The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is a versatile compact SUV available in three trims. The mid-grade XLE offers the most features without being too expensive. Pay a little extra and the top-tier Limited adds nice luxury touches like a power liftgate and leather accents.
Key Points
- The 2014 Toyota RAV4’s three trim levels include the basic LE, the daily-driver XLE, and the more upscale Limited.
- Only one engine/transmission combination is available: a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-four-cylinder paired to a six-speed automatic.
- Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an available option across the lineup.
- Top-trim Limited stops short of truly being considered a luxury trim with synthetic seats and small infotainment.
2014 RAV4 LE is a Budget Commuter Car that is Easy to Maintain, but at the Expense of Power and Efficiency
With its three trims and shortlist of standalone options, the 2014 RAV4 is refreshingly simple. Starting with the powertrain, there is one engine and one transmission powering your choice of front or all four wheels.
The 2.5L inline-four-cylinder engine is naturally aspirated, not relying on the turbochargers most new vehicles employ today. This keeps things simple in the maintenance department at the expense of power and efficiency. Power is decent, but not great, at 176 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, slotting in under its main rivals. For consumers, the only powertrain choice is either front for efficiency or all four for traction.
Standard features found in the RAV4 LE include:
- Single-zone air conditioning
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity with 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment and six speakers
- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel, remote locks, power windows, and cruise control
- 17-inch steel wheels with covers
The Star Safety System also comes standard on all trims and includes:
- Enhanced vehicle stability control
- Traction control
- ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and assist
- Smart stop technology
Options are limited to roof rails, a rear retractable cargo shade, and an upgraded Entune Audio Plus sound system.
With a Kelley Blue Book fair market price of $16,972, the RAV4 LE is selling for more than its competition, but it also includes a few more standard features.
2014 RAV4 XLE Gains an Improved Cabin with Dual-zone Climate and Upgraded Audio System
The XLE has the features most customers expect from a modern vehicle, and it is the highest seller of the RAV4 trim levels. From the outside, upgrades include 17-inch alloy wheels, integrated fog lights, and heated rearview mirrors.
The mid-tier XLE also comes standard with a power moonroof, allowing you to enjoy the view without having to step up to a costlier trim.
XLE interior upgrades include:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power windows with driver’s automatic one-touch up/down
- Retractable rear cargo shade
- Entune Plus audio system with HD radio
Seating is still cloth, but it’s now a premium fabric with sport bolsters on the sides.
Optional extras are limited to the Entune Premium Audio with navigation.
Selling used for just over $17,000, the XLE is the bargain choice of the lineup with the most additional features over the LE for the least amount of extra cash.
Luxury-packed 2014 RAV4 Limited Adds Leather Accents, Heated Seats, and Push-button Start
The RAV4 Limited adds several exterior upgrades, including 18-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights with auto on-off, and a height-adjustable power liftgate.
Inside the cabin of the 2014 RAV4, enjoy:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever
- SofTex trimmed seats with eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat in Limited-exclusive Terra Cotta color
- Smart Key with push-button start and remote power liftgate
- Entune Premium Audio with navigation
The Limited is also the first trim to offer heated seats, a must-have if you live somewhere colder.
Optional extras for the 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited include a premium JBL sound system, and a technology package with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beam headlights. These upgrades will cost you just under $19,500. A pre-owned Limited trim commands an average price increase of 13.7% over the XLE.
Mid-level RAV4 XLE Proves to be the Best Value of the Bunch
The three distinct trims of 2014 RAV4s mean simplicity for the consumer. While the lowest cost of entry goes to the base LE trim, the XLE proves to have the best value-per-dollar.
Upgrades of a power moonroof and dual-zone automatic climate make the XLE a comfortable choice for many buyers. Factor in the average cost of just over $17,000, or a four percent increase over LE, and you have found a steal.
If you must have luxuries like heated seats, however, you will need to upgrade to the Limited trim as that is the only way to unlock this exclusive feature, but it comes at a hefty price of around $19,500.
Photos: Toyota
