Written by Marco Carvajal
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD
The RAV4 is one of the bestseller cars in the US, why? there are several reasons including modern technology and style, great low pricing providing a lot of value, very good fuel economy that counts more towards savings when you ad low pricing and low pricing in fuel, and more.
Just like any other Toyota automobile, the 2022 hybrid RAV4 is a safe buy, since in my opinion, it is one of the best hybrid SUVs on the market. The only other hybrid SUV in this price range is the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. It has the same fuel economy as the RAV4 hybrid, but it’s a little bit slower and not as roomy inside.
RAV4 rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are refined, attractive, and even luxurious. But the Toyota RAV4 hybrid has something that even those models lack, its exceptional fuel economy and guaranteed reliability typical of Toyota.
The RAV4 2022 includes several updates including new colors, redesigned headlights, and a new SE Hybrid trim. The new SE Hybrid joins the sportier side of the RAV4 Hybrid lineup, sitting below the XSE and with a more athletic attitude than the XLE and Limited models. Priced from US$29K to US$38K it is a very appealing car to buy.
Highlights of the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid XSE
- 2.5L hybrid engine
- Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
- Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- 219 combined net horsepower
- Sport-tuned suspension
- 18-in. multi-spoke black-painted sport alloy wheels
- Two-tone exterior color
- SofTex-trimmed seats and power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0)
- Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED accent lights
- Vertical LED accent lights
- Audio with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and compatible
- Safety Connect with 1-year trial.
When it comes to the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, you get more than 10 mpg advantage over the standard RAV4, Fuel economy is excellent with 38 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway, you can drive and drive with just a few drops of fuel.
Pricing and Trim Options
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is available in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, SE (new for 2022) XSE the one that I am test driving, and the top-of-the-line RAV4 Hybrid Limited.
Pricing starts at $29K MSRP for the RAV4 Hybrid LE base version going all the way to $38K for the top-of-the-line trim version RAV4 Hybrid Limited. Toyota smart pricing lets you have a smart and stylish hybrid for a very good price.
- 2022 RAV4 Hybrid LE MSRP $29,575
- 2022 RAV4 Hybrid XLE MSRP $31,045
- 2022 RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium MSRP $33,935
- 2022 RAV4 Hybrid SE MSRP $32,230
- 2022 RAV4 Hybrid XSE MSRP $35,55
- 2022 RAV4 Hybrid Limited MSRP $38,075
The base LE comes relatively well equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a backup camera, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats with adjustable recline, and double-zone climate control.
Infotainment brings a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Android Auto, and Toyota Connected services including built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a good-quality audio system using six speakers.
The XLE trim model adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlights, integrated fog lights, proximity entry with push-button start, a sunroof, upgraded cloth upholstery, sliding sun visor extensions, and additional USB ports.
A premium 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite radio can also be added to the XLE.
The XSE that I am test driving is my favorite model, it gets black-painted 18-inch wheels, a sport suspension, two-tone exterior paint, simulated leather SofTex upholstery, upgraded interior trim materials, a digital speedometer, a 7-inch digital driver information display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dynamic guidelines for the rearview camera, and additional interior ambient lighting.
The Limited top trim model comes with chrome-finished 18-inch wheels, parking sensors and automatic rear cross-traffic braking, an integrated navigation system, and two-position memory for the driver’s seat. You can get the limited-grade Advanced Technology Package with proximity entry sensors on all four doors, foot activation for the power liftgate, a wireless charging pad, and a surround-view parking camera system.
Performance
- 2.5L hybrid engine
- Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
- Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- 219 combined net horsepower
- Sport-tuned suspension
All 2022 RAV4 hybrids come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. An additional electric motor is used to drive the rear wheels in low-traction situations. The total system output is very good with 219 horsepower.
The RAV4 Hybrid provides good composure and stability when turning fast corners. Quick acceleration makes the RAV4 Hybrid fun to drive in and around traffic.
The hybrid’s unique continuously variable automatic transmission is smooth at all speeds, whether in town or cruising down the highway. It also copes well with smooth acceleration. All-wheel drive and 8.1-inch ground clearance give the hybrid some basic tools for modest trail or off-road jobs.
The RAV4 provides enough to warrant consideration as a dual-purpose car that saves gas by the week and hits the ski slope or trailhead for a weekend adventure.
The RAV4 hybrid has more power and a smoother powertrain compared to the non-hybrid RAV4, with major changes handled in last year’s complete redesign, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid continues to be upgraded.
The Toyota RAV4 was the automaker’s first compact SUV, making its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994 and in North America in 1995. RAV4 stands for “Recreational Activity Vehicle 4-wheel drive” and founded the compact all-rounder segment: the urban compact SUV. The first RAV4 version was manufactured in 1994 and was highly successful in Japan, the United States, and the European Union, and today almost 30 years later the RAV continues with its success.
Interior Style
The RAV4 Hybrid interior is a stylish blend of hard plastic and smooth surfaces that withstand the wear and tear of time, it feels very modern and trendy inside, a little bit futuristic.
The front seats have padding that’s supportive and flexible, and aside from a flat bottom cushion, they’re generally in good shape, but these aren’t sports seats. The rear seats are comfortable and reclining enough, but they lack lateral bolstering.
Visibility is excellent, with no significant blinds and a standard rearview camera. The controls on the center stack are easy to reach, but a bit flimsy. I like the way the seatbacks are 60/40-split, providing plenty of adjustment for reclining.
A nice bonus is that the hybrid impressively offers the same 37.5-cubic-foot luggage room as its gas-powered counterpart, which is unusual in hybrid cars that usually have less space than non-hybrid models.
The low loading height and wide opening make it easy to move the load. Four tie-down hooks and a 12-volt power outlet enhance the hybrid’s utility.
Technology and Safety
The audio and climate controls are easy to find and use, and the touchscreen interface itself with easy menus, large virtual buttons, and quicker responses is also easy to use.
Audio and navigation controls are easy to use thanks to a large tablet-style screen, but the graphics look could be better. Apple CarPlay is included, but Android smartphone users are still left out.
The screen is large, and it’s easy to pull up maps and menus using touchscreen icons and fixed buttons that surround the bezel. The graphics look dated, but otherwise, the system works fine. The optional premium JBL audio system offers full, clear sound, but the standard audio is also of good quality.
Only one USB port transmits data, but passengers can charge their devices with four USB ports (two front, and two rear).
Bluetooth pairing is easy and requires a few confirmation steps, and an optional wireless charging pad is a nice feature.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, front-side airbags, long-duration airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and a rearview camera.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is very good and safe. It is standard on all RAV4 hybrid models and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, and adaptive cruise control.
A blind-spot alert system and rear and cross-traffic alerts are optional on the XLE and standard on the Limited.
The Limited model features a forward collision warning system with pedestrian detection, collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, a lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamp control and intervention system.
The suite of driver aids includes stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and lane following assist, and Toyota’s near-autonomous system.
