2022 Toyota RAV4 takes fight to Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander with sporty new XSE grade: Pricing and features detailed

Toyota Australia has deleted one variant but added three – including a sporty new XSE grade – to the best-selling RAV4 range, as part of a MY22 update due in the first quarter of next year for the mid-size SUV’s fifth generation.

The RAV4 is now available in five grades, with the new XSE slotting in between the entry-level GX and GXL, and flagship Cruiser and Edge (see pricing table below).

Due to low demand, a six-speed manual is no longer available with the RAV4’s 127kW/203Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine in the FWD GX, with it now exclusively mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from $34,300 plus on-road costs (-$395).

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Meanwhile, the XSE features either the mid-size SUV’s 160kW FWD ($42,825) or 163kW AWD ($45,825) ‘self-charging’ series parallel hybrid powertrain with an e-CVT.

Helping the XSE elevate itself above the GXL are black exterior trim, a black roof, a power tailgate, a wireless smartphone charger, a 7.0-inch multifunction display, two-stage heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Softex upholstery, a black headliner and ambient lighting.

The Edge is now available with the AWD hybrid powertrain ($52,320) as well as its existing 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine with AWD and an eight-speed torque-converter automatic ($49,820, +$905).

In terms of standard equipment, LED foglights have been introduced range-wide, while all hybrid variants now get projector LED headlights, and an idle-stop system has been included in petrol versions.

While the Cruiser petrol misses out on a new alloy wheel design, the GX now has light-grey 17s, while 18s are fitted to the GXL (dark silver), XSE (gloss black) and Cruiser hybrid (gloss black), and the Edge (matte grey) has 19s.

The GX (petrol FWD or hybrid FWD/AWD) has stepped up with digital radio, LED interior lights and rear seatbelt reminders despite its hybrid variants becoming $270 cheaper, while the GXL (petrol FWD or hybrid FWD/AWD) and above have gained illuminated door switches with a $410 price rise.

Meanwhile, the Cruiser (petrol FWD or hybrid FWD/AWD) has added a ‘digital’ rearview mirror, three-stage heated and cooled front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat for $1585 extra.

The Edge also brings front and rear autonomous emergency braking, and active rear cross-traffic alert to the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander rival.

2022 Toyota RAV4 pricing before on-road costs