The all-new Toyota RAV4 has been launched, and the crossover is available locally in three variants—none of which are 4x4s. It’s a decision that might raise a few
All local RAV4 variants are powered by a 2.5-liter engine capable of 203hp at 6,600rpm and 243Nm of torque at 4,000-5,000rpm, and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. They should offer similar driving dynamics, then—something that makes checking out the base variant that much more appealing.
So, what does the Toyota RAV4 LE, which carries a P1,638,000 price tag, have to offer?
Outside, it’s pretty hard to set the LE apart from its higher-spec counterparts. The most obvious difference is the wheels: The LE runs on 17-inch alloys instead of 18-inchers, and the design is relatively simpler.
The grille is black plastic instead of dark gray, but you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference unless you make it a point to inspect the front fascia. Also, the LE doesn’t get roof rails.
The difference between variants is slightly more noticeable inside. But even then, there’s nothing downright glaring.
LE units get fabric seats instead of leather ones—no surprise there—more modest resin trim, plastic door handles, and a urethane steering wheel. No electric seating adjustment or seat heaters (does anyone really use this feature?), and the rearview mirror isn’t anti-glare. The A/C system is also manual, but the display is still digital.
Across the range, you get the same touchscreen infotainment system and six-speaker sound setup. Some upmarket features—like cruise control, a wireless charger in the center console, and smart entry—are absent in the LE, too. But again, there are no unexpected omissions, feature-wise, in this unit.
Lastly, the information display here is a 4.2-inch TFT instead of the 7-inch unit in the top-spec variant. The higher-spec display can be switched between digital and analog in appearance, which is neat, but by no means a deal breaker. What should be considered a biggie is that the LE also comes with seven airbags—good on Toyota for
Anyway, you can check out the base LE variant in the photos below. Do you think this particular offering is worth the P1,638,000 asking price?
