Latest news with #RAV4
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Now ‘replaced' Toyota named world's best selling car of 2024
Despite being seven-years old, the RAV4 ranked above the Tesla Model 3 and the Corolla to become the best-selling nameplate of the previous 12 months. Based on research from 153 markets, the world's best-selling car of 2024 has been named. Image: Toyota With the all-new generation having made its world premiere two months ago, the outgoing Toyota RAV4 has been named world's best-selling vehicle of 2024 by the smallest of margins. This, according to a reported six-month research and data gathered from 153 markets by renowned automotive analyst Felipe Munoz, which also saw Toyota products occupy five of the top 10 slots. Global top 10 Combining sales with its Chinese sibling, the Wildlander, the RAV4 raked-in figures of 1 187 000 units, an improvement of 11% from its offset in 2023. Taking second place, the Tesla Model 3 moved 1 185 000 units, a drop of three percent from 2023. Occupying third, the Toyota Corolla Cross, and its Chinese offshoot, the Frontlander, amassed sales of 859 000 units, followed by the Honda CR-V and its Far East derivative, the Breeze, on 854 000. Completing the top five, the Toyota Corolla Sedan and its Levin sibling marketed in the People's Republic, recorded a drop of 11%, yet still delivered 697 000 vehicles globally. NOW READ: South Africa's top 20 mid-year best-sellers of 2025 revealed Outside the top five, the venerable Toyota Hilux edged-out the Ford F-150 as the world's best-selling bakkies with sales of 617 000 versus 595 000, despite being over a decade old. Finishing eighth, the Toyota Camry posted a sales drop of eight percent, but still managed to shift 593 000 units compared to the 560 000 of the ninth placed Tesla Model 3. At the base of the top 10, the BYD Qin entered as the sole Chinese conceptualised product, with an offset of 502 000 units. Sales in South Africa As a comparison, both the Hilux and Corolla Cross ranked in the top five of South Africa's best-sellers of 2024, with the former taking first place with sales of 32 656, and the latter fourth on 21 861. So far, the first half of 2025 has yielded sales of 16 526 for the Hilux and 9 576 for the Corolla Cross, split by the Ford Ranger (12 398), Suzuki Swift (11 948), Volkswagen Polo Vivo (11 310) and Isuzu D-Max (9 846). NOW READ: Who made the cut? South Africa's top 15 best-sellers of 2024
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Thinking about a Toyota or Lexus SUV? Here's the Full SUV and Truck Lineup Explained
Buyers looking for a rugged off-roader from Toyota are spoiled for choice. The brand has been a leader in 4x4s since the original Land Cruiser became the first vehicle to reach the sixth checkpoint at Mount Fuji in 1951. That history continues today with a massive selection of pickup trucks, crossovers, and SUVs meant to reach just about every off-road buyer and mainstream shopper in the country. Many of these SUVs and trucks are built on the same body-on-frame platform, and Toyota sells such a variety of models that there's plenty of overlap between them in terms of size and price. So here we've explained the differences between the various SUVs and pickups (excluding a few of the more road-focused car-based crossover offerings). This list is ranked from least to most expensive. Many of these models are also sold as hybrids, but we've listed nonhybrid starting prices except for in the case of the hybrid-only Land Cruiser and Sequoia. Here are the most capable vehicles Toyota sells today, including two SUV models sold under the Lexus luxury brand. More Car Rankings: Best SUVs | Best Hybrid SUVs | Best Off-Road Vehicles | Cheapest SUVs | SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage | Best Electric SUVs2025 RAV4 starting price: $30,700 Toyota's crossover lineup in the U.S. actually starts with the subcompact Corolla Cross, but the compact RAV4 is the brand's bread and butter SUV. The small crossover is a sales behemoth and should continue to be a popular choice as it enters the freshly revealed new generation that arrives for the 2026 model year. This is a road-focused car rather than an off-roader, but it comes with some level of baseline capability that will get most buyers to campsites at the end of tamer off-road trails. Toyota is also offering a Woodland trim level (pictured) with rugged design tweaks. There's Also a GR-Sport PHEV With 320 HPStarting price: $33,185 The Tacoma is the most affordable of the many SUVs and trucks built on Toyota's popular TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. As a mid-size pickup, it offers both a bed and serious off-road capability in a more reasonably sized package than the full-size Tundra. A huge span of off-road trims, including the range-topping Trailhunter and TRD Pro variants, lets buyers choose exactly what they need based on how they plan to use their truck. A turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine is standard, and a hybrid version of that engine with extra power is optional. Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro reviewStarting price: $41,315 The Highlander is another crossover, one size up from the smaller RAV4 and equally focused on the road rather than the trail. This is the smaller of two Highlander sizes (the Grand Highlander also on this list is its big sibling), but the pair are technically separate models. It comes standard with three rows of seats and offers the choice of either a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a hybrid powertrain that delivers better fuel economy. How the Highlander's Engine Is Different from the Tacoma'sStarting price: $42,185 Toyota's full-size pickup is yet another model built on the TNGA-F platform. The Tundra stands apart from its mid-size brethren with considerable size to match the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado half-ton pickups. Like its American rivals, Toyota offers both a high-end luxury and a high-end off-road variant of the Tundra to meet different kinds of truck buyers. Nonhybrid and hybrid versions of a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine in various output levels are available. The Capstone, the top luxury trim of the Tundra, starts at over $80,000. The TRD Pro Is a True Bro-DozerStarting price: $42,265 Much like the similar-looking Tacoma, the 4Runner is a mid-size product that has long served as an anchor in Toyota's American off-road lineup. It's also built on the TNGA-F platform. Its place in the brand hierarchy is a little different now that Toyota also offers the Land Cruiser Prado in America, but the 4Runner is considerably less expensive to start, and its wide range of trim levels help it reach a wider range of buyers. It also offers an optional third-row seat, unlike the Land Cruiser. The beloved roll-down rear window stuck around for the newest generation, too. Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road reviewedStarting price: $42,355 Yes, this is a different thing from a standard Highlander. Despite some famous insistences made in a 1980s action movie of the same name, there can apparently be two Highlanders. The Grand variant of the Highlander is also a crossover SUV with three rows of seats, but it's a bit larger than its relative, adding some cabin room and cargo space. It also offers a more powerful hybrid powertrain called Hybrid Max that has 362 horsepower. Toyota Grand Highlander drivenStarting price: $58,195 Although it is called just Land Cruiser in America, the latest generation of the brand's flagship off-roader is actually a smaller SUV known globally as the Land Cruiser Prado. Though Toyota previously sold the full-size Land Cruiser in the U.S. until 2021, that larger model is now offered only in the U.S. as the Lexus LX (found lower on this list). The new Land Cruiser is a two-row, five-passenger SUV, and a third row of seats is not available. Unlike the 4Runner and Tacoma that can be had in cheaper road-focused trim levels, the Land Cruiser is only available as a higher-priced SUV capable of serious off-roading, and it comes only with a hybrid powertrain that uses a four-cylinder gas engine. Toyota Land Cruiser drivenStarting price: $64,520 The Sequoia is, effectively, the SUV version of the Tundra. That means it packs plenty of capability and comfort, but fewer available trim levels mean that the SUV cannot be had cheap. It also comes only with a hybrid version of the twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine found in the Tundra. It competes with full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Toyota Sequoia reviewedStarting prices: $65,370 (Tacoma), $68,895 (4Runner), $74,605 (Tundra), $82,390 (Sequoia) The Toyota 4Runner, Sequoia, Tundra, and Tacoma are offered in a special trim level called TRD Pro that includes numerous off-road upgrades. The TRD Pro models are all offered only with hybrid powertrains. These models are pictured here in a special color that's new for 2026 called Wavemaker. We Compare the Tacoma TRD Pro with the Raptor and ZR2Starting price: $65,685 Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, offers several pleasant luxury crossovers such as the NX and RX that are popular choices. Those are nice, but the really interesting work is being done in the brand's more conventional body-on-frame SUVs. The GX might be the one to have of all the Toyota truck products currently on sale today. It rides on the same TNGA-F platform and shares much with the Land Cruiser. But it offers a potent mix of on-road sophistication, off-road capability, and an all-important V-6 engine not