Toyota rav4 2022

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 13/15

The RAV4 receives the top five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also earns a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but misses the highest designation because of its “Acceptable” rating for the IIHS’ updated front overlap and side tests, which better simulate being hit by a larger SUV. It receives a “Good+” for ease-of-use for its child seat tethers.

All trims include emergency front braking with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane centering assist, road sign assist, eight airbags and the mandatory rear view camera. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is a $680 option on the base LE trim, and standard on all other trims. Front and rear parking assist with emergency rear braking is included on the Limited trim, and optional on some others.

The RAV4 doesn’t have as much rear-seat legroom as some rivals, but most will still be comfortable in those seats.  Jil McIntosh

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

Безопасность

Что касается безопасности Toyota RAV4 2022 года, то данный кросс можно смело причислять к наиболее безопасным в классе. Японские автомобили от компании Toyota всегда славились тем, что демонстрировали высочайшую уровень этого показателя для своих пассажиров. Не стал исключением и данный кроссовер. Автомобиль оснащен множеством разнообразных электронных ассистентов и помощников, которые анализируют обстановку на дороге и, совместно с водителем, принимают решения, которые способны обезопасить кросс и его пассажиров от возможного ДТП.

Кроме того, RAV4 получил полный комплект подушек безопасности, а также крепление ISOFIX, ремни и систему экстренной помощи «эра-глонасс», которые призваны защитить пассажиров авто в условиях произошедшей аварии. Дополнительно нужно отметить участие данного поколения Toyota RAV4 в 2019 году в краш-тесте по методике EuroNCAP. Автомобиль, вполне прогнозируемо, получил максимально возможные 5 звезд в рейтинг собственной безопасности.

Fuel Economy: 12/15

The EPA rates the gasoline RAV4 in front-wheel drive at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 30 mpg in combined driving. With all-wheel drive, the base LE trim is also rated at 30 mpg combined, while most others drop slightly to 29 mpg combined, and the TRD Off-Road to 28 mpg, due to its higher ride height and off-road tires. The Ford Escape and Honda CR-V are similar at 30 mpg combined for front-wheel drive, and 28 mpg and 29 mpg, respectively, in all-wheel drive (AWD). The Hyundai Tucson is a bit thirstier at 28 mpg combined in front-wheel, and 25 mpg in AWD.

The RAV4 Hybrid does slightly better than its competition. It’s rated at 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg highway and 40 mpg in combined driving. Like the RAV4, both the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson hybrids are AWD-only. The Escape is rated at 39 mpg combined, while the base Tucson Blue trim gets 38 mpg and all other trims are 37 mpg. The Honda CR-V Hybrid comes in front-wheel drive and rates 40 mpg, but when equipped with AWD as the RAV4 is, it drops to 37 mpg.

Комплектации и цены

Тойота РАВ 4 2023 предлагается в пяти комплектациях на российском рынке. Они различаются по типу двигателя, коробке передач, приводу, оснащению и цене.

Стандарт

Базовая комплектация с бензиновым двигателем объемом 2 литра и мощностью 149 л.с., механической коробкой передач и передним приводом. Цена этой комплектации составляет 2 671 000 рублей. В ней имеются такие опции, как: кондиционер, электростеклоподъемники, центральный замок с дистанционным управлением, аудиосистема с шестью динамиками и USB-портом, мультируль, подогрев передних сидений, антиблокировочная система тормозов, функция стабилизации курсовой устойчивости, восемь подушек безопасности.

Комфорт

Комплектация с бензиновым двигателем объемом 2 или 2.5 литра и мощностью 149 л.с. и 199 л.с. соответственно, механической КПП или вариатором и передним приводом, а также полным приводом. Цена этой комплектации составляет от 2 929 000 рублей до 3 312 000 рублей. В ней имеются все опции базовой комплектации, а также:

• климат-контроль с отдельными зонами для водителя и пассажира;
• электропривод водительского сиденья;
• камера заднего вида;
• мультимедийный экран с диагональю 8 дюймов и поддержкой Apple CarPlay и Android Auto;
• бесключевой доступ и запуск двигателя кнопкой;
• система предупреждения о выезде за пределы полосы движения;
• помощь при удержании полосы и адаптивный круиз-контроль с функцией полного торможения.

