In most cases, when you hear the word "trim," it refers to something being minimized or reduced. Vehicles, on the other hand, are a different story. In the automotive world, a "trim" is a collection of optional features available for a model. Sometimes, paying more for a trim means you’re getting an upgrade in materials, features, functions, or even all three. If you’re looking for a 2024 Toyota RAV4 for sale, you may be wondering what the trim selection looks like and want to know more about what each trim brings to the table. How does the base model look, and is it worth your time and money? We’ll tell you all you need to know, so let’s start our discussion!
2024 RAV4 LE
The LE is the base 2024 RAV4 trim. This trim starts at $28,675––over $1,500 less than the succeeding trim.[a] The value of the RAV4 LE shines through with the standard feature set that positions it as a capable machine, both on the roads you travel every day and the paths less traveled. For example, all-wheel drive is available for buyers of the LE trim, and you can also opt for a Multi-Terrain Select System, otherwise known as MTS. This feature has several modes for whichever terrain or hazard you’re on. For example, there are modes for Normal, Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow.
Inside the 2024 RAV4 LE, there’s an eight-inch infotainment center with a surprising amount of amenities for the base model––features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Whether you’ve tried SiriusXM in the past or have only heard of it, you get a free three-month trial so that you can either enjoy your favorite music service for free or have an excellent opportunity to browse over 150 SiriusXM-exclusive radio stations for the first time.
The LE is powered by a 2.5L I-4 engine that produces 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain comes standard with every trim that isn’t a Hybrid or Prime model––the Prime variants are plug-in hybrids and can be plugged into an outlet to charge the battery. However, for today, we’re focusing on traditional gasoline-powered models. The 2.5L I-4 engine can tow up to 1,500 lbs on most trims but has a maximum capacity of 3,500 lbs on select trims.
Every 2024 RAV4 trim––including the LE––comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, meaning you’ll have all of the necessary components needed to experience the latest that Toyota offers. This includes quality-of-life features like Road Sign Assist, which displays speed limits so that you never have to wait for the next speed limit sign to double-check whether you’re going too fast or not, which can easily happen if you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar to you. This is coupled with features like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist, along with other features like Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and a helpful Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection.
2024 RAV4 XLE
The 2024 RAV4 XLE is a decent upgrade over the base LE trim. Many of the features from the LE carry over to the XLE with no fuss. This means the XLE has the same powertrain, along with the feature-rich infotainment center with all of the same built-in amenities. The XLE retains the 17-inch wheel size of the LE, but the XLE’s wheels are more stylish five-spoke light gray alloy wheels instead of the steel wheels from the base trim. However, the XLE also differs from the base trim in some meaningful ways.
For a trim that starts at $30,185, that extra money is put towards several quality-of-life enhancements and some that can be large difference makers when you least expect it.[a] Say that you’re traveling with someone on a hot day and prefer your side of the vehicle to be ice cold, but they find your preference to be too cold. Instead of one person not having it their way, the XLE adds a dual-zone automatic climate control system, meaning you and whoever is sitting beside you can determine how hot or cold they are.
Some other features help you in more serious ways. For example, the XLE comes standard with a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which are only optional features on the LE. These features watch for approaching vehicles in your blind spots and can help prevent accidents. Speaking of visibility, driving at night will be easier to navigate thanks to built-in LED projector headlights.
2024 RAV4 XLE Premium
The XLE Premium starts at an MSRP of $33,075 and is an extension of the XLE, building upon it with more luxurious features and materials.[a] For starters, the wheel size is increased from 17 inches on the preceding trims up to 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Other exterior upgrades include the standard power-adjustable power liftgate and the Smart Key System that lets you unlock the car without pulling out the key fob.
The XLE Premium has the best XLE features you’d expect, including the same LED projector headlights from the XLE for added visibility, and performance remains the same as we already established. You also retain the amazing addition of the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert from the XLE, but what makes the XLE Premium any different?
Inside the XLE Premium, there are upgrades you’re likely to immediately notice. Complementing the clean premium style of the interior are SofTex-trimmed seats, which is a leatherette designed to give the aesthetic of genuine leather without any of the headaches that could potentially cause, such as pricier detailing and repairs. There’s also a power moonroof in the XLE Premium that you can either tilt or slide with its power controls.
