Fresh 2023 Toyota RAV4 Updates Help It Stay Relevant
The Toyota RAV4 was last redesigned back in 2019, which may not feel like a long time ago. But in reality, four years have passed, and the popular SUV is starting to show its age. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 gained spicy updates to help it keep up with rivals.
2023 Toyota RAV4: Whats new?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is back with a few much-needed technology updates. The standard 7.0 and available 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreens have been replaced by 8.0 and 10.5-inch displays.
This is excellent because the older screens felt dated. The graphics and resolution needed an overhaul. Hopefully, the backup and 360-degree overhead view cameras will have an improved resolution as well.
Also, a new 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, and you can upgrade to the new 12.3-inch unit. The digital gauge cluster should provide crucial driver information such as fuel economy, navigation, and off-roading stats.
But that’s not all! Now the screens support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you don’t have to plug your phones in. The system is capable of receiving over-the-air updates to fix bugs and deliver improvements too.
What’s new for the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gained a new Woodland trim that’s adventure-ready. Placing a hybrid engine in an off-roading-oriented SUV gives families a better fuel economy during their daily drives and vacations.
With the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, you get the TRD off-road tuned suspension, 18-inch Bronze colored wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a roof rack, and Woodland badging on the exterior and interior.
It builds upon the XLE trim that features keyless entry, a push-button start, heated exterior mirrors, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, five USB ports, and a cargo cover.
The gas-powered RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 183 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. This is pretty great, but it can only accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.1 seconds.
With the RAV4 Hybrid, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor to generate 219 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds.
The RAV4 Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and up to 38 mph on the highway. Plus, each hybrid model has standard AWD.
2023 RAV4 Prime: What’s new?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime received a slightly reworked facia to set it apart from other models. The changes are most noticeable around the grill and front bumper. It has the same tech upgrades as the gas-powered model.
The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a battery pack to generate 302 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds.
It provides an EPA-estimated electric range of 42 miles on a single charge and gets up to 94 MPGe. The RAV4 Prime can travel about 600 miles between fill-ups.
So, while the RAV4 is starting to show its age, the new tech and off-roading option help fill in some gaps for now. However, this SUV is due for a refresh.
