Skip to main content

The Toyota RAV4 is a highly successful model. It’s the best-selling SUV in the world and is second only to the Toyota Corolla as the top-selling model. However, how does the 2022 RAV4 compare to the 2021 RAV4? What are the differences? Find out in this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4 comparison.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4: What are the differences?

Driver's side front angle view of 2022 RAV4 XSE with Cavalry Blue color option
Cavalry Blue 2022 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

Does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 have a redesign? Are there significant changes and differences for the 2022 RAV4 compared to the 2021 RAV4? Spoiler alert: The 2022 RAV4 is predominantly a carryover model. It has mostly the same design, specs, engine options, and platform as the 2021 RAV4. However, the 2022 RAV4 has some notable additions and feature upgrades.

2022 RAV4 vs. 2021 RAV4: New SE Hybrid trim

Lunar Rock 2021 Toyota RAV4 driving through a forest
Lunar Rock 2021 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

The most significant addition for the 2022 RAV4 is the new SE Hybrid trim. It has a lower price than the XSE Hybrid, with sporty styling and performance. All 2022 RAV4 SE Hybrid models have standard fabric-trimmed seats, a 7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and mono-tone paint color options. 

Optional features for the SE Hybrid include a heated leather steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers with a de-icer feature, and heated front seats. Also, the available convenience package for the RAV4 Hybrid SE includes a 9-inch touchscreen, a moonroof, and a height-adjustable power liftgate. 

2022 RAV4 vs. 2021 RAV4: Color options

Unlike the 2021 RAV4, the 2022 RAV4 offers a Cavalry Blue paint color option. Cavalry Blue is available for 2022 RAV4 SE Hybrid, TRD Off-Road, and XSE trims. Color options that carry over from the 2021 RAV4 to the 2022 RAV4 include Silver Sky Metallic, Blueprint, Ruby Flare Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Super White, Blizzard Pearl, Blue Flame, Lunar Rock, and Magnetic Gray Metallic.

2022 RAV4 vs. 2021 RAV4: Exterior design and features

The overall exterior design is the same for the 2022 RAV4 and 2021 RAV4, except for the wheels and lighting for some trims. The XLE Premium Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid trims have new wheel designs, while the LE Hybrid, XLE and XLE Hybrid, and Adventure trims have a new color for the wheels.

For lighting, the XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road trims have new LED fog lamps, while the RAV4 XLE has new headlights. Additionally, the XSE Hybrid has sleek new vertical lights. These lights previously made their debut on the 2021 RAV4 Prime XSE model.

2022 RAV4 vs. 2021 RAV4: Interior design, interior features, and passenger and cargo space

The overall interior design is also the same for the 2022 RAV4 and 2021 RAV4. However, various trims have new features. This includes illuminated interior switches for the XLE and above trims, an 8-way power passenger seat in the Limited trim, and a locking glove box and LED interior lights for all trims. Like the 2021 RAV4, the 2022 RAV4 has a total interior volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft.

2022 RAV4 vs. 2021 RAV4: Performance, towing, and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 RAV4 and 2021 RAV4 offer the same powertrain options. This includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid powertrain (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). Like the 2021 RAV4, the 2022 RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Furthermore, the efficiency ratings are the same for the 2022 RAV4 and 2021 RAV4. The gas-powered RAV4 has a fuel economy of up to 28 city/35 highway mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 41 city/38 highway mpg. For even higher efficiency, you can get the RAV4 Prime. It has a fuel-efficiency rating of 94 MPGe in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

2022 RAV4 vs. 2021 RAV4: Price

The price information is not yet available for the 2022 RAV4. Toyota will announce it closer to its release date. However, since the 2022 RAV4 is primarily a carryover model, it is not expected to cost much more than the 2021 RAV4. The starting price of the 2021 RAV4 ranges from $26,350 MSRP for base LE trim up to $41,675 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4: Which one should I buy?

As you can see from our 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4 comparison, many things are the same between the two models. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, passenger and cargo space, and overall design. However, unlike the 2021 RAV4, the 2022 RAV4 offers a new SE Hybrid trim and a Cavalry Blue color option. Additionally, the 2022 RAV4 has some feature upgrades, including new wheel designs and exterior and interior lighting.

Related

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Highlander: Hi Big Brother!