If you’re considering buying a brand-new compact SUV, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is a common option. As one of the most popular vehicles in its class, it’s earned its reputation. For the 2022 model year, the RAV4 is touted as a comfortable, spacious, accessible model with a quiet interior. However, there are many trim levels in the lineup, so which should you choose? No matter what you’re interested in, there’s only one 2022 Toyota RAV4 trim that’s worth buying.

Which 2022 Toyota RAV4 trim should you buy?

You’ll find a few different answers if you’re searching for the best 2022 Toyota RAV4 trim. Within the lineup, there are four different trim levels that vary significantly in equipment and price. Moreover, it’s worth noting that none of the RAV4 trims are bad. Each one provides a surprising amount of value for the price, which is one of the best things about the Toyota compact SUV. Everyone has different requirements, but you can’t go wrong with the Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium.

We agree with other experts that the best RAV4 trim to buy is the XLE Premium. Unfortunately, it isn’t the cheapest in the lineup, but it isn’t much more expensive either. Starting at $32,550, the XLE Premium trim is roughly $4,500 more than the LE base model. It comes with everything included with the LE and XLE trims, plus even more.

For example, LED foglights, 19-inch wheels, a slightly raised suspension, a sunroof, a power liftgate, and simulated leather upholstery.

Edmunds loves the XLE Premium trim

First, Edmunds recommends buying the 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium. “The XLE Premium should be a sensible choice. It has all of the features of the base LE and XLE, including a full complement of advanced driver aids, plus some desirable extras such as a power liftgate, a sunroof and simulated leather upholstery.”

Desirable standard features like the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of safety features are imperative. Forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, keyless entry/ignition, a blind-spot monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more are included with all RAV4s. Plus, each version uses a four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower with optional all-wheel drive.

Car and Driver suggest the same 2022 Toyota RAV4

If you really want to test if a trim is the best, check with multiple experts. Car and Driver agree with Edmunds about which RAV4 to buy. It isn’t often that many critics agree on something, so that’s how we know it’s true. C/D perfectly explained that it’s tempting to go for higher trims for off-road capability or some extra luxurious features, but the XLE Premium has everything a driver truly needs.

“It provides plenty of standard equipment that the LE and XLE don’t offer, such as 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux-leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Toyota makes its suite of driver-assistance features standard across the lineup, so there’s not much reason to go with a pricier trim—unless, of course, you really want ventilated seats.”

1 Toyota RAV4 trim worth buying

In conclusion, there is only one 2022 Toyota RAV4 trim worth buying. If you’re interested in the compact SUV, the XLE Premium model is the way to go. While other offerings in the lineup are excellent, none provide as much bang for your buck. Finding value like the RAV4 XLE Premium offers is rare, so it’s easy to recommend taking advantage of it. That’s why we, along with other experts, recommend the mid-tier trim over other options.