Версия с вариатором и полным приводом, но также добавляются режимы езды для разных условий (Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt и Snow) и система помощи при экстренном рулевом маневре. Данная комплектация с 2.5-литровым двигателем считается самой дорогой за счет более мощного двигателя, вариатора и полного привода, которые здесь идут в стоке.

Престиж

Комплектация с бензиновым двигателем объемом 2 литра и мощностью 149 л.с., вариатором и полным приводом. Цена этой комплектации составляет 3 230 000 рублей и 3 507 000 с двигателем на 199 л.с. В ней имеются все опции предыдущей комплектации, а также: светодиодные фары и фонари, панорамная крыша с электроприводом, кожаный салон, вентиляция передних сидений, система распознавания дорожных знаков и автоматического переключения дальнего и ближнего света.

Престиж Safety

Комплектация с бензиновым двигателем объемом 2 литра и мощностью 149 л.с., вариатором и полным приводом. Цена этой комплектации составляет 3 381 000 рублей. С двигателем объемом 2,5 литра и мощностью 199 л.с., автоматической КПП и полным приводом ее цена увеличивается до 3 658 000 рублей. В ней имеются все опции предыдущей комплектации, а также: система мониторинга “слепых” зон и помощи при перестроении, мониторинга перекрестного движения сзади и помощь при выезде с парковки задним ходом, функция мониторинга давления в шинах и предупреждения о наличии пассажиров на задних сиденьях.

Style

Это специальная версия с бензиновым мотором с ценами от 3 122 000 до 3 399 000 рублей в зависимости от установленного мотора. В ней имеются все опции комплектации “Комфорт”. Отличительной особенностью этой версии является наличие спортивных элементов дизайна, таких как: черные решетка радиатора, колесные диски, накладки на пороги и колесные арки, спойлер на крыше и выхлопные трубы.

Все комплектации кроссовера имеют трехлетнюю гарантию или пробег до 100 тысяч километров.

Привод
Передний привод
Количество передач (механическая коробка передач)
6
Передняя подвеска
Независимая типа McPherson
Задняя подвеска
Независимая на поперечных рычагах
Передние тормоза
Дисковые вентилируемые
Задние тормоза
Дисковые
ABS
да
Тип рулевого управления
—
Усилитель рулевого управления
Электроусилитель

Управляемость и внедорожные характеристики

Несмотря на то, что Toyota RAV4 является типичным городским паркетником, производитель обеспечил для него приличные внедорожные характеристики. Кроссовер обладает весьма неплохим клиренсом, позволяющим преодолевать многие препятствия на дороге, а наличие системы полного привода и блокировки межосевого дифференциала, позволяют водителю с уверенностью проходить различные варианты бездорожья. Кроме того, правильная конфигурация кузова позволяет повысить показатели проходимости за счет небольших значений углов съезда и заезда.

По управляемости к кроссоверу не может быть никаких вопросов. Он очень четко реагирует на любые пожелания водителя по смене траектории движения, благодаря системе контроля устойчивости очень уверенно входит в повороты и не срывается в занос даже на высоких скоростях.

Дизайн

Смена поколений привела к существенному переформатированию внешности Тойота РАВ4 2022 года, особенно ее передней части. Кроссовер оснастили массивной решеткой радиатора, которая заполнена металлическими вставками, а также зауженной оптикой. Передний бампер существенно увеличился в размерах, а крупный трапециевидный воздухозаборник добавил образу «японца» брутальности. Боковая часть кросса выделяется благодаря прямоугольным колесным аркам и массивным алюминиевым дискам. Сзади автомобиль также существенно преобразился, за счет появления обновленных фонарей и укрупненного бампера с массивной металлической защитной вставкой.

Изменения в салоне не столь принципиальны, но они также произошли. Дизайнеры пересмотрели структуру центрального тоннеля, а также обновили ряд систем управления штатным функционалом. Благодаря тому, что автомобиль получил увеличенную колесную базу, для задних пассажиров появилось больше свободного места в салоне. Также улучшилось качество самих кресел, которые обеспечивают более комфортную посадку и удобство на протяжение длительных поездок.

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.

