2022 Toyota RAV4: Engine, Performance and Specifications

2022 Toyota RAV4

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OVERVIEW

Even though the 2022 Toyota RAV4 isn't the most exciting compact SUV to drive, its usefulness and efficiency increase its value and qualify it for an Editor's Choice award. Although the entry-level model is reasonably priced but quite basic, mid-range trims offer a wealth of features that customers in this market will value.

Front-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine are all standard. Although there is an all-wheel drive option, you won't see even the toughest RAV4 model pulling up next to a 4-Runner or a Tacoma at the trailhead. The RAV4 comes with a wide range of standard driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control.

Luxury options including faux-leather upholstery, heated seats, and a JBL sound system are included with upscale models. A RAV4 Hybrid, which we examine separately, is an option for those seeking even greater efficiency.

What has changed for 2022?

The smallest modifications to the RAV4 are made for 2022: Cavalry Blue is a new color option, and LED fog lamps are now standard on the XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road trims. All models also come with more aggressively designed headlamps, except the base LE model.

Which one to Purchase?

Although it's difficult for us to pass on the awesome new TRD Off-Road, we'd exercise restraint and go with the XLE Premium in the middle. It comes with many features as standard that the LE and XLE do not, including 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux-leather upholstery, and a steering wheel and shift knob covered in leather.

There isn't much of a reason to choose a more expensive model unless, of course, you really want ventilated seats because Toyota includes its suite of driver-assistance functions as standard across the lineup.

Interior and Comfort

The RAV4 prioritizes cubby storage and ergonomics within. The spacious center console is complemented by a functional shelf that spans the dash. The model that we tested included both beautiful plastics and soft-touch surfaces. The LE base grade has single-zone manual climate control, plasticky seats, and a steering wheel. It is fairly basic.

Toyota includes a few bonuses on the XLE, the model up, but the XLE Premium has many more appealing features, such as faux-leather upholstery, a steering wheel and shifter wrapped in leather, and a stitched and padded dashboard and center-console armrest. 

The RAV4's back seats are simple to store and fold almost flat to make more room inside for cargo. Behind the back seat, we were able to fit 10 carry-on bags and 22, when the back seat was folded. Here, the Nissan Rogue and the RAV4 were tied, but the Subaru Forester triumphed in every metric by one.

Engine and Performance

A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and an eight-speed automated transmission power the 2022 RAV4. Although all-wheel drive is now an option, front-wheel drive is still the default system offered by Toyota. This depends on the trim level. The Adventure model we tested included an all-wheel-drive system that could be switched off when necessary to increase fuel efficiency.

The 2019 RAV4 outperformed the 2018 model at our test track, clocking in at 60 mph in 8.0 seconds compared to 8.3 seconds for the 2018 model. The obedient four-cylinder may be raucous, especially when trying to pass on the highway, and the transmission in our test car appeared to stutter when it was time to downshift. 

n our hands, the RAV4 Hybrid recorded an even quicker time of 7.4 seconds for 0-60 mph. The Mazda CX-5 is our segment favorite, but the RAV4 lacks the same confidence while driving down the highway or along a winding part of the road. The RAV4 feels steady and robust in both of these situations.

Fuel Efficiency and actual MPG

The EPA provided fuel-economy ratings for the RAV4 that was in its class. On the interstate, front-wheel-drive RAV4s may achieve up to an estimated 35 mpg. On our 200-mile highway fuel-economy trip, the all-wheel-drive Adventure returned 32 mpg for us, 1 mpg less than the EPA's predicted rating for that trim.

This puts it on a par with the Honda CR-V and is a significant gain over the 2018 Adventure model (which only achieved 25 mpg), but the Volkswagen Tiguan beats it out with 33 mpg.

The infotainment system

A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard on lower trims, but starting at the XLE level, an 8.0-inch touchscreen is available. A 4G LTE mobile hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all features of the infotainment system.

Optional extras include a wireless charging station for a smartphone, GPS, and a JBL premium music system. Don't worry if you choose a trim level without navigation. The Scout GPS Link feature, which is standard on all other models, enables compatible smartphones to project a map and turn-by-turn directions onto the dashtop screen.