How to Choose Between Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid vs Limited Hybrid

2019 Toyota RAV4 sales are at an incredible pace this year, and much of this is attributed to its wildly successful Hybrid. Learn how to choose between two of its most popular trim levels – the XSE and the Limited.

Why you should consider RAV4 Hybrid

A lot of times when people begin researching vehicles to buy, there are a few important criteria that must be met for a final choice to be made. Perhaps it is gas mileage that is most crucial. Or maybe someone needs good acceleration. The most essential part could be getting something that is a great value.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid checks all these boxes and a little more too.

First off, drivers should really see a difference at the gas pumps, as RAV4 Hybrid delivers a combined 40 mpg. This is accomplished with 41 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway.

Also, when compared against its 2019 RAV4 gasoline version, the Hybrid produces more power and delivers quicker acceleration. With power combined from both the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and the electric motors, 2019 RAV4 Hybrid gives drivers 2019 horsepower. The gasoline version gives drivers a solid 203 horsepower (which is still a huge improvement vs its 2018 RAV4 model that offered 176 horsepower).

RAV4 Limited Hybrid vs XSE Hybrid

When comparing the 2019 XSE Hybrid against the Limited Hybrid, it really begins with a simple philosophical question – do you like sporty or do you like luxury?

RAV4 XSE Hybrid has a theme of sportiness and gloss black. Take a quick look at the exterior and you will immediately notice the black-painted 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. For lack of a solid technical term, the XSE wheels are just plain cool.

Watch what makes the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid the top selling green car in USA and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube channel for daily Toyota and automotive news analysis.

You will also find all XSE Hybrid colors in two-tone with black tops. Matching this theme are gloss black overfenders, side mirror caps and bumper accents.

On the other hand, Limited Hybrid comes with 18-inch chrome alloy wheels. It also features chrome door handles and matte black overfenders and bumper accents.

Very different seats in each RAV4 Hybrid

Two different RAV4 Hybrid trim levels. Two completely different types of seats. Two completely opposite interior atmospheres.

First off, Limited Hybrid offers SofTex synthetic leather seats in your choice of light gray, nutmeg or black interior. These come with heated seats with 2-position memory seat function.

You can also upgrade your Limited with the Weather Package which gives passengers both heated and ventilated cooled front seats and heated rear seats.

The XSE Hybrid comes with a whole different vibe than the Limited. It screams sportiness. It comes only with black SofTex heated seats with blue stitching and blue fabric seat inserts. Talk about making a statement.

Again, do you prefer a sporty feel or more of a luxury feel? The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid gives you both.

I’d like “multimedia systems” for $200 please Alex

First off, all 2019 RAV4 grades have standard Apple CarPlay and Alexa-enabled commands. The RAV4 does not offer Android Auto – yet. All RAV4 models also come with safety connect and wi-fi connect as well.

XSE Hybrid comes standard with Audio Plus multimedia system. This features an 8-inch touch screen with SiriusXM and HD Radio. Owners also have Toyota connected services with this system, which include remote connect and service connect.

Premium Audio with dynamic navigation is standard when you buy the Limited Hybrid, and this also has an 8-inch touch screen.

Both the XSE and the Limited can be upgraded to include a JBL system with 11 speakers in 9 locations, including a subwoofer.

Both XSE and Limited are a solid value

We all know that vehicle pricing and budgets are super important. This is one of the reasons you should consider the RAV4 Hybrid vs RAV4 gasoline.

All RAV4 Hybrids come standard with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. As they are only available as all-wheel drive, we can compare pricing vs the gasoline RAV4 AWD models.

Less than $1000 separates the gasoline model from the Hybrid, as Limited AWD has a factory MSRP of $35,050, while Limited Hybrid costs $35,850 MSRP. Now compare this pricing vs the fuel estimates you get for each.

The 2019 RAV4 Limited AWD averages 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for a combined 28 mpg. Limited Hybrid averages 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway and offers 40 mpg combined.

Since the XSE Hybrid does not have a gasoline version equivalent (as a matter of fact, XSE is the only Hybrid model that does not have a gasoline partner to be matched with), we will leave it here all by itself. However, it is a very good value with a factory MSRP of $33,850.

Compare XSE Hybrid vs Limited Hybrid in my video review and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube channel for daily automotive news analysis.

Time for your Hybrid thoughts

With all the wild popularity of the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid this entire year, some buyers are having challenges even finding one that has not already been sold or claimed. Do you own a Toyota RAV4 and what do you think of it so far? Also, are you in the market for a RAV4 Hybrid, and what trim level do you think you want most?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story where I am discussing the just-released pricing of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. You can follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.Please Subscribe to Jeff's "Toyotajeff" YouTube channel for the latest Toyota news and reviews.