Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Toyota RAV4 is immensely popular. To continue to capitalize on that popularity, Toyota has introduced a staggering number of trim levels to suit any possible buyer who may walk through the door. That also means there's a lot to sift through if you're looking to buy a RAV4. As of publishing, there are 10 trims, including the RAV4's plug-in hybrid options. In an effort to cut out the fluff, we chose the trim that's best representative of the value the RAV4 is known for: the SE.The 2026 RAV4 is all-new, offering a hybrid-only lineup. Base models total 226 horsepower, while PHEV's net 324 horsepower and a claimed 50 miles of electric-only range. The RAV4 also features room for 5 and new looks.What's Under The Hood?ToyotaThe RAV4's base hybrid models are all powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive will net you a solid ten-horsepower boost by way of a third electric motor on the rear axle. It's a cheap option on the SE trim, at $1,400, and well worth it for the extra power and four-season usability. The EPA says the RAV4 hybrid is rather efficient, netting a combined 43 miles per gallon in front-drive configurations. All-wheel drive models, predictably, take a hit, but only just. EPA ratings show the RAV4's all-wheel drive trims will return around 41 mpg combined.AdvertisementAdvertisementToyota does offer PHEV models, but they're quite a bit more expensive. The end result is more power and greater efficiency, though. The RAV4's PHEV powertrain nets 320 horsepower combined and standard all-wheel drive, plus 50 miles of electric-only range. At most, PHEV models return around 41 mpg combined. They'll take around 30 minutes to regain their 50-some miles of electric driving range on a DC fast-charger.Need New Tires? Save Up To 30% at Tire RackFind the perfect tires for your exact vehicle and driving style. Click here to shop all top-tier brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, and more, directly at Tire Rack.What Standard Features Does The RAV4 SE Have?ToyotaSE models are a slight upgrade over LE models, which feature the following standard equipment:Keyless entry and push-button startDual-zone automatic climate controlDigital gauge cluster display10.5-inch touchscreen displaySix-speaker sound systemApple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (wireless)NavigationAdvertisementAdvertisementSE models build on this with:18-inch black wheelsBlack exterior trim with blue interior accentsPower-adjustable driver's seatHeated front seatsOn top of this, all RAV4 models feature a few key driver aids, including forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning.RAV4 SE OptionsThe RAV4's SE trim has but three options to choose from, none of which add too much to the experience. A $400 Convenience Package adds naught but a powered tailgate, while another $850 nets you a moonroof. Finally, a Weather Package ($375) gets you a heated wheel and rain-sensing wipers. We'd spring for the weather package if you live somewhere cold and wet, but that's about it.Why Pick The RAV4's SE TrimToyotaThough the SE is just a step up from the base LE model, we think it's the one to get. SE models add a few desirable options that'll help the RAV feel more like a car than a box with wheels. That includes heated front seats, the aforementioned blind-spot monitoring and safety systems, and the powered driver's seat. Automatic headlights also accompany those features, as well as the optional all-wheel drive system discussed above. All told, a front-drive we built ourselves on Toyota's website came out to $36,295. All-wheel drive adds just $1,400 to that, for a total of $37,695.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe end result is a practical, cheap SUV with plenty of standard features that doesn't feel like you've skimped out on the good stuff. Even the "smaller" 10-inch screen feels generous, and the RAV4's new hybrid powertrains ensure the more basic trims like the SE don't feel nearly as anemic.This story was originally published by Autoblog on May 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
