History/Overview
If you’re in the market for a compact crossover, the Toyota RAV4 is a great place to start if for no reason other than its impressive range of trim levels and powertrains. The current, fifth-generation RAV4 debuted in 2019 and was refreshed last year.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2023, Toyota has added two new RAV4 Hybrid option packs, and all models get enhancements to their connectivity and safety assist systems.
Available Trims
Toyota offers the RAV4 in LE, XLE, SE, Trail, XSE, and Limited trim levels. Its powertrain starts with a 2.5L four-cylinder with an eight-speed transmission and AWD; RAV4 Hybrid adds electric motors and a continuously variable transmission.
Standard Features
LE trim (gas and Hybrid) comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, a 7.0-inch driver info display, heated front seats, 17-inch steel wheels, and LED headlights. LE Hybrid also gets dual-zone A/C and alloy wheels.
The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure prevention, radar cruise control, forward collision mitigation, oncoming vehicle detection, and automatic high beams.
XLE (gas and Hybrid) adds passive keyless entry, a sunroof, power tailgate, power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone A/C, rain-sensing wipers, and, in gas models, 17-inch alloy wheels.
SE Hybrid gets a sport-tuned suspension, and 18-inch wheels.
XSE Hybrid gains a 10.5-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker audio, digital gauges, and a digital rearview mirror.
Trail (gas only) is an off-road configuration with added ground clearance and upgraded towing capacity. Its feature upgrades include wireless phone charging, Softex upholstery, and 19-inch wheels.
Limited (gas and Hybrid) adds wireless device charging, along with surround-view cameras, rear automatic braking, parking sensors, hands-free tailgate, ventilated front/heated rear seats, and a power passenger seat. Limited gas models also get 11-speaker audio, a 10.5-inch touchscreen, digital gauges, and a digital rearview mirror, while Hybrid Limited gains LED fog lights.
Key Options
An XLE Premium pack adds 19-inch wheels, driver’s seat memory, Softex upholstery, and a cargo net. The XLE Hybrid premium bundle differs slightly, with 18-inch wheels and LED fog lights. A new-for-2023 Woodland package brings a cargo tray, a 120-volt power outlet, bronze 18-inch wheels, roof rails and crossbars, and a TRD-tuned off-road suspension.
Fuel Economy
The RAV4’s fuel consumption estimates start at 5.8/6.3 L/100 km (city/highway) for the Hybrid powertrain; gas models are rated for 8.7/6.9 L/100 km, or 9.5/7.2 L/100 km in Trail configuration.
Competition
Regardless of which powertrain you’re interested in, the RAV4 goes up against a wide field of competitors that includes the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-50, Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee, Mitsubishi Outlander, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, GMC Terrain, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
