2022 RAV4: Why you should only consider 3 of the 8(!) trims 

CORRECTION: As a viewer rightly pointed out (thanks!), the TRD trim does come with a stainless steel front skid plate as standard (that was introduced on TRDs for the 2021+ model years). That still doesn't change my general opinion that the TRD isn't worth the additional cost, and a front skid plate still doesn't protect all of the underbody components, but it is something. Also, you can buy the skid plate as a standalone part from Toyota for approximately $400, and it should be a pretty simple install on any model.

It would be amazing if you continued this for 2023 models as well. You broke everything down well and it was a solid video. Thank you for taking the time to make these.

I've been looking for a clear, straight forward analysis of these trims for hours and I've gone from annoying 30 minute videos to convoluted articles, most of them on Toyota dealership websites (wtf), until I found this video. Thank you for getting straight to the point! It took me four hours to sift through all the fluff to reach the same conclusion you did in your succinct 7 min video.

This is hands down the most informative video on Rav4 trims. If I look at the websites, i would have never be able to come to this conclusion. Thank you !!!

I can see tons of potential in this type of video. Short, comprehensive, and straight to the point. Keep them coming.

Ive been watching 2022 rav4 videos for last 2 weeks trying to figure out what trim to buy and cant believe RU-vid didn’t recommend your channel til I started watching sienna videos. Great info! put in deposit for xle base last week and feels good to get some confirmation.

Great work. Helpful video that go straight on point to compare so many trim options and clears the confusion on what trims to consider. Saves hundreds of minutes of reading various blogs and websites that do not offer clear answers.

You have the most comprehensive video about the trim levels of the RAV4 5th Generation, regarding the cost. On top of the mark up as you mentioned, the dealerships may not have the colors and trim levels you might want. But overall your video is an excellent source of information to take a good decision of getting the most value for your dollars.

You helped me to finally be able to decide which Rav 4 to buy. I have watched so many videos over the last 6 months, and you cleared up so much for me. The other videos left me more confused. Thank you.

Thanks for creating this video. It was very informative and I was teetering between the XLE or the SE series. You helped me solidify my option if and when I decide to get a new vehicle.

In the market for a new Rav4, and I was puzzled about the differences in trim levels and which ones would be best for me. Your informative video helped clear that up really well, thank you!!

We rented a RAV4 last month. Liked it. Saw your video today, wished I had seen it before we rented to get a much better fix on exactly what we were driving. I could have figured in your observations and expertise. Like so many others, compliments for an excellent, comprehensive RAV4 tutorial.

Thanks for being real. I was initially leaning towards the XSE until I watched this video and I'm now settled for XLE. I now realize that the SE lineup is basically just for aesthetics.

Nice job. Potential buyers need to know the pros / cons and what it's worth to move into a higher trim level. This is a nice niche you have carved out for your videos. Thanks.

Thank you. This video really helped me decide which trim to go with; and of course I went with the XLE Hybrid. I agree with the recommendations and I also compared the differences on Toyota site as well and added my preferred options. Thanks for a great video!

I appreciate the comments and input. Just a few suggestions if you are planning to continue: 1) might be helpful if you get a better microphone for clarity. 2) I respect your opinion, but I think I disagree that there's certain trims. I think would be better if you mentioned what you lose out of each trim, how much more would it cost, and who might be interested in it. There was a time in my life that the LE was the only one I would have been able to afford. The XLE is an excellent option. The premium is really nice, and I agree, there's a reason why I think these are the two most popular selling. I just got my XSE hybrid. I wanted the power moon roof. I do like the outside trim a lot more. I go up to the mountains a lot, so the pano moon roof is excellent when I have passengers in the back and they can't see the beautiful view I get to see. The limited... A lot of bells and whistles, but if you have the money and it's worth it to you, I respect that. As far as suggesting other cars. I checked out every car that was suggested to me while I was shopping. And this one fit on my needs for being practical yet rugged and versatile. I know there's some higher end cars or more affordable similar SUVs, but I could go down the list and tell you why each one didn't work for me. Thanks for the input though. Hope mine was helpful

Found you from a Reddit comment. Straight forward and simple with basic table charts. I like it. Thanks!

I have the XSE. I buy Toyota for Reliability I'm also a single adult. This is the perfect vehicle if you don't have a family!