Технические характеристики

Благодаря тому, что Тойота РАВ4 2022 года получил новый кузов, внешность автомобиля оказалась довольно брутальной и стильной. Кроме того, производитель пересмотрел технические характеристики кроссовера, а также перечень доступного оборудования, входящего в состав комплектаций японской модели. Как и ожидалось, смена поколений кросса привела к росту цен на него. Все актуальные фото Toyota RAV4 опубликованы в данном обзоре.

В ходе проведенной смены поколений, японский кроссовер переехал на новую платформу. Теперь он построен на базе «тележки» TNGA. Это позволило оптимизировать настройки ходовой части автомобиля, а также поработать над и без того не плохим рулевым управлением паркетника.

Силовые характеристики «японца», доступного на российском авторынке, определяет один из двух двигателей, на выбор. Речь идет об атмосферных моторах, объемом 2 и 2,5 литра. Производительность данных установок достигает 149 и 199 лошадиных сил, соответственно. Совместно с 2-литровым агрегатом работает исключительно вариатор, а для 2,5-литрового двигателя доступен «автомат» на 8 скоростей. На выбор покупателя предлагается переднеприводная либо полноприводная система.

Что касается основных габаритов паркетника, то они будут следующими:

• Размеры кузова — 4600х1850х1685 мм.
• Расстояние между осями — 2690 мм.
• Дорожный просвет — 195 мм.
• Количество мест в салоне — 5.
• Масса кроссовера — 1675 мм.
• Топливный бак — 55 л.
• Доступный объем в багажнике — от 580 литров.

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 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.

Comfort & Room: 10/15

Most will find the RAV4 to be spacious enough, although it can’t quite match some of its rivals with a tape measure. It has 37.7 inches of front-seat headroom, while the Escape, CR-V and Tucson have 40 inches, but its rear-seat headroom with 39.5 inches is comparable. For legroom, the RAV4 has 41 inches in the front, where the Honda and Hyundai are only a decimal point more generous but the Ford has 42.4 inches. But while those three have around 41 inches of rear-seat legroom, the RAV4 is tighter at 37.8 inches. 

The RAV4’s seats are comfortable and supportive, with fabric upholstery on lower trims and simulated leather on the higher levels. Heated front seats can be added to most trims, and the Limited includes heated and ventilated seats. 

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.

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.

Cargo Space & Storage: 13/15

The hybrid’s battery placement doesn’t affect cargo space, and it and the gas-only version offer 37.5 cubic-feet, and up to 69.8 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded. The CR-V and Tucson also keep the same space from gas to hybrid, but they’re more generous than the RAV4, at 39.3 and 38.7 cubic-feet, respectively. With their seats folded that expands to 76.5 and 74.8 cubic-feet. The gas-only Escape meets the RAV4’s cargo volume, but its hybrid version drops to 34.4 cubic-feet.

The RAV4 is also easy to load, as the opening is wide and low so you don’t have to lift items up as far as with some SUVs. Small-item storage is good, including open cubbies in the console and the passenger side of the dash, a generous console bin and large front door pockets.

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.

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.

Is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Worth it? Which RAV4 is the Best Value?

The gas-only RAV4 starts in LE trim at $27,975 in front-wheel drive, and at $30,710 in AWD, including a delivery fee of $1,335. It tops at the Limited at $37,615 in front-wheel and $39,015 in AWD. In comparison, the Honda CR-V lineup runs from $29,705 to $37,055; the Hyundai Tucson from $28,035 to $36,410 and the Ford Escape, which offers two engine choices, from $29,495 to $39,455.

As a hybrid with standard AWD, the RAV4 runs from the LE at $32,060 to the Limited at $40,365. The new-for-2023 Woodland Edition, with its off-road suspension tuning and styling cues, is $34,860. Its hybrid competitors are priced at $34,835 to $40,955 for the Ford Escape; $34,245 to $40,395 for the Honda CR-V and $32,485 to $40,245 for the Hyundai Elantra.

For both gasoline and hybrid, the RAV4 XLE Premium will likely hold the most appeal for many buyers. Its features include 19-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, power liftgate and sunroof. The gas version is $33,710 in front-wheel and $35,110 in AWD, while the hybrid is $36,460. 

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.