available in the Land Cruiser or 4Runner. It also is available with a third-row seat. Starting price: $106,950 The LX is the current king of the Toyota truck lineup, a massive and luxurious crown jewel in the brand's slate of TNGA-F–platform products. As the way that U.S. buyers can get the current generation of full-size Toyota Land Cruiser, it is one of the more impressive off-roaders of any sort on the market today. Since this is also a flagship luxury product for Lexus, it is a sophisticated SUV complete with a particularly plush interior. The LX 600 comes with the twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6, and the LX 700h has the hybrid version of that engine. Lexus LX reviewed You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Toyota RAV4 Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences Between The New Compact Crossovers
2026 Toyota RAV4 Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences Between The New Compact Crossovers originally appeared on Autoblog. Two of the most important compact crossovers sold in the United States have now been fully revealed in the space of a month or two. It started with the sixth-generation RAV4, which was shown in May, while this week, Mazda lifted the covers off its third-generation CX-5. Although we don't know all the specifications of these models yet, the manufacturers have shared enough for us to pick out five distinct differences between them. They may compete in the same segment, but they're not for exactly the same type of buyer. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The Toyota RAV4 has always been a slightly more rugged alternative to the classy, polished CX-5, and that hasn't changed when assessing the designs of these all-new generations of each. Where the new RAV4 relies on squared-off lines and angular body creases, the CX-5 prefers curvier proportions inspired by Mazda's Kodo design philosophy. Toyota has perhaps made more of a leap with the new RAV4: From its wraparound lights to distinct trim levels, such as the adventure-focused Woodland, there appears to be more variety in the RAV4's visual presentation. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Inside, it's a similar story. The RAV4 has a sportier look, especially on GR Sport models with their red trim. The new CX-5 features a more serene environment, glossier surfaces, and a less cluttered look. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Both models have taken steps forward in terms of infotainment tech. In the Toyota, a 10.5-inch touchscreen is standard, making way for a 12.9-inch unit on upper trims. However, Toyota has retained many large, legible buttons for things like the driving mode and climate control temperature. Mazda's new CX-5 features an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest one ever equipped to a Mazda model, and easily trumps the size of the one in the Toyota. It's not known what size the standard touchscreen will be in the CX-5. What surprises us most for a brand like Mazda that has resisted touchscreens in the past is that the new CX-5 largely does away with physical controls - below the massive touchscreen, all you'll find are three buttons: One for the hazards and two for the defrosting functions. Even the old rotary controller is gone. Based on the respective layouts, the CX-5 has a classier cabin but the RAV4's one appears easier to operate. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article To complement their new display screens, both models have taken a leap forward in terms of software. The new RAV4 debuts Toyota's new Arene software development platform, which enables both new infotainment functions and driver-assistant features. Toyota touts improvements like a better voice assistant, a convenient home button (whether operating the system natively or with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and updates to the driver-assist features within the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite. Mazda's new infotainment system in the CX-5 gets standard Google built-in, so Google-based apps are easily integrated. The setup includes Google Gemini, a smart AI assistant, and a range of apps from the Google Play Store. