2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs

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Overview

Like their distant cousin, the hybridized Prius hatchback, the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid and plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime goal to convey spectacular gasoline effectivity to the compact-SUV section. They usually succeed. However their electrified powertrains include different advantages too, particularly higher efficiency. For one factor, each are faster than the nonhybrid RAV4—particularly the Prime model which, amazingly, is able to outrunning a four-cylinder Supra sports activities automobile to 60 mph. Too unhealthy the RAV4 Hybrid’s dealing with isn’t sports-car sharp—fairly the opposite, truly, as its noncommittal highway manners aren’t more likely to fulfill drivers who worth athleticism of their each day trip. For individuals who need a bit extra involvement within the driving expertise—bear in mind, we’re speaking mainstream SUVs right here, not sport sedans—there’s the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. All of them supply hybrid fashions as nicely. Nonetheless, the RAV4 Hybrid is a handsome, sensible, and comfy small crossover that’s frugal on the gasoline pump, which is greater than sufficient for an SUV-loving American to be ok with.

What’s New for 2023?

A brand new rough-and-tumble Woodland Version of the RAV4 Hybrid joins the lineup for 2023. Together with all-terrain tires, the Woodland Version sports activities a TRD suspension package, bronze-colored wheels, a roof rack, mud flaps, black exterior badging, and a particular set of all-season flooring mats sporting the Woodland Version emblem. Exterior colours are restricted to black, blue, and white. All fashions now include Toyota’s next-generation infotainment interface—a welcome improve over the outgoing one—which incorporates commonplace wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to over-the-air replace functionality.

Pricing and Which One to Purchase

LE

$31,000 (est)

$33,000 (est)

SE

$34,000 (est)

XLE Premium

$36,000 (est)

XSE

$37,000 (est)

Woodland Version

$39,000 (est)

Limitied

$40,000 (est)

Prime SE

$42,000 (est)

$45,000 (est)

If you happen to can qualify for the $7500 electric-vehicle tax credit score, the RAV4 Prime is a no brainer, as the federal government’s monetary incentive lowers its value considerably—and also you get a RAV4 with extra energy and a major electric-only driving vary. Of the 2 Prime fashions, the XSE is filled with extra commonplace options, together with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, and an infotainment system with a bigger 10.5-inch show. If you happen to do not qualify for the tax credit score, we might advocate the XLE Hybrid, which presents extra commonplace gear than the bottom LE with out struggling a lot of an uptick in value. Patrons of the XLE will get pleasure from conveniences akin to passive keyless entry, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED projector headlamps with computerized excessive beams, heated exterior mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and entrance fog lamps.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

The RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is assisted by two electrical motors for a mixed output of 219 horsepower. All-wheel drive is commonplace—one of many electrical motors powers the rear wheels and the second motor and the gasoline engine drive the fronts—as is a repeatedly variable computerized transmission (CVT). Not solely is the RAV4 Hybrid extra environment friendly than the unelectrified model, nevertheless it’s additionally faster. It snapped off a 7.4-second 60-mph time in our palms whereas the gas-only model wanted 8.0 seconds to carry out the identical process. Drivers will really feel that pep, too, notably round city, the place the electrical motor’s gratifyingly instant energy supply offers it an additional shove when taking off from a cease. If you would like much more efficiency, the Prime model is pleased to oblige. In our testing, the RAV4 Prime skipped to 60 mph in simply 5.6 seconds. Like the usual RAV4, the hybrid and Prime fashions’ dealing with is competent and its trip comfy, however do not count on any cornering heroics right here.

Vary, Charging, and Battery Life

The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime shops its electrons in an 18.1-kWh battery pack, and the EPA charges its electric-only driving vary at 42 miles. In our testing, we managed to drive for 32 miles on electrical energy alone, however that was on the freeway; we might count on an extended driving vary within the metropolis. A 3.3-kWh onboard charger is commonplace and a 6.6-kWh charger is non-compulsory on the Prime XSE; it decreases charging time to only 2.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet. If solely a 120-volt outlet is out there, count on charging occasions to be about 12 hours.

