2023 Toyota RAV4

Pros: Something-for-everyone variants; strong fuel economy; available plug-in hybrid; reliability and resale value Cons: Unrefined powertrains; tech interface can frustrate; less luxurious than rivals The 2023 Toyota RAV4 now finds itself as an elder statesman in the compact SUV segment as most rivals have now been completely redesigned since it underwent its own radical makeover for ’19. The Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-50 represent particularly fierce challenges, and indeed, it’s harder to recommend the RAV4 these days. We still do, though, since its unmatched variety of trim levels, exceptional fuel economy and long-term ownership prospects add up to a small SUV that should make sense to a lot of buyers. Let’s talk about that variety a bit, which actually increases for 2023 as Toyota finally saw fit to give hybrid seekers an outdoorsy answer to the gas-only Adventure and TRD Off-Road: the new Woodland Edition. Basically, the RAV4 now offers three rugged trim level choices while the CR-V and Nissan Rogue, for example, offer none. And among rivals that do offer such trims, the RAV4’s represent more of an actual functional upgrade than most. Going in a much different direction, there are also sportier trim levels, specifically for the RAV4 Hybrid and plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime, and more traditional LE, XLE and Limited guises for those who are just fine without a niche. Simply put, there’s something for everyone. Everyone will need to put up with some hiccups, though. The gas-only and hybrid powertrains are less refined than those of rivals despite offering compelling power and fuel economy. Toyota’s infotainment system also remains a love-it-or-hate-it proposition – they may be new for 2023, but they’ve traded “ugly and slow but functional” for “pretty and quick but frustrating.” Basically, nothing deal-breaking per se, but it makes for a tougher choice between the RAV4 and those newer, very impressive rivals. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? Every 2023 RAV4 gains an updated infotainment system, including a new 10.5-inch touchscreen on top trim levels. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is now standard on the Limited and Prime XSE, and optional on TRD Off-Road and Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition also debuts for 2023, giving the Hybrid its first off-road-oriented trim level (the Adventure and TRD Pro have been and will continue to be gas-only). Pictured above, the Woodland gains a TRD-tuned suspension with coil springs, bump stops and twin-tube shocks intended for more of an off-road focus. Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires are brought over from the TRD Off-Road and wrap around bronze-colored wheels. Raised black roof rails and cross bars, a 120-volt inverter and all-weather floor mats complete the outdoor adventure requirements, while special black badging adds to the modestly unique look. What are the RAV4 interior and in-car technology like? Interior materials are acceptably average for the RAV4's compact crossover class, and much …
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