2024 RAV4 Adventure
The Adventure is an aptly named RAV4 trim. If your driving preferences include off-roading, the Adventure is where you should start your search. The Adventure starts at an MSRP of $34,870, and while it is powered by the same 2.5L I-4 engine, it has several features that help this trim perform more adequately when traveling off the beaten path.[a]
An example of how the Adventure separates itself from the trims we’ve mentioned so far is Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive coming standard. You may notice the Adventure is the first trim that doesn’t have front-wheel drive standard. However, what you may not realize is that the Dynamic Torque Vectoring system is completely different from what is available in the lower trims, adding extra computer-controlled clutches to distribute power between the wheels. Ultimately, these features help.
All of the best parts about the other RAV4 trims we’ve discussed are here, including a bit from every trim. There are the 19-inch wheels from the XLE Premium but with a more midnight-colored styling thanks to a matte-black design, which looks stunning, especially when combined with body colors like Army Green and Midnight Black Metallic.
The SofTex seats are also here, including the power-adjustable driver’s seat, but add adventurous orange accents and stitching. The Adventure is great because it allows you to bring that incredible RAV4 experience to more places. The 120V AC power outlet in the back of the vehicle provides a perfect example of this.
2024 RAV4 TRD Off-Road
Did you think the Adventure was the only off-roading-oriented trim? There’s also the TRD Off-Road, which is equipped to handle even tougher terrain than the Adventure can handle. The starting price of the TRD Off-Road sits at a higher $38,295, but that money is well-spent and put towards some more enthusiast-grade off-roading essentials.[a] The Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system comes standard with the TRD Off-Road along with 18-inch wheels wrapped with Falken all-terrain tires.
The biggest differentiator between the TRD Off-Road and the other trims is a TRD-tuned suspension. This makes all the difference in more serious off-road scenarios and can turn your RAV4 into something that’s ready for more than practical everyday use. However, there’s another addition to the TRD Off-Road that separates it from the pack: an upgraded infotainment center. Because features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with every trim, the main benefit of the 10.5-inch infotainment center is a larger, more detailed, and better-quality screen that adds a more modern flare to the interior’s aesthetic.
2024 RAV4 Limited
While the TRD Off-Road caters to the off-roaders with a price tag to match, the Limited reels it back slightly and is instead offered at an MSRP of $36,980.[a] The Limited is a luxury-oriented trim, with several features coming standard that either aren’t available on other trims or are optional. For example, the Limited is the only trim to come standard with heated and ventilated front seats or to offer heated rear seats.
You can opt for an upgraded Smart Key System with the Limited that not only works on the front doors and liftgate but for all four doors. There is even a convenient hands-free power liftgate. The Limited is also the only trim where a digitized dashboard comes standard, which is a 12.3-inch screen that displays all of your gauge information along with over a dozen more indicators it can show––you can customize it to always show what you need and switching between what’s on the screen is a breeze.
The Limited is the only trim where a JBL premium audio system comes standard. This audio system has 11 speakers in the cabin that include a subwoofer and amplifier to breathe such new life into your music that it’ll be like re-experiencing some of your favorite songs while on the road. The JBL audio system is available on the XLE Premium and TRD Off-Road, but it comes standard with the RAV4 Limited.
Like the audio system, the Limited is also the only trim where Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking comes standard. An upgraded camera system is available that includes a 360-degree view of your surroundings, a birds-eye angle, and much more. Ultimately, the Limited is the safest trim, thanks to these additions to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5.
Trims Play a Large Role!
You may have gotten the impression throughout your reading that trims are a big deal. You’d be correct because manufacturers sometimes reserve the truly great stuff for the higher-end versions of products. With that said, the RAV4 is unique because even the base trim is such an amazing package, so if you’re playing it safe and buying the standard RAV4 experience, you won’t be disappointed. Those who dig deeper and buy a higher-end trim, however, will be well taken care of by Toyota because the RAV4 can quickly go from an excellent experience to an incredible one.
