The 2023 RAV4 is a pleasant SUV that rides smoothly, has a roomy interior that's easy to live with, and offers plenty of utility. It brakes and handles in a confident way, and it's fuel-efficient. The merely satisfactory engine and indifferent steering, however, prevent it from being a top choice for a small SUV.
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.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Experience reliability and style with this sleek black 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE SUV. Powered by a fuel-efficient 2.5L I4 engine and an 8-s...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (27 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T3H1RFV0PC225081 Stock: S250825A Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 08-27-2025
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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.7
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Toyota RAV4 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 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 Edmunds' 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.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The driving position, roominess, and ease of getting in and out are all good. But the RAV4 would score higher if the front passenger seat wasn't set so high or could be adjusted down on most trims. Only the RAV4 Limited gets a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The driver's seat and steering wheel have a good range of adjustment, but tall drivers might want a smidge more adjustability. Outward visibility is praiseworthy.
The control layout is intuitive with large, easy-to-read labeling. The audio system and climate system controls are islands unto themselves, and everything else is right where you expect it to be. The big rubberized climate control knobs are nice too. Our only gripe is that the touchscreen is too far away from the driver. The tuning knob, in particular, requires a reach to twist.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? The RAV4's interface has a mix of touchscreen and fixed buttons, and both are easy to learn without consulting the owner's manual. But even though the RAV4 is relatively new, the touchscreen's graphics look dated. The sound system works well enough, but it's nothing special. You do get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. It's a good thing too since Toyota's native Entune software remains clunky.
The standard suite of driver aids is impressive. It includes adaptive cruise control that works down to 0 mph, automatic emergency braking, drowsy driver detection, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist and something called Line Tracing Assist, which is an active (but not hands-free) steering aid.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The RAV4's cargo hold is nearly the biggest in its class. You get 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet with them stowed. The RAV4 is also easy to load thanks to a low cargo floor. Up front, the cabin has numerous shelves and bins to handle assorted road-trip paraphernalia. If you're planning on towing, certain versions of the RAV4 can pull up to 3,500 pounds, which is above average for a small SUV.
Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Likewise, tethering to the three upper anchors is straightforward. 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. The too-high front passenger seat is the issue.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the RAV4 will get 28-30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on the powertrain and trim level. We drove an AWD Adventure carrying three people, equipment and luggage for more than 7,000 miles. And over a variety of road and weather conditions, we averaged 28.6 mpg. Our best tank was 32.3 mpg and the worst was 25.6 mpg.
Value
8/10
Is the RAV4 a good value? The RAV4 is well built inside, with nice layered materials and seams that are invisible because they're built into the styling. It has tactile touches such as rubberized grip surfaces on the interior door pulls and the radio and climate knobs. The RAV4's optional simulated leather upholstery feels soft and pliable, and the stitching is tidy. Toyota's warranty coverage is average, but you do get a generous two years/25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
7.5/10
Driving a RAV4 isn't a chore, but it's not particularly memorable either. It's at its best when you go with the Adventure or TRD Off-Road trim level. The advanced torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system, capable traction control system with multiple terrain settings, and styling that's a little more rugged help the RAV4 stand out a little more.
2023 Toyota RAV4 trim level differences
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLEPremium, Adventure, TRDOff-Road and Limited. All come with a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on most of the trim levels, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. The Adventure and the TRD Off-Road come standard with an upgraded all-wheel-drive system that can enhance traction on loose and slippery surfaces. Standard feature highlights include:
Which RAV4 trim does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the XLE Premium trim. In addition to all of the features found in the supporting LE and XLE models, you get some desirable updates that include a power liftgate, a sunroof and synthetic leather upholstery.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #4 out of 29 among Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#4 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$367/yr
vs. $465/yr for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
0.69x/yr
vs. 1x/yr for Average Compact SUV
Severity
7.4%
vs. 11.5% for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal
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:
23V485000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
23R1
Number of vehicles affected:
195
Defect Description:
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with 17" black alloy accessory wheels. During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged. In addition, the load carrying capacity label may state the incorrect weight. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:
A damaged or improperly installed valve stem may allow air to leak and/or the tires to be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 18, 2023. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 23R1.
2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
I have had my new '23 rav4 for 5+ weeks now. Overall, it's acceptable. My biggest complaint is the level of road noise I hear while driving. I had read other reviews from owners about this exact issue. I should have taken it seriously. Would I purchase this rav4 again after experiencing the noise for myself....?.... probably not. Kinda sad, considering it's a beautiful car, but I … expected much better for a "new" vehicle. pretty vs function ?
I'm already considering what and when I will get my next vehicle because of this issue.
Toyota.... listen
I can't believe it's Toyota
1 out of 5 stars
BV, 01/04/2024
2023 Toyota RAV4 LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
- The noise in the cabin is mind-numbing. It's so loud you can't hear the turn signals sound.
- The car play sucks. It does not connect to the USB. Always error. Turns off unexpectedly. Black screen. Randomly activates the microphone function. Crazy.
- Door panels at night only illuminate the button on the pilot window. So, if you have to change the side mirrors or open the locks at … night, you will do it by touching or turning on the interior light. There is no way you can see the buttons.
- The USB port is placed in a spot you can only see during the day. If you want to plug something in, you can only use the cell phone light because not even the interior lighting reaches this part of the dashboard.
- The fuel meter on the dashboard is semicircular and located on the upper right side. The steering wheel obstructs the indicator, so I have to look for it and remember to check the gas because there is no quick view of something important.
There is something called a man-machine interface, and it seems that whoever designed this model doesn't know about it.
It's a total disappointment. I made a 3-year lease with high quotas, intending to buy it. I'm counting the days until the lease expires and I change the car. It's a nightmare.
Not the vehicle for me
2 out of 5 stars
Sadee Lynn, 06/01/2023
2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
Test drove on smooth Hwy only which was a mistake. On typical roads horrendous cabin noise, rattles in headliner where there feels like no insulation. Headrests rattle probably because of the 19” tires on that litl puppy. I’m not exaggerating to say it was difficult to have a conversation or hear music unless you were riding on a newly paved road. It could easily be pushed in on the … sides making it seem like a “tin can”…sharp looking budget friendly (gas mileage) small crossover but noisy cabin, rough ride and seemed to be sub standard materials used EXCEPT for the Michelin 19” tires. Wasn’t the vehicle for me.
Noisy
3 out of 5 stars
Nirajan Bam, 10/03/2023
2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
I am driving RAV4 Premium from three weeks. It is too noisy. While driving, it’s noise distracting me. From lasted three days, it’s backup camera also started flickering. It really disappointing me.
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