Toyota would like to remind you the RAV4 was the vehicle that popularized the compact crossover segment nearly 20 years ago. While it's no longer the best-selling compact crossover, it's still immensely popular and competitive in this now-crowded segment, and remains a very practical choice.
What's New for 2015
A power liftgate is now available on the mid-grade XLE trim, as are chrome wheels. A special edition Blizzard Pearl package for the Limited model includes special 18-inch wheels and trim.
Choosing your Toyota RAV4
All RAV4s are powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower and a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option on all models. Like all Toyotas, availability varies greatly so check with your dealer to find the exact trim and drivetrain combination you want in your region. The trim levels differ primarily on equipment, rather than driving characteristics.
No RAV4 is particularly luxurious, but XLE is a strong middle ground between the Limited's price and generous feature content. But ultimately, RAV4s make most sense on the lower trim level ladder. It's a shame that Toyota still relegates features like blind-spot monitoring to the most expensive model, while competitors make it available on less expensive versions.