2023 Toyota RAV4, there’s a good reason why the RAV4 is Toyota’s perennial bestseller it’s a practical, efficient SUV that appeals to your common sense. The 2023 RAV4 continues the tradition, with a cargo-friendly interior, an attractive base price, and reasonable road manners.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine drives the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is a bit cramped, but good fuel economy. Hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrains are also available, but we review those models separately.
The RAV4’s rugged looks allow it to feel like home between the 4Runners and Tacomas, but even the most capable TRD Off-Road models won’t manage to hit the same remote locations as tougher off-roaders.
The RAV4 is at its best when tackling more suburban tasks, like daily commutes and trips to the home improvement store. Toyota includes a number of desirable driver-assist technologies and infotainment features as standard, which help increase the RAV4’s value relative to its competitors.
This year, Toyota has replaced the RAV4’s infotainment system with a more modern one with a larger screen display. The 8.0-inch display replaces last year’s standard 7.0-inch unit on LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Adventure trims; The Limited and TRD Off-Road models get a larger 10.5-inch display.
Toyota’s latest software interface is prettier and more intuitive than outgoing systems and is capable of updating over the air and providing wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7.0-inch display in the gauge cluster is now standard, while a 12.3-inch display is optional on the XLE Premium and TRD Off-Road models and standard on the Limited.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Review
Year after year, the Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling SUVs on the market. Toyota’s reputation for reliability certainly has a lot to do with its success. But we also commend this small SUV for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and easy-to-use technology features.
There are also a variety of trim levels available to suit your budget or interests. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road Trim, for example, is one of the few models in its class to offer increased off-road capability via all-terrain tires and special suspension tweaks.
- Quiet interior and comfortable ride quality
- Abundant cargo and passenger space
- Easy-to-use controls
- The extra off-road capability of the TRD Off-Road trim
- Optional larger touch screen and digital instrument panel display
- Several features, including adaptive headlights and built-in navigation, are no longer offered
- Part of the fifth generation Toyota RAV4 introduced for 2019
For 2023, the RAV4 looks the same as last year, but there are some notable changes inside. The new infotainment system makes its debut with improved graphics, more intuitive menus, and over-the-air software updates.
The standard and upgraded touch screens have also become slightly larger. Other improvements include wireless phone integration and a new digital instrument panel.
However, we don’t expect these changes to dramatically improve the Toyota RAV4’s standing among other small SUVs. It’s certainly the preferred SUV but we’ve found rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Nissan Rogue to be better choices.
You can learn more about the hits and misses of the RAV4 by reading our test team’s Expert Rating below.
The RAV4 doesn’t impress here. The machine is willing to travel around town and passes and joins drama-free. But if you’re in a hurry, you might notice the engine’s ultimately modest power delivery. In our Edmunds test, our RAV4 Adventure test vehicle took 9.1 seconds to go from 0-60 mph, which is slightly slower than the class average.
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Another gripe we have is with the steering, which isn’t clear in the midpoints and doesn’t have the appropriate level of feel and heft. As such, it’s easy to misjudge your input level. In even better news, the optional RAV4’s upgraded all-wheel-drive system includes rear axle torque vectoring and a more sophisticated traction control system with selectable terrain settings and hill descent control.
This system, plus good ground clearance, gives the RAV4 Adventure above-average off-road capability for a small SUV.
The RAV4’s suspension is tuned to strike a fine balance between control and softness. The body isn’t tethered or floated when you go over bumps, and small bumps to moderate are absorbed without much drama. As for the front seats, they’re well made and appropriately padded, but the underside of the seats starts to feel flat on longer rides.
Lack of passenger-side adjustment can also make it difficult to find a comfortable position.
At highway speeds, the RAV4 is generally quiet. The exception is when you hit the gas for a burst of speed, where the engine sounds a bit harsh. We like the performance of the climate system. Air distribution is ideal, with fully closing front vents and rear seat vents.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Specs
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 checks out all the must-have compact SUVs. Fuel efficient, roomy, easy to ride, reliable, and packed with safety features. It doesn’t surpass its billing as utilitarian transportation.
