Toyota RAV4 LE vs. XLE: What’s the Difference?

Among the new RAV4 models, several trims provide a good balance of features and performance. Choosing between them can be difficult, especially when comparing the Toyota RAV4 LE vs. XLE. What are the differences between this RAV4 base model and the next trim up?

In this comprehensive guide, I cover all of the differences, including the exterior style, interior cabin, safety technology, and price. By the end, it should become clear which RAV4 model is right for you.

Overall Differences

Exterior

First, I will discuss the similarities between the two trims.

Both the LE and XLE include these exterior features:

• 8.4- inch ground clearance
• 5 color options: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Ice Cap, Midnight Black Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Privacy glass on all liftgate, rear side and quarter windows
• Aerodynamic underbody panels including vortex generators
• Front and rear wheel spats
• Integrated rear spoiler
• Dual chrome-tipped exhaust
• Black hexagon bar front grille
• LED taillights
• Color-keyed shark-fin antenna (roof-mounted)

Now, onto the differences.

For starters, the XLE offers two additional exterior paint colors: Lunar Rock and Blueprint.

Additionally, while both RAV4 models have 17″ wheels, the design is different:

• LE: Steel wheels with silver 6-spoke wheel covers
• XLE: Alloy wheels with 5-spoke light gray design

There’s also a difference in the outside mirrors between these trims:

• LE: Optional black power outside mirrors (not standard)
• XLE: Standard Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors including both turn signal and blind spot indicators

While both models have standard LED headlights, there are some minor differences in the lighting equipment:

• LE: Multi-LED headlights (black bezels) and Automatic High Beams (AHB)
• XLE: LED projector headlights (chrome bezels) with Automatic High Beams (AHB) and auto on/off

Both models also include color-keyed outside door handles, but the XLE adds a touch-sensor lock/unlock feature on the front doors.

Looking at the windshield wipers, there’s also a difference:

• LE: Intermittent windshield wipers, plus an intermittent rear window wiper
• XLE: Variable intermittent windshield wipers, plus an intermittent rear window wiper (standard) or the available rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers with a de-icer function, along with an intermittent rear window wiper

There are some other minor exterior differences between the LE and XLE:

• XLE comes standard with low-profile black roof rails that aren’t included with the LE.
• XLE has a height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection
• XLE has a power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open and close.

(toyota.com)

Interior

When it comes to the interior of the RAV4, the LE and XLE share a lot of similarities.

Here are the interior features shared between both models:

• Same interior dimensions
• Rear liftgate window defogger
• LED front-seat reading lights
• Dome light
• Cargo area light
• Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board
• Two front and two rear bottle holders
• Two front and two rear cup holders
• Day/night rearview mirror

Starting with the interior colors, there are a few differences:

• The 2023 RAV4 LE interior colors include Black or Nutmeg fabric.
• The 2023 RAV4 XLE interior colors include Ash, Black, or Nutmeg fabric.

Additionally, these differences are seen in the seats on each trim:

• LE: Fabric-trimmed seats with a 6-way adjustable front driver’s seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket
• XLE: Fabric-trimmed seats with embossed polygonal-design seat inserts and an 8-way power-adjustable front driver’s seat with lumbar support, along with a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket
• The LE doesn’t come with heated front seating, but it can be added to the XLE trim.

Each trim has a different climate control system:

• With the RAV4 LE, you get standard basic climate control settings.
• The XLE comes standard with dual-zone climate control.

The key systems are also different:

• The RAV4 LE includes remote keyless entry, but it doesn’t have a push button start with a smart key.
• The smart key and push button start is available on the XLE trim.

(toyota.com)

Safety and Technology

In today’s RAV4 models, you find the latest tech and safety features for an enjoyable and safe ride. When it comes to entertainment and connectivity features, the LE and XLE are practically identical.

Both RAV4 models include these tech features:

• 8″ multimedia display
• 6-speaker sound system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• SiriusXM® with a 3-month trial subscription

If you’re interested in a stereo upgrade with either trim, you won’t find it. The available 11-speaker JBL® Premium package with a subwoofer and amplifier is not available on these trim levels.

Additionally, the safety technology is mostly the same between the two trims.

With either RAV4 trim, you receive the following safety features:

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) System – including Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision detection, Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Steering Assist and Automatic High Beams
• Star Safety Package – including Traction Control, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, plus Smart Stop Technology
• Trailer-Sway Control (TSC)
• Backup camera complete with dynamic gridlines
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)

The only safety difference between the LE and XLE is that the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system are available with the base model. However, the XLE includes this technology standard for no extra cost.

(toyota.com)

Price and Value

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 price is important to consider after evaluating the differences. The only way to know if the higher trim is worth the expense is to see how much it costs.

There has been a price increase for the 2023 Toyota RAV4, but it doesn’t break the bank.

With either model, you get quite the deal on pricing:

• LE MSRP: $27,575
• XLE MSRP: $29,085

That’s a price difference of only $1,510. For that extra money, you receive:

• Additional exterior and interior color options
• Turn signal and blind spot warning indicators
• Push-button start with a smart key
• Dual-zone climate control
• Low-profile black roof rails
• Cargo area tonneau cover
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system

Besides these features that are standard on the XLE trim, there are also optional equipment packages for an extra cost that aren’t available with the LE model.

Which Should You Buy?

Is the additional $1,510 worth upgrading to the 2023 RAV4 XLE from the LE?

There are a lot of extra features that make this model a great value. Not only are there enhanced exterior features and colors, but the interior is also enriched.

The connectivity remains the same between the two and entertainment features are similar, but there are some minor safety differences. Not only that but there are available packages that can’t be found with the LE. If you are willing to spend a little extra, it’s possible to completely customize the XLE to fit any need.

For this reason, I generally recommend the XLE if you like to extra features it offers. It’s not that great of a price difference, but the perks are great.

With that said, there’s nothing wrong with the RAV4 LE trim. If you prefer to save some money, this entry-level RAV4 model is still sure to meet your basic driving needs.

Personally, I went with the LE since I didn’t care about those extra features. Although, I did add the Blind Spot Monitor and rubber floor mats.

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Frequently Asked Questions

To Choose the RAV4 LE or XLE

When it comes time to order or choose a 2023 Toyota RAV4, there are a lot of decisions to make. One that doesn’t need to consume a lot of your time is whether to pick the LE or XLE trim. Both have a lot to offer, but the XLE comes with far more features.

Review the options available to determine if the XLE is a good enough value for your needs. Remember, there’s also the option to choose a higher trim level if you find the XLE doesn’t provide enough.