2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

Name: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $25,750 - $45,998

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid promises the comfort of a roomy interior and smooth ride with the practical benefits of large cargo space and impressive fuel savings. It delivers where it counts, but it comes with small compromises to the driving experience and interior quality. It's versatile and among only a handful of hybrid SUVs, but it shares the regular RAV's shortcomings compared to other compact utes.

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Average price: $33,333

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Appraise My Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid model years

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for Sale

Pros

Excellent fuel economy
Smooth ride quality
Plenty of space for cargo

Cons

Front seats lack comfort for longer drives
Mushy brake pedal feel

What's new

New Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system and digital instrument cluster
New Woodland off-road-ready trim available
Part of the fifth Toyota RAV4 generation introduced for 2019

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

Overview

Written by automotive expert Clint Simone

10/13/2022

Toyota's RAV4 is among the best-selling small SUVs on the market. The appeal is obvious: It's roomy, comfortable and supported by many shoppers loyal to the Toyota brand. So what could make this small two-row SUV even better? How about the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid? It's just as practical and enjoyable as the regular model but gets considerably better fuel economy to boot.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

963 listings

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2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
XLE 4dr SUV
$29,877
great price
$4,368 below market
- 19,852 miles
- 5 Seats, 41 City / 38 Hwy MPG
- 39 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Stafford, VA
Timeless Motorcars we Thrive on our Customer Service and the capability to Provide cars to the community at a Fair Price. When you buy from Timeless M...
Vehicle History:
1 accident, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
Features and Specs:
40 Combined MPG (41 City/38 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
4T3RWRFV2PU085233
Stock:
085233
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Price Drop
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
LE 4dr SUV
$29,677
good price
$1,502 below market
- 30,682 miles
- 5 Seats, 41 City / 38 Hwy MPG
- 47 mi away
- Five Star Dealer
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Owings Mills, MD
Recent Arrival! **ALL WHEEL DRIVE**, **BACKUP CAMERA**, **USB PORT**, **FRONT BUCKET SEATS**, **SPLIT FOLDING REAR SEAT**, **STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS**...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
Features and Specs:
40 Combined MPG (41 City/38 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
4T3LWRFV3PU099910
Stock:
7P099910
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
05-05-2026

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For the 2023 model year, all RAV4 models receive a upgraded center touchscreen interface along with a digital instrument cluster. The new system has better-looking graphics, a more helpful voice command system, and the ability to receive software updates wirelessly and without a visit to a dealer. There's also a new Woodland Edition trim that joins the RAV4 Hybrid lineup. Based on the XLE trim, it features bronze-colored wheels, raised roof rails, all-terrain tires and a specially tuned suspension that Toyota says is better at absorbing bumps and ruts.

The two-row RAV4 Hybrid isn't the only efficient SUV in Toyota's arsenal. If you have a larger family to haul around, check out the three-row Highlander Hybrid. And for a more electrified driving experience, there is also the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version that has an EV driving range of about 40 miles. We also recommend checking out the redesigned Honda CR-V Hybrid and the sharply styled Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. But overall, we think the RAV4 is a smart pick for a fuel-efficient small SUV.

Please note that the following Expert Rating was conducted on a pre-2023 RAV4 Hybrid. We'll update the score once we test the RAV4's new touchscreen.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.8

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

How does the RAV4 Hybrid drive? Surprisingly swift acceleration, aided by the hybrid's electric power unit, makes the RAV4 Hybrid kind of fun to drive. There's always enough power ready for lively slingshots around traffic, and straight-line sprints are equally entertaining. Our test vehicle did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. That's more than a second quicker than the non-hybrid RAV4 and respectably quick for a small SUV.

