When shopping for a new RAV4, car buyers often consider a variety of features that can enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. One such feature is cruise control, a system that allows drivers to maintain a set speed without constantly pressing the accelerator. Toyota has long included cruise control in many of its vehicles, but is it standard on the RAV4? This article explores that question in detail, offering insights into the availability of cruise control across different RAV4 trims, model years, and configurations.
Understanding Cruise Control and Its Benefits
Cruise control is a driving assistance system that enables a vehicle to maintain a specified speed automatically. Originally designed to reduce driver fatigue on long highway trips, it has evolved into a staple feature in modern vehicles. Let’s begin by understanding why cruise control is so valued:
- Reduces driver fatigue on long drives
- Improves fuel efficiency by maintaining steady speeds
- Allows drivers to better focus on the road and surroundings
With its advantages clear, it’s natural for buyers to expect cruise control to be a standard feature on most vehicles. But when it comes to the Toyota RAV4, the answer isn’t as straightforward as one might expect.
Does the Toyota RAV4 Come With Cruise Control?
The quick answer is: Yes, the RAV4 does come with cruise control — but not always in every trim or model year. The presence of cruise control on a RAV4 depends on the trim level and the model year. Toyota has gradually expanded the inclusion of cruise control across the RAV4 lineup over the years, but budget-conscious buyers should verify this feature’s presence in their chosen model configuration.
Let’s break this down by model year and trim level to provide clarity for potential RAV4 buyers.
Cruise Control on the RAV4 by Model Year
Below is a detailed look at how Toyota has implemented cruise control in the RAV4 from recent years:
| Model Year | Base Trim Cruise Control Availability | Higher Trims | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Standard on LE, XLE, and above | Standard with additional features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Newer trims include more advanced versions of cruise control |
| 2022 | Available but not always standard on base trims | Standard on XLE and higher, with ACC as an option or standard | Variation exists depending on options packages |
| 2021 | Available across some trims but not all | Standard on XLE and higher trims | Hybrid models also had ACC available |
| 2020 | Optional or available as part of a package | Standard on mid to high trims | Entry-level trims often required upgrade packages |
As seen in the table, there is a clear trend of increased standardization of cruise control in higher trims and newer model years. For instance, in the 2023 model year, Toyota has made cruise control standard on the LE trim and above. However, older model years often saw the feature as an option or part of a package, especially in lower trims.
Cruise Control Variants in the RAV4
The RAV4 is not only equipped with traditional cruise control but also offers more advanced driving assistance features in its higher trims:
- Traditional Cruise Control (CC) – Found on base models and often standard. Allows drivers to set and maintain a speed without pressing the accelerator.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – Available on mid to upper trims and standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). ACC uses radar or camera sensors to monitor traffic and adjust speed accordingly, maintaining a safe distance.
The distinction between traditional and adaptive cruise control is essential for buyers looking to understand the level of automation and convenience they desire.
RAV4 Trims and Cruise Control Availability
Toyota offers the RAV4 in a variety of trims, including LE, XLE, XSE, SE, and Limited, as well as the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime (plugin hybrid). These trim levels significantly affect whether cruise control, including ACC, is standard or optional.
RAV4 LE and XLE Trims
- In 2023 and newer models, the LE trim includes cruise control as standard.
- Adaptive Cruise Control is available as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) package.
- The XLE trim includes even more standard features, and in most cases, Adaptive Cruise Control is standard.
RAV4 SE and XSE Trims
These trims are designed with sportier aesthetics and features:
- Cruise control is standard in both SE and XSE trims.
- Adaptive Cruise Control is typically standard or optional, depending on the model year.
- Additional driver-assistance technologies may be bundled with ACC, especially in newer RAV4 models.
RAV4 Limited Trim
- The top-tier Limited trim offers the most comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including ACC.
- TSS 3.0 is standard, and ACC is part of the package.
- Most Limited versions include ACC as a standard feature for 2022 and newer model years.
RAV4 Hybrid and Prime
The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime, aimed at eco-conscious drivers, also tend to include advanced features to justify their price premiums:
- Cruise control is standard in Hybrid LE and higher trims.
- ACC is standard across many Hybrid and Prime models starting from 2021 onward.
- The availability of ACC might depend on whether the vehicle comes with TSS and the selected package.
Toyota Safety Sense and Adaptive Cruise Control
As Toyota has integrated more advanced safety and driver-assist features into its vehicles, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite has become a central element in determining whether a vehicle includes adaptive cruise control.
What Is Toyota Safety Sense?
TSS is Toyota’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including features such as:
- Pedestrian Detection
- Pre-Collision System
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Toyota’s term for ACC)
- Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic High Beams
TSS 3.0 — The Most Advanced Version
As of 2023, Toyota offers TSS 3.0 in some RAV4 models, which brings even more advanced safety features to the table. Within this suite, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is standard as part of the package. Therefore, checking whether your RAV4 has TSS — or can be upgraded to include it — is crucial in assessing cruise control availability.
