How to Know Which RAV4 Is Perfect "4" You

Since its 1996 debut on American roads, the Toyota RAV4 has offered a little something for everyone. Technically classified as a compact crossover SUV, the RAV4 has charmed drivers for decades with its smaller stature, easy-to-access hatchback opening, and trendsetting features.

But with those decades have come plenty of changes. Searching for a Toyota RAV4 for sale today isn’t quite the same as it was in 1996. The 2024 RAV4 is offered in an array of gasoline and hybrid configurations, providing a wider range of drivers with all of the things they’re looking for. While the RAV4 has maintained its reputation as an impressive daily driver, there are a few surprises across the lineup, including top-shelf luxury touches and models with serious off-road chops.

Drivers will be hard-pressed to find a Toyota RAV4 that doesn’t fit their needs. Let’s take a look at the 2024 RAV4 lineup to help you decide which of today’s models best fits your life and driving style.

What Is the 2024 Toyota RAV4?

When we hear the word “compact,” many drivers think that means “small and cramped.” This is not the case with the Toyota RAV4. The 2024 RAV4 offers plenty of space for five adults along with ample cargo space––it has 37.6 cu.ft. with all seats occupied, or 69.8 cu.ft. with the 60/40-split folding rear seats stowed. As the best-selling compact SUV in America for many years, it’s clear that space is not an issue with the RAV4.

Power is not an issue, either. As mentioned, the 2024 RAV4 is offered in a traditional gasoline-powered format or with a hybrid engine. For the purpose of this discussion, we’ll focus on the gasoline-powered models; however, there are many similarities in the features offered between the gasoline and hybrid lineups as they move from base trim to top trim.

The power source in the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5L four-cylinder Dynamic Force internal combustion engine. Paired with a Direct Shift eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), drivers can experience 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque with whisper-smooth transitions between gears.

Each grade of the RAV4 is offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring. Though exact fuel economy differs based on the trim and drivetrain, most models have an estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG combined. Offered in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road grades, RAV4 drivers know they’re buying a great car, but they have a few decisions to make before they drive off the lot.

The On-Road Experts: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited

Off-road-ready SUVs are all the rage right now, but not every driver spends enough time away from the pavement to justify such an investment. Toyota understands that different drivers have different needs, and it offers four distinct trims for drivers who don’t intend to stray from the road.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 includes a standard array of features that any driver can find helpful. The standard eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system includes six speakers along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing drivers access to their phone, music, and maps as they drive. Three USB ports allow passengers to keep their devices charged.

Every 2024 RAV4 is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver assistance technologies. This means each RAV4 includes Toyota’s Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams.

Though the LE grade offers all of the basic necessities, the XLE trim adds a few extra desirable features, like automatic on/off LED projector headlights, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and extra USB ports for the rear seat passengers. The XLE trim also gains a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert technology. The XLE Premium is where drivers will start to see a little extra luxury appear, with standard features like SofTex trimmed power-adjustable seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a power tilt/slide moonroof.

Those who are looking for a VIP RAV4 experience may wish to consider the Limited grade. The SofTex seats remain standard, but in the Limited model, the front seats are both heated and ventilated. The standard sound system is replaced by an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier. Features like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blue ambient interior illumination, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking make driving the RAV4 Limited a pleasure and a privilege.

Of course, those who don’t see their favorite features listed may wish to consider a model with an optional package. Many grades offer Advanced Technology and Weather packages, which can upgrade your RAV4 with features like a height-adjustable foot-activated power liftgate, heated steering wheel, and wireless smartphone charging.

Leave the Road Behind With the Adventure and TRD Off-Road

But what if you are interested in a little off-roading from time to time? Fear not––the Toyota RAV4 offers two trims to help you get the mud time you need. Both the Adventure and the TRD Off-Road are equipped with standard Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Rear Driveline Disconnect. This specially engineered system allows torque to be directed not just to the front or rear wheels but to the left or right rear wheels, placing power exactly where it’s needed on treacherous terrain.

An increased 8.6 inches of ground clearance gives these RAV4 models an extra advantage on rough roads. Furthermore, the RAV4’s Multi-Terrain Select system offers options such as Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal, allowing drivers to access specialized powertrain settings with the turn of a dial.

The Adventure trim stands out with its signature orange-accented interior and SofTex seating, but it offers many of the same features as the XLE Premium––with a few extras. RAV4 Adventure drivers also get raised black roof rails and integrated LED fog lights as part of their ride. You can even enjoy a two-tone paint scheme with an Army Green body and Ice Edge roof.

The TRD Off-Road has a custom red-accented interior that helps it stand apart from the rest of the RAV4 lineup. It also comes equipped with a TRD-tuned suspension with unique shocks, struts, coil springs, and jounce bumpers that help take the jolt factor out of the trail.

The 2024 RAV4 TRD Off-Road model also includes a larger 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system with six speakers and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system can be optioned with the available TRD Off-Road Grade Premium Package, along with a 12.3-inch digital Multi-Information Display and a Panoramic View Monitor.

Experience the 2024 Toyota RAV4

We have come to expect quality, durability, dependability, and economy from Toyota’s vehicles. However, one often-overlooked aspect of Toyota’s lineup of cars, trucks, and SUVs is that the brand makes considerable effort to consider the needs, wants, and budgets of a variety of drivers. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly daily driver or a deluxe road-trip-worthy SUV, the 2024 RAV4 lineup has been carefully engineered, designed, and curated to provide drivers with a series of grades that won’t disappoint.