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Under the hood, there are quite a few differences. The new RAV4 now relies on hybrid power exclusively, with the base model being a conventional hybrid system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 226 horsepower with standard front-wheel drive and 236 hp with optional all-wheel drive. Mazda's base engine may come as a disappointment to some. It sticks with a non-hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, so the base RAV4 should be easily quicker. The Mazda does get standard AWD, though, and a six-speed automatic. Moving up the trim structure, Toyota's weapon is a plug-in hybrid RAV4 with AWD and a stunning output of 320 hp. Besides the fact that it'll be one of the quickest Toyotas, it promises an all-electric range of 50 miles. Mazda has confirmed that it will launch a hybrid option for the CX-5 in 2027, but it's not expected to be a plug-in system. Although no technical details have been supplied, Drive reports that this new hybrid will have performance that's equal to or better than the CX-5's current turbo, which makes 256 hp. As things stand now, the RAV4 looks like a better performer, although the CX-5 has historically been more enjoyable to drive. We'll have to wait to get behind the wheel of both to see if that's still true. The RAV4 has always offered something for adventure-minded drivers, and that's still the case with the 2026 model. The new RAV4 Woodland will come with both hybrid powertrains, and although not a true off-roader, its higher ride height and all-terrain tires will make it a bit more capable over rough surfaces. This variant will also have a unique design, with a raised front-end and Rigid Industries LED lighting. Off-road trims of everyday crossovers have become popular, so this is a smart move by Toyota - Honda's popular TrailSport models and Subaru's Wilderness crossovers are other examples. Over at Mazda, no trim structure has been shared yet, but there was also no mention at all of any off-road pretensions. Mazda has left the mild off-roader stuff to the CX-50, saying it believes fully that these two compact crossovers can co-exist in the same segment. While many modern crossovers can be hard to tell apart, we appreciate that the new Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are not easily confused. As it did before, the Toyota digs deeper into hybridization, off-roading, and performance with its new PHEV. Mazda already sells the CX-50, so the new CX-5 is positioned as a more luxurious, high-tech, and refined vehicle. We expect its upper trims to be packed with features and impressive materials. The only question mark that remains with the Mazda is in the powertrain department - it will be at a distinct disadvantage compared to the Toyota until Mazda launches its new hybrid. The new RAV4 is scheduled to arrive first, later this year. In early 2026, it will be joined by the new CX-5. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences Between The New Compact Crossovers first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 12, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2026 Toyota RAV4 Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences Between The New Compact Crossovers
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. These compact crossovers have distinct personalities Two of the most important compact crossovers sold in the United States have now been fully revealed in the space of a month or two. It started with the sixth-generation RAV4, which was shown in May, while this week, Mazda lifted the covers off its third-generation CX-5. Although we don't know all the specifications of these models yet, the manufacturers have shared enough for us to pick out five distinct differences between them. They may compete in the same segment, but they're not for exactly the same type of buyer. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen Audi reveals sporty new A5/S5 with an emphasis on design Watch More 1. RAV4 More Rugged, CX-5 More Elegant 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport 2026 Mazda CX-5 2026 Mazda CX-5 The Toyota RAV4 has always been a slightly more rugged alternative to the classy, polished CX-5, and that hasn't changed when assessing the designs of these all-new generations of each. Where the new RAV4 relies on squared-off lines and angular body creases, the CX-5 prefers curvier proportions inspired by Mazda's Kodo design philosophy. Toyota has perhaps made more of a leap with the new RAV4: From its wraparound lights to distinct trim levels, such as the adventure-focused Woodland, there appears to be more variety in the RAV4's visual presentation. Inside, it's a similar story. The RAV4 has a sportier look, especially on GR Sport models with their red trim. The new CX-5 features a more serene environment, glossier surfaces, and a less cluttered look. 2. Larger Touchscreen And Fewer Buttons For Mazda Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Both models have taken steps forward in terms of infotainment tech. In the Toyota, a 10.5-inch touchscreen is standard, making way for a 12.9-inch unit on upper trims. However, Toyota has retained many large, legible buttons for things like the driving mode and climate control temperature. Mazda's new CX-5 features an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest one ever equipped to a Mazda model, and easily trumps the size of the one in the Toyota. It's not known what size the standard touchscreen will be in the CX-5. What surprises us most for a brand like Mazda that has resisted touchscreens in the past is that the new CX-5 largely does away with physical controls – below the massive touchscreen, all you'll find are three buttons: One for the hazards and two for the defrosting functions. Even the old rotary controller is gone. Based on the respective layouts, the CX-5 has a classier cabin but the RAV4's one appears easier to operate. 