Buying a new RAV4 but not sure which one is the right fit for you?
Nowadays, there are a bazillion options, and you can often get super lost in them.
In this article, find the differences between the base RAV4 model and the two trims; the Limited and Sport models. Find out which one is the right fit for you through a few simple comparisons!
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Toyota RAV4: Base Model Overview
The Toyota RAV4 of 2022 boasts excellent fuel efficiency, a sizable cargo area, and a comfy interior. Still, it isn’t as luxurious or exciting to drive as some of its trims.
The RAV4 has two rows of comfortable seats, a lot of safety technology, and a simple entertainment system.
However, you might be turned off by the touch screen’s poor graphics and slow response times, as well as how the engine might whine loudly while accelerating hard.
Is the RAV4 Base Model Worth It?
The RAV4 is a beautiful option for anyone looking for long-lasting value because it is functional, attractive, and reasonably priced.
As mentioned before, it has a lot of space and is an overall perfect car for families and adventurers.
All in all, yes, you will get good quality for your money for the RAV4 Base model.
What Does RAV4 Base Mean?
A car model’s base trim level, which is always the least expensive of that model, is referred to as a “base model car.”
There are frequently multiple iterations of each car model released by automakers.
The RAV4 has a lot of trims, but its base model is without unique additions. Still, it is a fantastic car!
RAV4 Base: Performance
Now let’s talk about the Base models’ performance.
You will learn about the engine and ride & handling.
RAV4 Base: Engine
The base variant of the current Toyota RAV4 has a four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission as its only means of propulsion.
The output for a base engine in the class is relatively high, producing generally good acceleration.
But also, because it prefers to be at higher speeds for greater fuel efficiency, it can be slow to downshift when you need more power.
RAV4 Base: Ride & Handling
This Toyota combines good handling with a smooth ride.
It doesn’t have the same lightness on its feet (or tires) as some other compact crossovers, but it handles turns well and has minimal body roll.
The suspension quickly absorbs larger road imperfections; however, some outside noise enters the interior.
Toyota RAV4: Limited Model Overview
The RAV4 Limited stands out from the crowd, offering excellent body rigidity, above-average handling, and an extensive list of bells and whistles that make driving enjoyable, especially on longer trips.
It may not be lavish, but it is unquestionably business class.
The Limited is well-equipped. There are features that will absolutely make your drive easy peasy. The car basically drives itself, and it offers a variety of buttons that will make your life easier. Keep reading to find out what makes the Limited so special.
What Is Special About RAV4 Limited?
With the Limited model, owners get a front passenger seat with power adjustment, heated and ventilated seating, a 9-inch touchscreen, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.
Additionally, choosing the Limited model gives you full access to everything.
A surround-view camera system, a panorama skylight, a heated wheel, a wireless power station, a digital rear mirror, and an integrated GPS are further options you may get for extra money.
RAV4 Limited: Performance
Now let’s talk about the Limited models’ performance.
You will learn about the engine and ride & handling, same as before when we talked about the Base model.
RAV4 Limited: Engine
Toyota RAV4 Limited has an exceptional engine.
It has a base engine of 2.5 L, Inline 4 cylinders. It is a strong engine that has 203hp, with a torque of 184.
It is an 8-speed shiftable automatic, and it is just perfect for drivers who love the comfy and quieter ride.
RAV4 Limited: Ride & Handling
The Toyota RAV4 Limited is a well-appointed luxury SUV with front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is also available.
The available all-wheel-drive system has enough power for a good safety experience in various circumstances.
The RAV4 Limited’s 8-speed automatic transmission has an advanced shift control system for quick and seamless gear changes.
All in all, the Limited RAV4 offers a smooth and quiet ride, as we stated before. It is an amazing advantage on the road!
Toyota RAV4: Sport Model Overview
For those who enjoy driving with a sense of adventure, the Toyota RAV4 Sport is an SUV with awards. Additionally, the Toyota RAV4 Sport offers excellent graphics right away.
There is no need to sacrifice performance or safety when Dynamic Torque-Control All-Wheel Drive is present, even when the weather is severely bad.
The RAV4 Sport is outfitted with an astonishing array of optional safety and driving aids.
RAV4 Sport: Performance
Now let’s talk about the Limited models’ performance.
You will learn about the engine and ride & handling, same as before.
RAV4 Sport: Engine
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder Toyota engine powers the RAV4 Sport.
The RAV4’s 176 horsepower and Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD System) make for an exhilarating driving experience.
For the AWD-i version, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower improves performance while providing excellent fuel economy.
RAV4 Sport: Ride & Handling
There is nothing more to add for the Sport model, compared to the Limited model.
It has an exceptional engine and offers a smooth and exciting ride.
A lot of noise won’t bug you, your RAV4 Sport will handle all the road bumps easily, and you can even be speedy without worrying about burnout.
What Is the Difference Between Toyota RAV4 Base and Limited?
A 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine in the Base RAV4 model with 203 horsepower powers every new-ish RAV4.
From that point, every Base RAV4 is wholly outfitted with almost all standard equipment, such as heated seats or a safety sense technology.
A base model is, as explained above, a model that has no additional and unique features, which, for example, the Limited edition has.
On the other hand, the RAV4 Limited has a distinctive and rugged design, and it embodies strength.
Large fender flares, a solid off-road look, and an imposing posture are all displayed on the vehicle’s bold front end, but its aerodynamic lines and streamlined shape highlight its upscale street appeal.
Of course, Limited models have more than the standard RAV4 Base model. Those additions are, for example, a front and rear parking sonar, or the Entune’s App that provides Destination search, iHeartRadio, Facebook Places, Yelp, Pandora, and much more.
What Is the Difference Between Toyota RAV4 Base and Sport?
An uninformed onlooker can mistake them for two distinct makes of cars due to the noticeable variation in appearance. The Sport has larger wheels and tires, a more muscular “stance,” and is raised off the ground.
The RAV4 Sport is the second-best vehicle after the RAV4. There is a lot of horsepower and an amazing torque, which is obvious. You would expect that from the Sport variant.
The Entune Audio system from Toyota offers a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Entune App Suite, HD radio, a heated driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
A cargo cover and 18-inch rims with LEDs daytime running lights are also included.
Which Toyota RAV4 Trim Is For Me?
Six model levels of the Toyota RAV4 are available for the 2022, for example.
All front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options are available, and each model has a four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Although the base model comes well-equipped with several infotainment systems and the Toyota Safety Sense package, upgrading to the Limited model, for example, is worthwhile for its extra comfort and convenience features.
Whichever one you opt for, you won’t be disappointed!
Luna Meschiari is a full-blooded car nut who is well known to local garages, as each article is meticulously researched and peppered with the latest piece of information. Guess what car she’s driving right now? A RAV4 2021 Hybrid. But her heart also sleeps for pickups like the F-150. Get to know Luna better on the about us page.
Advertising links are marked with *. We receive a small commission on sales, nothing changes for you.
