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Is there a complete detailed comparison between the SE and XSE

22K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  Trx  
#1 ·
I'm considering getting a RAV4 Prime and have always had leather, but am considering getting SE (instead of XSE with Premium Package as originally planned) to save myself some money, but I want to see exactly what I'd be giving up.

SE vs XSE vs XSE w/ Premium

I tried searching this forum and using Toyota site but couldn't find a simple comparison (ideally with images) to see just the differences.
 
#2 ·
I don't think that there is such a thing. I've ended up making all sort of lists and tables to try to sort it out. Basically, there are two models of the SE. The one without the sunroof, and the one with it. The one with the sunroof also has the weather package, which is heated steering wheel and heated wipers, (I think it's just the landing area), and a few other things. Then you have the XSE base, which adds bigger wheels, paddle shifters, etc., but I'm not sure that model is actually produced. (XSE with no options) You can get the XSE with the audio upgrade, and you can get the XSE with the audio upgrade and the "premium" package. So there basically seems to be four options. The premium package comes with like a zillion things, just look on the Toyota build site to figure it out. I find it frustrating that so much stuff is bundled together. I like some stuff in the premium package, but I'm not intersted in the audio package. But the premium package is not available without the audio package. One way to look at it is to find the stuff you want and see what package it's in, this may narrow your choices. For instance, the better headlights are only available in the premium package, as is the 6.6kw charger. And the only way to NOT get a sunroof is with the baseline SE.
 
#3 ·
Just visit the Canadian Website at the link below. A full specifications list of SE and XSE on the same page. Beware that the Canadian model SE comes with a 6.6 kWh charger and the US version doesn't. We only have the choice of 3 models of the Prime, Se, XSE and XSE Technology package.

 
#4 ·
Sure, but if one is buying in the USA, maybe us the USA site?
 
#5 ·
Spend the extra $1000 and get the xse entry. You will get the better audio, the partial softex, home link, larger screen and a few other perks like the moon roof. I definitely wouldn’t add the premium where the full simulated leather, navigation, hud, park assist though I do like the park assist and the 10 in screen.
 
#6 ·
I'd say the premium is a must. Bigger sunroof, faster charging, ventilated seats (absolute must in California or Florida), improved automatic driving features, 360 camera alone are worth it. 120V outlet for camping is huge too if you are a camper.

To me:
HUD - over-rated, I have it on my Supra and my previous BMW but wouldn't miss it.
Navigation - useless except to track your own vehicle and remote start it. We all use Google Maps and Carplay.
Softex - Useless to me, it's not real leather just plastic.
Size of screen - fairly useless also, the Toyota infotainment is dated and looks really bad regardless, but oh well.
 
#7 ·
I just used the toyota USA website, and did a comparison through the full spec list.


I decided I wanted the base XSE. Seemed to offer most of what I want for the least. I couldn't justify to myself spending the extra 5K on the premium features when the only one i really really wanted out of that was the 1500W 120VAC inverter. When I do get mine, I'll figure out how to install the OEM components for just that feature myself, or use the 1000W inverter connected to the battery trick that other prius and rav4 hybrid owners have done throughout the forums.

I am however relieved that after surfing these forums for a few months, I'm getting back in the game of trying to get my hands on one. Seeing how tight supply was last year (and how much over MSRP they were going for), I decided to refinance my house back in November with these ultra low rates. Just closed this week! :cool:
 
#8 ·
Surprised that you couldn't find a comparison; quick Google search yielded:



and lots more...
We got the SE Prime with zero options -- no brainer for us, because we don't need or want a sunroof, a poor Toyota navigation system, larger wheels, etc., so we are paying only about $33k USD for our RAV4 Prime SE after federal tax credit and state rebate (but incl. sales tax) -- which I think is a real bargain considering that the RAV4 Prime SE comes standard with so many goodies like heated seats, ACC, blind-spot monitors, Apple CarPlay, etc.
 
#9 ·
That one from SF is pretty good, I missed that one.

How do folks who have them feel about the headlights? You all have the same headlights EXCEPT for the full premium package, which has the better ones. IIHS ratings of poor/good, respectively. I'm curious how they compare to my Prius Prime, which is rated "acceptable".
 
#11 ·
That one from SF is pretty good, I missed that one.

How do folks who have them feel about the headlights? You all have the same headlights EXCEPT for the full premium package, which has the better ones. IIHS ratings of poor/good, respectively. I'm curious how they compare to my Prius Prime, which is rated "acceptable".
The headlights in our Prime SE "base" vehicle are very good at night. No complaints. Much better headlights than on our old Highlander...