Toyota marked its 25th RAV4 anniversary with the 2022 Toyota RAV4, stamping its dominance in the U.S. The RAV4 targeted users looking for a reliable, easy-to-maintain, compact, sport utility vehicle with good gas mileage. Two and a half decades later, the compact crossover is true to its roots with the introduction of the 2022 XSE Hybrid.
In North America, the Toyota RAV4 is the Caesar of its time, moving close to 450,000 units each year, and taking the crown of the best-selling family SUV. With the new hybrid powerplant in place, has Toyota done enough to make the family SUV a top consideration in an increasingly competitive market? Sofyan Bey of Redline Reviews finds out.
The compact crossover SUV is currently the hottest automotive segment in America. Toyota understands this, and to appeal to new shoppers, the Japanese automaker is constantly keeping it fresh. The 2022 XSE Hybrid is currently the most popular RAV4 version. It’s handsome, practical, and affordable, making it the perfect choice of four variations available.
Bey’s 2022 RAV4 XSE Hybrid review unit is in Calvary blue. It has a 4Runner miniature look of sorts. It comes with LED headlights and daylight running lights introduced on the RAV4 Prime. XSE Hybrid is the sporty variant with 8.4-inch ground clearance, contrasting black roof, optional panoramic sunroof, and black-painted side mirrors with turn signals.
There are some changes on the 2022 RAV4 exterior and interior, but underneath the hood, it is all a carryover. The model already had one of the most diverse engine lineups in the segment after all, and changes were not a priority.
The 2022 XSE Hybrid sits in the middle of the powertrain options, with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle, and is putting down 176 HP on its own. The ICE pairs with three electric motors with a tiny 1.5 kWh battery making 219 HP combined.
All in all, the Toyota RAV4 is a pretty competent car with a perky hybrid powerplant. It boasts a bounty of tech features, and enough room for both passengers and cargo.
Humphrey is a car enthusiast whose love and passion for automobiles extended into collecting, writing, driving, and working on cars. He got his passion for cars from his Dad, who spent thousands of hours working on his old junky 1970 E20 Toyota Corolla. Years later, he would end up doing the same with a series of lemons he’s owned throughout his adult life. Full profile
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