s.
What is the RAV4 prefer to drive?
The RAV4 is not the boring, nameless crossover it as soon as was. It might not have interaction like a Mazda CX-5, however there may be nonetheless an eagerness to its turn-in and a commendable poise by way of corners with out sacrificing trip high quality. The dealing with functionality and steering really feel of the assorted fashions additionally is not huge, although the sport-tuned SE/XSE Hybrid and Prime fashions are definitely more proficient at tackling a winding mountain highway. Even the TRD Off-Street is a succesful handler (pictured above), though its all-terrain tires do create quite a lot of highway noise.
Actually, the largest distinction comes all the way down to powertrain selection. The bottom four-cylinder appears good on paper, however in apply, it is merely acceptable for the phase and we discovered it a bit loud and buzzy. The Hybrid truly improves this, because it provides that preliminary kick of electrical energy to clean issues out. Nonetheless, extended acceleration reveals the standard Toyota hybrid drone. In the end, each of those engines are about offering good gasoline financial system with no penalty for drivability (there isn’t any throttle lag or uncommon transmission programming, as an example). They succeed, however in order for you extra guts, you may should look elsewhere.
Now, “elsewhere” might very nicely be the RAV4 Prime. It has 302 horsepower when the battery is totally charged and its acceleration is a robust and galvanizing as its 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds would point out. It genuinely looks like an electrical automobile. Nonetheless, that modifications when that all-electric vary is exhausted. Acceleration goes from inspiring to unremarkable. So, whether or not you are speaking efficiency or gasoline financial system, it is best to maintain the Prime charged.
What different Toyota RAV4 evaluations can I learn?
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime First Drive
Our particular assessment of the Prime exhibits {that a} plug-in hybrid powertrain makes for a greater RAV4, however a RAV4 additionally makes for a greater plug-in hybrid.
2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Street Evaluate
We drive (and sail!) probably the most off-roady model of the RAV4 on a 700-mile highway journey to western Canada.
2020 Toyota RAV4 Inside Evaluate
We dive deep into the RAV4’s inside storage, high quality and know-how.
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V Cargo Capability Comparability Check
We all know the numbers say the CR-V is a bit greater, however we put the numbers to the take a look at with precise baggage.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Journey vs 2019 Subaru Forester Sport | Comparability
We check out the automotive equal of trail-running sneakers. We check out their inside, their specs and what they’re prefer to drive. We discovered the Forester’s area and worth compelling, but additionally thought the RAV4 Journey’s model might show to be decisive for a lot of. Notice that Subaru has since come out with the extra succesful Forester Wilderness.
2019 Toyota RAV4 First Drive Evaluate | Positively not enjoying it secure
A complete have a look at all of the modifications undergone for the present RAV4 technology, together with particulars about its design and engineering.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Journey Drivers’ Notes Evaluate | Extra character, extra functionality
Our assessment of the off-road-oriented Journey trim stage, which boasts further floor clearance and chunky beauty that we choose over the usual model.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Drivers’ Notes Evaluate | A wallflower no extra
Our Fast Spin assessment of the RAV4 Hybrid, which we discovered could be very good to drive regardless of its supposed function because the fuel-sipping possibility.
How a lot is the 2022 RAV4 worth and what options can be found?
Pricing was not out there for the 2022 RAV4 on the time of this writing. There’s little purpose to anticipate a big bump over final yr’s place to begin of $27,255 for the bottom LE, plus $29,675 for the Hybrid LE, $34,330 for the Journey, $36,955 for the TRD Off-Street, and $39,275 for the Prime. The latter is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit score plus potential state credit. For these trim ranges that don’t come normal with all-wheel drive, it’s a $1,400 possibility.
Customary gear contains 17-inch metal wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, rear tinted glass, a full suite of accident avoidance tech (see Security part), adaptive cruise management, a height-adjustable driver seat, fabric upholstery, a 60/40-split reclining and folding again seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, one USB port, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, in-car WiFi, satellite tv for pc radio and a six-speaker sound system.
In addition to elevated gear, the assorted trim ranges additionally function totally different styling, particularly the SE and XSE Hybrids, Journey, TRD Off-Street and Prime.
What are the RAV4 security rankings and driver help options?
Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning programs are optionally available on the LE trim stage and normal on all others. A rear cross-traffic computerized braking system is normal on the Restricted and optionally available on all trims however the LE. It was unclear on the time of this writing whether or not the SE Hybrid is provided equally to the LE other than its chassis and styling variations.
The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration gave the RAV4 5 out of 5 stars for general and facet crash safety, and 4 stars for frontal. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named the ’21 a High Security Choose for its “Good” rankings in all crash assessments however the latest, extra stringent IIHS facet crash take a look at the place it obtained a second-best “Acceptable.” A hodge podge of headlight rankings might definitely change given the new-for-2022 headlights.
Take a look at our footage of the 2022 Toyota Rav4 hybrid:
