2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – First Drive
The RAV4 Hybrid enters model year 2023 with its continuation of offering rock solid reliability and impressive fuel economy in the practical mid-size crossover SUV category. While our RAV4 Woodland tester model didn’t exactly have pristine comfort road manners, it sports TRD sport-tuned suspensions and bronze-colored wheels to flex some of its off-road athleticism.
New for model year 2023 includes a Woodland Edition RAV4 Hybrid trim that comes with all-terrain tires, a TRD suspension kit, bronze-colored rims, and various off-road badging in the exterior, floor and trunk mats. All trims will also now come standard with wireless Android Auto and apple Carplay. The infotainment system will also be capable of over-the-air software updates through its built-in cellular connectivity.
Base LE starts at a price of $32,100 while our tester Woodland Edition trim in the middle of the pack is priced in at $34,860. The highest plugin-hybrid Prime XSE trim will come priced in at $47,545 which will get you 42 miles of EV range with an amazing 302 horsepower in all-wheel drive.
Powertrain
Hybrid models get a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine equipped with two electric motors producing a total output of 219 horsepower. All hybrid trims come standard with all-wheel drive and a continuous-variable transmission.
Estimated EPA ratings of the RAV4 hybrid scores in at an incredible 41/38/40 for city, highway and combined. Over our mixed city and highway driving, we achieved 37 mpg, which was a bit short of the rated EPA, but still impressive in our books.
Interior, Tech and Features
The RAV4’s interior favors durability and practicality over styling and substance. Overall, the cabin space is relatively well constructed with durable materials and such an example would be the thick textured rubber door handles and control knobs on the center console.
The driver console’s 7.0″ all-digital display is feature rich, but a bit too busy for our overall liking and the a few minor ergonomic quirks were pointed out with the center console such as the steering wheel heater button mounted on the lower left driver-side button panel, and a slightly over-complicated drive-mode selector. Still, the overall form factor is intuitive and easy to use.
Base LE and XLE models receives an 8″ infotainment display while XSE trims and up get a larger 10.5″ screen. Both models will come equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay equipped with navigation. The upgraded 11-speaker JBL audio system equipped on our tester model wasn’t bad either. Base models will receive a basic 6-speaker audio system
Test Drive and Final Thoughts
Compared to the more refined alternatives like the Honda CR-V, the RAV4 Hybrid favors ruggedness over comfort. But the engine responsiveness and seamless power transitions with the electric motors on the hybrid powertrain provide ample acceleration on all driving occasions despite its lower-rated 219 horsepower.
Other positive notes include good driver position with excellent visibility and sound insulation. One of the few complains we have are the cloth seats on the Woodland trim that may be prone to stains, or odor build up on our Woodland Edition trim. Otherwise, the RAV4 continues to be a rock-solid choice for buyers seeing a world-class fuel efficient mid-size crossover SUV.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Model : Woodland Edition
- Vehicle Type : 5-Passenger Mid-Sie Crossover
- Seating Capacity :2+3
- Engine : 2.5L 4-Cylinder + 2 Electric motors
- Transmission : CVT
- Price as tested: $34,860
Pros
- Exceptional Fuel Economy
- Moderate MSRP Price Tag
- Rugged and practical interior
- Rugged feel overall
Cons
- Cloth seats on the Woodland Edition prone to stains and odor buildup
- Quirky electronics interface
- Uninspiring interior styling.