A sunroof (or a moonroof, if you’d prefer) has become a popular option for many car shoppers. After all, who doesn’t enjoy feeling a fresh breeze around their heads or seeing the stars at night? Some vehicles, like the Toyota RAV4, even have panoramic sunroofs which provide an even bigger view of the world above.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV with an even more appealing and efficient hybrid model. However, you can only get a panoramic sunroof on one RAV4 model.

The Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid

The panoramic sunroof comes with the Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid but only as part of an optional appearance package. Otherwise, the XSE has a standard sunroof. A wireless charging pad and heated leather steering wheel can also be added for an extra fee.

However, the RAV4 XSE’s interior is already fairly upscale, with pillowy soft synthetic leather seats for five riders. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, while rear-seat passengers can enjoy heated seats. Dual-zone climate control is also standard, and under those controls rests a durable storage tray perfect for hiding many small items.

The RAV4 XSE also has standard wireless smartphone integration, including support for Amazon Alexa and a three-month SiriusXM trial. A technology package includes built-in navigation as well as a JBL 11-speaker stereo system with an amplifier and subwoofer. All Toyota RAV4 Hybrids come with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, cruise control, and road sign recognition.

The RAV4 XSE comes with a few extra driver aids, including trailer-sway control, hill-start assistance, and blind-spot monitors. It also has two extra drive modes for EV-only driving and trailblazing. It’s no rock-crawler by any means, but it can definitely handle hills and snow with over eight inches of ground clearance.

You can also opt for the digital rearview mirror, which gives you a better view from behind via a rear-mounted camera. Remote Connect is also available, which allows you to lock or start your car from a smartwatch.

What else does this model offer?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is powered by two electric motors and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 219 hp combined. It’s paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The XSE is considered the sportiest member of the RAV4 Hybrid fleet, complete with a sport-tuned suspension and lithe handling. 

The RAV4 Hybrid is also more efficient than the standard RAV4, even with AWD. It makes 41/38 mpg city/highway, which is great even by hybrid SUV standards. The RAV4 Hybrid is also a full second quicker than the regular RAV4, according to Car and Driver.

In real-world testing on the highway, the RAV4 Hybrid can drive 32 miles on just electric power. C/D also appreciated all the RAV4 Hybrid’s thoughtful storage compartments, as well as the user-friendly center stack controls.

Other Toyota RAV4 models with sunroofs

A Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE with the optional panoramic sunroof costs $37,735 and $34,600 with a regular sunroof. You can still get a standard sunroof on a gas-powered Toyota RAV4, but only on certain trims.

Sunroof availability starts on the RAV4 XLE Premium, retailing for around $30,500. This model also comes with synthetic leather for the seats and accents around the interior. The top-of-the-line RAV4 Limited also has a sunroof, plus the JBL speaker system, heated front seats, and a digital rearview mirror.

The Toyota RAV4 Limited starts at $34,580, so it’s about as much as a RAV4 XSE with a regular sunroof. It may seem like an overpriced upgrade for some, but a panoramic sunroof can really enhance the driving experience. A fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain also helps to offset the initial purchase cost.