I’ have an 2020 RAV4 TRD and I truly love it, I just added a 2” lift Kit and 245/60/18 Wild Peaks A/T and it feel and drives completely different in a great way. It doesn’t feel little anymore or like a soccer mom SUV. Plan on putting some more off road/ overlanding upgraded into it as the years pass but gonna enjoy this ride. I was able to take out long commutes to work so losing MPG isn’t making me losses sleep. It’s perfect for my outdoor natured inspired, artist lifestyle.

We just got our hands on a ‘22 RAV4 XLE. The markup is INSANE right now! This video confirmed we made the right choice! 😅 Thanks!

I’ve been looking at used RAV4 and debating between XLE and Adventure! This is the best and most useful video I’ve seen yet! Thank you!

I agree with you the XLE is the best choice.. I would personally go for The XLE Premium. The Adventure would be the one to go for if you wanted the more sporty trim without adding a lot more to the cost.

I've been trying to figure out for hours what the difference is between the trims. This video simplifies everything.

Great explanation! Is scoured all over RU-vid for a concise comparison like this in the rav4. Going with the xle hybrid with moonroof and heated seats

This video was really informative out of all I’ve seen out there in RU-vid. Just ordered my Rav4 xle “lunar rock” color last week. Hopefully it doesn’t take that long to arrive.

Wow these comments are spot on! Best video I’ve seen and makes my decision a no-brainer: xle premium hybrid lol. Thank you!! Always thought how odd it is they have a million different trims.

Thank you, your videos are short and concise with all the information needed. Great job 👏 and thank you!

Hands down, the best and to the point trim comparison. Thank you so much

Wow amazing so much more clear and concise than many of the other breakdown videos hope you do more of these and specifically for this year‘s model SUVs

This video helped me buy a 23 Rav4 Hybrid XLE. Wonder why you stopped making or updating these. I personally got a lot of value and consider these the most useful videos on YT for a serious and yet novice or first time car buyer who does not know what trim to get. You provide serious analysis on why people should (or not) consider certain trims without fluff.

Very nice breakdown! Had already narrowed my choice down to the XLE Premium and this pretty much confirmed that choice.

I got an adventure for the towing capacity added 2 lift kit and the metal skid plate. I do off light roading and these mods seem to help. I like the fuel economy as well.

I like your quick look at all the Rav4 trims. I am seriously considering a purchase of a new Rav4. Thank you for showing all the trim levels, it helped me find the right vehicle.

One of the best information I was looking for Keep doing this is very helpful

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much!

Really great break down. I have three family members who bought this gen RAV4, first one bought the Limited AWD Hybrid, which features a kick to open hatch feature. That was removed when a Toyota spec trailer hitch was added. Next member bought an LE AWD Hybrid. Now the third member has ordered and XLE AWD Hybrid. All Canadian, so specs are slightly different to this. And now there are used Primes on the market...for $10-$15k over new prices.

As a Toyota technician, I think this video kind of bypasses the differences between the radio/head units between the different trim levels. If you care about things such as navigation, automatic SOS services, remote starting, and audio quality, then the "in between" trim levels make a lot of sense since there is a total of difference between the Audio, Audio Plus, Premium Audio, and Premium Audio with JBL. The cost difference for the in-between models makes more sense in that way. A small thing to note too, the LE trim cannot have roof crossbars installed since it doesn't come with the roof rail system- another strike down for that base trim. Otherwise, great video! I wish our salesmen knew even a third of this.

Best review finally!! This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you!!

Thank you so much for this video! This definitely help me better my decision on The XLE premium

awesome video, wish you'd continue these types of videos

XLE AWD seems perfect for me! Enough technology without being too overloaded. Really glad it still has terrain selection modes as well

Subscribed. Very nice details of all the trim in very efficient and easy way. If you do this for all the SUV's it will be great for your channel.

Hi, I just bought a 21 RAV4 XLE with Cold Weather Package threw Coscto auto program. Glad to see I picked a smart trim level. Thank you, very informative !!

Super clear and helpful. Thank you for putting this comparison together.

Best comparison ever on RU-vid!! Thank you and thank you!!

Great video, thank you for this! I'm interested in the Adventure, not 100% sure about the towing, but might need it one day when I'm out in the country!

Please keep up the excelent work. Best Rav4 video I ever seen so far.❤️👌

Thanks for this video, just placed a down payment for a Rav Adventure being delivered and this reassured my choice! Towing would be utilized, thanks again🙌🏽

Thank you so much!!! Very informative and straightforward video!

FANTASTIC VIDEO! I'm happy I was already looking hard at the XLE

Great video! Thanks! Does the vectoring torque AWD on Adventure make any difference on top of extra towing?

Thank you for this will definitely be considering the XLE Hybrid now thanks. I’ve been back and fourth with this and the other trims.

I have a 2021 Limited Hybrid with now 35,000 miles. Love it. Actual calculated MPG is 43 overall.

Great Video. I was stuck on choosing between the xle premium and limited, but decided to go with the xle premium and add the options for the audio plus, weather package and technology package, which would about equal to the msrp for the limited. Im also not a fan of the limited’s chrome finishes on the door handles and rear end, but it looks amazing on the grill.

Hi I appreciate your thoroughness on the rav4 trims. I was wondering if you could do a similar video for the corolla cross? Thanks.

There's way too many trims and not enough differences between each one to give each one a unique distinction. Many features on the XLE should be standard on the base LE model. The base model should at least come with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, smart key and push button start, 17" alloy wheels, 6 way power driver seat, etc

Good video, another reason I chose the XLE Premium was the better-looking wheels and you also get, at least in the 2023 model, a dual memory driver's seat.

I really appreciate the effort you put into this video. Thank you. Edit: Subbed.

One of the best Rav4 videos I've seen here. I had decided on getting an XLE Hybrid. Your video confirms my decision. Wonder why no driver seatback map pockets?

I have 2022 le AWD gas and love it , mine has blind sept monitoring , bought it used here in Canada with only 3700 km at 2 yeats old , now at 13000km and bought this trim level as it was a deal and low km and very happy with it, got a near new vehicle . Added some Toyota oem aluminum rims .

The best and most efficient comparison!

I'm quite happy with my LE hybrid. I don't need any gadget. And i've bought an additional set of wheels/tires when i'm doing a lot of gravel road (like 12 hours) up north in Canada. The KO2 225/75/16 10 plys are doing great on those roads. 8-)

Just last week, I bought a 22 Lunar Rock XLE AWD non-premium. They'll bury us in this so I went without the Hybrid option. Even though it has a great warranty on the Hybrid aspect, I don't want to caught with super high dollar repairs and possible obsolescence when we've gone beyond 10 years as we intend to. It's MSRP was $33,847. It has the XLE "CP" Convenience pkg including Moon Roof and Power Lift Gate. Also has the XLE Weather "CY" pkg that includes Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Rain sensing wipers that are also de-icing with heat. Only other thing we would have liked was Leather so for $700, I'm DIY installing Clazzio Perforated Leather seat covers front back of my color choice and I guarantee even the sharpest eyes would say they were factory seats, they're beautiful! For $250, I'm DIY adding a Draw-Tite trailer hitch that doesn't reduce clearance, and will DIY add a larger transmission cooler for a couple hundred bucks which I do on most all my vehicles because heat is the killer of transmissions...period. I just added really nice Diode Dynamics LED SAE Driving Lights in the fog position. Just bought some crappy halogens on Amazon for $50 to get the new panels for the bumper and also got the harness, relay, and an OEM style switch for the left side dash where I have an empty spot. That project ran about $400 but is ultra high quality gear. Already Plasti-Dipped the OEM 17" wheels matte black and they came out awesome. Next is some 245/65/17 All Terrain tires and we're done! This is my second Toyota and I have fallen in love with it aftrer just 2 weeks of ownership. My first is a Tacoma TRD Off Road Dual Cab Long Bed I bought 6 months ago. Another incredible machine!

if you had to pick between the rav4 hybrid and the tucson 2022 hybrid, what would you recommend?

Great video! On point and crisp!

Thanks for the brief but informative comparison. Very helpful. Is the ride long distance as comfortable & quiet as a highlander?

I ordered an XLE with convenience and cold weather package. Also mud flaps and wheel locks . My first Hybrid 😎 I picked it up last month and great so far.

This is the best analysis / guide for consumers ... Thank you for your video .....

Purchased the TRD Rav4, and I do not regret it one second. It is beautiful, works for me and it met every check mark I was searching for and then some. Do we really need a TRD rav4? If I buy a corvette, do I have to take it racing. Sometimes, purchasing a vehicle is about appreciating the machine it is. Like who needs a Lamborghini SUV. Get the car you want and dont let anyone say its not for you.

Really informative video. I don’t know if this changed since you made it, but in ‘23 the limited comes standard with the 10.5 screen/11 speaker jbl sound system and upgraded speedo display. For me the audio upgrade makes a big difference.

