Toyota RAV4: 2020 Which Trim Level Should You Get?

We're getting comfortable with our RAV4's charms and quirks. Although it's one of the most fuel-efficient entries in its segment, it's not as spacious as some of its rivals. With 98.9 cubic feet of passenger space, it falls short of the Honda CR-V (105.9), Mazda CX-5 (103.6), and Subaru Forester (111.9). Rear legroom is 37.8 inches, putting it once again behind the Honda (40.4), Mazda (39.6), and Subaru (39.4). Step inside, and you'll find the RAV4's cabin feels narrow.

This is true no matter which version of the RAV4 you pick. Although there are some things you can't change, six trim levels provide plenty of ways for consumers to customize the RAV4. Which one hits the sweet spot? Let's take a closer look.



Base models have the essentials, including Toyota's comprehensive suite of safety features. XLE models like our tester slot just above the base trim and feature alloy wheels, automatic headlights and foglights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power adjustable driver seat, Smart Key, and push-button start. If you're the no-frills type, there's no need to upgrade from the comfortable cloth seats. The XLE is currently just $1,295 more expensive than the base (2020) model.

About $2,700 more expensive than the XLE, the XLE Premium brings SofTex synthetic leather upholstery and a power liftgate and moonroof. Adventure models are more expensive still, boasting a more aggressive exterior with high-rise roof rails and large over-fenders, as well as increased ground clearance. It also gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen instead of the standard 7.0-incher. TRD Off-Road models build on this trim with special suspension, wheels, and tires for trail driving. Cresting $36,900 with AWD, Limited RAV4s feature a dark brown interior, heated front seats, and navigation, which you can probably skip in favor of smartphone integration.

We think the XLE is the trim where the best price and features intersect. At $31,509, our RAV4 XLE comes in comfortably below the average price of a new vehicle today, even with options tacked on. Our tester has optional all-wheel drive and a Convenience package with the best features of the XLE Premium—namely, a power liftgate and moonroof—for under $1,300.

Sorry, Toyota, but we're going to start off this story by mentioning the thorn in your side, the Honda CR-V. How can we ignore the elephant in the room? In two recent MotorTrend comparisons, the CR-V took the crown over the RAV4, and we've concluded the Honda is the best vehicle in the compact SUV segment. It's on this note that the 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD enters our long-term fleet. That said, I have been driving it for a few weeks now, and I'm enjoying it. Maybe there are hidden treasures we haven't yet fully explored?

Although the RAV4 isn't our top pick, it's definitely winning the sales race. In fact, the RAV4 was the best-selling non-pickup truck vehicle in the U.S. in 2018. Toyota completely overhauled the RAV4 for the 2019 model year, moving it to a new platform that greatly improves the drive experience. The SUV received new engines, a more compelling exterior and interior design, and even a little off-road appeal.

Our XLE tester is one step up from the base RAV4. Standard features are simple: a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, six speakers, fabric seats, a power moonroof, keyless entry and ignition, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Adding some style are standard LED headlights and daytime running lights. It also comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high-beams, and road sign assist. Rounding out the generous standard safety goodies is blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.


On top of these features, we tacked on some carpet floormats and the $1,295 XLE Convenience Package, bringing an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, and a height-adjustable power tailgate. All in all, our RAV4 comes out to a pretty reasonable $31,509.

Android Auto will be standard on the 2020 Toyota RAV4. But if you get a 2019 model, we hope you have an iPhone because Android Auto is not available. We suppose it's not the end of the world, but using Bluetooth just feels silly now that both CarPlay and Android Auto are so widely available in today's cars.

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Making 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, it's far from the most energetic crossover we've driven. Over the year, we'll have to see if it can keep up with our demands, and if it's fuel efficient. We'll also report how much it costs to operate during the year.

We'll tell you a few things we like about our tester right off the bat. It may not be everyone's first choice, but don't you think the Lunar Rock paint color is a nice change of pace? The ambiguous hue looks more green, blue, or gray depending on the lighting. The RAV4 also has a tight turning radius and is easy to park. Stay tuned for more in-depth insights, and find out whether I can survive a year without Android Auto, in future updates.