3. New Software: Toyota's Arene Meets Google Built-In To complement their new display screens, both models have taken a leap forward in terms of software. The new RAV4 debuts Toyota's new Arene software development platform, which enables both new infotainment functions and driver-assistant features. Toyota touts improvements like a better voice assistant, a convenient home button (whether operating the system natively or with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and updates to the driver-assist features within the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite. Mazda's new infotainment system in the CX-5 gets standard Google built-in, so Google-based apps are easily integrated. The setup includes Google Gemini, a smart AI assistant, and a range of apps from the Google Play Store. 4. CX-5 Sticks With Non-Hybrid Standard Engine Under the hood, there are quite a few differences. The new RAV4 now relies on hybrid power exclusively, with the base model being a conventional hybrid system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 226 horsepower with standard front-wheel drive and 236 hp with optional all-wheel drive. Mazda's base engine may come as a disappointment to some. It sticks with a non-hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, so the base RAV4 should be easily quicker. The Mazda does get standard AWD, though, and a six-speed automatic. Moving up the trim structure, Toyota's weapon is a plug-in hybrid RAV4 with AWD and a stunning output of 320 hp. Besides the fact that it'll be one of the quickest Toyotas, it promises an all-electric range of 50 miles. Source: Toyota Mazda has confirmed that it will launch a hybrid option for the CX-5 in 2027, but it's not expected to be a plug-in system. Although no technical details have been supplied, Drive reports that this new hybrid will have performance that's equal to or better than the CX-5's current turbo, which makes 256 hp. As things stand now, the RAV4 looks like a better performer, although the CX-5 has historically been more enjoyable to drive. We'll have to wait to get behind the wheel of both to see if that's still true. 5. Off-Road-Focused RAV4 Trims Source: Toyota The RAV4 has always offered something for adventure-minded drivers, and that's still the case with the 2026 model. The new RAV4 Woodland will come with both hybrid powertrains, and although not a true off-roader, its higher ride height and all-terrain tires will make it a bit more capable over rough surfaces. This variant will also have a unique design, with a raised front-end and Rigid Industries LED lighting. Off-road trims of everyday crossovers have become popular, so this is a smart move by Toyota – Honda's popular TrailSport models and Subaru's Wilderness crossovers are other examples. Over at Mazda, no trim structure has been shared yet, but there was also no mention at all of any off-road pretensions. Mazda has left the mild off-roader stuff to the CX-50, saying it believes fully that these two compact crossovers can co-exist in the same segment. Final Thoughts Source: Toyota/Mazda While many modern crossovers can be hard to tell apart, we appreciate that the new Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are not easily confused. As it did before, the Toyota digs deeper into hybridization, off-roading, and performance with its new PHEV. Mazda already sells the CX-50, so the new CX-5 is positioned as a more luxurious, high-tech, and refined vehicle. We expect its upper trims to be packed with features and impressive materials. The only question mark that remains with the Mazda is in the powertrain department – it will be at a distinct disadvantage compared to the Toyota until Mazda launches its new hybrid. The new RAV4 is scheduled to arrive first, later this year. In early 2026, it will be joined by the new CX-5. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Blog
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
5 Reasons I'd Buy the XSE Trim of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Over the Limited
