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2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: LE vs XLE vs XLE Premium, SE vs XSE and Limited
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Should You Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

Following on the success of the popular RAV4, the RAV4 Hybrid has done quite well in recent years. The 2022 RAV4 Hybrid is athletic and efficient, and it has a versatile and well-equipped cabin.

With the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, drivers have a wide variety of options to choose from with six different trims. The well-equipped LE is the entry level version while three middle range models - XLE, XLE Premium and SE hybrid – provide plenty of exterior style and interior amenities. For those looking for luxury features without breaking their bank account, look no further than the two top tier offerings: XSE and Limited which boast endless luxuries perfect for any driver's needs!

Harnessing the power of two electric motors and a gasoline-powered 2.5L four-cylinder engine, these vehicles can produce 219 horses for an exciting ride with refined handling. With electronic on-demand all wheel drive, you'll never worry about taking control in any terrain or weather conditions plus drivers can choose from five unique driving modes - Sport, Eco, Normal EV & Trail - to customize their experience further. Best of all? These cars offer up to 40 mpg so your wallet won't take too much damage!

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

The Hybrid LE and Hybrid XLE are virtually indistinguishable in terms of price, yet they reveal slight differences when it comes to features. Both trims boast 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights and taillights offering a brilliant glow on the exterior while inside their cabin you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control systems along with 4.2 inch digital displays illuminating your journey as well as subtle but effective LED reading lamps ensuring optimal comfort during late night drives.

The Hybrid XLE makes a bold statement with its LED projector headlights and chrome bezels, adding an aura of sophistication. Compared to the LE's multi-LED headlights and black bezels, the contrast is unmistakable! But that’s not all – for those who demand convenience without compromise, this model also comes equipped with a smart key system plus touch sensors on front doors - perfect for modern commuters looking to enter their vehicle in style.

Another exterior upgrade on the Hybrid XLE has to do with its side mirrors. Those mirrors are color-keyed and have heating elements, turn signal indicators, and blind-spot warning lights. Those types of mirrors are available on the LE as part of a package, but otherwise, the LE would have black power-adjustable mirrors.

More differences are found in the cabins. The Hybrid LE has black door handles, while the Hybrid XLE has silver ones. Both trims have fabric upholstery on their seats, but the XLE gets to have embossed polygonal-design seat inserts and a power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support. Though heated front seats aren't standard, they can be added to the XLE as part of a package, as can a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel. In addition, the XLE provides users with a tonneau cover for the cargo area.

In the area of technology, the XLE has the advantage with five total USB ports instead of the standard three. Both trims have seven-inch touchscreens with smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, so the standard package is actually pretty impressive. The XLE can be upgraded with a nine-inch touchscreen and remote services.

Finally, the Hybrid XLE has the better safety package since it comes with blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert. The Hybrid LE still has a solid set of driver-assist technologies that can active work to prevent accidents, but it lacks those two key features.

Compare the Hybrid XLE vs XLE Premium. What is the difference?

The Hybrid XLE Premium feels more upscale than the Hybrid XLE does. It has 18-inch wheels instead of 17-inch ones, and the dark metallic finish looks striking. The XLE Premium benefits from having integrated LED fog lights as well.

More notably, perhaps, this higher trim has a power moonroof. This type of moonroof is available on the Hybrid XLE, but not standard. Something else that drivers will appreciate is the Hybrid XLE Premium's power liftgate. Its height can be adjusted, and it comes with jam protection. Again, this feature is optional on the Hybrid XLE.

Toyota decided to give the Hybrid XLE Premium nicer interior materials. It has SofTex upholstery on its seats while the Hybrid XLE just has a regular fabric material. The steering wheel on the Hybrid XLE Premium is wrapped in leather, and so is the shift lever.

The next few elements seem fairly minor but may be noticeable to some with discerning eyes. The XLE Premium has center console accents and anti-slip interior door grips, along with anti-slip in-dash storage trays.

The XLE and the Premium come with touchscreen options, but you'll get additional sound quality with 11 JBL speakers in the upgraded infotainment system of the XLE Premium. And while they share many safety features, parking assist including automatic braking is exclusive to the Hybrid XLE Premium.

Compare the RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium vs SE Trims. What is the difference?

The Hybrid SE takes the already impressive RAV4 and cranks it up a notch by offering an athletic sport-tuned suspension. Its firmer design provides exhilarating sharp handling and intense driving fun, giving car fanatics that extra kick they crave!

