Baffled by how bad the RAV4 is

That’s a bit of a stretch. A very well equipped gas engine Rav-4 is around 42k.

That said the top trim models make no sense. There are more compelling options from Hyundai and Mazda at the same price point.

And the luxury makes aren’t far off. A RDX with AWD and tech package is only 46k (assuming MSRP) That is a vastly superior car for not very much more per month.