My 2011 Ford Taurus kept giving me problems. I drive a lot and I needed a reliable, affordable new car. I went with the 22 Rav4 LE and couldn’t be more happier.
I just got a 2021 Rav 4 LE . Most basic, no frills. I love it. An AWD would’ve been nice- but I’ve relocated from Colorado to Texas so awd isn’t as important. . This is my first time ever having a car loan and first time in something made after the 90’s. Vast upgrade from my 94 ford ranger that just crapped out. 🛻 💨
I actually prefer a key to start any car. That way if the battery in the fob dies you don't have to go figuring out whether your car wants you to it up to the start button or somewhere near the glove box or the designated area. in the center console like GM does.
I bought a 2020 Rav4 LE gas, it was a great car but I traded it in for a 2021 XLE which I enjoy much more. The XLE has dual climate control, alloy wheels(no hubcaps like LE) and many other little features. Well worth the upgrade, if you can afford to pay a little more.
I certainly agree, I think the XLE is worth the small premium in price, but alas, they're both effectively 'base' modes in comparison to $45k-ish Primes and the such!
As a current owner of a 2004 XLE model Toyota, theres something to be said about the base LE and its lack of power this and that. While the powertrains and overall dependability are outstanding, electric motors in these Toyotas do die after a few years. I have about 204,000 miles on my Sienna and the V6 will not die. I use high mileage full synthetic for my oil changes . The various power motors have failed on my van include: the moonroof(not fixed I can count on one hand how many times I opened that sunroof in Florida weather), drivers side seat (no longer reclines, the cost of repair is not worth it), the drivers window actuator and mount (done twice so far). Overall its still dependable but the price of gas is making this van a horrible commuter at 16 mpg city avg. I think a base LE AWD is just fine. A key that turns the ignition, manual liftgate, AWD, You can always get aftermarket wheels.
Great review and I appreciate that you reviewed the base trim. Several complaints that the 8 speed automatic transmission likes to gear hunt a lot and feels jerky and unpleasant while driving. Looks like you didn't have that problem or you would have mentioned it.
I own one and I agree with the gear hunting..it bothers me alot - didnt know it did that prior to buying bc they werent on the lot to test drive nor did my sales guy indicate. The Rav4 drives like a small car, no acceleration pickup when driving
@@bettygillespie6281 I'm sorry to hear that. Get price quotes from Carvana, Carmax, and Vroom. You may be able to sell it for a great price and buy a better SUV.
@@bettygillespie6281 aww that sucks! As the commenter below indicated, it shouldn't be too hard to get out of a RAV4 rn, but it's a solid small SUV otherwise!
I hear comments like- I would never spend $24k for used one, when new ones are $27k. The reality is that $27k was in 2021. A new 2024 starts around $30K. Also that $27k in 2021 did not include the destination charge. Most important thing to remember about these products, is that they don’t depreciate like a VW or Nissan or Mitsubishi or any domestic vehicle. Just paid $23,450 for a 2021 RAV4 LE with 38k miles, after looking around for two months. That’s what a used Toyota costs and if you see one that you like, get on your horse. We had two vehicles bought out from under us.
All good points. I'm in the process of buying a 2021 model now and after checking MSRP at the original time of sale and tacking on destination charges I'm finding most cases the price is 20% less (more if you factor inflation). For 3-4 year old vehicles and in this market I think that's fair and seems to be the sweet spot. Also consider getting a new model may be a many months wait. A Hyundai Kona was 3-4 months wait. Same with Rav4. I'm looking at picking up a 2021 Rav4 LE AWD originally bought in Dec of 2021 with 30k miles for $21k USD. Also comes with 2 years left on the powertrain.
Ok! Happy to hear you found that, the main benefit is to go from hubcaps to wheels, but taking off the cap itself can give you a cool "steelie" look 😎👍
Just got a 21 RAV4 ! The only thing I don’t like the light color seats! I traded in my 19 Buick encore that very small not enough room for the passenger’s bag when I take them to the airport so I needed space for the Uber and Lyft customers
In deciding on whether to get the base LE trim, I think about how long I'll keep the car and if I want to go without that feature for 7-10 years. If a package adds an additional $1000, I think about the cost over the life of owning the vehicle. Keyless entry\start\stop and not having auto headlights are the main reasons I did not go with the LE trim. In the current environment, you may be stuck purchasing on what is available on the dealers lot. LE is great trim to get into an affordable SUV with reliability.
what happened to the money for a downpayment and the monthly if you upgrade? my rav 4 le is in the yard right now and i dont have a choice we move to a new house which is far from our work. Unlike before that we just have to walk.
