Toyota RAV4: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
Most significant changes: The hybrid version gets a new mid-level trim. Other updates are cosmetic.
Pricing: Gas-only versions start at $27,740 for the LE trim with front-wheel drive (all prices include destination); hybrid versions start at $30,290 for an all-wheel drive LE trim (AWD is standard on hybrid versions). The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid variant with standard AWD, starts at $41,015.
On sale: Now
Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022? Prices for the RAV4 are up across the board without major additions in content, so stick with model-year 2021 — unless you’re interested in the new SE Hybrid trim, a mid-range addition to the hybrid lineup.
Toyota’s popular compact SUV enters the 2022 model year with a couple minor updates and a small price hike across the lineup. The gas-only RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid get a new paint color, wheel updates, revised headlights and, for the hybrid version, a new trim. The plug-in RAV4 Prime doesn’t see any updates.
Related: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Enters 25th Year With New SE Hybrid Trim
Now in its fifth generation, the related RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid were last redesigned in 2019, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid followed in 2021. The biggest news is for the hybrid model; it sees the addition of the SE Hybrid trim, a mid-range model that slots below the XSE Hybrid.
SE Hybrid
Standard features on the new SE Hybrid model include monochrome paint, fabric seats, a 7-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker stereo. A Weather Package adds a heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers, and a Convenience Package adds a moonroof, power liftgate and larger (9-inch) touchscreen.
The SE Hybrid starts at $32,945, including destination. It slots between the XLE Premium and XSE models. Prices are up for the RAV4 Hybrid for 2022, but only slightly. The base LE Hybrid starts at $30,290, up from last year’s $30,115 base price. Other hybrid models see an increase, too. For example, the XSE model starts at $36,270, or $205 more than the outgoing version.
Gas-Only RAV4
Other updates for 2022 are minimal, comprising mostly cosmetic tweaks. For example, the TRD Off-Road trim will offer two-tone Cavalry Blue paint with a black roof. Various trim levels get new wheels, too, along with some new headlight designs. XLE and higher trims get updated headlights, while the XLE Premium and higher add LED foglights.
Updates inside are also minimal. They include a standard locking glove box and LED interior lamps for all trims and, on the Limited trim, a standard eight-way power passenger seat. XLE and above trims get illuminated interior switches.
Like the hybrid version, prices are up slightly across the lineup. A base 2022 RAV4 starts at $27,740 for the LE trim with FWD, up $175 from model-year 2021 prices. Other trims see minor price jumps as well. For example, the XLE FWD model starts at $29,210 — $350 more than model-year 2021 prices.
Prime Plug-In
The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid returns for 2022 after its model-year 2021 debut with no changes and a modest price increase. The Prime, with an EPA-estimated 42 miles of all-electric range and 38 mpg combined thereafter, is available in SE and XSE trims. It starts at $41,015 for 2022, or $1,450 beyond last year’s $39,565 entry price. That’s before any applicable tax incentives.
All versions of the 2022 RAV4 are on sale now.
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