- Roomy seating and cargo space
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- Many standard features
- Arranged travel and handling
- Great fuel economy
- Updated infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is available
Features and Specifications
- Seat 5
- 25-27 City, 32-35 Hwy
- FWD, AWD
- 203 Horsepower
Yes, the 2023 RAV4 is a great compact SUV. The RAV4 features a well-built interior with room for five passengers (plus plenty of cargo) and comes standard with everything from a new and easy-to-use infotainment system to a variety of safety features.
It’s comfortable to drive and very fuel efficient, and its four-cylinder engine – while a bit grouchy – moves the SUV without issue. A reasonable starting price and an outstanding reputation for reliability only add to the RAV4’s appeal.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Interior
Inside, the RAV4 is all about ergonomics and cubby storage. A useful shelf extends across the dashboard and complements the large center console. The version we tested featured a mix of soft-touch surfaces and good plastic. The base trim, called LE, is fairly simple and features cloth seats, a plastic steering wheel, and single-zone manual climate control.
In the next-step XLE, Toyota gave a few perks, but there’s much more to love in the XLE Premium, including faux leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a stitched and padded dashboard and center console armrest.
The RAV4’s rear seats are easy to store and fold down to a nearly flat position, opening the cab for cargo. We tucked our 10 hand luggage in the back of the back seat and 22 folded. The rogue Nissan matches the RAV4 here, but the Subaru Forester beats it by one on every metric.
The driving position, roominess, and ease of getting in and out are all great. But the RAV4 would have scored higher if the front passenger seat hadn’t been adjusted too high or could be adjusted down on most trims. Only the RAV4 Limited gets a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
The driver’s seat and steering wheel have a good range of adjustments, but tall drivers may want a little more adjustment. External visibility is commendable.
The layout of the controls is intuitive with large, easy-to-read labels. The audio system and climate system controls are islands unto themselves, and everything else is right where you’d expect it to be. The large rubber climate control knob is also good. Our only complaint is that the touch screen is too far from the driver. The adjustment knob, in particular, requires a reach to turn.
The RAV4’s interface has a mix of touchscreen and fixed buttons, and both are easy to learn without reading the owner’s manual. But even though the RAV4 is relatively new, its touchscreen graphics look dated. The sound system works well enough, but nothing special.
You do get standard Apple CarPlay and smartphone Android Auto integration. It’s also good that Toyota’s original Entune software remains clunky.
The standard package of driver aids is impressive. These include adaptive cruise control that works to 0 mph, automatic emergency braking, drowsy driver detection, automatic high beam, lane keeping assist, and something called Line Tracing Assist, which is an active (but not hands-free) steering assist.
The RAV4’s cargo hold is almost the largest in its class. You get 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with them stowed. The RAV4 is also easy to load thanks to the low cargo floor. Up front, the cabin has plenty of shelves and bins for handling various travel gear.
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If you plan to tow, certain versions of the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is above average for a small SUV.
Parents with young children will appreciate the RAV4. It’s easy to find and attach the safety seat to the lower car seat anchor. Likewise, mooring to the top three anchors is a breeze. Forward-facing seats and boosters fit easily, but installing a rear-facing infant seat on the passenger’s side will likely require front-seat adjustments. The too-high front passenger seat is the problem.
Variable Interiors
This generation RAV4 is now entering its fifth model year, making it one of the longstanding entries in the segment. There are now many new rivals with arguably nicer, quieter cabins, better-quality materials, and enjoy sharper technology. Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson, to name just a few.
The RAV4 isn’t a class leader in terms of passengers and cargo space, but it’s still roomy at a reasonable size. Adults of average size can sit in the back and enjoy plenty of legroom. And the extra components of the hybrid system don’t hurt the cargo volume.
The hybrid has the same as its combustion stablemate: 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seats folded down.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Lower trims come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but the Limited and TRD Off-Road get a 10.5-inch screen. The infotainment system includes a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless capabilities.
