- Rugged styling houses roomy 5-passenger cabin
- Fuel-efficient hybrid version offered
- Toyota Safety Sense standard across all trims
- Boasts high resale value and low 5-year cost-to-own
- Pricing starts at $25,950 (plus $1,120 destination) | Price yours
Family cars need not look boring, as the 2020 Toyota RAV4 demonstrates. All-new for the 2019 model year, the redesigned RAV4 has the kind of rugged good looks that make SUVs so appealing in the first place. The more aggressive styling and roomier cabin contribute to our selection, but there’s also more to this crossover in terms of its inherent safety, fuel efficiency and value.
Safety comes standard
All trim levels of the 2020 RAV4 come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of driver and safety assists that includes such features as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on lower trims and standard on the XLE and higher models. The RAV4 also earned a Top Safety Pick + rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Two powertrain choices
Available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, the RAV4 offers two powertrain choices: a normally aspirated 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.5-liter I4 hybrid setup that produces a total system output of 219 horsepower. That drivetrain features a continuously variable automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
The RAV4 Hybrid is not only the most powerful version you can buy, but it also posts some amazing EPA numbers, with a city rating of 41 mpg and a highway rating of 38 for a combined 40 mpg. The standard RAV4 powertrain is rated at 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway in front-drive and 27 city/33 highway with AWD. Stop/start engine is standard on both.
Generous dimensions
At one time, these compact crossovers were characterized as “sport/cutes” because of their diminutive size. However, as these vehicles have been pressed into family vehicle service, wheelbases and exterior dimensions have grown. In fact, the 2020 Toyota RAV4’s package just about matches what you would have found in midsize SUVs not too many years ago.
The 5-passenger RAV4 rides on a 105.9-inch wheelbase and measures 180.9 inches overall. Inside, you’ll find respective front head and legroom of 37.7 and 40.1 inches, while the rear bench measures at 39.5 and 37.8 inches. The 37.6-cubic-foot storage space behind the second row expands to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear down.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 comes with a full complement of standard features including the aforementioned Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. The list also features Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, a 7-inch center infotainment screen, and tilt/telescoping steering column. XLE models add features such as an 8-way power driver’s seat, smart key with push-button start, heated side mirrors and 5 USB ports. XLE Premium models boast a panoramic power moonroof, SofTex leatherette upholstery, power liftgate, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. One step below the fully-loaded Limited is the XSE Hybrid which has a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch black wheels, a 2-tone exterior paint scheme, and heated front seats.
Affordability and value
The entry-level Toyota RAV4 is the LE model, which costs $25,850. The XLE is the next step up at $27,145, while the Premium version is $29,850. The top-trim Limited is $34,380. Hybrid variants of all three add $2,250, while the XSE Hybrid is its own model which starts at $34,050. All prices exclude a $1,120 destination charge. There are also a couple of cool trim levels like the outdoorsy Adventure package, which starts at $32,955. Then there is the more rugged TRD Off-Road, which carries an MSRP of $35,180.
No matter the price class, the Toyota RAV4 comes with the Japanese automaker’s reputation for vehicles that retain value (the RAV4 is one of the top three in its class for resale). The RAV4 also delivers low cost-to-own figures. Whatever model you choose, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is well-qualified to earn its spot on Kelley Blue Book’s Best Family Cars.
More 2020 Toyota RAV4
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