The 2022 Toyota RAV4 joined the fifth generation of the world’s best-selling SUV with only minor changes: a new hybrid trim, subtle lighting changes inside and out, and a bold new paint color available on select models.

When you shop for a new car, you want the best version you can possibly get—and yearly facelifts ensure that every new model offers just a little more than the outgoing model, whether it’s a fancy new grille or a powertrain upgrade. But not all facelifts are dramatic: for 2022, the

Toyota RAV4

makes only subtle changes.

Want to know exactly what’s changed?

Jerry

, the trusted

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broker app that helps drivers save on

Toyota insurance costs

, is here to break down all the new features and specs of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and help you decide whether to buy now—or wait for the next big redesign.

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Is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 redesigned?

Not really. While it’s not identical to the 2021 RAV4—interior lighting upgrades and new headlights for all but the base trim set it apart from the old version—the new Toyota RAV4’s facelift is minor.

Whether you buy a new 2022 RAV4 or a used 2021 model, you’ll essentially get the same vehicle: a great compact SUV, powered by a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 219-hp hybrid powertrain, available in several trim levels. Standout features of the RAV4 include:

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver assistance technology including standard adaptive cruise control

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity

Fuel-efficient performance from the RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Toyota RAV4 Prime

Rugged Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims

Class-topping 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats down

Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD)

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4: what changed?

Want to see what’s new for the 2022 model year? Let’s take a look at some of the fresh features you’ll see if you buy new this year.

A new RAV4 hybrid trim

Probably the biggest change to the 2022 RAV4 lineup is an all-new hybrid trim: the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid SE. Slotting in between the XLE and XLE Premium, the midgrade SE trim combines the affordable moderation of the base LE and XLE trims with the sporty dynamics of the pricier XSE.

Features include:

Sport-tuned suspension

Leather-trimmed steering wheel

18-inch black alloy wheels

Upgraded LED headlights

Blue interior accents

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE starts at $32,230 MSRP. That’s a bargain compared to $42,555 for the

2022 Highlander Hybrid XLE

, but keep an eye out for the

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross SE Hybrid

, which is expected to start at around $34,000.

MORE:

Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Toyota RAV4: Which is better?

Styling

For the rest of the RAV4 lineup, changes are minimal. The standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen can now be upgraded to nine inches instead of eight, but that’s unlikely to make or break America’s favorite crossover for anyone.

The big changes come in the areas of lights and wheels. Almost every new RAV4, aside from the lowly LE trim, gets upgraded LED projector headlights, along with illuminated switches inside the car. No more fumbling for the A/C or door locks in the dark or blinding the driver by turning on the overhead lights! Interior lighting for all trims also gets an LED upgrade, and your glove box will now lock.

Aside from these subtle-but-sweeping changes, there are little tweaks to certain trims. For instance, the 2022 RAV4 bestows new LED fog lights on the

, and

trims, while the XSE Hybrid gets a set of vertical LED running lights previously seen on the RAV4 Prime XSE. The RAV4 Limited, starting at $36,690 MSRP for 2022, now comes with an eight-way power passenger seat (a power-adjustable driver’s seat is standard on all trims XLE and above).

You can also expect to see some new rims on the lot—especially if you’re buying hybrid. The XLE Premium Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid all get new wheel designs, and the LE Hybrid, XLE, XLE Hybrid, and Adventure trims all receive a new wheel color.

And speaking of color, three lucky RAV4s have a new paint color option: Cavalry Blue. This bold yet classy shade can be had on the brand-new SE Hybrid, the XSE, and the TRD Off-Road.

Pricing

The RAV4’s minor 2022 facelift comes with only minor updates to pricing. The base LE starts at $28,190 MSRP, and pricing goes all the way up to $44,840 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE.

For comparison, here are the starting prices for the rest of the fifth generation:

2021 Toyota RAV4 LE: $27,565

2020 Toyota RAV4 LE: $25,950

2019 Toyota RAV4 LE: $25,650

2018 Toyota RAV4 LE: $24,660

MORE:

How to build a custom Toyota RAV4

Should you buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4?

Should you buy the 2022 RAV4—or wait for the next redesign? That’s the big question for any vehicle facelift.

There’s no major redesign expected for the 2023 RAV4, so you’re probably better off buying now rather than waiting. Or, if you’re looking for a better price, go with a used 2021 or 2020 model, both of which are nearly identical.

After all, the 2022 RAV4 maintains all the strengths of past years. Fuel economy is fairly constant across recent model years, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 35 highway for both 2022 and 2021 models. For hybrid models, of course, fuel efficiency is even better: the EPA estimates 41 mpg and 38 mpg, respectively, for city and highway driving in the RAV4 Hybrid AWD. And a RAV4 Prime can achieve 94 MPGe in electric-only mode thanks to its electric motor!

And for everything else—from power liftgates to sunroofs and leather upholstery—you’ll have your pick of the trims.

MORE:

8 top Toyota RAV4 competitors

How to save on Toyota RAV4 insurance costs

Insuring a RAV4 is usually fairly affordable, thanks to great safety ratings and a low starting price.

Higher trims tend to come with higher rates. How you use the car matters too: if you need your RAV4 with epic towing and off-road abilities, your insurance company may charge more for that high-risk, high-intensity lifestyle. That’s part of why

Toyota RAV4 Adventure insurance costs

are so high!

But they don’t have to be—not with help from Jerry. As a licensed insurance broker with over 55 partners from among the nation’s best insurance companies, Jerry can tell you in just 45 seconds if you’re overpaying for your RAV4 insurance and show you customized real-time quotes to lower your rate. On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance!