2023 Toyota RAV4 Review

The Toyota RAV4 has consistently been a top-selling SUV for good reasons. It combines practicality and efficiency, appealing to the common sense of buyers. The 2023 RAV4 continues this legacy by offering a spacious interior, attractive base pricing, and sensible handling on the road. Powering the RAV4 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. While the acceleration may not be overly impressive, the fuel economy is commendable. It's worth noting that the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are reviewed separately. The RAV4's rugged appearance allows it to blend in with Toyota's more off-road-oriented models like the 4Runner and Tacoma, but it should be noted that even the capable TRD Off-Road version is not intended for the same extreme off-road environments as those models. The RAV4 truly shines when handling suburban tasks such as daily commuting and trips to home improvement stores. Toyota includes a wide range of standard driver-assistance technologies and desirable infotainment features, adding value and competitiveness to the RAV4 compared to its rivals.

What’s New

For this year, Toyota has upgraded the RAV4's infotainment system to a more contemporary version featuring larger display screens. The LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Adventure trims now come equipped with an 8.0-inch display, replacing the previous 7.0-inch standard unit. The Limited and TRD Off-Road models, on the other hand, receive an even larger 10.5-inch display. The new software interface from Toyota offers improved aesthetics and user-friendliness compared to the previous system. It supports over-the-air updates and provides wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The gauge cluster now includes a standard 7.0-inch display, while XLE Premium and TRD Off-Road models offer an optional 12.3-inch display, which comes as standard on the Limited trim.

Pros

- The interior of the vehicle is designed to be quiet, creating a serene atmosphere for occupants.

- The ride quality is comfortable, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

- There is ample cargo and passenger space, providing plenty of room for belongings and accommodating passengers comfortably.

- The controls are designed to be easy-to-use, making it simple to operate and navigate the vehicle's features.

- The TRD Off-Road trim offers additional off-road capability, allowing for more adventurous driving experiences.

Cons

- The acceleration of the vehicle is lackluster, lacking the desired level of power and quickness.

- The steering feels vague and imprecise, not providing the desired responsiveness and feedback.

Performance

The 2023 RAV4 is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard, Toyota now offers different all-wheel-drive systems depending on the trim level. The Adventure model we tested featured an all-wheel-drive system that can disengage the rear axle when necessary to enhance fuel efficiency. In terms of acceleration, the 2023 RAV4 proved to be faster than its predecessor. Our testing recorded a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds for the 2019 model and 8.3 seconds for the 2018 model. However, the four-cylinder engine can be noisy, especially during highway passing maneuvers, and the transmission on our test vehicle appeared to stumble when downshifting was required. In a separate review of the RAV4 Hybrid, we achieved an even quicker 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds. While the RAV4 feels sturdy and stable during highway driving and handles reasonably well on winding roads, it does not inspire the same level of confidence as our preferred choice in this segment, the Mazda CX-5.

Fuel Economy

The RAV4 achieved fuel economy ratings that are competitive within its class, as determined by the EPA. When equipped with front-wheel drive, the RAV4 can achieve an estimated 35 mpg on the highway. During our own highway fuel-economy test conducted at 75 mph, the all-wheel-drive Adventure model achieved 32 mpg, which is 1 mpg lower than the EPA's estimated rating for that specific trim. While this result is quite respectable for its class, the RAV4 was surpassed in this particular test by the Volkswagen Tiguan, which returned 33 mpg.

Interior

In terms of interior design, the RAV4 places a strong emphasis on ergonomics and providing ample storage options. A practical shelf extends across the dashboard, complementing the spacious center console. During our testing, we found a combination of soft-touch surfaces and quality plastics in the version we evaluated. The base LE trim is more basic, featuring cloth seats, a steering wheel with a plastic feel, and manual climate control with a single zone. The XLE trim, one step up from the base, offers a few additional features, but the XLE Premium trim truly shines with its faux-leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a well-crafted dashboard and center-console armrest with stitching and padding. The RAV4's rear seats are easy to fold and stow, allowing for a nearly flat cargo area and increased space for luggage or other items. In our testing, we were able to fit 10 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat and 22 with the seats folded. While the RAV4 matched the Nissan Rogue in this regard, the Subaru Forester outperformed it by one in both measurements.

Infotainment

The lower trims of the RAV4 feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, while the Limited and TRD Off-Road trims are equipped with a larger 10.5-inch display. The infotainment system offers various features such as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a JBL premium audio system, navigation functionality, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. Most RAV4 models include a separate 7.0-inch display in the gauge cluster, but the XLE Premium and TRD Off-Road trims have the option for a larger 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display, which comes as standard on the Limited trim.

Safety

The RAV4 lineup offers a comprehensive range of standard driver assistance features. Additionally, buyers have the option to add blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, although these features come at an additional cost on the base model.

Final Words

Our top recommendation would be the XLE Premium trim. Alongside the features found in the LE and XLE models, it offers several appealing upgrades such as a power liftgate, a sunroof, and synthetic leather upholstery.