2021 Toyota RAV4: Should You Get The Base LE Trim?

This week I drove the Toyota RAV4 in its least expensive and most 'base' LE trim... and I must say, in a world, and in a market for that matter, where certain RAV4 models have creeped over the $50k mark... this still offers a tremendous value at well under $30k!!

With standard features like: auto high beam, blind spot assist, and an Apple CarPlay compatible touchscreen infotainment system -- my complaints were limited to having to use a physical key in the ignition and having hubcaps for wheels.

All in all the RAV4 proved to be a solid and affordable compact SUV in a segment that's jam packed full of competition!

FOLLOW ME!!

What you think I rap for,
To push a f*cking RAV4?

[Reoniz]

What would be your pick: Tiguan, CR-V, or RAV4??

[earthling]

I wanted a video on the base trim, and, I found it! Thank you!

[jimroberts]

Far and Away the best car review anywhere. Great communication skills, you will go far in this world....

[teresag.tvfilipina]

Love this review i'mplanning to get my first car soon and rav 4 will be my first choice

[christopherbrown]

Great video. You’re very well informed and well spoken.

[EverydayJ]

In Canada the LE trim comes standard with auto headlights . Heated front seats and all weather floor liners 👍

[ZenPoet]

I just got a 2021 Rav 4 LE . Most basic, no frills. I love it. An AWD would’ve been nice- but I’ve relocated from Colorado to Texas so awd isn’t as important. . This is my first time ever having a car loan and first time in something made after the 90’s. Vast upgrade from my 94 ford ranger that just crapped out. 🛻 💨

[chikenarch]

I went with the XSE. Can get a bit expensive but it’s the only trim you can actually differentiate from the rest and also looks amazing.

[imanonymous]

My 2011 Ford Taurus kept giving me problems. I drive a lot and I needed a reliable, affordable new car. I went with the 22 Rav4 LE and couldn’t be more happier.

[jakeblum]

Whoever owns this car has impeccable taste 🧐

[robertknight]

I actually prefer a key to start any car. That way if the battery in the fob dies you don't have to go figuring out whether your car wants you to it up to the start button or somewhere near the glove box or the designated area. in the center console like GM does.

[eaglseyes]

Maybe your model doesn't have it, but one feature the base model has is radar dynamic cruise control, I think it's pretty cool the base has that

[charlieshamburgers]

I hear comments like- I would never spend $24k for used one, when new ones are $27k. The reality is that $27k was in 2021. A new 2024 starts around $30K. Also that $27k in 2021 did not include the destination charge. Most important thing to remember about these products, is that they don’t depreciate like a VW or Nissan or Mitsubishi or any domestic vehicle. Just paid $23, 450 for a 2021 RAV4 LE with 38k miles, after looking around for two months. That’s what a used Toyota costs and if you see one that you like, get on your horse. We had two vehicles bought out from under us.

[sptrader]

I bought a 2020 Rav4 LE gas, it was a great car but I traded it in for a 2021 XLE which I enjoy much more. The XLE has dual climate control, alloy wheels(no hubcaps like LE) and many other little features. Well worth the upgrade, if you can afford to pay a little more.

[braetonwilson]

Great review and I appreciate that you reviewed the base trim. Several complaints that the 8 speed automatic transmission likes to gear hunt a lot and feels jerky and unpleasant while driving. Looks like you didn't have that problem or you would have mentioned it.

[abbyhunker]

Just got a 21 RAV4 ! The only thing I don’t like the light color seats! I traded in my 19 Buick encore that very small not enough room for the passenger’s bag when I take them to the airport so I needed space for the Uber and Lyft customers

[MovieJustin]

I like how calm your delivery is. What do you attribute your comfort level speaking to?

[mrbork]

Nice! I got the hybrid le. I have to wait two months and kind of want to upgrade to xle ... But sometimes simple is better

[gregs]

In deciding on whether to get the base LE trim, I think about how long I'll keep the car and if I want to go without that feature for 7-10 years. If a package adds an additional $1000, I think about the cost over the life of owning the vehicle. Keyless entry\start\stop and not having auto headlights are the main reasons I did not go with the LE trim. In the current environment, you may be stuck purchasing on what is available on the dealers lot. LE is great trim to get into an affordable SUV with reliability.

[yellofury]

As a current owner of a 2004 XLE model Toyota, theres something to be said about the base LE and its lack of power this and that. While the powertrains and overall dependability are outstanding, electric motors in these Toyotas do die after a few years. I have about 204, 000 miles on my Sienna and the V6 will not die. I use high mileage full synthetic for my oil changes . The various power motors have failed on my van include: the moonroof(not fixed I can count on one hand how many times I opened that sunroof in Florida weather), drivers side seat (no longer reclines, the cost of repair is not worth it), the drivers window actuator and mount (done twice so far). Overall its still dependable but the price of gas is making this van a horrible commuter at 16 mpg city avg. I think a base LE AWD is just fine. A key that turns the ignition, manual liftgate, AWD, You can always get aftermarket wheels.