2023 Toyota RAV4

　　

Toyota RAV4 Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2023 Toyota RAV4 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　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 praise this small SUV for its roomy interior, comfortable ride and easy-to-use technology features. There are also a wide array of available trim levels 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 enhanced off-road capabilities by way of its all-terrain tires and special suspension alterations.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$125/mo  for RAV4 LE

　　RAV4 LE

　　LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $28,275 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $29,675 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $29,785 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $31,185 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $32,675 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $34,075 MSRPAdventure 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $34,470 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $36,580 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $37,980 MSRPTRD Off-Road 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $37,895 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2023, the RAV4 looks the same as it did last year, but there are some notable changes inside. A new infotainment system debuts with improved graphics, more intuitive menus and over-the-air software updates. Both the standard and upgraded touchscreens also get slightly larger too. Other upgrades 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 a likable SUV but we've found rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue to be better all-around picks. You can learn more about the RAV4's hits and misses by reading our test team's Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the RAV4 drive? The RAV4 doesn't impress here, unfortunately. The engine is willing around town, and passing and merging are drama-free. But if you're in a huge rush, you might notice the engine's ultimately modest power delivery. In zzdcar' testing, our RAV4 Adventure test vehicle needed 9.1 seconds to cover 0-60 mph, which is slightly slower than the class average.

　　Another gripe we have is with the steering, which is vague at the center point and doesn't have appropriate levels of feel and heft. As such, it's easy to misjudge your level of input. In better news, the RAV4's optional upgraded all-wheel-drive system includes rear-axle torque vectoring and more advanced traction control systems with selectable terrain settings and hill descent control. These systems, plus respectable ground clearance, give the RAV4 Adventure above-average off-road ability for a small SUV.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the RAV4? The RAV4's suspension is tuned to strike a good balance between control and softness. The body doesn't bound or float when you drive over bumps, and small to moderate impacts are absorbed without much drama. As for the front seats, they are nicely sculpted and padded appropriately, but the seat bottoms begin to feel flat on longer drives. The passenger side's lack of 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, at which point the engine sound gets rather coarse. We do like the climate system's performance. Air distribution is ideal, with forward vents that can be closed off completely and vents for the rear seat.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below