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The top trim level isn't always the best Like most cars of this model year, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 hybrid comes in a wide variety of choices—nine in total. You can get it in front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, gas-only (next year they'll be hybrid-only), a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid. Having so many options for a wider array of buyers helps keep the RAV4 in the top five charts of best-selling Toyotas, and after driving one for a week, I now understand why every other car I see in Bend, Oregon, is an AWD RAV4. They're not too big, not too small, can fit the family and everyday gear, have decent power, and achieve incredible mileage. It was a great car for my two toddlers, too. Source: Kristen Brown The model I drove for a week was the XSE, which is a step below the oh-so-fancy Limited trim. The Limited is the top-shelf model before we get into PHEV territory, with a starting price of $42,355. The XSE's starting price is $39,710. There's an almost $3,000 difference between the two models, and after discussing stats, features, and styling differences with my father-in-law, who just bought a Limited a few months ago, I'd pick the XSE AWD hybrid over the Limited any day. Here are five reasons I feel that way. 1. Styling-wise, I prefer the XSE's black accenting From the outside, the XSE and the Limited look very similar. But what I noticed right away was the black, glossy 18-inch wheels on the XSE and the silver wheels on the Limited. I'm a black wheel girl through and through, and subscribe to the idea that black wheels look good on any car in any color. Black wheels aren't as 'classy' as silver wheels, but they're charming, and they make a car feel sleeker and less mom-like. The mirrors on the XSE are black, no matter what paint color you have, and this follows along with my previous point. Black accenting rules. My father-in-law thought the black mirrors, grille, black roof lining instead of paint-matching, and black accenting decals on the fog lights made the RAV4 look cheap, but I disagree. The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the large, silver plastic piece on the bumper. It distracted from the blacked-out theme and seemed out of place. In my opinion, it made it look a bit cheap. However, the Limited trim has that silver bumper piece, too, but it looked a little more cohesive with the Limited's silver wheels and grille. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Kristen Brown Side note, the shocks and springs on the XSE were painted the same color as the outside, and I liked being able to see that peeking over the glossy black wheels. Is it necessary? No–but I felt like it was a nice touch. Sort of like when you complete an outfit with a pair of shoes that bring out the quieter color. 2. The interior layout was the same, but I preferred the theme in the XSE The Limited offers more options for interior color, available in black, tan, or ash. I do have to say, the Limited is charming with the tan color as it comes with a slightly darker contrast stitching, but I don't think it's worth paying extra for (unless, of course, you were looking for a more expensive feel out of your RAV4). In the XSE, the seats were leather, but they had a cloth center on the back and bottom. The seats in the Limited were full leather. Unlike the Limited, the only interior color choice for the XSE is black. Source: Kristen Brown Normally, I despise black interiors, but the XSE I drove was Calvalry blue with the midnight black metallic roof that had a subtle but beautiful sparkle in the sun. The seats were black, but came with bright blue contrast stitching that complemented the color on the outside. And, dare I say it, lent it an almost sporty look. The blue stitching was on the dashboard and doors, too, and it helped break up all the black and give it a bit of personality. 3. With the powertrain and MPG figures being the same, I had a hard time justifying the price difference Both the Limited and the XSE have the same proven powerplant: the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with an 18.1-kWh battery pack and a CVT. During my week-long test, I was getting an astonishing average of 36.2 mpg. When I switched it from 'Normal' to 'Eco,' it went up to 36.3. Granted, that was halfway through my loan, so I can say that the Eco mode works. If you spent all of your driving time in Eco mode, I would bet you'd see 40 mpg, if not very close to it. The XSE was smooth, had a decent amount of pull under the pedal, and I was very grateful to have it when traffic from Bend to La Pine hit. Source: Kristen Brown Since there are no differences between the two power-wise, the main difference was the full-leather seats and the exterior accenting being silver and chrome instead of black. I would understand the price difference being that high if there were a separation in performance, but there isn't. Not even in the suspension or braking setup. 