Not only is the RAV4 the best-selling car in the whole Toyota portfolio, but it has also long held the title of best-selling SUV in the United States. This is unquestionably a result of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which isn’t mentioned here, as well as its performance, comfort, reasonable price, variety of trims, and features. It also helps that it’s available as a standard gas model or hybrid. With a length of 180.9 inches, it belongs in the small SUV category.
The RAV4 was redesigned in 2019 and will be updated in 2023 with a new Hybrid Woodland Edition with off-road suspension. New multimedia systems with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and accessible Toyota-connected services are now standard across all levels. There is a new 10.5-inch touchscreen on the top borders. LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels exist for gas and hybrid cars. While the hybrid RAV4 gets SE, SXE, and Woodland levels, the gasoline-powered RAV4 gains Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime is covered in a different review.
The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson are three of the RAV4’s main competitors and are all offered in gasoline or hybrid configurations. Except for the Escape’s optional 2.0-liter engine, the non-hybrid RAV4 has the highest horsepower rating, while the hybrid RAV4 has the highest fuel efficiency. The Toyota is comparable to its rivals in front-seat legroom but has the least rear-seat legroom and the middle-of-the-road in baggage space.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers all RAV4 models. The non-hybrid vehicles have an eight-speed automatic gearbox and produce 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid’s engine has a 176 horsepower rating, but when combined with the electric motor, it produces 219 horsepower and moves the vehicle automatically using a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on the gas-powered RAV4 but only on the hybrid model. The base price for the LE model of the gas-only RAV4 is $27,975 for front-wheel drive and $30,710 for all-wheel purposes, including a $1,335 delivery cost. At the Limited level, it costs $37,615 ($39,015 with AWD). Starting at $32,060 is the Hybrid LE with essential AWD. The cost of the Limited is $40,365. The $34,860 Woodland Edition is brand-new for 2023.
The RAV4 is well-equipped, and the lowest grade has keyless entry, three USB ports, auto up/down on all windows, and LED headlights and taillights. Heated and ventilated seats, a digital rearview mirror, a premium radio, and a hands-free power liftgate are among the options in the higher trim levels. It’s a comfortable car even if its front-seat headroom, at 37.7 inches, is less than that of its rivals, which can reach 40 inches. Multiple cubbies are upfront for storing small stuff; their controls are simple to understand.
All models have driver-help safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist, and emergency front braking. On the other hand, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic warning is standard on every other trim and available on the LE basic trim. Even though it faces some fierce competition, the RAV4 is still worth its widespread appeal.
What’s New?
- The Hybrid Woodland Edition has a 120-volt inverter, all-weather floor and cargo mats, all-terrain tires, roof rails, crossbars, a TRD-tuned off-road suspension, and black accents.
- All trims now come with the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which includes optional linked services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air upgrades.
- Lower trims come with a primary 8-inch multimedia screen, while top decorations come standard with a new 10.5-inch multimedia screen.
Performance: Toyota RAV4
There is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in every RAV4 variant. The gas-only variant has an eight-speed automatic gearbox, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine in the hybrid produces 176 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, but when it collaborates with the electric motor in the hybrid system, the combined output may reach 219 horsepower. It makes use of a CVT or continuously variable transmission. Although the engine may get loud under strong acceleration in either, it performs well throughout regular commutes and has sufficient overtaking power on highways.
Most RAV4 trim levels for non-hybrid vehicles have either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), but only the Adventure and TRD Off-Road and all hybrid models employ AWD. While hybrid vehicles have a separate electric motor to drive the back wheels, gasoline AWD cars rely on a mechanical link. Both drive the front wheels mainly and engage the back ones when more traction is required. Torque vectoring, a feature of the AWD system on the gas-only Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited, divides power between the left and right rear wheels for increased capability in off-road conditions or heavy snow.
Light steering, quick handling, and a smooth, comfortable ride make it a great everyday driver.
Fuel efficiency: Toyota RAV4
The EPA rates the front-wheel gasoline RAV4 at 27 city mpg, 35 highway mpg, and 30 combined mpg. The basic LE model is also rated at 30 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, whereas most other trims only manage 29 mpg combined, and the TRD Off-Road, with its higher ride height and off-road tires, only manages 28 mpg. With combined gas mileage of 30 mpg for front-wheel drive and 28 mpg and 29 mpg, respectively, for all-wheel drive (AWD), the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V are comparable. The Hyundai Tucson consumes a little more gas, getting 25 mpg in AWD and 28 mpg in front-wheel drive.
The RAV4 Hybrid performs somewhat better than its rivals. It can be 40 mpg in mixed driving and 41 mpg on the highway. Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson hybrids are AWD-only, much like the RAV4. The primary Tucson Blue grade gets 38 mpg, the Escape gets 39 mpg combined, and all other models receive 37 mpg. The Honda CR-V Hybrid has front-wheel drive and gets 40 mpg, but when the RAV4’s all-wheel-drive system is added, the fuel economy lowers to 37 mpg.
Safety and driver support technology:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the RAV4 the highest possible score of five stars in crash tests. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards it with a Top Safety Pick. However, due to its “Acceptable” rating for the IIHS’s new front overlap and side tests, which better mimic being struck by a bigger SUV, it falls short of receiving the highest distinction. It is given a “Good+” for its kid seat tethers’ use.
