2022 Toyota RAV4 Review

2022 Toyota RAV4 Review | Unique variety for different tastes. https://youtu.be/7nAYtA_nlFM
While the hybrid and plug-in Prime sip gas, the Adventure and TRD Off-Road blaze a trail.
Bland, one-thing-suits-all products are old news. Variety and customization are the name of the game these days, and while the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is hardly a make-your-own, bespoke creation, it does offer an unmatched variety of models for different tastes and needs. There's the sporty SE and XSE Hybrids, for instance, and the more ruggedly capable Adventure and TRD Off-Road. It's also one of the rare compact SUVs that offers both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The latter is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime, and it's terrific.
Besides this variety, the RAV4 still delivers the nuts-and-bolts, practical requirements expected of this nameplate and the compact SUV class. Its interior space, usability, features and build quality are all above average. Fuel economy is exceptional, and the driving experience sets a nice balance between comfort and response. There's also the matter of Toyota's sterling reliability reputation and resale value.
If there are areas where the RAV4's variety doesn't quite reach every corner, they're its lack of a more invigorating engine upgrade (the Prime doesn't quite count) and an interior that never quite reaches a premium level in appearance unlike some rivals. The styling also won't be for everyone, but we say turning some people off is better than being bland for everyone.
Interior & technology | Passenger & cargo space | Performance & fuel economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & features | Crash ratings & safety features
What's new for 2022?
There's a new trim level for 2022. The SE Hybrid effectively gives you the sportier chassis upgrades and styling of the XSE, but with a lower price and equipment level. Updates include a new headlamp design for all trim levels but the base LE, plus new LED foglights for the XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure and TRD Off-Road. The XSE Hybrid gains the vertical LED running lights of the XSE Prime. Other updates include a new locking glove box on all trims, a switch to USB-C ports in the under-armrest bin up front, an eight-way power passenger seat for the Limited, and a new color, Calvary Blue pictured above.
What are the RAV4 interior and in-car technology like?
Interior materials are acceptably average for the RAV4's compact crossover class, and much better than past generations. Fit and finish are excellent. That said, the RAV4 never achieves the near-luxury vibe of a top trim level Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue or Mazda CX-5. Genuine leather is not available, and the SofTex vinyl that comes on up-level models isn't a convincing substitute. This could certainly be a problem on pricier trim levels, especially the Prime that can approach $50,000 with options. Nevertheless, we like the use of colorful trim pieces that differentiate the various models, preferring them to unconvincing fake wood o