Subtlety, thy name is Toyota. Without knowing the changes made to the 2022 RAV4, most people can’t distinguish between the 2021 version. Toyota did not give this SUV a crazy array of changes; that will wait until there is a generational change. Instead, this SUV receives minor upgrades giving it a modern appearance while bringing in a new trim level.

Most will notice the headlights of the 2022 Toyota RAV4

The front fascia shows a tell-tale item that is different between the two models. Car and Driver tells us these new stacked LED lights give the RAV4 the look of a furrowed brow. Whether you want to drive an angry-looking SUV or not, that’s what you get in this Toyota. The C-shape models from last year are a thing of the past. The only trim that won’t wear these new headlights is the base LE trim.

Going hybrid gets you new wheels for this compact SUV

All hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4 wear new wheels. The XLE Premium and Limited models have a set of unique wheels, while XSE and SE versions share a set. The SE and XSE models have 18-inch wheels finished in black. These wheels give the RAV4 a sportier, more elegant, yet rugged appearance, befitting this compact crossover.

Three trims for a new paint color

Cavalry Blue is a brand-new paint color offered for the Toyota RAV4. This fresh paint look is only available on the hybrid SE and XSE trims along with the gas-only RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Selecting one of these three trims opens the door to this paint color that can give you the look you desire for your Toyota SUV.

Pure sounds coming through the RAV4

Another item we see offered for only three trims is the Mark Levinson audio system. Kelley Blue Book tells us this system typically is reserved for Lexus modes, but three trims of the RAV4 have it on their options list. The XLE Premium and TRD Off-Road models give you this audio system as an option, but it is part of the standard package for the Limited trim. This sound system includes 11 speakers and 800 watts of power for your musical pleasure.

Upgrades to the interior cabin of the 2022 Toyota RAV4

Except for the base LE, all models now include illuminated switches in the cabin. This feature provides you the visibility you need at night to see the dials and switches you’ll use. All models feature a locking glovebox and LED interior lighting to give you the upgraded light package you desire in a modern SUV.

Subtle style for the RAV4 XSE

Those who drive the Toyota RAV4 XSE enjoy an impressive two-tone paint scheme. This look brings a black roof and mirror housings to the mix, offsetting the paint color. This trim also provides:

• Faux leather upholstery
• Standard nine-inch touchscreen
• Vertical lighting elements in the front fascia

This is one of the most impressive-looking RAV4 models in the lineup.

What is the new RAV4 trim for 2022?

The SE trim joins the lineup as a hybrid model with the same power, wheels, and manual mode as the XSE trim. The SE starts at $32,945 compared to the $36,270 for the XSE trim. The price difference comes from the monotone paint job, cloth seats, and seven-inch touchscreen in the SE trim.

How much power does the Toyota RAV4 offer?

Gasoline-only models of the RAV4 use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain reaches 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum towing is 3,500 pounds with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. All others can only pull 1,500 pounds. Fuel mileage reaches 27 city/35 hwy mpg for FWD models and 27 city/22 hwy mpg for AWD versions.

All hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4 use the same engine but add two permanent magnet electric motors to the system. These hybrid models achieve 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque. Maximum towing is 1,750 pounds, regardless of the trim. Fuel mileage for hybrid versions of this SUV is 41 city/38 hwy mpg with all models using AWD.

Can you pick out the style upgrades of the RAV4?

It’s likely if the 2021 and 2022 versions of the Toyota RAV4 were sitting side by side, you could pick out the lighting differences, but not much else. That’s alright; the changes made are intentionally subtle, giving us a new RAV4 that looks just a little better than before.