JBL’s premium audio system, navigation, and wireless charging pad for smartphones are optional. Most models come with a separate 7.0-inch display in the gauge cluster, but a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display is optional on the XLE Premium and TRD Off-Road and standard on the Limited.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Real World Fuel
The RAV4 has received competitive-grade fuel economy estimates from the EPA. The front-wheel drive RAV4 can manage up to around 35 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive adventure delivered 32 mpg for us on our 75 mph fuel-efficient route, 1 mpg below the estimated EPA rating for that trim.
That’s a pretty good result for its class, but the RAV4 was beaten in that test by the Volkswagen Tiguan, which produced 33 mpg. For more information on the RAV4’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
MPG Savings
The EPA estimates the RAV4 will get 28-30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on the powertrain and trim level. We rode the AWD Adventure carrying three people, equipment, and luggage for over 7,000 miles.
And in a variety of road and weather conditions, we averaged 28.6 mpg. Our best tank was 32.3 mpg and the worst was 25.6 mpg.
The RAV4 is well built on the inside, with nice layered materials and stitching that’s as invisible as it is built with style. It has tactile touches such as the rubber gripping surfaces on the interior door pulls and the radio and climate knobs. The RAV4’s optional simulated leather upholstery feels soft and supple, and the seams are neat.
Toyota’s warranty coverage is average, but you get two years/25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
This could be the most Toyota-ish Toyota ever. Take one of the company’s best-selling vehicles and add Toyota’s signature drivetrain – the petrol/electric hybrid.
The entire RAV4 range enjoys a reputation for reliability, decent build quality, and strong resale value. The cabin is spacious, the standard equipment is generous, and the RAV4 has performed well in crash tests.
This hybrid adds extra power and greater fuel efficiency. But the starting price is only $ 2,650 more expensive than the petrol version only.
Last year’s RAV4 won the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award for its class and did the same the year before. We don’t differentiate between hybrid and non-hybrid variants, but with their combined qualities, the RAV4 Hybrid reaches the pinnacle of Toyota-ness.
The RAV4 hybrid and non-hybrid RAV4 Prime plug-ins are each reviewed separately.
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The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $30,225. That’s for the base LE trim, with all-wheel drive as standard. As an illustration of just how important the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid is to Toyota, there are seven trim levels, compared to the regular combustion model’s six.
The top 2023 RAV4 Hybrid trim is quite luxurious Limited, starting at $38,530. With the Advanced Technology package, premium paint, and the addition of a panoramic roof, this variant can be up to $40K.
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2023 LE: $30,225
- 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE: $31,735
- 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE: $32,920 | Popular
- 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland: $33,025
- 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium: $34,625 | Popular
- 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE: $35,885
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2023: $38,530
This is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and does not include a factory-to-dealer destination fee of $1,335.
For context, the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid are all new for 2023. The CR-V Hybrid starts at $32.5K and the Sportage Hybrid starts at $27.3K. Launched last year, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid starts at $31K, while the Ford Escape Hybrid (which debuted in 2020) is also in the lower 30s.
If more space and seating are needed, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 3-row midsize SUV starts at just over $40K.
Before buying the new RAV4 Hybrid compact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Buying Price to see how much you should be paying.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Model
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. All come with a 203 horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard in most trim levels, with all-wheel drive being offered as an option.
The Adventure and TRD Off-Road come standard with an improved all-wheel-drive system that can improve traction on loose and slippery surfaces. Standard feature highlights include:
LE
Start you off with:
- LED headlights
- 17-inch wheels
- The 8-inch touchscreen interface
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)
- Six-speaker sound system
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 series of safety features:
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains the driver-set distance between the RAV4 and the car in front)
- Lane-keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help the vehicle stay centered in its lane)
- Automatic high beam
- Traffic sign reader
XLE
Added more convenience features such as:
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Power adjustable driver’s seat
- Blind spot monitor (warns you if a vehicle in the next lane is in your blind spot)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Additional USB charging port
XLE Premium
Dress the RAV4 with:
- LED fog light
- 19-inch wheels
- The suspension is slightly raised
- Sunroofs
- Electric lift door
- Synthetic leather upholstery (Toyota’s SofTex)
Adventure
This trim goes without the sunroof and power liftgate but adds some off-road looks and mechanical elements which include:
- Fender flares
- Higher roof rails
- Selectable terrain riding mode
- Hill drop control
TRD Off-Road
Get the sunroof and liftgate back and add more capabilities with:
- 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
- Off-road tuned suspension
- Unique black trim elements and interior trim
- 10.5-inch touch screen
Limited Builds
on the XLE Premium equipment list and added:
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Digital instrument panel
- 10.5-inch touch screen
- Premium 11-speaker JBL audio system
Some features are available as options on support trims. Other important options depend on trim level and include:
- Surround-view parking camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RAV4 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Panoramic sunroofs
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless charging pad
- Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Engine
The 2023 RAV4 uses a 203 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive remains standard, but Toyota is now offering a choice of all-wheel drive systems, depending on trim.
