2022 Toyota RAV4 Base — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2022 Toyota RAV4 Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $28,975–$34,755
Fuel Economy 28 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,875/yr

Key Specifications — 2022 Toyota RAV4 Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$28,975–$34,755

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Base

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Base is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 9.0/10. The RAV4 Base nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.8/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.3/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $28,975–$34,755, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota RAV4 Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Its value score of 8.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Base will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Base ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,975 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 20%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which RAV4 Base Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Base scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 8.1 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.4/10$31,749 Read review →
2024 8.3/10$30,825 Read review →
2023 8.2/10$29,900 Read review →
2022 (this review) 8.1/10$28,975
2021 8.1/10$28,050 Read review →
2020 8.1/10$27,126 Read review →
2019 8.1/10$26,201 Read review →
2018 7.9/10$25,276 Read review →
2017 7.9/10$24,351 Read review →
2016 8.0/10$23,427 Read review →
2015 7.8/10$22,502 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2022 Toyota RAV4 Base

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

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