Have you thought about driving a new RAV4 but aren’t sure which trim is best for you? I understand the dilemma considering there are so many great options. For example, how can you choose between the 2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium vs. Limited models?
In this article, I walk you through the differences in the exterior design, interior space, and tech features of the two trims. I will also show you the prices and help you determine which one you’ll prefer.
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Exterior Differences
Beginning with the exterior measurements of the XLE Premium and Limited, we see many similarities. Here are a few to consider.
Both of these RAV4 models have the same dimensions.
- Wheelbase: 105.9”
- Overall length/width: 180.9”/73.0”
- Height: 67.2”
- Track (front/rear): 62.6”/63.3”
It’s also important to look at the 2023 Toyota RAV4 colors. Five colors can be chosen with both trim levels. These include the following:
- Blueprint
- Magnetic Rock Metallic
- Midnight Black Metallic
- Ruby Flare Pearl
- Silver Sky Metallic
However, there are two exterior colors only available with the XLE Premium model. These include the following:
- Lunar Rock
- Wind Chill Pearl
Aside from that, many exterior features are the same between the trims. Here are just a few to consider:
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Integrated rear spoiler
- Privacy glass
- Dual chrome-tipped exhaust
- Black low-profile roof rails
- Variable intermittent windshield wipers
- Intermittent rear window wiper
- Color-matched heated power outside mirrors
- Color-matched outside door handles
- LED taillights
- Color-mounted shark-fin antenna on the roof
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
- Height-adjustable power liftgate
- Integrated LED fog lights
Both the XLE and Limited also have 19” Super Chrome alloy wheels. The only major differences I noticed between the two were the active grille shutters, unique grille design, and Bi-LED projector headlights on the Limited model.
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Interior Differences
The XLE Premium and Limited cabins have similar measurements. Here are some I think are important.
- Seating capacity: 5
- EPA interior volume: 136.4 cubic feet
- EPA passenger volume: 98.9 cubic feet
- Cargo volume (front/rear): 69.8 cubic feet/37.5 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”
- Head room with moonroof: 37.7”/39.5”
- Leg room: 41.0”/37.8”
- Shoulder room: 57.8”/56.4”
- Hip room: 54.3”/47.7”
Looking closer at the RAV4 XLE Premium interior colors versus the RAV4 Limited interior colors, there’s no difference to mention. Both models include the following options:
- Ash SofTex
- Black SofTex
- Nutmeg SofTex
Looking at the interior comfort features, these are provided with both RAV4s:
- Rear liftgate window defogger
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (lumbar support)
- 4-way front passenger seat
- Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board
- Tonneau cover for cargo area
- 4 cup holders
- 4 bottle holders
- Power windows
- 60/40-split fold-flat rear seat
- Leather-trimmed shift lever
- Dual-zone automatic climate control system with front vent flow controls
Between the two RAV4s, the rearview mirror design is slightly different. XLE Premium models include a day/night rearview mirror, while the Limited has an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal transceiver.
The RAV4 Limited also comes with these features that are not standard on the XLE Premium:
- Heated and ventilated front seating
- Blue ambient illumination (front footwells, in-dash shelves, and center console cup holders)
- Cargo area storage net
- Dark brown-accented interior
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Safety and Technology Differences
You want to know which model has the best technology and I have the answers. Beginning with what’s the same, here is the tech equipment you will find in both the XLE Premium and Limited trims.
- Two 12V/120W auxiliary power outlets (1 in front, 1 in rear)
- Five USB ports
- Digital speedometer
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®
- Android Auto™
Yet, there are a few differences, including the following:
- 7” digital Multi-Information Display (XLE Premium)/ 12.3” digital Multi-Information Display (Limited)
- 8” Audio Multimedia (XLE Premium)/10.5” Audio Multimedia (Limited)
- 6-speaker audio system (XLE)/11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio with subwoofer and amplifier (Limited)
Further looking at safety technology, I see these that are similar:
- eight airbags
- Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Trailer-Sway Control (TSC)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Backup camera, including dynamic gridlines
You also get the Star Safety System™ with either model. This 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)
All RAV4s are considered to be safe SUVs. That’s due partly because of the standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) system, which provides 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 does have two safety features that make it different. It comes with Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB). Aside from that, you can opt to include the Panoramic View Monitor. With this high-tech camera system, you get the 360-degree Overhead View and a Curb View.
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Price and Value
There were some 2023 RAV4 price increases, but nothing that’s too shocking. After these increases, these are the new MSRPs:
- XLE Premium: $31,975
- Limited: $35,880
That’s a difference of $3,905 between the two. That’s a decent amount of money, which is why it’s important to evaluate what more you get by paying that.
Here are a few of the most significant highlights I’ve talked about.
- Heated and ventilated front seating on the Limited trim
- 7” vs. 12.3” digital Multi-Information Display
- 8” vs. 10.5” Audio Multimedia
- 6-speaker vs. 11-speaker JBL audio system
- Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB) on the Limited trim
The other smaller differences don’t impact the sticker price as much.
Should You Buy the RAV4 XLE Premium or Limited?
I wish there were a simple answer to this question. Considering the price difference, it’s important to think carefully about the two trim levels. If you value comfort, style, and technology above performance, you may be interested in spending the extra cash for the upgrade to the Limited trim.
However, if you just want the basic performance and features of the RAV4, there’s nothing wrong with the XLE Premium. It’s not even the base model, so you are already getting a few upgrades.
If you think you want to add a few of the available options that are also standard with the Limited, you may find that the price difference gets closer together. At that point, it may be better to take the plunge and move up to this trim level instead.
Don’t forget that there are other trim levels available. If neither of these seems to fit you just right, look at the other options available at your local Toyota dealership.
Don’t Miss Out On a Drive in a RAV4 Limited
It’s your time to shine behind the wheel of a new Toyota RAV4. With the Limited trim available to you, nothing is lacking in terms of comfort, connectivity, or safety. You get everything you hoped for and probably more with this trim.
Check it out at a local Toyota dealership and compare it with the other trims to determine what’s best for you.
Visit my shop to see the most popular modifications and accessories for the Toyota RAV4.
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