All models have eight airbags, the required rearview camera, emergency front braking with pedestrian recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, lane centering help, and road sign assist. The lowest LE trim has blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as a $680 option; it comes standard on all other levels. With emergency rear braking, front and rear parking assistance is standard on the Limited grade and available on other models.
Comfort and Space
Most people will find the RAV4 plenty roomy, while it can’t quite equal some of its competitors in size. Although the Escape, CR-V, and Tucson have 40 inches of headroom in the front seats, while this vehicle has 37.7 inches, its 39.5 inches in the back chairs are similar. The Honda and Hyundai are just a decimal point more accommodating than the Ford in front legroom, which is 42.4 inches, while the RAV4 has 41 inches. The RAV4 has less space in the back seats than those three, with just 37.8 inches available.
With fabric upholstery on lower trims and simulated leather on higher edges, the RAV4’s seats are supportive and comfy. Most frames allow for heated front seats, and the Limited comes standard with heated and ventilated seats.
Infotainment: Toyota RAV4
For 2023, the center touchscreen will expand. On lesser trims, an 8-inch screen has replaced the initial 7-inch screen. The old 9-inch screen on the TRD-Off Road, Hybrid XSE, and Hybrid or Gas Limited has been replaced with a 10.5-inch screen. The XLE Premium variants have the choice of the bigger one. The settings on the bigger screen are accessed via icons, and they are relatively simple to use. A volume dial allows for rapid, hands-free level adjustment.
Both screen sizes come with a multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a three-month trial subscription to satellite radio, and a trial period for Toyota Connected Services, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and emergency help. These features are all new for 2023. Upper trims include trial subscriptions for Google Assistant, cloud navigation, and remote access to car systems through a smartphone app. The Limited comes standard with an 11-speaker premium audio system, while other trims may choose it.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The gas-only version’s 37.5 cubic feet of luggage capacity and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folding are comparable to the hybrid’s battery location. The CR-V and Tucson likewise maintain the same range from gas to combination, but at 39.3 and 38.7 cubic feet, respectively, they are more forgiving than the RAV4. Their expanded volume is 76.5 and 74.8 cubic feet when their chairs are folded. The cargo space of the Escape matches that of the RAV4. However, it is smaller (34.4 cubic feet) in the hybrid model.
The RAV4 is also simple to load because of the broad and low entry, so you don’t have to hoist stuff as high as you would with certain SUVs. Open cubbies in the console and on the passenger side of the dash, an excellent console bin, and sizable front door pockets are all available for small items.
Design: Toyota RAV4
With its bulky shape and sharp nose, the RAV4’s appearance is more valuable than attractive. The wheel diameters are 17, 18, or 19 inches, depending on the trim. The only distinguishing feature between the gas and hybrid models is their emblems.
Aside from the instrument cluster display with distinct gauges for the hybrid operations, the interior style is similar. The inside of the vehicle seems practical, with enormous temperature gauges that are significantly less distracting than touching a screen.
The Toyota RAV4 2023: Is It Worth It?
The base price for the LE model of the gas-only RAV4 is $27,975 for front-wheel drive and $30,710 for all-wheel purposes, including a $1,335 delivery cost. The Limited is priced at $37,615 for the front-wheel industry and $39,015 for all-wheel purposes. In contrast, the price range for the Honda CR-V is between $29,705 and $37,055; for the Hyundai Tucson, it is between $28,035 and $36,410; and for the Ford Escape, which has two engine options, it is between $29,495 and $39,455.
The RAV4 ranges in price from the LE at $32,060 to the Limited at $40,365 as a hybrid with standard AWD. The brand-new Woodland Edition for 2023 costs $34,860 and has off-road suspension tuning. The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Elantra are their hybrid rivals, with prices ranging from $34,835 to $40,955 for each vehicle.
For many consumers of both gasoline and hybrid vehicles, the RAV4 XLE Premium will probably be the most attractive option. 19-inch wheels, dual-zone temperature control, a power liftgate, and a sunroof are some of its features. The front-wheel drive gas version costs $33,710, the all-wheel drive version $35,110, and the hybrid version $36,460.
How Much Will Insurance for a 2023 Toyota RAV4 Cost?
The insurance cost for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is comparable to that of most of its competitors. The average yearly premium for a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record starts at $1,908 for the gasoline model and $1,932 for the hybrid. However, these figures are averages across all 50 states. A Ford Escape owner may spend $1,823 annually, compared to the Honda CR-V’s $1,722 base price and $1,920 for the hybrid model and the Hyundai Tucson’s $1,870 base price and $1,965 combo price.
Verdict
The best-selling car in the Toyota lineup and the best-selling SUV in the United States is the RAV4. It is available in various reasonably priced trims with a gasoline engine, a hybrid system, and the Prime plug-in hybrid (reviewed separately) to meet demands and budgets. Although some competitors provide greater capacity, the RAV4 is large and comfortable, has high safety ratings, and has various driver-assistance features. The Hybrid Woodland Edition trim and a new multimedia system with upgraded displays are added to the RAV4 for 2023.
