The Toyota RAV4 ought to be at the top of your list when making your decision because it is one of the most well-liked crossover SUVs available. The RAV4 features a roomy interior, a comfortable driving environment, and straightforward controls. With one of the roomiest luggage bays in its class, this mid-size SUV can comfortably accommodate five passengers. Consider the LE and XLE options out of the various trim packages offered.
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Under the Hood
The 2.5L four-cylinder engine found in the RAV4 LE and XLE packages is a standard feature and generates an impressive 203 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft of torque. An eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sequential and clever shifting modes is coupled to the engine. A 1,500 LBS towing capacity is shared by both versions.
A Closer Look at the Toyota RAV4 LE
Despite being the entry-level model, the base Toyota Rav4 LE doesn’t skimp on strength, efficiency, or comfort. With a few added surprises, this model has all the features you would anticipate from a compact crossover SUV. You get 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway from the base 2.5L engine. Front-wheel drive is standard on the LE, while all-wheel drive is available as an upgrade.
Fabric upholstery, a single zone climate control system with a dust and pollen filter, a day/night rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry are all included in the spacious cabin. The RAV4 entertainment package with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM radio, and more is included with the LE in addition to the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Safety package.
A Closer Look at the Toyota RAV4 XLE
The XLE trim option, which raises the standard model LE to a whole new level, provides a number of high-quality and practical enhancements for a reasonable price premium. The XLE gives you a more dynamic driving experience as you easily navigate the roughest terrain thanks to its all-wheel drive and sport-tuned suspension. While the fuel economy is unchanged from the LE model, the extras improve the driving experience. The XLE experience includes an eight-way power driver seat, a heated leather steering wheel, dual zone climate control, and a Smart key with push-button start. The XLE pushes the already excellent LE model ahead of the competition by adding features like a motorized sunroof option, projector LED headlights, and black roof rails, to mention a few.
Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which offers a variety of pre-detection and driver-assist safety technologies, is standard on all 2022 Rav4 models. These systems include traction and stability control and automated emergency braking. You will be assisted on your journey with a lane departure alert with drive assist steering, full speed dynamic radar cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian recognition. The NHTSA awarded these crossover SUVs a flawless five-star overall safety rating.
Visit Toyota of Scranton to learn more about the LE and XLE trim levels of the 2022 Toyota RAV4. Come in right away for a test drive if you reside close to Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or Dickson City.
Is the RAV4 XLE Premium pricey?
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium model, according to Car and Driver and Edmunds, is the best choice overall. It provides more desirable features than the most well-liked XLE variant without costing a fortune. Naturally, the less expensive trim is more popular, but we believe the upgrade is worthwhile.
The XLE Premium, according to CAD, offers a ton of standard features that the smaller trim levels don’t. In addition, at $32,550, the XLE Premium model is still reasonably priced when compared to higher trims. Although more pricier models have beautiful features like ventilated seats, there isn’t much value otherwise.
The identical XLE Premium model is then suggested by Edmunds. For a little bit more money, customers may add LED foglights, 19-inch alloys, a sunroof, a motorized liftgate, and simulated leather interior. For just over $3,000 more, that’s a lot of value. Higher trims will cost you more money and provide fewer additional goods.
Shared Features
Six model levels of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 are offered: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road. Each one has a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine and an automated, eight-speed transmission. Every RAV4 includes the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package. All RAV4s are therefore equipped with a pre-collision system with pedestrian recognition, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alarm with steering assistance, automatic high-beams, lane tracing assistance, and road sign assistance. A 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth capabilities, an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, and satellite radio are additional features shared by the XLE and XLE Premium.
XLE Features
RAV4 XLE prices start at $27,145. Eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, automatic climate control for both zones, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, proximity keyless entry, heated exterior mirrors, and five USB ports are all included as standard equipment. Cold Weather, Convenience, and Audio Plus are the three options. The heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and automatic rain-sensing wipers are all included in Cold Weather. Your RAV4 has a motorized liftgate and a moonroof for your convenience. The 7-inch touchscreen is upgraded to an 8-inch one by Audio Plus.
