Despite being a year shy of a mid-cycle refresh, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 still offers plenty of value for drivers, spread across three trim levels. While the model’s standard equipment covers the basics, upper trims provide modern amenities and luxury-level features that all passengers will enjoy.
Key Points
- The 2015 Toyota RAV4 comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. These carry a 2021 Kelley Blue Book (KBB) fair purchase price range of between $17,537 to $21,379.
- Toyota dropped the V6 from the RAV4 lineup entirely when it was redesigned in 2012. Now, all three RAV4 trims feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission.
- Standard on all trims, Toyota’s Star Safety System comprises six features: Vehicle Stability and Traction Control, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology.
- Each 2015 RAV4 trim can be configured as either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For a cost of nearly $4,000 more, the Limited trim is strictly for those that want more convenience features. Practical shoppers should be more than happy with the LE.
2015 Toyota RAV4 LE Gives Drivers the Basic Modern Features They Need, Like Cruise Control, AC, and a Backup Camera
Celebrating 20 years on the road in 2015, Toyota continued improving the RAV4’s refinement and practicality for the then-new model year. The base model 2015 Toyota RAV4 LE keeps things simple but highlights the important features most drivers have come to expect on a modern vehicle.
Without a V6 engine option, Toyota opted to maximize fuel efficiency for the RAV4. The 2.5L inline-four swapped a four-speed automatic for a six-speed automatic. The added gears bring up the RAV4’s EPA-estimated fuel economy from 24 city/highway combined mpg to 26.
The LE trim is equipped with a suite of modern amenities. Things like cruise control, a 6.1-inch touchscreen system with an integrated backup camera, AM/FM stereo with seek-scan radio, USB/iPod capability, and power side mirrors are standard. As are power door locks and windows, air conditioning, manual tilt/telescope steering wheel, and 17-inch steel wheels.
With Toyota’s Star Safety System built into all trim levels, on top of its history of reliability, the base model RAV4 LE is a prime example of a bargain buy. Depending on if it’s front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), as well as mileage, the current KBB fair purchase price ranges between $17,537 to $18,138.
2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE Trim Takes the Best Parts of the LE and Upgrades the Comfort and Convenience Amenities
The mid-level 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE, which replaced the prior generation’s Sport trim, builds on the LE package by adding visual upgrades, as well as several comfort and convenience features. The 17-inch steel wheels get replaced with 17-inch alloys. Other visual upgrades include color-keyed heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, roof rails, and a chrome-accented grille with integrated fog lights.
Notable interior upgrades include dual-zone automatic climate control, premium bolstered cloth seats with French stitching, SiriusXM/HD satellite radio, and a power moonroof. What’s more, find a smart key system with push-button start, a height-adjustable power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and voice recognition control for Toyota’s Entune system. Other minor add ons include an auto up/down window, a cargo cover, and sun visor extenders.
In total, factored with about 86,000 miles, the added amenities increase the 2015 RAV4’s KBB fair purchase price to around $18,962 (FWD) to $19,563 (AWD).
2015 Toyota RAV4 Limited is the Top-of-the-line Trim that Brings a Touch of Luxury to the Lineup,
The Limited trim is the highest trim level available on the 2015 RAV4 and adds technology, safety, and exclusive luxury-like features to the RAV4 lineup. In addition to the XLE trim’s options, the Limited trim gets Toyota’s SofTex leatherette to the seats, center console, steering wheel, and shift knob. Also included are eight-way, heated power seats with memory and lumbar adjustments.
An optional technology package is available only on the Limited trim, which includes several safety features like Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Lane-departure Alert, and Auto High Beam, adding to the RAV4’s already-equipped Toyota Star Safety System. The Entune Premium Audio system adds navigation, as well as a subscription-free Entune App Suite. The Limited trim also ramps up the RAV4’s sound system with Entune Premium JBL Audio, which boasts 576-watts through 11 speakers and a subwoofer.
In total, the 2015 RAV4 limited gives drivers premium quality for a fraction of a luxury SUV cost. A 2015 Toyota RAV4 Limited has a KBB fair purchase price at a dealer ranging between $20,778 and $21,379, again depending on FWD or AWD.
No Matter the Trim Level Chosen, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 is a Good Buy
Whether buyers choose the base LE, mid-level XLE, or highest-level Limited trim, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 effectively builds on the features available to buyers. With one fuel-efficient powertrain option available across the board, and each trim level being AWD-capable and having Toyota Star Safety System, the decision on which RAV4 is best will be based on how much convenience and luxury-like features a driver and its passengers desire. Thanks to a long history of reliability and practicality behind it, the 2015 RAV4’s well-appointed trim levels for around $20,000 make it a valuable and practical option in the compact crossover segment.
Photos: Toyota