Very logical comparison, saves a lot of time, can you do a similar trim video for Camry 2022

Hi, I liked your video very much, could you please make a video comparing the corolla Cross trims with RAV4 trims and based on standard features which one makes sense to buy. Thank!

very well put I also think the XLE or XLE premium is worth buying. You do make a great point on the adventure trim.

Thanks for the informative video, I've been watching this over and over again because I am thinking of getting maybe a hybrid xle or hybrid xle premium. I noticed that the battery between the two trim is different. Does it matter? Which is better? Is weather package reasonable to add or I could just add a heated seat on xle hybrid?

Thanks for helping me in making my decision

I have a 2021 XLE premium hybrid and I really like the car. My only complaints are really is the suspension and it’s a bit noisy. Love the the performance for how frugal it is. Has great hwy passing power and I’d love to try the prime next.

I'm still confused. Your video helped me to decide XLE premium hybrid was my choice, but then someone commented they got the XLE and just added the "weather" package, Is that a less expensive way to go? I also want bird's eye view. Is that an option on XLE and XLE premium? Is it standard on any model? Is sof-tex seats an option, too, for XLE?

I wish I had seen this video before I bought my Rav4. The reasons you mentioned are the exact reason I want to change my car

which of these is best for driving on the sand/dunes/beaches?Thanks

Just picked up my ‘22 xle hybrid. What an awesome vehicle.

You did an excellent job here!

I agree that XLE and XLE premium are typically the way to go, but you forgot to mention the upgraded, darker 18 inch wheels with the premium that look great IMO.

Excellent information provided for car buyer decision making!

Thank you alot for this helpful video , whish if you do exactly same one for RAV4 2023 models please , because I decided to order one

Very good review. Good job.

Great Review and well detailed, Thanks. My question: 1. does all the trims come with Apple & Android car play 2. Does any of it come with Wireless charging pad? Awaiting your kind response. Thanks

This will help, I currently have a 2008 RAV4 v6. Been looking at the new RAVs

Hi. Awesome video and so so informative... Can you pls do a similar video for 2024? THANKS.

Hi thanks for the short concise video, could you do one on the Rav4 Prime? If not, could anyone help me with which trim level or add-on option they would recommend? Thanks in advance!

This was a great informative video. Thank you I will be persuading my parents to get me a Hybrid XLE for when i turn 16 in December 😂😂

I have a question as I am looking on getting the XLE Premium or the Hybrid XLE Premium. Which one would you get and why? I am having a hard time deciding. To give you more context I will be a grad student in Columbus, OH, but buying my car in MN since that is my hometown before moving in August. In addition, this was a fantastic video!!

What model is best if you have to have power seats for driver and front seat passenger? Have an rav4 hybrid limited on order. But really just looking for power front seats, weather package (pnw) and and the birds eye view for safety. Please I would love your input.

Love your videos. Easy to understand which trim is the best. Will you have time to do a video for cr-v vs rav4?

Does the same logic apply to 2023 models? What about in colder climates? Are hybrids/hybrid plug-ins worth it? I checked, and we do have a hybrid vehicle incentive program in my country.

THE BEST RAV4 VIDEO! thank you!

You did an incredible job on this video...excellent! I'm still deciding between the Rav4 Hybrid and the Camry XSE Hybrid! Would love to know your thoughts on the XSE Camry Hybrid! What really bugs me....they don't offer a panoramic sunroof with that trim! Thanks in advance!

We have our name on the list for a prime and plan on keeping it for 100 to 150k, calculated out the savings in fuel and hopefully good resale and that seemed to be the best bang for our buck in an all wheel drive platform

Thanks. I was indecisive between xle and xle premium. This video clarifies it. Now about the mark-up pricing. I wanted share this with you guys to see if I ready strike a deal with this buy. 2022 rav4 xle. All weather packages, convenient packages, moonroof, and all weather floor mat; front wheel drive ( really no need for the AWD); for a final sale price of 35000. Is this a good deal? This is still pending, and I have 4 days left to back down with a full refund of my deposit. Thank you all!

Any detailed comparison between 2022 RAV4 XLE and 2022 RAV4 XLE Hybrid? I live in a Canadian winter city. How about a Plug-in Hybrid?

great summary !!!!!!!!!!!! just to add a bit. the adventure has softex seats with fabric insert