Does My RAV4 Have Adaptive Cruise Control?
For current owners or potential buyers wondering whether a specific RAV4 includes ACC, it’s essential to check the vehicle’s features either directly from Toyota’s website, using the VIN through the Toyota Build & Price tool, or at a local dealership. Additionally, if your RAV4 has a forward-facing radar sensor behind the Toyota badge and a cruise control lever or steering wheel-mounted controls, it may have ACC.
How to Confirm Cruise Control Availability
Before finalizing a purchase or upgrade, buyers should take the following steps to ensure cruise control is included in their RAV4:
1. Check Trim-Level Specifications
Each RAV4 page on Toyota’s official website includes detailed trim-level specifications. Be sure to compare the standard and optional features listed under each trim. If unsure, reach out to an online chat agent or sales representative.
2. Request a Detailed Feature List
When visiting a local dealership, do not rely solely on the brochure. Ask the salesperson for a comprehensive breakdown of the vehicle’s features, including the specifics of its cruise control system.
3. Use the Toyota Build & Price Tool
To customize and confirm what’s included in your RAV4, visit Toyota’s online Build & Price feature. This tool lets you select your desired model, trim, and packages to see real-time updates on available features, including various cruise control systems.
4. Look at the Owner’s Manual
For current owners, the RAV4 Owner’s Manual is a valuable resource. A quick search for “cruise control” will confirm whether your vehicle includes it, and the section on adaptive cruise control will outline usage and limitations.
Do All RAV4 Model Years Have Cruise Control?
Let’s now evaluate how the RAV4 evolved in its inclusion of cruise control over recent model years.
2019 RAV4
In the 2019 model year, the RAV4 underwent a complete redesign. However, cruise control — especially adaptive cruise control — was not standard on all trims:
- Traditional cruise control was available but not standard on the entry-level LE trim.
- ACC was part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite available on higher trims.
2020 RAV4
By 2020, Toyota had begun including more safety features across trims, but the presence of cruise control still depended on configurations:
- Cruise control became more commonly available as standard on mid-tier trims.
- ACC could be optionally added to LE and XLE trims with the appropriate package.
2021–2022 RAV4
- Cruise control started to become standard across more trims, including the LE and XLE.
- ACC became standard on XLE and higher trims, including hybrid variants.
2023–2025 RAV4
In recent years, Toyota has made significant strides in making advanced features standard across more trims:
- Cruise control is now standard even on the LE trim in most configurations.
- Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on many trims, including Hybrid LE and Prime.
- TSS 3.0 in newer models includes ACC and other advanced features.
The Evolution of Cruise Control in the RAV4
Looking back over the years, the RAV4 has gradually shifted from offering cruise control as a premium or optional feature to making it a standard inclusion on more trims — especially as part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite. This change aligns with the broader automotive industry trend of prioritizing driver comfort and safety through advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Toyota’s approach has been strategic: offering different tiers of safety and comfort features to appeal to a diverse audience. Entry-level buyers can still purchase a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank, while tech-focused consumers can upgrade to packages that include ACC and other enhancements.
Conclusion: Is Cruise Control Standard on RAV4?
The availability of cruise control on the RAV4 is a gradual evolution rather than a sudden inclusion across all models. To summarize:
- For the 2023–2025 RAV4 models, traditional cruise control is now standard starting at the LE trim level.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is standard on most RAV4 trims above the LE, especially in Hybrid and Prime models.
- Older model years may have cruise control, but it wasn’t always standard and often required packages.
For potential buyers, the key takeaway is to closely evaluate the trim level and model year of the RAV4 they are interested in. By doing so, they can ensure that cruise control — whether traditional or adaptive — is included to meet their driving needs. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning long trips across the country, cruise control remains a valuable feature in the RAV4 lineup.
Finding Your Perfect RAV4
The RAV4 continues to be one of Toyota’s most popular vehicles due to its versatility, fuel efficiency, and growing list of advanced features. Whether or not cruise control is a deciding factor for you, knowing how and where it appears in the lineup gives you an edge during the shopping experience.
Ultimately, if cruise control is important to you, we recommend focusing on 2023 or newer RAV4 models where the feature is more likely to be standard. For current drivers curious about their existing RAV4’s cruise control capabilities, cross-checking the vehicle’s trim, options, and consult Toyota’s owner resources will help clarify feature availability.
Is cruise control standard on all Toyota RAV4 models?
Toyota RAV4 models do not universally come with cruise control as a standard feature across all trims and model years. In recent years, Toyota has expanded the availability of cruise control, particularly adaptive cruise control, as part of its Toyota Safety Sense package. However, whether or not cruise control is included depends on the specific trim level, the model year, and the region in which the vehicle is sold. Entry-level trims may omit this feature unless certain packages or higher trims are selected.