The Adventure model we drove is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system that can disengage the rear axle when needed to improve fuel economy. On our test track, the RAV4 proved quicker than its predecessor: We clocked 60 mph in 8.0 seconds with the 2019 model and 8.3 seconds with the 2018 model.
The obedient four-cylinder can be noisy, especially during highway attempts, and the transmission on our test vehicle seemed to trip when asked to downshift. The RAV4 Hybrid—reviewed separately — pulled off a quicker 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds in our hands.
The RAV4 felt solid and stable cruising the interstate and holding up when thrown into twisty sections of the road, but it didn’t inspire the same confidence as our segment favorite, the Mazda CX-5.
Our Favorite Features And Technologies
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
This comes standard in the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid, integrating the smartphone without the need for cables. This is part of a general upgrade to infotainment systems and is a great convenience feature. - Infotainment touch screen
They’re bigger for 2023. The first five trims lose the 7-inch display for the 8-inch screen. The 10.5-inch upgrade replaces the 8-inch version on the XSE and Limited trims — it’s also optional with the XLE Premium. - Standard AWD
The combustion engine and one electric motor drive the front wheels, a second electric motor drives the rear wheels. So, it’s not an old-school all-wheel drive (AWD) system with differentials, etc. But it’s an increasingly common and accepted arrangement as the weather turns inclement. - Digital instrument cluster
Another new item for 2023, this 12.3-inch driver display is standard on the top Limited trim and optional on the XLE Premium and XSE models. It is customizable and can display hybrid system information. - JBL sound system
Available as an option in XLE Premium and XSE trims, this 11 speakers/800 watts arrangement is from the same parent company as the Mark Levinson system offered on Lexus vehicles. - Advanced Technology Package
Offered with the XSE and Limited variants, this options bundle includes wireless charging, a panoramic/360-degree camera system, and a height-adjustable powerful rear door for hands-free operation.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The RAV4 range boasts a standard suite of driver assistance. Buyers can also add blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alerts, but those features cost extra on the base model.
For more information on RAV4 crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key security features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure alerts with lane maintenance assistance
- Standard adaptive cruise control
2023 Toyota RAV4 Test Drives
The original Toyota RAV4 pioneered the small, car-based SUV segment in the mid-1990s, and has continued to set high standards for its class with each successive generation—until now. At this point, the RAV4 is no longer the best in class in our road tests.
Toyota tweaked the RAV4’s proportions with the redesign, drawing stylistic cues from the truck-based vehicle to create a more rugged appearance. The SUV is slightly shorter, wider, and lower than its predecessor, making notable changes to its dimensions.
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Unfortunately, these changes sacrifice passenger and cargo space.
- Seats: 2 front, 3 rear
- Drive Wheels: AWD, Front
- Body Style: 4-Door SUV
- Transmission Available: 8-speed Automatic and CVT
- Available Engines: 2.5-liter 4 hybrid (219 hp) and 2.5-liter 4 (203 hp)
- Warranty: Basic: 3 years/36,000 miles, Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited miles, Roadside Assistance: 2 years/unlimited miles, and Maintenance: 2 years/25,000 miles
2023 Toyota RAV4 Engine & Transmission
While the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid isn’t the newest of its kind, it still packs excellent fuel economy figures by comparison. That means looking at rivals with all-wheel drive (AWD), which is also standard in the new Honda CR-V Hybrid and optional in the equally fresh Kia Sportage Hybrid.