Things are less amusing when stopping — the brakes feel mushy and devoid of much feedback — and the same can be said of the steering. Still, the XSE's sport-tuned suspension helps the hybrid stay planted and stable around turns. All RAV4 Hybrids have all-wheel drive. It's not meant for off-roading, but it will definitely help provide more traction on snowy and icy roads.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the RAV4 Hybrid? The RAV4 Hybrid can cover long and short distances in pleasant comfort. The XSE trim we tested handled rough patches and bumps with ease without feeling overly firm or harsh. The front seats 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. The climate control system regulates temps quickly and distributes air well throughout the cabin.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? It's easy to get in and out of the RAV4 Hybrid's front and back seats, and the roomy cabin gives four adults plenty of space to stretch out. The RAV4 doesn't feel claustrophobic, and there's good visibility in all directions. And while the rear seats are set low, the front seats are oddly high and can't be adjusted down. It can be an issue for taller drivers and front passengers.

Most controls are logically placed and easy to figure out at a glance. Unfortunately, there's still a long reach to the touchscreen. The tuning knob and buttons on the passenger side of the screen require a reach to use.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Audio and navigation controls are easy to use thanks to a large tablet-style display, but the graphics look pretty dated. The tablet is nothing fancy, but it does the job. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. It's a good thing too since Toyota's native Entune software remains clunky.

Voice commands can handle basic phone, audio and navigation functions but require deliberate verbal input. It pays to spend time training the system to learn your voice — or use Siri or Google Voice instead. The advanced driver aids that come as standard equipment are a huge plus.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The RAV4's cargo hold is nearly the largest in its class, hybrid or otherwise, and the load floor is low and makes loading items easy. The battery pack doesn't consume valuable cargo space, and the RAV4 Hybrid offers the same luggage space (37.5 cubic feet) as its gas counterpart. Tie-down hooks and a 12-volt power outlet enhance the hybrid's utility.

A small center console and a handful of storage nooks offer space for most small items, although a nifty tray lined with rubber grip spanning the length of the dash makes a good spot to park phones and wallets. Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Forward-facing seats and boosters fit readily, but installing a rear-facing infant seat on the passenger side will likely require scooting the front seat up.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? You'll have a hard time doing better than the RAV4 Hybrid's EPA rating of 40 mpg combined (41 city/38 highway). That's not only impressive in its own right, but it's also a full 10 mpg better than non-hybrid RAV4 models. We averaged 35.2 mpg during our test, and that was when driving with an often heavy foot. Drive a bit more deliberately and 40 mpg is within realistic reach.

Value

8.5/10

Is the RAV4 Hybrid a good value? The RAV4 Hybrid looks and feels well built. Nice tactile touches abound, such as rubberized grips on dials and soft landings for elbows. The optional simulated leather upholstery is soft and pliable.

The hybrid doesn't cost much more than a non-hybrid, and in return you get better power and fuel economy. It'll actually pay for itself in gas savings during your loan or lease. Toyota's traditional warranty coverage is average, but the hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. Free scheduled maintenance for two years/25,000 miles is generous.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The RAV4's most recent styling change gives it a tougher look, but there's only so much design aggression you can bake into a crossover. Much of the fun of stabbing the hybrid's throttle for a juicy burst of low-end punch is negated by its rubbery steering, numb braking and droning engine under high load.

Still, its zippy electrically assisted acceleration, taut suspension and modest off-road capability make the RAV4 Hybrid a solid all-around driver. Toyota has mostly succeeded in taking the bland out of the RAV4.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid trim level differences

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is available in seven trim levels: LE, XLE, SE, XLE Premium, XSE, Limited and Woodland Edition. All trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A second electric motor powers the rear wheels when traction is necessary, meaning every RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. Altogether, the hybrid powertrain produces 219 horsepower. Feature highlights for each trim include: Compare the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid trim levels in-depth.

Which RAV4 Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend the XLE Premium trim. It's the sweet spot in the RAV4 Hybrid lineup thanks to some appealing standard features such as a sunroof, power liftgate and faux leather upholstery.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$125/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V744000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25TB13/25L
Manufactured from:: 2024-10-31 to 2025-05-07
Number of vehicles affected:: 1024407
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

28 reviews

5(64%)

4(18%)

3(7%)

2(0%)

1(11%)

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2023 RAV4 Hybrid Features & Specs

Trim:

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$31,225
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	40 MPG
Cost to Drive	$125/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	37.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the RAV4 Hybrid models:

Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection: Warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios.
Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse.
Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist: Warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

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