Beginner Upgrades

WWD2 said:

I've had a pre-owned 2016 RAV4 for about a year now and I absolutely love it. I initially came here to figure out why the voice recognition in my car was perpetually "initializing," but after taking a good look around, I want to start making some upgrades, particularly to the interior. I don't really have anything specific I want to do yet, so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for good beginner projects? My only criteria at the moment is cheap (maybe $50 max, unless that's unreasonably low), relatively easy, and low risk (in that if I mess up, it doesn't mean I have to scrap the car). Any suggestions for such a project would be fantastic! Thank you so much!

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Welcome! The biggest question is, what do you need to change? A mod I’d consider if I had a 4.4 would be to retrofit a sliding rear seat track from the 4.3, as that feature was removed in 2013. But that might not be a priority for you . Someone else might want to install an Android head unit which is a couple hundred dollars, whereas my magnetic phone mount does the job.

We’re happy to help out but you might want to be a bit more specific. One thing that’s affordable and almost universally agreed upon is to reduce the noise infiltration in the rear. Many owners have stuffed insulation in the rear plastic panels around the back seat and the trunk, to cut down on road noise. It’s pretty quick, and cheap.


2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

Save up more money and get good floor mats. Or create a wish list on Amazon and put them there, then watch for an open box set. I had the custom Husky Weatherbeater mats in my old truck (front and rear) for $35. They were "used with major cosmetic defects" on Amazon- someone stuck a "black" sticker on gray mats and whoever ordered them at $150 sent then back for being the wrong color and they called this a defect.

Otherwise, spend the money on good interior cleaning products and tools- a clean and good smelling interior makes a car seem much nicer. You can add custom seat covers, floor mats, dash trim, etc, but if it's dirty your car just doesn't seem like a nice ride. This counts double if you are single and going on dates.

For about $2 dollars more above your budget you could buy backlight window switches. Some people complain that they can't locate the right button at night.

Should be able to pop out the original ones and plug this new set

If you've got an LE there's a thread here discussing swapping the wiper switch stalk for one that has the variable intermittent delay option for around $50...

Rav4world Forum Link

upgrade the interior lights with Lasfits - should be less than 50 bucks.

Then save for headlights and or fog lighs later.

If you get the switchback LED turn signals from Lasfit - you will need a resistor kit.

TomKatt said:

If you've got an LE there's a thread here discussing swapping the wiper switch stalk for one that has the variable intermittent delay option for around $50...

Rav4world Forum Link

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I like this one the best Tom. I forgot the Toyota dropped the variable delay wipers from the entry models for 2013. IMO this will be the best bang for the buck and the most functional/significant upgrade less than $100.


2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description