Toyota and Honda both have a combined fuel economy figure of 40 mpg (55% city driving, 45% highway). The Kia Sportage AWD manages 38 mpg, the same as the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (with AWD as standard).
The RAV4 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (runs on regular 87-octane petrol) and two electric motors – one of which spins the rear wheels. The total system output is 219 horsepower.
The maximum towing capacity of the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid is 1,750 pounds.
- 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine and two electric motors
- 219 total system hp
- EPA city/highway fuel economy (estimated): 41/38 mpg, 38/35 mpg (Woodland Edition)
More RAV4 Hybrid fuel economy information is available on the EPA website.
Toyota RAV4 2022 vs 2023: What’s the Difference?
Toyota overhauled the RAV4’s infotainment system for 2023. The new setup has simpler menus and features larger 8- and 10.5-inch touchscreens.
There are also new features such as wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a virtual assistant (queried by saying “Hey Toyota”), and cloud-based navigation with over-the-air updates. Additionally, the top trim is now available with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Here are the main changes to the Toyota RAV4 over the last few model years:
- 2023: updated infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and available fully digital metering cluster
- 2022: no notable changes
- 2021: no notable changes
- 2020: TRD Off-Road trim introduced; Android Auto and satellite radio come standard
- 2019: completely redesigned (starting from the fifth-generation RAV4) with a more powerful powertrain, updated interior and exterior styling, larger touchscreen, and more standard features
If you’re considering an older model, be sure to read our RAV4 2020, RAV4 2021, and RAV4 - 2022 reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Rental Deals pages to learn about the savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.
Should I Buy a 2023 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4’s rounded nature makes it a great buy if you’re shopping for a new SUV, and people are definitely buying it. The RAV4 is by far the most popular sports utility vehicle sold in the US, however, it’s not the only attractive option in this segment.
You might also want to consider the redesigned Honda CR-V, the sporty Mazda CX-5, and the value-packed Hyundai Tucson, as well as Toyota’s smaller Corolla Cross SUV.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Price
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a base MSRP of $27,575, which is the average starting price for the compact SUV class. The price increases to $31,975 for the mid-range XLE Premium trim, while the top-of-the-line Limited trim starts at $35,880.
Check out our US News Best Fare Program for great savings at your local Toyota dealer. You can also find great manufacturer incentives on our Toyota deals page.
Want to trade or sell your current car? Get instant cash offers that can be used for your next car purchase.
It was hard for us to turn down the snazzy new TRD Off-Road, but we practiced restraint and settled for the midrange XLE Premium. It provides a lot of standard equipment that the LE and XLE don’t offer, such as 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Toyota makes a suite of driver-assist features standard across the range, so there’s not much reason to go for a more expensive trim—unless, of course, you really want ventilated seats.
- LE $29,310
- XLE $30,820
- XLE Premium $33,710
- Adventure $35,505
- Limited $37,615
- TRD Off Road $38,930
2023 Toyota RAV4 Release Date
Toyota 2023 Release Date, There’s no official release date for the Toyota RAV4 2023, but fleet ordering guidelines suggest that the popular crossover might arrive sometime in late 2022. Toyota RAV4 2023 Release Date The mass-produced Toyota bZ4X will debut sometime in 2022.
Is Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Eligible For Tax Credit
Some of the popular hybrid vehicles that do not qualify for the credit include non-plug-in models from the Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion, Milan Hybrids, and Honda Insight and Accord Hybrids. These IRS tax credits can be anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500.
Is Toyota Discontinuing The RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 EV was discontinued in 2014, however, Toyota remains committed to vehicle electrification. Even though we have stopped producing the RAV4 EV, our engineers are still hard at work developing the next generation of battery technology, so the future is bright.
Does 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Qualify For Tax Credit
Some of the popular hybrid vehicles that do not qualify for the credit include non-plug-in models from the Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion, Milan Hybrids, and Honda Insight and Accord Hybrids. Note that this tax credit is non-refundable and will not result in a refund on its own.
