The spacious, confident, fuel-efficient 2022 Toyota RAV4 should be at the top of anyones short list for a new compact crossover SUV. While from a drivers perspective, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is not the most exciting compact SUV, its utility and efficiency increase its value, making it worth the Editors Choice Award.
The otherwise all-around good-looking RAV4 now finds itself the elder statesman of the compact SUV segment, with most competitors having been thoroughly overhauled now that it underwent a drastic makeover for 19.
Toyotas redesign of the RAV4 borrows muscular styling cues from Toyotas 4Runner SUV and Tacoma pickup; it also gets updated multimedia, more standard features, and an available fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.
In 2008 (for the 2009 model year), RAV4 received a mid-cycle facelift in certain markets, featuring numerous changes including a completely new four-cylinder engine, as well as a revised front and modified rear. A new entry to the Toyota RAV4 line-up for 2021 is the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid that has 302 combined horsepower.
The gasoline-powered 2021 RAV4 comes in six trim levels, from the LE ($27,425; all prices include destination) to the plug-in hybrid Prime XSE ($42,600). Powering Toyotas hybrid-equipped RAV4 is a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine that is capable of producing 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Surprisingly, the Hybrid model is even more capable than the standard RAV4, offering 219 horsepower in total.
The RAV4 Hybrid gets another 2.5-liter engine, plus three electric motors, which together provide 219 horsepower. Under the hood in the RAV4 Prime, you will find the same 2.5-liter quad-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine found in the RAV4 Hybrid, though the engine is tuned differently for this new application.
There is a new plug-in hybrid version of the RAV4 which has a higher-output engine and larger-capacity battery.
The new Toyota RAV4 is powered by 2.5L 4-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission that produces 203 horsepower. The Toyota RAV4 has transformed over the course of its five generations to become a practical, compact, four-wheel-drive crossover that has the capability of an SUV, while also offering real daily-car luxury.
In 1994, Toyota debuted the first RAV4, a SUV with four-wheel-drive capability for all-terrain driving — but built on a single-body frame, like a Corolla.
The first RAV4 was far larger than the two-door, original 90s models, and is now by far Toyotas most popular offering. Thanks to Toyotas RAV4s new Dynamic Force 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, it offers a spectacularly convenient fueling experience, and its estimated EPA fuel economy figures are as high as 26/35/30 MPGe (City/Highway/Comb).
Its amazing fuel economy makes the Toyota RAV4 one of the more affordable Toyota SUVs, giving you plenty of miles for your money at an affordable price.