2020 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

In many ways, small SUVs are the perfect vehicle. They are more fuel-efficient than their larger competitors and balance space with maneuverability decently well. They can function just as well as family vehicles as they can as daily commuters. Due to their popularity, the market is currently flooded with different options in this vehicle class.

One smaller SUV that continues to stand out from the pack is the Toyota RAV4. This is an option that has been around for a long time and launched its fifth generation just last year. For 2020, there are several exciting changes happening. Most significant is the addition of Android Auto to the list of standard equipment.

As for trim levels, there is a brand new TRD Off-Road for consumers to consider. This brings the total number of options up to seven. Several off the trims also have gas-powered and hybrid options, further expanding the appeal of this SUV.

So how does a buyer know which model is right for them? This guide lays out all the differences between the available 2020 Toyota RAV4 models in an attempt to help with this very issue.

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

The entry-level model is known as the LE. It is one of the models that has two different powertrain options. Non-hybrid models have a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 203-horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Mated to this is an eight-speed automatic transmission. Gas-powered models come standard with front-wheel-drive but can be upgraded to all-wheel-drive.

As for the Hybrid models, they have the same engine but with an electric motor and a 650-volt Ni-MH battery. The combination of the two brings the horsepower up to 219 combined. This engine is paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission. All hybrid models get electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive.

LE models ride on 17-inch wheels. Non-hybrids are steel, while the hybrid gets alloy. Either powertrain gets buyers multi-LED headlights and the automatic high beam feature. Also standard are LED taillights and daytime running lights. It shows off the hexagonal grille Toyota is known for in black. Power side mirrors are standard. Adding are heat and integrated turn signals is optional. Low-profile black roof rails are found on the top of the LE.

Inside, this model has fabric-lined seats. The driver gets six-way manual adjustment, while the front passenger has four-way manual adjustment. Remote keyless entry is part of the standard equipment.

The LE trim has a 7-inch touchscreen and compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is a six-speaker audio system and an audio input USB port. Bluetooth and satellite radio round out the standard tech equipment.

Coming standard on all trim levels is the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite. With this, the 2020 RAV4 gains lane tracing assist, lane departure alert including steering assist, and road sign assist. Also added is the useful pre-collision system with pedestrian detection as well as full-speed adaptive cruise control.

Another standard package is what Toyota calls its Star Safety System. It includes traditional safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic brake-force distribution. Also added by this package is start/stop technology for the engine and an enhanced vehicle stability control system.

Option number two is called the XLE. Like the LE, it has both the hybrid and non-hybrid models available. Both models share the same 17-inch alloy wheels that the LE hybrid has. They also both get integrated fog lights and automatic on/off headlights. Only the XLE hybrid models get upgraded to LED headlights. The previously optional heated side mirrors with turn signals become standard for both versions of the XLE.

As for the cabin, XLE models have eight-way power-adjustment for the driver's seat and four-way power-adjustment for the front passenger. The driver also gains power lumbar support. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are optional. Push-button start is standard.

The previously optional cargo cover is standard for the XLE. These models jump from one USB port all the way up to five. This is the first trim level that came upgrade to the more advanced infotainment system, which brings the touchscreen up to 8-inches. Safety-wise, the XLE notably gains a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

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

Toyota's next offering when it comes to the RAV4 is known as the XLE Premium. This is the first model that does not have a hybrid option. Underneath this trim buyers will find 19-inch alloy wheels. This trim gains a power moonroof with the one-touch open and close feature that was optional on the XLE.

Another significant upgrade for the XLE Premium is the height-adjustable power liftgate. Inside, the seating surfaces are upgraded to having a SofTex trim. The three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob gain leather-trim. Remote illuminated entry becomes a standard feature, while a HomeLink system in the rearview mirror becomes an optional one.

The XLE Premium comes standard with the same infotainment and audio system as the models that came before it but becomes eligible for a nine-speaker JBL sound upgrade. A wireless charging pad is also optional. While standard driver aids do not change, this model does give buyers the option of adding front and rear park assist.

Compare the 2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium vs Adventure Trims. What is the difference?

Like the XLE Premium, the Adventure trim is not available with the hybrid powertrain. One major difference, however, is that the Adventure trim comes standard with all-wheel-drive. It also adds a multi-terrain drive-select mode that allows drivers to choose between rock and dirt, mud and sand, snow, and normal modes.

