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

Before you start test-driving the 2023 Toyota RAV4, it’s important to look at the various trim levels. Without an in-depth look at the options, you’ll never know which one is right for you. If you can’t tell the differences between the RAV4 XLE vs. Limited models, it’s time to learn.

I examine the exterior, interior, and tech differences between these two RAV4 trim levels in this article. I will also show you the different prices, so you can determine which one is the right value for your budget. 

Exterior Differences

I want to start by looking at some exterior measurements of the XLE and Limited. Both of these RAV4 models have these same dimensions.

• Wheelbase: 105.9”
• Overall length/width: 180.9”/73.0”

However, there are a few exterior measurement differences. It’s unlikely you’ll notice these by looking at the two models, but it’s still important to know.

• Height: 67.0” (XLE)/67.2” (Limited)
• Track (front/rear): 63.0”/63.7” (XLE)/62.6”/63.3” (Limited)

I also want to touch on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 colors. These five colors are available with both trims.

• Blueprint
• Magnetic Rock Metallic
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Ruby Flare Pearl
• Silver Sky Metallic

Additionally, three exterior colors are only available with one of the two. These include the following:

• Ice Cap (XLE)
• Lunar Rock (XLE)
• Wind Chill Pearl (Limited)

Here are the other exterior features that remain the same between the two models.

• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Privacy glass
• Integrated rear spoiler
• Aerodynamic underbody panels
• 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

Now, I’m going to show you the main differences. Starting with the wheels, the XLE comes with 17” 5-spoke light gray alloy wheels, while the Limited has 19” Super Chrome alloy wheels. The Limited also comes standard with these features that aren’t included with the XLE:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof 
• Height-adjustable power liftgate 
• Integrated LED fog lights 
• Active grille shutters

(Source)

Interior Differences

The XLE and Limited cabins are quite similar in size. Here are some measurements you should know.  

• 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”

Moving into the RAV4 XLE interior colors versus the RAV4 Limited interior colors, you see a big difference. The three XLE colors include the following: 

• Ash Fabric
• Black Fabric
• Nutmeg Fabric

The RAV4 Limited includes these instead:

• Ash SofTex
• Black SofTex
• Nutmeg SofTex

As far as features are concerned, you get this equipment with either RAV4:

• 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

There are only a few differences, including the following:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control system (XLE)/Dual-zone automatic climate control system with front vent flow controls (Limited)
• Day/night rearview mirror (XLE)/Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal transceiver (Limited)

Additionally, the Limited comes with these features not standard on the XLE:

• Leather-trimmed shift lever with sequential mode.
• 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

 (Source)

Safety and Technology Differences

There are some big differences in the technology between the XLE and Limited trims. 

About the similar tech features, both RAV4 models have this equipment:

• Two 12V/120W auxiliary power outlets (1 in front, 1 in rear)
• Five USB ports
• Digital speedometer
• Wireless Apple CarPlay®
• Android Auto™

Here are the differences between the two:

• 7” digital Multi-Information Display (XLE)/ 12.3” digital Multi-Information Display (Limited)
• 8” Audio Multimedia (XLE)/10.5” Audio Multimedia (Limited)
• 6-speaker audio system (XLE)/11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio with subwoofer and amplifier (Limited)

Looking closer at the safety features, I see many that are similar, including the following:

• 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

These two RAV4 models also come with the Star Safety System™. This high-tech safety 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)

Toyota is known for creating safe vehicles. Both models include the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) system, with 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 only has two notable exceptions. It also includes standard Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB), and you can add an available Panoramic View Monitor. This advanced camera system includes a 360-degree Overhead View while in low-speed drive and reverse, as well as a Curb View.

(Source)

Price and Value

After the 2023 RAV4 price increases, I have new MSRPs to share on the trim levels. 

• XLE: $29,085
• Limited: $35,880

That’s a difference of $6,795 between the two. For some people, there’s not enough technology and equipment to make the RAV4 worth so much. However, there are a lot of differences that contribute to the higher price of the Limited. 

Here are a few of the highlights I’ve already gone over.

• 17” vs. 19” wheels
• No moonroof vs. Power tilt/slide moonroof 
• Fabric interior vs. SofTex
• 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

Most of the other differences aren’t a leading contributor to the higher price tag.

Should You Buy the RAV4 XLE or Limited

This question is one that only you can answer. If you’ve looked through the additional features and don’t think they are worth the extra money, the XLE might be better for you. Otherwise, if you would use all those features and can justify the cost, I encourage you to check out the Limited.

There’s another option if you are in the middle of the two. Check out the RAV4 XLE Premium, which has some more features than the XLE but at a lower cost than the Limited.

You can compare all of the RAV4 models side-by-side at your local dealership. Weigh the options and test drive the models to see which one you feel comfortable with.

Your RAV4 Awaits

It’s difficult for me to believe that either RAV4 will disappoint you. They both come with superior performance and a comfortable cabin. You may be a person that’s okay with sticking to the budget-friendly option like the XLE. However, if you want more features and high-tech amenities, you probably won’t go wrong with the Limited.  Examine these RAV4 trims and the other options to find your perfect fit.