4. The XSE can come with the same options as the Limited, for noticeably less When we look at both models at the base, there's not much to them. Both have a 10.5-inch center screen, but things like a sunroof, digital rearview mirror, an all-weather package, and 'advanced technology package' are all add-ons for either trim level. If either model doesn't have any of the add-ons, the only difference between them is the exterior accenting colors, seat materials, and color options for the interior and exterior. And, of course, the starting price. The XSE starts at $37,560 while the Limited starts at $42,355. Source: Kristen Brown For the Limited, the advanced technology goodies, which include a bigger multi-information display (12.3 inches), 360-degree panoramic view while parking or low-speed driving, curb view, parking assistance with automatic braking, smart key functionality for all doors and the liftgate, and a wireless phone charger, are a $1,025 add-on. For the XSE, the same technology costs $2,010. The Limited comes with the 11-speaker JBL sound system (with a dedicated subwoofer), while it's a $580 add-on for the XSE. At the base, neither trim comes with the large panoramic sunroof that my daughters adored. For both models, that's an extra $500. Neither comes with an all-weather package from the factory, either. A windshield wiper warmer, all-weather mats for the footwells and cargo area, a better defroster function, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors are expensive add-ons. For the XSE, it's $375, while the Limited's package is a whopping $815. However, it's more expensive because it includes seat heaters for the rear seats, while the XSE doesn't offer that. Source: Kristen Brown Here's where it gets interesting: when you add all the possible options for the XSE, including the optional fog light accent decals, protection package (which includes wheel locks), cargo liner, and door sill protectors that came with my tester, the total MSRP came to $43,728. For the Limited, adding the same extras brought the total to $46,667. You might be thinking, 'That's not too bad, I'll take the leather, chrome, and heated rear seats.' And that's fine–but that's MSRP. When you look up how much dealerships are trying to get for these models, though, the price difference is glaring. The average cost of a 2025 Toyota RAV4 Limited with all the add-ons was $51,825. For the XSE with all the extras, though, the average cost is, oddly, $44,648. 5. The XSE's Calgary Blue color was enough to convince me This one is picky, I acknowledge that. However, that Calgary Blue color is truly a showstopper. It's such a nice break away from the boring silver, white, black, or candy apple red colors. The Limited doesn't offer that pastel blue color, and I think that's a shame. Instead, your choices are Blueprint Blue, which is such a dark blue it almost looks black, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flame Pearl (an extra $425, by the way), white, grey, or a gunmetal gray color. Boring. The XSE can come in the same lighter gray as the Limited, silver, gunmetal gray, and white. And, of course, Calgary Blue (which doesn't cost extra). It's my favorite color on a Toyota I've seen, aside from Mud Bath on the 4Runner and that forest green that comes on the Woodland trim of the RAV4. Source: Kristen Brown That exterior color paired with the blue accent stitching helped it stand out from the crowd, and I liked that, especially since most people who own RAV4s look at them as an appliance rather than as an extension of themselves. If I owned the XSE in that color, I would be proud to say I own a robin egg RAV4. Final thoughts The beautiful thing about car buying is that you can buy whatever you want. My father-in-law loves his Ruby Flame Peal Limited hybrid, even though he spent almost $52,000 on it. He enjoys the chrome and silver accenting, as it gives it a 'touch of luxury.' He bought his with the tan interior, and I do have to say, it makes it look premium and posh. He didn't like the XSE's styling and black interior, as it made it look cheap. I felt the opposite—I thought the Limited was too much money for what it offered over the XSE, and I preferred the black wheels and accenting. The beautiful thing is, both of us could drive away with a car that makes us happy. Toyota's wise to offer two different trims that appeal to different generations. There's no wonder they're so popular. Source: Kristen Brown However, I have a hard time looking at the specs, options, and pricing and justifying how much the Limited is. But if you're the kind of person who enjoys getting in a car that looks like a $65,000 car on the inside, the Limited is a no-brainer. If you're like me, who tries to get the most out of every dollar, enjoys personality and bright colors, the XSE is a fantastic choice. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
