2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE is a popular compact crossover that blends practicality, comfort, and versatility. It offers a smooth ride, solid fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior while being equipped with a wide range of standard and optional features. The XLE trim is positioned in the middle of the RAV4 lineup, offering a great balance of value and premium features. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:

Performance & Engine:

• Engine: The 2018 RAV4 XLE is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a solid mix of power for daily driving and decent towing capabilities.

• Transmission: The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which helps provide smooth shifts and contributes to the vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency.

• Drivetrain: The RAV4 XLE comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for those who need extra traction in slippery conditions or for light off-roading.

Fuel Economy:

• Fuel Efficiency: The 2018 RAV4 XLE is efficient for its class. The FWD version achieves an EPA-estimated 23 MPG city / 30 MPG highway. The AWD version gets slightly lower fuel economy, with an estimated 22 MPG city / 28 MPG highway. The fuel efficiency makes it a solid choice for daily commuting and long trips.

Interior & Comfort:

• Seating: The RAV4 XLE seats 5 passengers comfortably. The front seats are fabric upholstered and 6-way power-adjustable for the driver, while the front passenger seat is 4-way manual-adjustable. The seats are supportive and offer a decent amount of space, making it comfortable for both short and long drives. The rear seats provide plenty of legroom and headroom for adults.

• Infotainment System:

  • The 2018 RAV4 XLE comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen that features Toyota’s Entune Audio Plus system. This system includes Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy integration with smartphones (note that Apple CarPlay was not yet available in the 2018 model, but it was added in later years).

  • It also features navigation and voice recognition (depending on options) to make it easier to find destinations on the go.

  • A 6-speaker audio system is standard, with an upgrade to an Entune Premium Audio system available on higher trims.

• Interior Features:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures comfort for both the driver and passenger.

  • Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

  • Keyless entry and push-button start for added convenience.

  • The cabin features soft-touch materials and a spacious center console, with cup holders and ample storage space throughout.

Safety Features:

The 2018 RAV4 XLE comes with a suite of standard safety features, including:

• Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P): This suite includes several advanced safety technologies to help keep you and your passengers safe:

  • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection: Helps detect a potential collision and can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of an impact.

  • Lane departure alert with steering assist: Provides steering input to help guide the vehicle back into its lane if unintended lane departure is detected.

  • Adaptive cruise control (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control): Maintains a set speed and can adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.

  • Automatic high beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams depending on traffic conditions.

  • Lane Tracing Assist: Provides minor steering adjustments to help keep the vehicle centered within its lane.

• Additional Safety Features:

  • Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (available on higher trims or as part of an option package).

  • Front and rear airbags, side curtain airbags, and knee airbags for all passengers.

  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and brake assist for added safety in emergency braking situations.

  • Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Exterior:

• Design: The 2018 RAV4 XLE has a sleek, modern look with bold lines and a more aggressive front end compared to previous models. The grille is wide, with sleek headlights and a wide stance, giving the vehicle a more athletic presence.

• Wheels: The 2018 RAV4 XLE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, adding to its rugged but refined look. Larger 18-inch wheels are available on higher trims.

• Lighting: The XLE trim comes equipped with automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, and fog lights for better visibility in low-light conditions.

Cargo Space:

• Cargo Capacity: The 2018 RAV4 offers generous cargo space for a compact SUV. With the rear seats in place, you get about 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space. When the rear seats are folded down, you can expand this to 73.4 cubic feet, making it easy to load larger items or haul gear for a weekend getaway.

• The power liftgate (available on the XLE trim) makes loading and unloading easier, especially when your hands are full.

Towing Capacity:

• Towing: The 2018 RAV4 XLE can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with the towing package. This makes it capable of handling small trailers, boats, or campers.

Ride & Handling:

• The 2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE offers a comfortable ride with a smooth suspension that soaks up most bumps and road imperfections. The handling is responsive, though not particularly sporty. The steering is light and easy, making it a good option for urban driving and parking.

• With the available AWD system, the RAV4 XLE offers added stability in challenging road conditions, including snow, rain, or light off-roading.

Price:

• The 2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE had a starting price of around $26,000 for the FWD version, with the AWD version adding about $1,400 to the price. Prices can rise with additional options, such as the Premium Package or Navigation Package.

Key Highlights:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower for a balanced mix of performance and fuel efficiency.

• 7-inch touchscreen with Toyota Entune Audio Plus, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (later models), and SiriusXM.

• Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and pre-collision system.

• Power-adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control for comfort.

• Available all-wheel drive (AWD) for improved traction in various driving conditions.

• Up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

• Towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds with the proper towing equipment.

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a versatile, comfortable, and well-equipped compact crossover. Its combination of performance, efficiency, tech, and safety features makes it a great choice for families, commuters, and those who need a practical vehicle for various lifestyles. The XLE trim is especially appealing due to its balance of features and value.

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***6 Months Warranty Included***