At least it’s a 2.5L. Here in Australia this model is a 2L producing 127kw of power at 6000rpm. It’s a cvt which sounds horrible pushing up to that rpm to produce any real speed.
The whole reason to buy the base LE Trim or XLE Trim is so you don't have to deal with that awful sunroof which reduces headroom. I could do just fine without the JBL system and upgraded interior.
I fully respect this... in most cases the sunroof eats up headroom while adding both weight and heat -- I fully went against this myself by ordering the massive sunroof on my Jeep (although in that case it happens to headroom 😅)
Hub caps. You can upgrade to rims, yes but no keyless access. Adding the rims just might up the price. So no to the LE. We own a LE 09 Camry. Soon to get a Rav 4.
I’m looking for one…the used 2021 with 60,000 miles is going for $24,000…the new ones start at $27,000…there’s no way I’m buying used at this price point I’ll wait a little and fork up the money…great review 💯🫡
@@Reoniz I like key too, that's why I bought the basic model!! I'd lose the fob. However, the chirp/beep in the keyfob is so low I can't hear it in a parking lot so not happy about that. Thanks for the video.
@@sueemrick9075 I appreciate all my analog folks... I miss key ignitions sometimes too! And I hear ya on the chirp, a loud one is 'key' for me with personal vehicle !!
That's true... and the Japanese vehicles often don't provide the same refinement as the VW! It's a game of choices, and in this case they're all valid in their own right
Never ever will I pay $30000 for a car or suv. Don’t need nor want an AWD, nor hybrid model. Not a speed demon so don’t care about speed. Don’t drive off road so don’t need any of that.
What would be your pick: Tiguan, CR-V, or RAV4??
Tiguan
@@samiraescobar7222 okay! 😤👍
I’ll go with the Tiguan!
@@myshawnyescobar9305 ok 😎👍
Toyota 🥵🤌🤤
I wanted a video on the base trim, and, I found it! Thank you!
Hell ya! Happy to help!
In Canada the LE trim comes standard with auto headlights . Heated front seats and all weather floor liners 👍
Very nice!! Makes the LE more appealing for sure
You guys are lucky, always get better equipped vehicles
My 2011 Ford Taurus kept giving me problems. I drive a lot and I needed a reliable, affordable new car. I went with the 22 Rav4 LE and couldn’t be more happier.
Happy to hear you're happy with the RAV4!
I went with the XSE. Can get a bit expensive but it’s the only trim you can actually differentiate from the rest and also looks amazing.
Great choice man!! Definitely a good bit more premium than the one in the video 😅
Maybe your model doesn't have it, but one feature the base model has is radar dynamic cruise control , I think it's pretty cool the base has that
That's an awesome feature at the price point! But ya this one didn't have it
I just got a 2021 Rav 4 LE . Most basic, no frills. I love it. An AWD would’ve been nice- but I’ve relocated from Colorado to Texas so awd isn’t as important. . This is my first time ever having a car loan and first time in something made after the 90’s. Vast upgrade from my 94 ford ranger that just crapped out. 🛻 💨
I actually prefer a key to start any car. That way if the battery in the fob dies you don't have to go figuring out whether your car wants you to it up to the start button or somewhere near the glove box or the designated area. in the center console like GM does.
Far and Away the best car review anywhere. Great communication skills, you will go far in this world....
I greatly appreciate that!! Thank you 😅👍
I bought a 2020 Rav4 LE gas, it was a great car but I traded it in for a 2021 XLE which I enjoy much more. The XLE has dual climate control, alloy wheels(no hubcaps like LE) and many other little features. Well worth the upgrade, if you can afford to pay a little more.
I certainly agree, I think the XLE is worth the small premium in price, but alas, they're both effectively 'base' modes in comparison to $45k-ish Primes and the such!
