Toyota RAV4 LE vs. Limited: What’s the Difference?
If the time has come to drive a new Toyota RAV4, you have to consider which trim level you will choose. With several great models, I understand the confusion. For example, it can be difficult to pick between the 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE vs. Limited models.
In this article, I break down the main differences between the LE and Limited RAV4s. I look at the technology, interior space, and overall design of the two. After looking at the price and value, I hope you’ll be able to make a better decision.
Exterior
The LE and Limited models have some similar measurements. These include the following:
- Wheelbase: 105.9”
- Overall length/width: 180.9”/73.0”
However, there are a few dimensional differences between the two.
- Height: 67.0” (LE), 67.2” (Limited)
- Track (front/rear): 63.0”/63.7” (LE), 62.6”/63.3” (Limited)
You also want to know what 2023 Toyota RAV4 colors can be chosen with each trim level. Four colors can be picked with either trim. These include the following:
- Magnetic Rock Metallic
- Midnight Black Metallic
- Ruby Flare Pearl
- Silver Sky Metallic
Yet, you can also choose Blueprint with the Limited model.
There are also a few exterior features that remain the same between the two models. Here are a few to consider.
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Privacy glass
- Dual chrome-tipped exhaust
- Color-matched outside door handles
- LED taillights
- Color-mounted shark-fin antenna on the roof
The Limited model also includes the following standard features that don’t come with the LE.
- Integrated LED fog lights
- Height-adjustable power liftgate
- Black low-profile roof rails
- Color-matched heated power outside mirrors
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
- Active grille shutters
- Bi-LED projector headlights
Aside from that, there are different wheels installed on each model. The LE includes 17” steel wheels with silver 6-spoke covers, while the Limited has 19” Super Chrome alloy wheels.
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Interior
The LE and Limited cabins have some similar measurements. Here are some worth checking out.
- Seating capacity: 5
- Headroom with moonroof: 37.7”/39.5”
- Legroom: 41.0”/37.8”
- Shoulder room: 57.8”/56.4”
- Hip room: 54.3”/47.7”
- EPA interior volume: 136.4 cubic feet
- EPA passenger volume: 98.9 cubic feet
- Cargo volume (behind front seats): 69.8 cubic feet
- Cargo length behind rear seat: 40.0”
- Cargo minimum/maximum width: 39.4”/59.0”
- Cargo minimum/maximum height: 34.5”/36.6”
The only dimensional difference is with the cargo space. The LE model lists 37.6 cubic feet in the rear, while the Limited has 37.5 cubic feet. This minimal difference probably can’t be seen.
The 2023 RAV4 LE interior colors show this SUV comes in Black or Nutmeg fabric. However, the RAV4 Limited interior colors include Ash, Black, and Nutmeg SofTex.
Regarding the comfort features, these are the only ones standard with both models.
- Rear liftgate window defogger
- 4-way power front passenger seat
- Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board
- 4 cup holders
- Four bottle holders
- Power windows
- 60/40-split fold-flat rear seat
Among these two models, you have a different rearview mirror design. The LE provides a standard day/night rearview mirror, while the Limited upgrades to the auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal transceiver.
The RAV4 Limited includes a long list of other features, not standard with the LE. These include the following:
- Heated and ventilated front seating
- Tonneau cover for cargo area
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (lumbar support)
- Blue ambient illumination (front footwells, in-dash shelves, and center console cup holders)
- Leather-trimmed shift lever
- Dual-zone automatic climate control system with front vent flow controls
- Cargo area storage net
- Dark brown-accented interior
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Safety and Technology
If you are going to drive a new SUV, you may as well have the best technology. These models have quite a few differences, but here are the similarities.
- Two 12V/120W auxiliary power outlets
- Digital speedometer
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®
- Android Auto™
Still, you have to examine the differences, including these features:
- 3 USB ports (LE) vs. 5 USB ports (Limited)
- 7” digital Multi-Information Display (LE)/ 12.3” digital Multi-Information Display (Limited)
- 8” Audio Multimedia (LE)/10.5” Audio Multimedia (Limited)
- 6-speaker audio system (LE)/11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio with subwoofer and amplifier (Limited)
As far as standard safety technology is concerned, both models include these features:
- Eight airbags
- Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
- Trailer-Sway Control (TSC)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Backup camera, including dynamic gridlines
Both SUVs also come with Star Safety System™. This high-tech safety package includes the following:
- Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Traction Control (TRAC)
- Smart Stop Technology® (SST)
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
With the standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) system, you know you have all the protection you need. Both models include these features:
- Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
- Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
The RAV4 Limited also includes Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) as standard technology. Furthermore, it comes with Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB).
If you wanted, you could also add on the Panoramic View Monitor. This sophisticated camera system provides a 360-degree Overhead View and a Curb View.
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Price and Value
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 price must be considered to determine which one offers the best value. You want to be sure that any extra money you spend is worth the cost.
With the recent 2023 Toyota RAV4 price increase, there are new prices to consider. Here are the latest MSRPs.
- LE: $28,275
- Limited: $37,680
Between these two models, there’s a difference of $9,405. That’s a big jump from one trim to the other.
You’ll see numerous tech and comfort upgrades with the Limited model. In fact, this is the top of the line, while the LE is considered the base model.
Should You Buy the RAV4 LE or Limited?
These two models appeal to different drivers. The RAV4 LE is better geared toward a driver who needs to stick to a budget and doesn’t need the latest innovations. It’s a great SUV, and there’s nothing lacking. Still, it’s not going to wow you.
On the other hand, the RAV4 Limited includes every bell and whistle. Toyota hasn’t held back anything back with this model. If you aren’t worried about the price but simply want the best, this model will be a better option.
With that said, there are plenty of trim levels to choose from. If you want something with more features but don’t want to spend as much on the Limited, be sure to check out our other comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoying the Thrill of Picking a New RAV4
One of the best things about choosing a new SUV is deciding what trim and features you want. The shopping experience can be very exciting as you decide what’s important to you.
Take your time and explore the options. I recommend visiting a local Toyota dealership to see both models in person before making up your mind.