2022 Toyota RAV4

Overview
While the 2022 Toyota RAV4 isn't the most entertaining compact SUV from a driver's standpoint, its practicality and efficiency bolster its value. The entry-level model is affordable but very basic, but mid-range trims offer plenty of features that buyers in this segment will appreciate. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder is standard as is an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available, but you won’t see even the most rugged model in the RAV4 lineup sidling up to a 4Runner or a Tacoma at the trailhead. Toyota bundles a host of standard driver-assistance features into the RAV4, including adaptive cruise control. Upscale trims come with luxury features such as faux-leather upholstery, heated seats, and a JBL stereo system. Those who want even more efficiency can go with a RAV4 Hybrid, which we review separately.

What's New for 2022?
The RAV4 receives the most minor of updates for 2022: More aggressively-styled headlamps are now offered on all but the base LE model, Calvary Blue is a new available color, and LED fog lamps are now standard on XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road trims.
It's hard for us to resist the cool new TRD Off-Road, but we'd practice restraint and choose the mid-range XLE Premium. It provides plenty of standard equipment that the LE and XLE don't offer, 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. Toyota makes its suite of driver-assistance features standard across the lineup, so there's not much reason to go with a pricier trim—unless, of course, you really want ventilated seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 RAV4 uses a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive remains standard, but Toyota now offers a choice of all-wheel-drive systems, dependent on trim. The Adventure model we drove was equipped with an all-wheel-drive system that can disconnect the rear axle when needed to improve fuel economy. At our test track, the RAV4 proved to be quicker than its predecessor: We recorded a 60-mph time of 8.0 seconds with the 2019 model and 8.3 seconds with the 2018. The dutiful four-cylinder can be noisy, especially during highway-passing attempts, and the transmission on our test vehicle seemed to stumble when called upon for a downshift. The RAV4 Hybrid—reviewed separately—snapped off an even quicker 7.4-second 60-mph time in our hands. The RAV4 feels solid and stable when cruising the interstate and holds its own when pitched into a twisty section of road, but it doesn't inspire the same confidence as our segment favorite, the Mazda CX-5.