1 Toyota RAV4 Trim Has Been the Goldilocks Model for Over 10 Years
There’s no questioning the Toyota RAV4’s popularity. In 2022, the RAV4 retained its title as the best-selling SUV in the United States. Indeed, this compact crossover has sold over 300,000 units annually since 2015. So, plenty of buyers must consider all the Toyota RAV4 trim levels. But one trim has emerged as a consumer favorite for the past decade: the RAV4 XLE. This Goldilocks model provides the optimal balance between affordable pricing and desirable features.
2024 Toyota RAV4 trim levels
Trims differentiate models based on their features and capabilities, allowing buyers to choose the level of amenities they desire with the caveat that each step up in trim carries a higher asking price. Toyota offers the 2024 gas-powered RAV4 in six trims at the following starting MSRPs:
- LE — $28,475
- XLE —$29,985
- XLE Premium — $32,875
- Adventure — $34,670
- Limited — $36,780
- TRD Off-Road — $38,095
The 2024 RAV4 underscores that consumers often get more by paying more.
The LE is relatively basic, with a six-speaker sound system, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, cloth upholstery, a keyed ignition, a manually adjustable driver’s seat, and the basic Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety features.
Upgrading to the XLE Premium adds $4,400 to the RAV4’s base MSRP, but the midgrade model includes more upscale amenities. They include larger wheels, a sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Of the six 2024 RAV4 trim names, three have been in use over the past 10 years: LE, XLE, and Limited. And during that time, the XLE has struck the best balance for consumers.
The XLE has been the most popular for a decade
According to Edmunds, the most popular 2024 Toyota RAV4 trim remains the XLE. It requires a relatively minor $1,510 price jump from the base model but adds several features that appeal to buyers.
The most notable upgrades to the XLE are keyless ignition and entry, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, additional USB ports, and blind-spot monitoring.
Yet the XLE’s MSRP of just under $30,000 keeps this trim within budget for most buyers.
Pricing becomes a standout reason why the XLE has remained so popular. That’s because the next trim level, the XLE Premium, commands nearly $3,000 more. And for the practicality-minded shopper, the XLE Premium’s upgrades — like synthetic leather upholstery, a sunroof, and 19-inch wheels — might not seem worth the upcharge. Still, optional packages are available for the XLE that include some of those amenities without requiring the full cost of the XLE Premium.
Other 2024 RAV4 trim levels to consider
Moving beyond the 2024 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium trim can boost the RAV4’s off-roading capabilities.
For instance, the Adventure model sports torque-vectoring all-wheel drive as standard equipment. It also boasts flared fenders, hill descent control, and selectable drive modes (Eco, Sport, and Normal).
Meanwhile, the range-topping TRD Off-Road trim includes those features plus many of the XLE Premium’s amenities. In addition, it touts a TRD-tuned off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, a larger touchscreen, and unique design elements.
One level below that, the Limited is the most luxurious RAV4 trim without all the trail-tackling enhancements. It includes the XLE Premium’s features plus a 10.5-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, a digital gauge cluster, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