Whoever owns this car has impeccable taste 🧐
Thank you ... I wish I could say it's me :/
As a current owner of a 2004 XLE model Toyota, theres something to be said about the base LE and its lack of power this and that. While the powertrains and overall dependability are outstanding, electric motors in these Toyotas do die after a few years. I have about 204,000 miles on my Sienna and the V6 will not die. I use high mileage full synthetic for my oil changes . The various power motors have failed on my van include: the moonroof(not fixed I can count on one hand how many times I opened that sunroof in Florida weather), drivers side seat (no longer reclines, the cost of repair is not worth it), the drivers window actuator and mount (done twice so far). Overall its still dependable but the price of gas is making this van a horrible commuter at 16 mpg city avg. I think a base LE AWD is just fine. A key that turns the ignition, manual liftgate, AWD, You can always get aftermarket wheels.
I test drove the Rav4 Base (LE) and liked it. I was told that it does not have the blind spot monitoring feature.
They may have changed things around for 22' -- it's now part of a $680 Blind Spot Monitor with Cross Traffic Alert package!
in canada it's standard, so if your Canadian, you are good!
@@nickgee7291 that's a deep one! Hahaha 😅😂
Great review and I appreciate that you reviewed the base trim. Several complaints that the 8 speed automatic transmission likes to gear hunt a lot and feels jerky and unpleasant while driving. Looks like you didn't have that problem or you would have mentioned it.
I didn't notice it to be egregiously hunting gears more so than most modern transmissions.
Tbh I was just happy it had gears and wasn't a lousy CVT 😤
I own one and I agree with the gear hunting..it bothers me alot - didnt know it did that prior to buying bc they werent on the lot to test drive nor did my sales guy indicate. The Rav4 drives like a small car, no acceleration pickup when driving
@@bettygillespie6281 I'm sorry to hear that. Get price quotes from Carvana, Carmax, and Vroom. You may be able to sell it for a great price and buy a better SUV.
@@bettygillespie6281 aww that sucks! As the commenter below indicated, it shouldn't be too hard to get out of a RAV4 rn, but it's a solid small SUV otherwise!
I hear comments like- I would never spend $24k for used one, when new ones are $27k. The reality is that $27k was in 2021. A new 2024 starts around $30K. Also that $27k in 2021 did not include the destination charge. Most important thing to remember about these products, is that they don’t depreciate like a VW or Nissan or Mitsubishi or any domestic vehicle. Just paid $23,450 for a 2021 RAV4 LE with 38k miles, after looking around for two months. That’s what a used Toyota costs and if you see one that you like, get on your horse. We had two vehicles bought out from under us.
All good points. I'm in the process of buying a 2021 model now and after checking MSRP at the original time of sale and tacking on destination charges I'm finding most cases the price is 20% less (more if you factor inflation). For 3-4 year old vehicles and in this market I think that's fair and seems to be the sweet spot. Also consider getting a new model may be a many months wait. A Hyundai Kona was 3-4 months wait. Same with Rav4.
I'm looking at picking up a 2021 Rav4 LE AWD originally bought in Dec of 2021 with 30k miles for $21k USD. Also comes with 2 years left on the powertrain.
I wanted the RAV4 AWD XLE, but after I carefully compared the base AWD and XLE AWD, I found none of the XLE extra features I like or need.
Ok! Happy to hear you found that, the main benefit is to go from hubcaps to wheels, but taking off the cap itself can give you a cool "steelie" look 😎👍
Just got a 21 RAV4 ! The only thing I don’t like the light color seats! I traded in my 19 Buick encore that very small not enough room for the passenger’s bag when I take them to the airport so I needed space for the Uber and Lyft customers
Great video. You’re very well informed and well spoken.
Thank you and thank you! I appreciate the kind words
Love this review i'mplanning to get my first car soon and rav 4 will be my first choice
That's very exciting! Good luck 😎
In deciding on whether to get the base LE trim, I think about how long I'll keep the car and if I want to go without that feature for 7-10 years. If a package adds an additional $1000, I think about the cost over the life of owning the vehicle. Keyless entry\start\stop and not having auto headlights are the main reasons I did not go with the LE trim. In the current environment, you may be stuck purchasing on what is available on the dealers lot. LE is great trim to get into an affordable SUV with reliability.
Valid viewpoint. Thank you for sharing 😎
You're certainly right about the current market
Hard to get dark interiors in base models...awesome choice..awesome price...awesome SUV...
All I can say is... agREed!! Thank you 😎
Nice! I got the hybrid le. I have to wait two months and kind of want to upgrade to xle ... But sometimes simple is better
You're absolutely right! Affordability is a big strong suit of the RAV4... some of the higher trims don't make so much sense
what happened to the money for a downpayment and the monthly if you upgrade? my rav 4 le is in the yard right now and i dont have a choice we move to a new house which is far from our work. Unlike before that we just have to walk.
