Toyota RAV4 LE vs. XLE: What's The Difference?
Ever wonder what the difference is between the Toyota RAV4 LE and XLE trims? We break down how they compare, including things like performance, features, safety, price point, and more.
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most exciting cars on the market, providing extensive mileage and plenty of features to enjoy. There are several trim options available. Two of the most prominent include the RAV4 LE and XLE. While both have much to offer, you can only get one. It’s vital to know the differences between the Toyota RAV4 LE and XLE considerations.
Although they seem very similar, the Toyota RAV4 LE and Toyota RAV4 XLE are different selections with varying features, price points, and details. The better you know the trims, the more your ideal trim will stand out. Keep reading to learn more about the performance of each vehicle, interior features, price points, and other valuable information.
Toyota RAV4 LE vs. XLE: What’s the Difference?
The Toyota RAV4 LE vs. XLE are two of many trims available for the RAV4, falling somewhere in the middle of the pack. There are many ways they are alike, but there are even more differences as they are targeted towards different audiences.
A few significant areas of differentiation include the following:
- Performance
- Interior features and styling
- Exterior
- Cost of the cars
These are a few of many in the Toyota RAV4 LE vs. XLE.
Let’s jump into the most significant differences between these two trim years. Whether you want to drive fast in your vehicle or have it look cool from the outside, there’s much to keep your eye on to make the most of your money.
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Performance and Handling: Toyota RAV4 LE
With a car like the Toyota RAV4, performance and handling matter. There is one slight distinction that makes the Toyota RAV4 LE the better selection in our books.
With both cars, you’ll get a performance system with all the following features:
- 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine
- 203 horsepower
- 184 pound-feet of torque
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
These work together to create a decent setup for the average driver.
The point where the cars differ is when you decide to add all-wheel drive to the system. With the Toyota RAV4 LE, the mileage and fuel economy will not take a hit. With the Toyota RAV4 XLE, the mileage will increase by two, which is worse than the LE.
Interior Features and Styling: Toyota RAV4 XLE
Another excellent area to consider when looking at the Toyota RAV4 LE versus the XLE is the interior features. There are ample standard selections on both, but more on the XLE than on the LE.
Here are a few standard and optional features the XLE has that the LE doesn’t have:
- Alloy wheels
- Heated seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Keyless ignition
- Power tailgate
- Sunroof/moonroof
This is a significant number of features you won’t be able to access at all in the Toyota RAV4 LE.
If you care about every possible detail, consider the Toyota RAV4 XLE. It offers significantly more benefits to passengers and drivers than the LE. However, it does contribute to the slightly higher price point on the market.
Safety: Toyota RAV4 XLE
Safety is another vital consideration when looking at the Toyota RAV4 LE vs. XLE, especially if you’re using it to transport your family from one location to another. The vehicles are close, but the XLE pulls out ahead of the LE.
Here are a few of the safety features the Toyota RAV4 XLE has as standard or available that the Toyota RAV4 does not:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
These come in every machine.
If you want all the safety features you can afford, invest in the Toyota RAV4 XLE. While it’s a little more expensive, it will provide more bang for your buck in keeping your family as safe as possible.
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Price Point: Toyota RAV4 LE
Another crucial point of consideration is the price point. While some are looking for the lowest possible price point, others are attempting to maximize their investment with the highest number of features per dollar spent. This section is where the Toyota RAV4 LE comes out victorious.
According to iseecars.com, the price point for a Toyota RAV4 LE ranges from $29,000-$33,000. On the other side of the spectrum, the Toyota RAV4 XLE ranges from $30,000-$36,000. There are thousands of dollars separating these vehicles from each other.
The Toyota RAV4 LE is more affordable than the XLE by a significant margin. If you want to save money, the Toyota RAV4 LE is the way to go.
Infotainment and Technology: Toyota RAV4 XLE
The final consideration when looking at the Toyota RAV4 LE vs. XLE is the infotainment and technology you’ll find in the system. While it might not seem critical at first glance, the infotainment and technology are critical if you want an experience inside the cabin that’s comfortable and exciting every step of the way.
According to toyotaofdeerfieldbeach.com, here are shared features in the LE and the XLE:
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite
- Advanced aids like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
These are very helpful when determining which vehicle is the best for your life.
The upgrades are where the XLE shines. If you go with the Toyota RAV4 XLE selection, you’ll get additions like power-adjustable driver seats and dual-zone automatic climate control for the most comfortable possible experience.
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Which Vehicle Is the Winner?
We’ve discussed significant differences between the Toyota RAV4 LE and XLE selections. They both have much to offer the car market, providing excellent technology features and more for your enjoyment. Now, one final question remains. Which car is the winner? Are you better off going with the Toyota RAV4 LE or the Toyota RAV4 XLE?
Ultimately, your needs for a vehicle will influence which is the winner. The LE selection is slightly cheaper, so you will save money with this selection if you want to budget well. On the other hand, the XLE does provide far more amenities for a more practical price point. Still, generally, we advise purchasing the Toyota RAV4 LE.
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