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There’s much to like about the new 2023 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV. It has a stylish exterior design, high fuel economy, practicality, and a smooth ride. However, which RAV4 trim is the best one to get? We think it’s the RAV4 Prime SE. It offers a good combination of capabilities, efficiency, useful features, and value.

Performance and efficiency specs for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE trim

Front angle view of blue 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE, the best new RAV4 trim to get
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE | Toyota

The strongest-performing 2023 Toyota RAV4 model is the RAV4 Prime. It’s available in two trims: SE and XSE. While the XSE has more premium features, the SE costs less than the XSE ($41,590 vs. $45,460 MSRP). It also offers greater value. 

The biggest calling card of the RAV4 Prime is its sophisticated 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid system, which is standard for both the SE and XSE trims. It generates a total system output of 308 horsepower. This enables the crossover SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

Also, for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces and uneven terrain, the RAV4 Prime SE has an all-wheel drive system. Additional performance features include hill start assist control, active cornering assist, and selectable drive modes. 

On the efficiency front, the RAV4 Prime SE gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 94 combined MPGe in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. For electric-only mode, it has an estimated driving range of 42 miles.

2023 RAV4 Prime SE: Exterior and interior features

Steering wheel and front seats in 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE, the best new RAV4 trim to get
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE | Toyota

Notable standard and available exterior features for the new 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE crossover SUV include 18-inch five-spoke black-painted wheels, black roof rails, a power liftgate, LED lighting, and a black diamond-patterned grille.

Additionally, for the interior, features offered include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and red accents. The SE trim also offers useful interior technologies, such as the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports, and cloud-based navigation. 

Furthermore, with Remote Connect, you can perform remote functions for the RAV4 Prime. This includes locking and unlocking the doors, finding where it’s parked, and starting and stopping the vehicle. 

Safety and driving assistance features in the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE

With its many safety and driving assistance features, the new 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE crossover SUV provides the peace of mind for safety. All Prime SE models come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite. This includes automatic high beams, road sign assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control. 

The Prime SE trim also has eight airbags, a backup camera, a blind spot monitoring system, vehicle stability control, and an anti-theft system.

If you’re looking for the best trim to get for the new 2023 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV, then check out the Prime SE trim. It delivers excellent performance and efficiency. Also, with its lower price and many standard features, the Prime SE provides better value than the Prime XSE. 

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