XLE Premium Features
The price of the XLE Premium is $29,850. Everything from XLE is included, plus a few extras. It boasts a power liftgate, a sunroof, SofTex synthetic leather interior, and a steering wheel and shifter covered in leather. Three further comparable but distinct packages for the XLE Premium are Cold Weather, Audio Plus, and Technology. Along with memory settings for the driver’s seat, Cold Weather provides the same functions as the XLE. Although Audio Plus now has an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system, it also boosts the display to 8 inches. A variety of driver assistance features have been made possible by technology, such as front and rear parking sensors, automatic braking in reverse, wireless smartphone charging, a camera in the rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener.
Do Toyota RAV4 issues frequently arise?
Treat each one with caution even if this model year isn’t quite as awful as the others on the list. If you’re considering purchasing a model from this year, we advise thorough inspection. Numerous consumers have reported gearbox problems to Car Complaints, and the NHTSA has received hundreds of reports of fuel system faults. Although it might not apply to everyone, carefully review vehicle history reports.
Consumer Reports advises against purchasing the 2019 Toyota RAV4. With a dismal score of 2, reliability and owner satisfaction were rated equally. According to CR, the overall value, trunk space, road noise, and minor transmission problems are some of the greatest problem areas.
Which RAV4 model is the best?
The 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years of the Toyota RAV4 are some of its best iterations. On the other hand, the 2002, 2007, 2008, 2013, and 2019 models should be avoided. It’s crucial to take note of these years while purchasing a used RAV4 SUV.
The Toyota XLE package is what?
The heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat with two-position memory function, lumbar support, and rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers with de-icer are all included in the XLE Premium Grade Weather Package.
More. Weather package for XSE.
What year of the RAV4 has problems?
The first, most popular, and longest-running compact crossover (CUV) SUV in the country is the Toyota RAV4. It spans five generations, with the initial North American release taking place in 1996. Given that the RAV4 has been in existence for so long, it is only reasonable to presume that some model years have some issues. The following Toyota RAV4 years should be avoided if you’re trying to purchase a secondhand RAV4.
Is Buying a Toyota RAV4 Worth It?
Prior to being renamed to Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive, RAV4 stood for Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive. Nobody is certain why or for what the alteration was made, but it seems likely that it was merely a marketing ploy.
Since its premiere as a concept car in the 1989 automotive industry, the RAV4 has undergone significant changes. Through five generations, the considerably more ruggedly designed off-road vehicle has evolved into a useful four-wheel-drive small crossover with SUV capabilities and genuine everyday car amenities.
These Toyota RAV4 years should be avoided: none. A well-kept Toyota of any kind will last you, as was already stated. An earlier generation can be something to buy if you’re searching for something that encourages a little more toughness and simplicity. You should stay with a late fourth- or fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 if you want a vehicle with all the latest technologies, including safety, infotainment, driver assistance, and more.
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Fifth-Generation: RAV4 Years to Avoid (2019)
Numerous customers have voiced complaints regarding transmission issues with the 2019 Toyota RAV4. Even with little mileage, stuttering and lurching at slower speeds as well as transmission slippage with rough shifts have been recorded.
For 2019 cars, brake problems have also been noted. With relatively few miles, squealing, clicking, and general brake system malfunction have all been observed. Even some drivers have claimed that when they pressed the brakes, the car would accelerate, forcing them to brace for contact.
Fourth-Generation: RAV4 Years to Avoid (2013)
Owners have reported that the entire car rattles when traveling at low speeds. While some owners have spent up to $4,500 for a new torque converter, some owners claim that the dealership assured them there was nothing wrong and that the car was functioning normally.
The inability to see the navigational markers in direct sunlight is another issue that owners have noted. Nothing seems to work, despite adjusting the contrast and brightness. Even a visit to the dealer for software updates is ineffective at solving the issue.
