2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has long been a solid performer, and it's done well in the market for many years. The hybrids were made available after the SUV was redesigned several years ago, and there are four trim options for 2020: the LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid.

Each of these models is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works in cooperation with an electric motor. All together, 219 horsepower is generated. The nickel-metal hydride traction battery is able to recharge itself, so drivers really won't notice a big difference in maintenance. The only thing is that the visits to the gas station will be more spread out, as the RAV4 Hybrid can achieve an estimated 41/38 (city/highway) miles per gallon.

The SUV is ready for a variety of conditions. It has electronic on-demand all-wheel drive for better traction on slippery roads. Drivers can choose from either Sport, Eco, Normal, Trail, or EV modes using the drive mode dial. Sport allows for aggressive maneuvering, while Eco falls on the other end of the spectrum and maximizes efficiency. Because of how it operates, the Eco mode doesn't offer the most exciting of driving experiences. Trail mode optimizes everything so the Toyota can better handle rough terrain, and EV mode is an all-electric mode that would only be used for short distances.

With two rows of seating, the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid has room for five people. Leg room in the back is comfortable, at 37.8 inches. Behind the second row, there is a dedicated 37.5 cubic feet of storage space. Lowering the second row of seats expands capacity to 69.8 cubic feet. Since the back row is a 60/40 split-bench, one side or both sides can be lowered to create more room. The center seat has a seatback that can turn into an armrest, complete with two cup holders.

One reason the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid is an attractive vehicle is that it comes standard with a full suite of safety features. It's all bundled into something called Toyota safety Sense 2.0. The package includes a system that can alert drivers and potentially apply pressure to the brakes if it seems like the SUV is about to hit another object. Other systems keep drivers centered in their lanes, display information regarding traffic signs, and try to prevent accidents that may occur because drivers can't see other vehicles are in their blind spots. Dynamic radar cruise control is another feature that's part of this collection, and it can maintain a certain distance with other vehicles instead of just maintaining a preset speed.

If any special gear needs to be transported, roof rack cross bars are available. Payload on the SUV is 1,165 pounds. The RAV4 can also be equipped to tow a small trailer, and its towing capacity is 1,750 pounds. While this capacity isn't that high, it's a fairly solid number for a mid-size SUV that would likely only be used occasionally to haul cargo.

Options for all trims include mudguards and intermittent windshield wipers that can de-ice themselves and turn on automatically if rain is sensed. To make it simpler to carry a variety of cargo, there is the opportunity to get an all-weather cargo liner.

Compare the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE vs XLE Trims. What is the difference?

The XLE and LE both use 17-inch wheels. The XLE has slightly upgraded lights with projector-beam headlights that use LED technology as well as LED daytime running lights that have accent lighting. Plus, it has fog lights that are located closer to the ground that can be used when visibility is poor. Its heated power side mirrors have the integrated turn signals, while the LE just has standard power mirrors.

Remote keyless entry is a feature that is likely expected by many modern consumers. Both trims have the ability to be locked or unlocked with a key fob. The XLE takes this a step further, as it uses the Smart Key System. This means that the buttons on the key fob don't even need to be pushed to lock or unlock the vehicle. All it takes is a simple touch of the door handle (either the driver's side or passenger's side) to enter the vehicle or lock things up.

The seats on the LE are fairly basic, being fabric-trimmed and having manual adjustments up front. On the XLE, power-adjustments become standard. The driver's seat is an eight-way power-adjustable model, and the passenger's seat is a four-way power-adjustable model. In the cargo area, the XLE has a rear cargo area cover; this would have to be an additional purchase on the LE.

For charging devices, it's always good to have available USB ports. The LE only has one in the front. The XLE has five total for both the front and rear passengers. An upgraded eight-inch touchscreen is available on the XLE, but the LE is stuck with the seven-inch touchscreen.

Drivers can use the touchscreens to access the infotainment system. It includes voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, SiriusXM Satellite Radio access, and Amazon Alexa technology.

Both trims come with a Connected Services package, which lets people use the Toyota app on their smartphones to get information and communicate with their RAV4s. With this in place, an emergency call can automatically be made upon airbag deployment, and roadside assistance can be called with the push of a button. The app can lock/unlock the doors and even start up the engine, and the app can generate notifications when it's time to change the oil or get a certain service. An added bonus is that the RAV4 Hybrid can be turned into a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot.

Compare the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE vs XSE Trims.  What is the difference?

These two trims ride on different wheels. The XLE uses 17-inch wheels, while the SXE uses 18-inch ones that look a bit more high-end.