For example, most RAV4 models manufactured from 2019 onward include some form of cruise control, especially in higher trims like XLE, Adventure, Hybrid, Prime, and Limited. The base LE trim might not include cruise control unless it comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which often bundles it with other safety features. Buyers should check the specific configuration of their desired model and consult with a Toyota dealership to verify the inclusion of cruise control as part of their selected package.
What is the difference between regular cruise control and adaptive cruise control on the RAV4?
Regular cruise control allows a driver to maintain a set speed without manually pressing the accelerator. Once activated, the vehicle maintains the desired speed, but the driver must remain attentive and manually brake if necessary. This feature is especially useful for highway driving and long-distance travel, reducing fatigue by helping maintain a consistent pace.
Adaptive cruise control, by contrast, uses radar and camera sensors to automatically adjust vehicle speed based on the traffic ahead. If the vehicle in front slows down, adaptive cruise control will automatically decelerate the RAV4 to maintain a safe distance, and then re-accelerate when the road is clear. This system is part of Toyota Safety Sense and is typically available on higher RAV4 trims. It offers a greater level of convenience and is a step toward semi-autonomous driving features.
Which RAV4 trims come with adaptive cruise control included?
Adaptive cruise control is standard on most RAV4 trims from 2019 onward that include Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). Trims like the XLE, XLE Hybrid, Adventure, Hybrid, Prime, and Limited typically include this feature as part of the package. However, even among these models, it’s important to verify whether your specific vehicle was ordered with the necessary safety package, especially when purchasing a used RAV4 or ordering a new one.
The LE trim, which is the base model, may also include adaptive cruise control if equipped with the TSS package, though this was not always standard on earlier model years. Buyers interested in this feature should ensure that their vehicle is equipped with the appropriate safety system. For buyers seeking advanced driving assistance, adaptive cruise control is often included alongside other features like lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and road sign assist.
How do I activate cruise control on a RAV4?
Activating regular cruise control on a RAV4 involves a few simple steps. First, you need to reach the desired speed using the accelerator. Once you have achieved the speed, press the “Set” button, usually located on the steering wheel or on a lever near the steering column. The cruise indicator light on the instrument panel will illuminate, indicating that the cruise control is now active and maintaining the set speed.
If you want to deactivate or adjust the speed, you can press the brake or clutch pedal to cancel it, or use the “Resume” button to restart from the previously set speed. You can also adjust the speed using the “+” and “-” buttons to increase or decrease the set speed incrementally. The system is designed to be intuitive for ease of use while driving on highways, but drivers should always remain attentive and ready to take control when needed.
Can I add cruise control to a RAV4 that didn’t come with it?
It is technically possible to add cruise control to a RAV4 that didn’t come with it from the factory, but the process can vary in complexity depending on the model year and trim. For newer models (2019 and later) that have Toyota Safety Sense wiring and sensors, a dealer can sometimes install the system using an OE (original equipment) part or software upgrade, especially if the vehicle was pre-wired at the factory. In some cases, this may involve minimal extra hardware and a programming update.
For older models or base trims without the necessary wiring, retrofitting cruise control can be more involved. In these instances, customers might need to install an aftermarket kit, which can be costly and may not integrate as smoothly with the vehicle’s original dashboard or safety systems. While an aftermarket setup can work, it may not include advanced features like adaptive cruise control and may lack the seamless factory appearance and operational feel.
What is Toyota Safety Sense and how does it relate to cruise control?
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is an advanced suite of active safety features designed to improve driver and passenger protection across Toyota vehicles, including the RAV4. Introduced in 2015 and expanded over subsequent years, TSS includes systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. In most RAV4 models from 2019 onward, adaptive cruise control is offered as part of this bundle, enhancing overall driving comfort and safety.
TSS comes in varying versions (such as TSS 2.0 and TSS 2.5), each offering different levels of integration and functionality. The inclusion of adaptive cruise control means that drivers can enjoy semi-autonomous features tailored for highway commuting and long-distance travel. Since TSS became standard equipment for most Toyota vehicles in recent years, many current RAV4 buyers should expect adaptive cruise control to be present if their vehicle is equipped with TSS.
Is cruise control a worthwhile feature for RAV4 drivers?
Cruise control can be a highly beneficial feature for RAV4 drivers, particularly those who commute long distances or frequently travel on highways. Regular cruise control helps reduce driver fatigue by maintaining a consistent speed, allowing for a more relaxed driving experience. Adaptive cruise control adds another layer of convenience by automatically adjusting vehicle speed based on traffic conditions, helping maintain a safe following distance with less driver input.
Beyond convenience, adaptive cruise control also contributes to safer driving by reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions and easing the stress of traffic flow management. It’s especially valuable in regions with heavy traffic or long highway commutes. For RAV4 buyers considering this feature, the investment is often worthwhile—especially since it typically comes bundled with other crucial safety features within Toyota Safety Sense, offering both enhanced safety and comfort across a wide range of driving conditions.