What mpg are have you been getting?
At least it’s a 2.5L. Here in Australia this model is a 2L producing 127kw of power at 6000rpm. It’s a cvt which sounds horrible pushing up to that rpm to produce any real speed.
Awww man that blows! At least you guys get prados !! 😅
The whole reason to buy the base LE Trim or XLE Trim is so you don't have to deal with that awful sunroof which reduces headroom. I could do just fine without the JBL system and upgraded interior.
I fully respect this... in most cases the sunroof eats up headroom while adding both weight and heat -- I fully went against this myself by ordering the massive sunroof on my Jeep (although in that case it happens to headroom 😅)
I like how calm your delivery is. What do you attribute your comfort level speaking to?
Thank you 😅 ... just that I talk sooo much haha (seriously)
The CX 5 blows your 3 choices out the water.
Hub caps. You can upgrade to rims, yes but no keyless access. Adding the rims just might up the price. So no to the LE. We own a LE 09 Camry. Soon to get a Rav 4.
Ya the XLE is a nice upgrade for very little money, getting rid of the hubcaps alone is the move 😤👍
I would add that the Mazda CX-5 Turbo is a good offering too.
I agree, I really needa check one out soon 🙏🏼
How hot does the backseat get since there's no rear vents? Do the vents up front keep the back cool enough for backseat passengers?
Depends on how high the front fan is set to, but not having a sunroof combined with cloth seats is a good combo is keeping's thing decently cool 😎
Did ye mention headroom and legroom as a driver? Was it ok for you as a 6'2" guy?
Absolutely ok for me. I'd imagine it'd be completely fine for someone up to around 6'5"... a generally spacious car for the segment
Dude......rav4s are pricy now! Even base....dealers are tacking on another 2-5k...
It's not fair
That’s very true It’s ridiculous.
That's truly ridiculous... but such is life in this market. Things are trending downward though!!
I got LE AWD AND PUT BFG KO2S ON IT
soo many scratches at the start key area someone trying to find the hole
Hahaha ya probably the owner 🤔😅
I’m looking for one…the used 2021 with 60,000 miles is going for $24,000…the new ones start at $27,000…there’s no way I’m buying used at this price point I’ll wait a little and fork up the money…great review 💯🫡
I like key ignition!
Hoorah! 😎
@@Reoniz I like key too, that's why I bought the basic model!! I'd lose the fob. However, the chirp/beep in the keyfob is so low I can't hear it in a parking lot so not happy about that. Thanks for the video.
@@sueemrick9075 I appreciate all my analog folks... I miss key ignitions sometimes too!
And I hear ya on the chirp, a loud one is 'key' for me with personal vehicle !!
@@Reoniz Do you know if there is a way to adjust the volume?
@@sueemrick9075 of said chirp? I don't believe so, but it may be buried deep in the menu's!
Ok but not for me still like the review 👍
Haha same, but thank you 😎
0:46 People are spending in the mid 40s for a RAV4?!?! 😩
Absurd right?! That's why I feel like a base LE or XLE under $30k is where it's at value wise for a RAV4
@George Costanza the whole markets messed up tbh!!
Yes.
Fire review
Thank you 😎😎
All Reo’s reviews are straight fire! I watch them automatically every week whether I like the car or not. Gotta support our boy Reo.
@@2004cyrus hell ya brotha!! I really appreciate that 😤🙏🏼
The blind spot monitoring is def not standard on the LE trim
You're correct!! It's optional 😎👍
All it needs is some nice wheels
Ya!! Wouldn't hurt to get rid of the those hub caps... the XLE trim does the trick for $1400 more!
The current price is still like shows in your video?
Yes!!
@@ReonizThanks. Do they increase price than last year?
Bought a rav4 le the other day for 36k out the door base model
reo serves the base
You kill me with these comments 😂
VW won’t have the reliability the Toyota and Honda have.
That's true... and the Japanese vehicles often don't provide the same refinement as the VW! It's a game of choices, and in this case they're all valid in their own right
I want one
Never ever will I pay $30000 for a car or suv. Don’t need nor want an AWD, nor hybrid model. Not a speed demon so don’t care about speed. Don’t drive off road so don’t need any of that.
happy that you know yourself 👍
It’s not number one seller in its class for nothing!
To must back peddling on review!
I crashed it