On the exterior, the XSE has more stylistic details. Black trim is found around its fog lights, and it has a dark gray metallic grille instead of the XLE's black grille. Other black elements that can stand out are the side mirrors and rear bumper. The roof is black as well, giving the vehicle a sleek two-tone look.

Both vehicles have power outside mirrors that are heated and have turn signal indicators in them, with the difference being that the XLE has body-color mirrors and the XSE has black mirrors. The XLE provides an option for a moonroof, and the XSE comes standard with a moonroof and has the option to upgrade to a panoramic moonroof. Also, the power liftgate on the XSE can be very useful if someone's hands are full.

These trims on the RAV4 are enhanced in a few ways. They come standard with a dual-zone climate system and rear vents that back-seat passengers will greatly appreciate at certain times of the year. Front center vent flow controls are only present in the XSE.

Seating is another area in which the features are pretty respectable on both trims. The XLE has fabric-trimmed seats and available heated front seats, and the XSE's seats are upgraded to SofTex-trimmed versions with fabric inserts. On the XSE, heated front seats are standard, as are a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift lever. On all models of the RAV4 Hybrid, there is the opportunity to get a heated steering wheel.

In the cabin, everyone in the XSE can appreciate the blue ambient lighting and blue accent stitching on the seats, doors, and dashboard. This contrasts nicely with a black headliner. In the XLE, the headliner is an ash gray color.

When backing up, a driver in the XLE can use the backup camera with gridlines. There is the option to upgrade to a panoramic camera that provides a wider perspective. That type of camera is standard in the XSE, and it comes with dynamic gridlines. Further, the XSE's rearview mirror is built with HomeLink technology so its specialized buttons can be used as garage door openers.

As mentioned before, both trims come with a comprehensive collection of driver-assist features. A difference between the two is that the XSE come an available front and rear parking assist package. This can take the guesswork out of parking and help with steering while parallel parking, perpendicular parking, and backing up out of a space.

Technology is so important to many consumers, and here is where the XSE outpaces the XLE. It includes a seven-inch digital display that shows information related to hybrid power, fuel economy, temperature, and the trip distance, among other things. On the XLE, the information display is a traditional analog model.

A few upgrades can be considered on these trims. First, there's the opportunity to upgrade the XLE's system to the one that comes standard in the XSE, which has the larger eight-inch screen as part of the Audio Plus system. (This contrasts with a seven-inch screen that comes with the XLE's Audio system.) For XSE owners, the sound system can be upgraded to have 11 JBL speakers and built-in navigation, and Qi wireless charging is available.

Compare the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE vs Limited Trim Levels.  What is the difference?

The Limited is the premier trim out of the four RAV4 Hybrid options. It rides on 18-wheels that have a super chrome finish. It comes with integrated fog lights and has the option to include adaptive front headlights that can level themselves and slightly shift their focus as the vehicle turns. The Limited has some sleek exterior details that are finished with black paint, and they contrast well with the chrome-accented door handles.

Those door handles have the same smart lock/unlock that the XSE has. The exception is that on the Limited trim, consumers can opt to have the feature included on all four doors as well as the liftgate.

Inside the vehicle, the seats are trimmed with SofTex, and they don't have the fabric inserts that the XSE's seats do. This boosts up the luxury feel by a few notches. The front seats are heated as a standard feature, and available options are front seats that offer ventilation as well as heated rear seats. This could make a difference in overall comfort for everyone on the ride.

When multiple people are getting behind the wheel of the Limited, it helps that the driver's seat has a two-position memory function that makes quick work out of adjusting the seat. Other interior details like a gray headliner and dark brown accents on the dash, door, and seats contribute to the overall atmosphere of the elegant interior.

Whereas the XSE Hybrid can only come with a rear-view camera, the Limited has the option to include a 360-degree camera. This provides drivers with a view from above of their vehicles, and it can really be useful when navigating through narrow spaces. Likewise, the standard Parking Assist package can be quite handy. It leads a driver through the process of parking as he or she maintains control over speed and can take over steering at any moment.

The upgraded package on the Limited is a step above that of the XSE. It comes standard with the premium infotainment package that has built-in dynamic navigation, an eight-inch touchscreen with an optimal amount of sensitivity, and 11 JBL speakers. Those speakers include a subwoofer to pump up the base and an amplifier to enhance the quality. This system has dynamic voice recognition that is more accepting of a variety of phrases and terms than its standard counterpart in the XSE. Wireless charging through a Qi device is available.

Which Trim to Choose?

One of the great things about the the RAV4 Hybrid is that it comes with many standard features. The range includes the more basic LE trim and extends all the way up to the Limited.

After many factors are taken into consideration, the XLE seems to be a logical choice. It does have some upgrades that can improve comfort and convenience, and it also has a much more attractive starting price than the XSE and Limited trims.