Fourth-Generation: All Model Problem Areas
Problems with the infotainment system have affected all vehicles from the fourth generation. The radio seems to want to restart on its own; however, it is a small issue that doesn’t require much work to fix.
Third-Generation: RAV4 Years to Avoid (2009-2012)
Unwanted acceleration was one of the most common complaints about the RAV4 from 2009 to 2012. Numerous drivers had complained that even with their foot on the brake, the compact crossover would continue to accelerate, negating the power of the brakes and resulting in an accident.
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(2006-2008) Toyota RAV4 Problem Areas
Each model year, these Toyota RAV4s received at least 600 complaints. In relation to 15% of those complaints, there were engine issues. The RAV4 appears to burn a lot of oil, which is expensive and smelly.
Defective steering shafts are another significant concern that make up half of all complaints. It’s possible to find a secondhand RAV4 that no longer has this issue because it was rectified, but it seems to be one of those issues that recurs whether you have the vehicle fixed or not.
Second-Generation: RAV4 Years to Avoid (2001-2003)
RAV4s from 2001 to 2003 mostly had gearbox issues. More than 500 complaints were made in total, up from 60 in the previous generation, and 60% of those concerns had to do with transmissions. Other difficulties included incorrect acceleration and powertrain faults, the majority of which might be attributed to the transmission troubles.
The Toyota RAV4 also fell short in the area of safety. The RAV4 received a subpar score in the side impact test from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the grade would probably go up if the RAV4 included safety-side airbags. Find out if the car has this feature if it’s anything that worries you as a buyer. To improve the RAV4’s overall safety rating, vehicle stability control was incorporated as a standard feature in 2004.
There are several cars available that allow you to tower above obstacles without sacrificing the comfort of a compact automobile. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of our top new sedans with high ground clearance.
First-Generation: RAV4 Years to Avoid
As long as you don’t mind a tough, small crossover, most of these RAV4s are trouble-free. The only significant problem is that, like many models from 1996 to 2000, the safety and technological features are antiquated. However, these are fantastic if you needed a little, fuel-efficient, easy-to-drive buggy to drive around town.
Common Toyota RAV4 Problems
The Toyota RAV4 enjoys a strong reputation for dependability. The RAV4 has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, according to RepairPal. The RAV4 has experienced many persistent issues over the course of its lengthy manufacture, though:
- Transmission troubles are likely to be the cause of difficulty changing gears or the SUV lurching when traveling at lower speeds. The 2019 appears to have transmission issues worse than the more recent models.
- Excessive oil consumption is a widespread issue that first appeared with the RAV4 model in 2005. Many drivers claimed that the SUV used more oil than usual between 75,000 and 150,000 miles. Toyota was forced to extend the warranty as a result of this problem.
- The wheel may lock up or pull to one side as a result of steering issues, which are very prevalent with the 2017 model year. Additionally, some owners claimed to hear knocking sounds when they turned.
- Engine cooling issues – The system that keeps the engine cool is vulnerable to leaks, which can cause coolant fluid to flow into the engine and seriously harm the mechanical components.
Finding a Good Used Toyota RAV4 in Your Area
Avoid the following Toyota RAV4 model years: 2019, 2013, and 20062008. They are the ones with the most well-known issues, but keep in mind that they are Toyotas, which are renowned for their dependability. By purchasing one in decent condition, the tiny problems they have won’t put you in the poor house. Finding a well-kept Toyota RAV4 with reasonable mileage is the best course of action when looking for one. Like any car, as it ages, issues can arise, but serious issues can be prevented by doing your research when purchase.
How to Tell If a Toyota RAV4 is Worth Purchasing
Bring a knowledgeable friend if you’re not sure how to determine whether the Toyota RAV4 you want to buy has been well maintained. Anyone can tell whether a car has been through the ringer or not by looking at it. However, a semi-educated vehicle person should be able to prevent you from making a costly error for some of the signals that not everyone will be aware of and that a buyer might try to hide.
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