2024 Toyota RAV4

Pros: Something-for-everyone variants; strong fuel economy; available plug-in hybrid; reliability and resale value Cons: Unrefined powertrains; tech interface can frustrate; less luxurious than rivals It may seem hard to believe, but 2019 was a long time ago. Or wait, does it feel like it was 100 years ago? Either way, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 represents the sixth model year since the best-selling compact SUV was totally redesigned. It was a thoroughly impressive redesign, which injected character and capability into what had been a rather dull product, but as they say, time moves on. Importantly, so does the competition, and the RAV4 is now one of the segment’s elder statesmen. The Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and most notably, Honda CR-V have all been redesigned in recent years and in many ways are stronger than the RAV4 as a result. All of that said, we still recommend the 2024 RAV4 due to its unmatched variety of trim levels, exceptional fuel economy and long-term ownership prospects. Quite simply, it’ll still make sense for a lot of buyers. The hybrids in particular, including the Prime plug-in hybrid, are our top choices given their superior fuel economy and performance. Plus, with the introduction of the Woodland Edition last year, there is now a hybrid answer to the more rugged, gas-only Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. Should you be more into a sportier vibe, the SE and XSE remain exclusive to Hybrid are the best RAV4s to drive on-road. Really, there’s something for everyone, along with a solid backbone of well-rounded practicality. So, how has it fallen behind, then? Well, the gas-only and hybrid powertrains are louder and less refined. Toyota’s infotainment system is a tolerate-or-hate-it proposition. The cabin design isn’t as premium in appearance or materials as many rivals. There are then plenty of smaller things that one competitor or another just does a bit better. Basically, nothing deal-breaking per se, but it makes for a tougher choice between the RAV4 and those newer, very impressive rivals. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2024? Last year’s new Woodland Edition gets the most attention this year with the addition of a new two-tone paint option, a 1¼-inch “activity mount” pictured above (it’s a trailer hitch you can plug bike racks into rather than a trailer), and a new Weather package that adds heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Woodland, Adventure and TRD Off-Road are also now available in Army Green, which dates back to the FJ Cruiser as a Toyota SUV favorite. It is pictured above and just looks sensational with the Woodland's bronze wheels.   What are the RAV4 interior and in-car technology like? Interior materials are acceptably average for the RAV4's compact crossover class, and much better than past generations. Materials and build quality are excellent. That said, the RAV4 never achieves the near-luxury vibe of its …
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