Toyota RAV4 (US) review

There is quite a variety of RAV4 configs to choose from, between the different grades, trims and powertrain options. For quick reference, the Toyota RAV4 offers either a standard hybrid powertrain providing up to 236hp or a plug-in system whipping up 324hp. The SUV is available with either FWD or ‘on demand’ AWD.

Between the FWD and AWD options, the standard RAV4 has seven trims to choose from, between the baseline LE FWD to the top-tier Limited AWD, with the new Woodland included somewhere in the middle. The PHEV RAV4 has a more streamlined menu, with the base S trim, Woodland, GR Sport and XSE.

Pricing has not yet been announced but Toyota has stated the entry fee for the baseline RAV4 will be “in the low $30,000s”, so we can expect most trims worth exploring will be at least in the $35k range, and higher still for the PHEVs.

With this in mind, we expect the mid-range XLE premium trim to be the big seller, FWD or AWD due to it packing in most of the optional extras. The Woodland trim, which we’ve been inadvertently abusing here, sits just above this version, and is well-equipped with the basics while including the all-terrain tires, roof rails and a tow hitch paired with the wiring harness needed to connect to what you might be hauling.

Which RAV4 would you buy?

Even without solid numbers to work with, we’d be more likely to get the Woodlands over the GR Sport. It’s a fun addition to the lineup but we’re struggling to imagine the average RAV4 shopper being particularly concerned with sporty GR-style dynamics. That and it’s likely one of the priciest versions available, which is almost antithetical to the RAV4’s whole deal.

So we’re going with RAV4 Woodland AWD, the standard hybrid with 236hp, most of the fixings and the 4Runner-y styling. No PHEV stuff to deal with, either.

Not interested? Compare the RAV4 to the Honda CR-V, which is the closest to the Toyota in a number of aspects, including a well-tested legacy. We’ve mentioned the Chevrolet Equinox earlier and it’s technically a competitor but hardly a contender, if you follow.