Ground clearance also goes up just a hair, from 8.1-inches on hybrid models and 8.4-inches on gas-powered models all the way up to 8.6-inches. While most trim levels have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, the properly equipped Adventure models can go up to 3,500 pounds.

Wheels remain 19-inches for the Adventure. Where the XLE Premium has chrome accents, the Adventure gets matte black on its wheels instead. This trim stands out from others with its split-bar upper grille and special badging. Unlocked by this trim are two-tone paint options, such as Blue Flame with an Ice Edge roof or Blueprint with a Midnight Black roof. For this trim, the black roof rails are raised up. Unfortunately, the cross bars that have been optional since the entry-level LE remain optional here.

For the inside, Toyota has given this trim level orange accents on the seats and dashboard. Consumers also have the option of getting heat and ventilation for the front seats. The Adventure trim comes standard with the bigger 8-inch touchscreen. Downhill assist control is added with this trim. The standard rearview camera also gets upgraded to show a panoramic view.

Compare the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Adventure vs TRD Off-Road. What is the difference?

Like the Adventure trim, the TRD Off-Road is only available with the gas-powered engine and as an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Making the TRD Off-Road unique is its specially tuned suspension, struts, and shocks. It also gets upgraded all-terrain tires. Wheel size does go down to 18-inches. This trim maintains the extra ground clearance and towing capacity found on the Adventure trim.

The integrated fog logs for the TRD Off-Road gain a special black trim. This vehicle also shows-off unique badging and keeps the black raised roof rails found on the Adventure. Black side mirrors, which are optional on the Adventure trim, become the norm for the TRD Off-Road. While the Adventure model made the moonroof optional, the TRD Off-Road adds it back to the list of standard equipment.

While the Adventure trim featured orange accents on the inside, the TRD Off-Road goes with red ones instead. All-weather floor mats and a cargo liner are added. For the most part, safety options remain the same. The TRD Off-Road is the first trim level to offer a bird's eye view camera, however. Adding this camera also gives the RAV4 the perimeter scan feature, where a live 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings is shown on the infotainment system screen.

Compare the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road vs XSE Hybrid. What is the difference?

The XSE is the only trim level that is available exclusively as a hybrid. As a result, it comes standard with the electronic all-wheel-drive. It loses the special suspension and other performance upgrades made for the TRD Pro.

This trim level has a unique gray metallic look for its front grille. It also comes standard with two-tone paint. This is the first option with the ability to upgrade to a a panoramic glass roof. Otherwise, the normal moonroof is standard. This is the first trim to come with the HomeLink system which allows the RAV4 to work with compatible garage doors and security systems.

For the cabin, the XSE Hybrid has blue accent stitching and accents. This trim also has blue ambient lighting in the front footwells, cup holders, in-dash shelves. As for safety, this trim loses the downhill assist control. Heated front seats become are included.

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

When consumers reach the very top of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 trim ladder they find the Limited model. This trim once again is available with either the hybrid or non-hybrid powertrain. It also goes back to coming standard with front-wheel-drive with the option of being upgraded to all-wheel-drive.

For non-hybrid models, the Limited trim has 19-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels. The Limited Hybrid sticks with 18-inch wheels instead. Either option adds puddle lights for added convenience when entering and exiting the vehicle at night.

The bird's eye view camera was deleted from the XSE Hybrid's list of available options but can be added to either Limited model. Memory functions for the driver's seat are also found in this trim. The overall look of the cabin is more sophisticated and sedated with its dark-brown accents.

Technology gets a major upgrade inside the Limited trim thanks to its premium sound system and standard navigation. This is also the only trim that has the front and rear parking assist feature as a standard rather than optional feature. Surprisingly, this trim leaves the wireless charging pad off its list of included equipment.

2020 Toyota RAV4: Which Trim to Choose?

With so many options available for the 2020 Toyota RAV4, consumers should have no issue with finding one that fits their needs. Even the most affordable LE has a decent list of standard features. Both the XLE and XLE Premium offer up some nice upgrades. That said, most consumers will skip the XLE in favor of the XLE Premium for the power liftgate and moonroof. The exception will be those who have their hearts set on the hybrid powertrain. Those buyers will need to stick with the standard XLE.

Although more expensive, the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models will definitely be right for some. The TRD Off-Road, in particular, is great for anyone who regularly leaves the pavement and heads for the trails. Unless things like navigation are a must-have, most buyers can skip the expensive Limited options.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium strikes a great balance between its cost and its features and is ultimately a good choice.