While quieter than when introduced for 2019, the RAV4’s 2.5L four is still not paragon of refinement but not that much noisier than most competitors. The engine is quick, flexible, very economical and generates a thoroughbred soundtrack at high revs. When introduced, the RAV4’s eight-speed-speed automatic transmission was criticized for some indecision and rough shifts during low-speed operation. The transmission now works very well. Despite our tester being the off-road-oriented Trail TRD Off-Road trim, its ride is compliant with no road shocks reaching the occupants. The off-road-specific Falken tires on our tester gripped well enough on paved surfaces and acted with the RAV’s suspension to deliver predictable handling and a feeling of control to the driver.

The RAV’s steering is nicely weighted, precise and even serves up a scintilla of road feel. With a firm pedal and no lost motion, braking is reassuring. Other than an engine that intrudes somewhat on brisk acceleration from a stop, the RAV4, with reasonably-suppressed road noise and little wind noise, is an acceptably refined vehicle for its class. The powerful air-conditioning of the RAV4 keeps occupants cool in the most torrid summer conditions. The high-end Trail TRD Off-Road trim gives the driver the ability to direct, or restrict air flow to the rear compartment at the push of a button, allowing stronger airflow to the front compartment if the rear seat is vacant. The JBL-branded audio system is quite sonorous and drivers can totally turn off the infotainment screen to better enjoy a drive-in movie. Cellphone hookup is easy and the voice command works well.

Like most current Toyotas, the RAV4 is built on Toyota’s TNGA architecture. The sole engine offered in the conventional RAV4 is a normally-aspirated 2.5L four. Power finds its way to the wheels via a hydraulic eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant combines the efforts of the 2.5L four and the electric motor; sending power to the front wheels via a CVT. On all-wheel drive hybrids, the rear wheels are driven electrically. A PHEV, called the Prime, is catalogued but delivery times are so long that the car is not really available.

All RAVs are all-wheel drive this year. With blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and heated front seats, the base LE is reasonably equipped. The XLE adds alloy wheels, a sunroof, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate, rain-sense wipers, roof rails and a number of minor features and is very good value. The XLE Premium includes an alarm system, various cargo nets, some upgraded trim, bigger wheels, fog lights and a memory system but is  overpriced. Compared with the XLE, the Trail increases towing capacity to 1587 kg (3500 lb), an improved rear differerential, fog lights, and wireless cellphone charging, and is good value. Compared with the XLE, the Limited upgrade includes a 360 degree camera, rear parking sonar, heated rear seat, ventilated front seats, garage-door openers, a JBL stereo but not the increased tow capacity of the Trail, and is spectacularly overpriced.

Hybrid: the rear wheels are driven electrically. On the Luxury (L) trims, the base LE, with alloy wheels and heated seats, is reasonably well equipped. Upgrading to the XLE adds touch-activated locking, a sunroof, power tailgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a JBL-branded audio system at a good price. The new XLE Woodland variant includes bigger wheels, TRD suspension tuning, roof cross bars, a cargo mat and a tailgate area 120V powerpoint but lacks value for the price bump. The XLE Premium package adds the bigger wheels and fog lights, lacks the upgraded suspension and roof rails but includes a memory system, cargo nets and an alarm system but is overpriced. Comparing the Limited to the base XLE adds an alarm system, wireless cellphone charging, rear parking sonar and rear auto stop, a 360 degree camera system, a garage door opener, power passenger seat, ventilated front and hear rear seats, fog lights, bigger wheels and a JBL-branded audio system but is significantly overpriced. Compared with the SE, the XSE adds a JBL-branded audio system, a black-painted roof, alarm system, garage door opener and an alarm system but is priced a bit higher than the value of the content. The XSE Tech package includes a memory system, foot gesture tailgate operation, a 360 degree camera system, rear parking sonar and reverse braking and wireless cellphone charging but is overpriced.

The hybrid models are priced from $1800 (LE) to $2200 higher than a conventional variant of the same trim level. However, with Toyota unwilling to build hybrid cars for Canada, delivery delays are so long that the car is not really available.

The Prime is showroom phantom and delivery times are in years, rendering the car more myth that reality.

Above average reliability predicted. The previous RAV4 was very reliable. Both versions of the RAV4 should exhibit above average durability.