Gasoline Financial system and Actual-World MPG

When put next with a gas-powered all-wheel-drive RAV4, the hybrid model is way extra environment friendly. The EPA estimates it’s going to obtain 41 mpg metropolis, 38 mpg freeway, and 40 mpg mixed, beating the common RAV4 by 14 mpg, 5 mpg, and 11 mpg, respectively. After we examined the RAV4 Hybrid on our 200-mile freeway fuel-economy route, it delivered 37 mpg, 1 mpg lower than its EPA score. The Prime earns an EPA mixed score of 94 MPGe, and it delivered 73 MPGe throughout our freeway fuel-economy take a look at. For extra details about the RAV4 Hybrid’s gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

The RAV4 Hybrid’s cabin is nicely constructed and properly outfitted however prioritizes practicality over fashion. With a plethora of cubbies and bins to select from, you will have ample area to stash small cargo, and all the buttons and controls are straightforward to search out and function. Toyota throws in loads of niceties on the base degree, akin to dual-zone computerized local weather management, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a height-adjustable false flooring within the cargo space. Going up the trim-level ladder brings luxurious options akin to heated entrance and rear seats, ambient inside lighting, and upgraded faux-leather upholstery that Toyota calls SofTex. The RAV4 Hybrid presents similar cargo and passenger area because the common RAV4, and in our testing, we managed to suit 10 carry-on suitcases behind the second row and 22 with the rear seat folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

LE and XLE fashions include an 8.0-inch infotainment show sprouting from their dashboard whereas XSE, Restricted, and Prime XSE fashions present a ten.5-inch display screen. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in addition to an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are all commonplace. Most fashions additionally include a 7.0-inch digital gauge show however a bigger 12.3-inch one comes on Restricted and Prime XSE trims and is non-compulsory on the XLE Premium. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system can be found. In any other case, you will get a six-speaker system.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Toyota has been an aggressive adopter of driver-assistance options and presents a lot of them commonplace throughout the RAV4 lineup. For extra details about the RAV4 Hybrid’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

  • Normal automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Normal lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
  • Normal adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

All RAV4s include a complete guarantee that matches these offered by rivals Honda and Nissan, however electrified fashions include a prolonged safety plan for his or her hybrid parts. Removed from the norm, Toyota’s complimentary scheduled upkeep coverage stretches for 2 years or 25,000 miles.

  • Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • Hybrid-component guarantee covers eight years or 100,000 miles
  • Complimentary upkeep is coated for 2 years or 25,000 miles

Specs

Specs

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED

$49,170 (base value: $42,545)

POWERTRAIN

DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4, 177 hp, 165 lb-ft + 3 permanent-magnet synchronous motors, entrance: 179 hp, 199 lb-ft; rear: 53 hp, 89 lb-ft; mixed output, 302 hp; 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack

TRANSMISSION

repeatedly variable computerized

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 12.9-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc

Tires: Yokohama Avid GT S35, 235/55R-19 101V M+S

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 105.9 in

Size: 180.9 in

Width: 73.0 in

Peak: 67.2 in

Passenger quantity: 99 ft3

Cargo quantity: 33 ft3

Curb weight: 4400 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 5.4 sec

100 mph: 14.0 sec

Rolling begin, 5–60 mph: 5.6 sec

High gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec

High gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec

1/4 mile: 14.0 sec @ 100 mph

High velocity (governor restricted): 117 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 195 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.75 g
Standing-start accel occasions omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

75-mph freeway driving, EV/hybrid mode: 73 MPGe/32 mpg

Freeway vary, EV/hybrid mode: 32/460 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Mixed/metropolis/freeway: 38/36/40 mpg

Mixed gasoline+electrical energy: 94 MPGe

EV vary: 42 miles

Extra Options and Specs

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