Bland, one-thing-suits-all products are old news Variety and customization are the name of the game these days, and while the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is hardly a make-your-own, bespoke creation, it does offer an unmatched variety of models for different tastes and needs. There's the sporty SE and XSEHybrids, for instance, and the more ruggedly capable Adventure and TRD Off-Road.

2022 Toyota RAV4

It's also one of the rare compact SUVs that offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The latter is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime, and it's terrific. Besides this variety, the RAV4 still delivers the nuts-and-bolts, practical requirements expected of this nameplate, and the compact SUV class. Its interior space, usability, features and build quality are all above average.

Fuel economy is exceptional, and the driving experience sets a nice balance between comfort and response. There's also the matter of its sterling reliability reputation and resale value. RAV4's variety doesn't quite reach every corner, they're its lack a more invigorating engine upgrade (the Prime doesn't quite count) and an interior that never quite reaches a premium level in appearance, unlike some rivals. The styling also won't be for everyone, but we say turning some people off is better than being bland for everyone.

Section 1: Review of the 2022 Toyota RAV4

Like its four-door twin, the Avalon, the RAV4 is a Toyota-badged utility vehicle based on a unibody platform. That platform also underpins the compact-sized 4Runner, Lexus LX, Lexus RX, and Toyota Highlander, among others. Where the RAV4 diverges from the rest of Toyota's lineup is its suspension and drivetrain.

We're not talking about the technology here, which is already more than you can fathom or would want in a vehicle like this. Instead, it's the size, where the RAV4 is more compact and aggressive than most compact SUVs. Not only does that make the RAV4 seem smaller, it gives it a more deliberate and focused feel than a typical CUV. This is especially true in the Sport and Sport AWD trims, where the 4-cylinder engine is swapped out for a more powerful Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive 2.

Interior Space

Smaller SUVs often are classed as "compact" only because of their relative width and length. The 2022 Toyota RAV4's dimensions more closely resemble a subcompact than a compact, but it feels about as spacious as a compact SUV should, especially with back-seat riders. Adults can ride comfortably in the rear, though only when the driver uses an adjustable shift-height front passenger seat.

The tailgate on our RAV4 Hybrid test car needed to be opened manually and fell short of the marks set by its rivals. It was a good practice to open and close the rear gate by hand on this hybrid model because the fuel-saving electric motor makes for an underpowered drivetrain; the driver's independence is more valuable.

Interior materials are acceptably average for the RAV4's compact crossover class, and much better than past generations. The fit and finish are excellent. That said, the RAV4 never achieves the near-luxury vibe of a top trim level Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, or Mazda CX-5. Genuine leather is not available, and the SofTex vinyl that comes on up-level models isn't a convincing substitute.

2022 Toyota RAV4
Features

With so many model offerings, there are some things that are commonplace and not so much in other compact SUVs. Among them are Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with its pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The RAV4 Prime has its standard, and we'd feel safe upgrading to it.

On the tech front, the Toyota RAV4 also has a slew of active safety and driver-assistance features. They range from LED headlights to automatic high beams and rear cross-traffic alerts. The touchscreen infotainment system is 8.0 inches, while driver aids include a post-collision braking system, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. A relatively new feature is the lane departure warning on Highway Traffic Jam Assist.

Fuel Economy

The standard RAV4 powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That's above average for the segment, but acceleration doesn't wow, with a run from 0-60 mph taking an estimated 8.1 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, while two all-wheel-drive systems are optional depending on trim level.

The first is a basic reactive system that sends power to the rear wheels in the event of slippage, whereas the second available on the Adventure, TRD Off-Road and Limited trim levels more actively sends power around, including between the rear wheels to improve wet weather traction as well as dry road handling. It also includes off-road vehicle settings for "Mud & Sand," "Rock & Dirt" and "Snow."l way.

Driving Experience

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Prime, along with all other RAV4 models, are built on the new TNGA architecture that underpins the latest Camry and Avalon. The result is that while the new platform is stiffer than before and lighter than before, the new architecture isn't as stiff as before. Additionally, for added comfort and handling, the TNGA architecture uses a lighter unibody construction than the former CAW (Compact Architecture Wing) architecture. This also means that the new RAV4 is actually lighter than the outgoing model—that's in part because the new model uses aluminum and high-tensile steel in its construction instead of the CAW construction with a combination of both materials. The wheelbase and overall length are unchanged, but the windshield, rear window, and roof are all larger.

2022 Toyota RAV4

Build Quality

The RAV4 is, first and foremost, a Toyota and not a startup design. It's also a bit chunkier, a bit softer, and a bit more swoopy than a recent Lexus ES, but it's hardly offensive. It lacks some of Lexus' handsome details, such as its lip and spoiler, but overall, it's a good-looking, big, unoffensive crossover that's not as small as some SUVs.

Toyota's modern front fascia has an upright body shape and a somewhat dark and pained look, with sharp creases along with the hood. Although the RAV4's wheelbase is a comfortable 112.1 inches, the low, horizontal greenhouse makes it appear a bit squat, and the cargo area, a nicely scaled 29.5 cubic feet with the rear seat in place, isn't particularly large for this segment.

Conclusion

The RAV4 proved to be a good-looking vehicle long before those new Toyota-produced, aggressively styled, supposedly sportier-looking models arrived. With the same basic shape and five-door body style as the model that has sold over 5 million copies in North America since launching here 20 years ago, the three-row crossover has become the volume leader in the segment.

The Toyota RAV4 has always had a calm and unruffled demeanor, despite the wild exterior of the new Highlander. Perhaps it's a natural development as hybrids were initially seen as a backup and reassurance vehicle, while the purely electric models have risen to prominence in recent years. Whatever the case, the RAV4 has retained its proven ability to reflect society and values in a sensible and non-controversial way.