We spent six months living with a 2024 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium AWD to evaluate how high-contact interior areas hold up in real life. Focus: seat bolsters, steering wheel, glossy piano-black trims, and frequently used switches.
Our test car is a 2024 RAV4 XLE Premium AWD, powered by Toyota’s 2.5-liter inline-four (203 hp, 184 lb-ft) and an 8‑speed automatic. The trim adds SofTex synthetic leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, and the usual Toyota switchgear. As priced, it sat around $36,000 before destination. Over 5,700 miles and six months, we split driving 60% highway and 40% city in temps ranging from 35°F to 96°F.
Two adult drivers (5'9" and 6'1") used the RAV4 daily, often in jeans and winter coats early on. Surfaces were wiped every two weeks with a damp microfiber and a pH-neutral interior cleaner; no silicone dressings were applied. Seat bolsters: The driver’s outer bolster shows light creasing and a mild sheen where thighs slide across, but no color transfer, cracks, or stitching fray. Foam support remains uniform with no flattening or “crunch” spots.
The passenger seat is essentially as-new. SofTex impresses for abrasion resistance; jeans rivets and a few rushed exits didn’t scar the surface. If you habitually slide out, consider adjusting seat height to reduce rub on the outer bolster. Steering wheel: The leather wrap has developed a slight gloss at the 9-and-3 hand positions but no dye rub-off, peeling, or seam lift.
Grain definition is still visible. We noted no tackiness on hot days and no odor from cleaners. The wheel’s topcoat appears resilient; a ring on the right hand left one hairline mark that didn’t propagate. Steering-wheel buttons retained crisp clicks and consistent backlighting.
Piano-black trims: The center console and window-switch bezels picked up micro-swirls and a few hairline scratches despite careful microfiber use. Fingerprints and dust are persistent and highly visible in direct sun. The gloss panels haven’t loosened or rattled, but cosmetically they age faster than surrounding matte plastics. Owners sensitive to swirls should consider a matte PPF or vinyl wrap; avoiding dry wiping and using a plush towel with quick detailer reduced visible marring.
Switches and controls: Toyota’s tactile HVAC knobs, volume/tuning dials, and window switches all feel unchanged—no wobble, squeak, or loss of detent. The start button and drive-mode toggle remained positive, and backlighting is even with no hotspots. After repeated use, the shifter’s leather boot shows light wrinkling but no wear-through at creases. Overall touchpoint durability rates above class average; only the piano-black trim detracts.
If you prioritize a hard-wearing cabin, the RAV4’s materials and switchgear should satisfy, with preventative care recommended for the glossy pieces.
