Is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 4 Cons
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has long been a popular choice with families and those looking for a compact SUV that delivers excellent fuel economy, solid reliability and decent occupant and cargo space. An update for 2023 adds to the appeal, bringing an improved infotainment system along with some other upgrades.
Related: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review: Good on Gas, Bad on Noise
Toyota hasn’t messed much with much else, for better or worse. One of four available RAV4 powertrain configurations, the hybrid delivers ample power and impressive fuel economy. But the cabin is noisier and the ride is stiffer than some competitors, which include the similarly popular Honda CR-V hybrid and the Kia Sportage Hybrid.
Cars.com’s Jennifer Geiger recently spent some time getting to know an updated RAV4 Hybrid in the XSE trim level. Click the link above to read her complete expert review, or read on for a quicker look at five things we like about the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and four things we do not.
Things We Like
1. Upgraded Tech
The most notable improvement for 2023 is a new infotainment system with an 8- or 10.5-inch touchscreen, trim depending. The new setup looks better and is easier to use than the old one; it has simple menus, crisp graphics and voice controls that work well. New software allows over-the-air updates, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are part of the package. There’s also a new digital instrument cluster.
2. MPG
With an EPA-estimated 41/38/40 mpg city/highway/combined, the RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs you can buy. It beats out all-wheel-drive versions of the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage hybrids, which return 40/34/37 mpg and 38/38/38 mpg, respectively.
3. Lively Powertrain
The RAV4’s hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a battery pack for a total of 219 horsepower. The result is surprisingly quick and smooth acceleration and plenty of passing capability in addition to its impressive fuel economy. Power is routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission and standard AWD.
4. Easy Handling
The RAV4 Hybrid feels composed and capable in corners, with good steering feel and plenty of feedback. Natural brake-pedal feel is another plus, with a more linear response than some other regenerative braking systems. Additionally, easy maneuverability in tight spaces is helped by a rear camera with excellent resolution even after dark. Don’t bother with the optional rearview mirror camera display, however — it isn’t as good as the one in the center touchscreen.
5. Strong on Safety
The RAV4 Hybrid comes with a host of standard safety systems, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-centering steering assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights. Available extras include a 360-degree camera system and blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
More From Cars.com:
- 2023 Toyota RAV4 Gets New Infotainment System, Hybrid Heads for the Woodland
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
- Here’s Every Car That Earned an IIHS Top Safety Award for 2023
- Toyota RAV4 Prime and Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid: Testing EV Range, Efficiency in Colder Temperatures
- Research the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Things We Don’t Like
1. Noisy Cabin
Excessive interior noise from different sources is an issue with the RAV4 Hybrid. Wind noise is part of the problem, but the real offender is a powertrain that’s short on refinement regardless of speed. The engine makes itself known as soon as it fires up, and it is both loud and coarse under acceleration. Things don’t improve on the highway, where it all combines into a constant droning.
2. Rough Rider
As capable as the RAV4 feels in the corners, the price paid is a relatively firm and unsettled ride for a compact SUV. Even minor road imperfections can be felt in the cabin, and larger bumps can result in harsh and uncomfortable jostling.
3. Nothing Special Inside
The overall look and feel of the interior is solid and well made, if not especially upscale. And while there’s adequate occupant room front and rear, some taller drivers might find the console intrudes on knee room and the optional moonroof creeps into headroom. Cargo space is good, but both the CR-V and Sportage offer a bit more room in the back.
4. Technical Difficulties
One of our few gripes about the much-improved infotainment system is the lack of a home button, which can make navigating between screens easier on the fly. We also encountered some delay in connecting and using Android Auto. And while RAV4 Hybrid drivers can select an electric-only mode that allows the SUV to operate on battery power alone, we found it only worked for very short distances at speeds of less than 20 mph.
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
