While many buyers have found a full-sized SUV meets their needs with ample seating and cargo space for the entire family, satisfactory performance, and acceptable fuel economy, others prefer some of the same features, but in a smaller package.

For many, the Toyota RAV4 meets their needs.

The RAV4 has been a leader for years in the compact SUV segment with plenty of exceptional competition such as the versatile Honda CR-V, the crossover Hyundai Tucson, the refined Mazda CX-5, the reintroduced Ford Bronco Sport, and the feature-loaded Nissan Rogue.

Here are the features of the Toyota RAV4 that make it an excellent choice for compact SUV buyers.

2022 Toyota Rav4

8.10 / 10
Key Features
  • Spacious interior and ample cargo space for a family
  • TRD Off-Road trim
  • Hybrid model for each trim level
  • Fuel-efficient gas and hybrid models
Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: Rav4
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: 2.5-liter I4 / hybrid
  • Horsepower: 203-219, 302 hp
  • Torque: 163-184, lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: FWD, AWD
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic / CVT
  • Range: 42 miles
Pros
  • Exceptional safety features
  • Excellent driver-assist options
  • Hybrid fuel economy of 40 mpg combined
Cons
  • Uninspiring acceleration
  • LE trim lacks some standard features

Toyota RAV4 Gas And Hybrid Powertrains

White 2022 Toyota Rav4
via Toyota

Toyota offers the RAV4 in six gasoline-powered trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited.

A 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque comes in each model and mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Most trim levels come standard with front-wheel drive but offer all-wheel drive as an option. The Adventure and the TRD Off-Road trims come standard with an upgraded AWD that improves handling and traction, especially on loose or slippery surfaces.

The gas-powered RAV4 earns an excellent EPA-rated AWD fuel economy of 25/33/28 mpg, but budget-minded buyers can opt for the hybrid that gets better fuel efficiency. The attached electric motor in the hybrid trims provides quicker and less noisy acceleration and improves fuel economy to a combined 40 mpg.

The hybrid models generate 219 hp, 163 lb-ft of torque, and employ a single-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Related: Mazda CX-5 Vs Toyota RAV4 In The Battle Of Compact SUVs

All-Wheel-Drive Performance And Handling

2022 Toyota RAV4
via Toyota

The RAV4 offers three drive modes to achieve different objectives. The Sport Mode delivers crisp acceleration, the Eco Mode helps boost fuel efficiency, and the Normal Mode combines performance with fuel economy.

Dynamic Torque Vectoring shifts power to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction on all AWD models. However, the AWD system on the Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims have an additional feature, which distributes power between the rear wheels based on which wheel has the most grip. Ideal for wet slippery conditions, the system also improves traction while cornering on dry pavement.

On the gas models equipped with AWD, Toyota installs a Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system which gives the driver four modes to improve traction, based on road and weather conditions.

Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, Snow, and Normal modes sense slippage on various surfaces and adjust the wheelspin by automatically altering the engine throttle, brakes, and drive-force distribution.

Adequate Speed And Good Off-Road Features

White 2022 Toyota Rav4

While the performance specs of the RAV4 will not inspire anyone to head out to the track for some time trials, enough power to pass a slow-moving truck on the open highway satisfies most compact SUV buyers. The RAV4 does just that.

All the gas-powered trims accelerate to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, while the hybrids are slightly faster at 7.4 seconds.

The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, first implemented in 2015, features a long, wide stance for more responsive handling and a strong core that contributes to a smooth and comfortable ride.

All RAV4 trims levels use a strut front and multi-link rear suspension designed to absorb impacts from road bumps, frost heaves, and sharp road edges.

Toyota equips the TRD Off-Road trim with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD (TV-AWD), Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), and a tuned suspension with red coil springs for enhanced rebound control. Oversize 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and an engine skid plate to protect the underside when tackling rough roads help make the trim a viable off-road vehicle.

Related: Here's Why All-Wheel Drive Is The Future Of Hypercars

A Basic Interior With Smart Tech

2022 Toyota RAV4 interior
via Toyota

Toyota equips the lowest RAV4 trim levels with basic features such as single-zone manual climate control and cloth seats.

Higher-level trims add luxury items such as a stitched and padded dashboard and center-console armrest, Toyota's SofTex (a simulated leather upholstery), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a sunroof.

Lower-level trims come with an infotainment system featuring a 7.0-inch touchscreen. An 8.0-inch display is available starting at the XLE trim level. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE mobile hotspot.

Upgrades offered include navigation, a JBL premium audio system, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. RAV4s without navigation provide a Scout GPS Link that connects to compatible smartphones for the display of maps and directions on the dashtop screen.

Related: 2022 Fisker Ocean SUV To Introduce FI-Pilot Driver-Assistance Tech

Safety And Driver-Assist Features

White 2022 Toyota RAV4
via Toyota

What Toyota saved keeping the RAV4 interior luxuries to a minimum, it spent on safety and driver-assist features earning a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The standard pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automated emergency braking uses both radar and a camera with visual and audio alerts.

The standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist detects visible white or yellow lane markings and the road's edge at speeds over 32 mph. The steering assist function makes corrections if the driver fails to do so.

The standard dynamic cruise control allows driving at a preset speed and maintains a designated distance from the vehicle ahead.

The high beam system automatically toggles between high and low beams according to the detection of oncoming vehicle headlights and preceding vehicle taillights.

The road sign assist system uses an intelligent camera to detect and advise the driver of various road warning signs such as stop signs, speed limits signs, yield signs, and others.

The blind spot monitor warns the driver with side mirror indicators and an audible tone when a vehicle occupies the blind spot in the lanes on either side.

2022 RAV4 Pricing

White 2022 Toyota RAV4
via Toyota

Toyota implemented only minor upgrades for the 2022 RAV4 model year, perhaps the most significant is the LED fog lamps as standard equipment on XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road trims.

RAV4 pricing starts with the base models of each trim as follows: LE $27,740, XLE $29,210, XLE Premium $32,100, Adventure $33,995, Limited $36,240, and TRD Off-Road $37,680.