The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the market, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency, and style. The 2022 model year brings some minor changes to the standard and available features, such as new headlamps and a larger touchscreen. But how does the mid-range XLE Premium trim stack up against the competition? Here is our review of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium, along with its pricing and features.
Pricing
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium has a starting price of $30,825 for the front-wheel drive version and $32,225 for the all-wheel drive version. This price includes a $1,215 destination fee charged by the manufacturer. The XLE Premium is one of the more affordable trims in the RAV4 lineup, but it still offers plenty of features that buyers in this segment will appreciate.
Features
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and responsive shifts. The front-wheel drive model has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the all-wheel drive model has 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
The XLE Premium trim adds some upgrades over the lower LE and XLE trims, such as 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux-leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. It also comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that replaces the previous 8-inch screen as an available upgrade. The system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi hotspot. A six-speaker sound system, four USB ports, and a wireless charging pad are also standard.
The XLE Premium also benefits from Toyota’s suite of driver-assistance features, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition. Other safety features include a rearview camera, eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Review
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a user-friendly infotainment system. It also has a rugged styling that sets it apart from some of its rivals. The engine is adequate for most driving situations, but it can be noisy at higher speeds or when passing. The steering is also vague and lacks feedback. The RAV4 is not the most engaging or exciting SUV to drive, but it is reliable and efficient.
The XLE Premium trim provides a good balance between value and features. It has most of the amenities that buyers in this segment want, without breaking the bank. It also has some options that can enhance its appeal, such as a sunroof, a JBL premium sound system, a digital rearview mirror, and a 360-degree camera system. However, some competitors offer more standard or available features than the RAV4, such as leather seats, heated steering wheel, head-up display, or panoramic sunroof.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium is a solid choice for anyone looking for a practical and affordable compact SUV. It has a lot to offer in terms of comfort, utility, and safety. However, it is not without its flaws. It could use more power and refinement from its engine and more precision and feedback from its steering. It also faces stiff competition from other SUVs that have more personality or luxury. The RAV4 is not the best in its class, but it is still worthy of consideration.
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