Toyota has give the Hybrid SE black sport alloy wheels instead of dark metallic-finish ones. Keep in mind, though, that the SE does not have integrated fog lights, a power moonroof, or a power liftgate like the XLE Premium does. The moonroof and power liftgate are available on the Hybrid SE, but not the LED fog lights.

Though it's the more expensive version out of these two trims, the Hybrid SE does not have the available parking assist function that the XLE Premium can have. It, too, comes with a seven-inch touchscreen. It can be upgraded with a nine-inch touchscreen, but it does not give users the opportunity to get a JBL sound system.

Up until this point, it seems as if the Hybrid SE really doesn't offer that much other than an enhanced suspension. That may be true, but a potential buyer will want to see the cabin of the SE before making any type of decision.

The SE may seem a bit basic in some regards, as it has fabric seats and lacks heated front seats. However, it does have a few unique elements. While the lower trims have ash gray headliners, the Hybrid SE has a black headliner. Its seats have blue stitching and embossed seat inserts, and there are blue-stitched accents on the dashboard, doors, and center console. Blue ambient lights on the in-dash shelves, front footwells, and cup holders add yet another cool touch.

Compare the Hybrid SE vs XSE. What is the difference?

The Hybrid XSE offers drivers all the power and agility of the SE, but with some added touches that raise it to another level. With a sport-tuned suspension for enhanced performance plus stylish wheels you won't find on other models, this model is ideal for those who want something more than just basic features. Sure there's an extra cost involved - but driving in style never comes cheap!

The Toyota XSE offers a two-tone look that is sure to turn heads with its edgy and unique design - plus, you can enjoy it from the great outdoors. Seize any opportunity for sun or stargazing through the power moonroof option, or opt instead for an expansive panoramic glass roof composed of two panels: one fixed portion at top backed by another front panel which tilts open when desired!

Further, the XSE has vertical LED accent lights and bright blue shock absorbers, and it has black heated side mirrors. Like the XLE Premium, but not the SE, the XSE comes standard with a power liftgate.

Once someone gets inside the XSE and turns on the engine, the seven-inch digital display behind the steering wheel should become obvious. This display is much larger than the standard 4.2-inch display.

The XSE is the only trim that comes standard with SofTex seats, boasting blue stitching and heated front seats. Its rearview mirror has an auto-dimming function plus a HomeLink universal transceiver for added convenience. What's more, this high end model is equipped with a 360 degree camera - perfect for any situation you find yourself in - along with its dynamic gridlines nine inch touchscreen. Experience luxury at its finest!

Compare the XSE vs Limited. What is the difference?

With its sophisticated styling and refined features, the RAV4 Hybrid Limited is a cut above. Boasting integrated LED fog lights, chrome-accented door handles and either a moonroof or panoramic roof option as standard fare - this model has all you need for an elevated ride. But if sporty appeal is what you're after too – there are still two other models to choose from!

A major difference is that the Limited has an optional foot-activated power liftgate. Another detail that prospective buyers will notice is that the Limited doesn't have blue-painted shock absorbers like the XSE has, and a final exterior upgrade has to do with the Limited's side mirrors. They have puddle lights in addition to all the other features that the side mirrors on the XSE and select other trims have.

As the most upscale hybrid RAV4, the Limited benefits from having heated and ventilated front seats. Both of its front seats are power-adjustable, and they're trimmed in SofTex. The driver's seat has a two-position memory function, too.

Instead of blue accents as found in the XSE, the Limited has more elegant dark brown accents. Dark brown stitching is on the doors, seats, and dashboard, and there are dark brown cup holders. There is, though, blue ambient lighting on the Limited.

Experience the latest in automotive technology with a nine-inch touchscreen and 11 JBL speakers, including booming bass from the subwoofer! Get behind the wheel of this Limited model for an incomparable audio setup or go even further by upgrading to navigation on either trim.

The Limited is equipped with the latest in driver aids, from front and rear parking assist to automatic braking. Not only does this system provide warnings when drivers get too close to obstacles, but it can even help avert minor collisions by reducing speed through carefully-controlled brake applications!

Final Thoughts

The RAV4 Hybrid boasts a range of trims that please all budgets, from the cost-conscious to those wanting an upgrade. With higher trims offering enhanced suspension, luxury seekers should look no further than the SE or XSE models; but with mid-level price points bringing plenty of comfort and style for daily drivers, their contentment is not in question.

The XLE, in particular, stands out. It's affordable while still having a smart key system, high-tech outside mirrors, a power-adjustable driver's seat, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It can be upgraded with heated front seats, which is nice. If a buyer prefers a model with a bit more, then the XLE Premium would be the right choice since it has heated front seats, a moonroof, and SofTex upholstery.