The Best Gas, Hybrid, and PHEV Toyota RAV4 Trims of 2023
The Toyota RAV4 is sold as an internal combustion engine SUV, a hybrid SUV, and a plug-in hybrid SUV. It’s available in several different configurations across its many iterations. What are the best gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 trims?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium AWD is the best gas RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium AWD isn’t the final gas RAV4 trim, but it’s arguably the best of its many trims for the money. It comes with great standard features and is affordable enough for the average consumer.
| Starting MSRP | $34,075 |
| Power Output | 203 Horsepower, 184 LB-FT of Torque |
| MPG | 27 City, 33 Highway |
The XLE Premium’s performance specs aren’t anything special compared to other configurations. Its main appeal is its creature comforts and technology.
2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium standard features
- SofTex-trimmed seats
- Heated outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close
- Full-speed dynamic radar cruise control
- Tire pressure monitor system
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel
If you value good materials and a comfortable cabin, the XLE Premium is the way to go. All-wheel drive makes it more capable on tricky terrain. Best of all, this RAV4 configuration won’t break the bank. If you want to pay even less, opt for an older model year that has depreciated, like a 2018 Toyota RAV4.
Toyota’s small hybrid SUV is a masterclass
When you think of hybrid tech in the automotive industry, what’s the first brand you think of? As an automotive journalist, I think of Toyota. Japanese automaker Toyota has arguably perfected hybrid technology, as seen with the redesigned Prius and the hybrid iterations of its most popular nameplates.
The Highlander Hybrid midsize SUV is one of the longest-lasting SUVs on the market. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a great option for small families that want to travel further for their dollar at a time when gas prices are burning through the wages of average Americans. The base model LE provides plenty of value for the money, but the XLE provides some welcome upgrades.
| Starting MSRP | $32,735 |
| Power Output | 219 Horsepower, 176 LB-FT of Torque |
| MPG | 41 City, 38 Highway |
2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid standard features
- All-wheel drive
- Dynamic radar cruise control
- Soft-touch dash
- Heated outside mirrors with turn signal/blind-spot warning indicators
- Smart key system
- Road sign assist
The RAV4 XLE Hybrid is truly an automotive marvel if you value efficiency and driving range. If you want to take efficiency even further and experience the most powerful RAV4 ever made, the Prime is the way to go.
What is the best Toyota RAV4 Prime trim?
Toyota offers the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV in two configurations: the SE and XSE fully loaded model. It starts at $43,090 before taxes and additional fees. The XSE final trim starts at $46,960. Both trims use the same all-wheel drive PHEV powertrain system, delivering 302 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque.
Every Toyota RAV4 Prime configuration gets 94 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Additionally, both models have 42 miles of driving range on just electricity. The XSE trim is the more appealing model of the two trims because of features like a larger 12.3-inch digital multi-information display, blue ambient illumination, and paddle shifters.
Furthermore, it has better tech and a sportier interior design than the base model, which is worth the money for long-term ownership. If you’re going to spend that much on a small family SUV, you may as well get everything but the kitchen sink in there, right?
