The 2023 Toyota RAV4 continues to be a fan favorite by offering compact SUV buyers the features they demand combined with the added value of solid resale and reliability ratings. Although it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Chevrolet Equinox, the RAV4 nevertheless faces each challenge by offering a wide range of trims running the gamut from economy to rugged off-roader.
Keeping it simple, the RAV4 uses the same 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine for all trims. All-wheel-drive (AWD) is optional on most and standard on the Adventure and Off-Road, which also gets a more advanced torque-vectoring system.
The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid (reviewed separately) offer even more options, with exceptional fuel economy and, in the case of the Prime, the ability to operate solely on electric power for short distances.
2023 RAV4 LE
Starting price when new: $27,975 | See used listings
- Adaptive cruise control
- 6-speaker audio with 8-inch screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 17-inch steel wheels
- LED headlights/taillights/daytime running lights
- Three USB ports
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Remote keyless entry
- Digital instrument panel
- 8-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
- See more features
2023 RAV4 XLE
Starting price when new: $29,485 | See used listings
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Smart Key
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Black roof rails
- Intermittent wipers
- Power outside mirrors with turn signals
- Blind-spot monitor/rear cross-traffic alert
- Power driver’s seat
- Cargo cover
- Five USB ports
- Optional power rear liftgate
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2023 RAV4 XLE Premium
Starting price when new: $32,375 | See used listings
- SofTex upholstery
- Moonroof
- Power liftgate
- LED fog lights
- 10.5-inch infotainment screen
- 19-inch chrome alloy wheels
- SofTex seat upholstery
- Optional parking sensors
- Optional wireless charging pad
- Optional 11-speaker JBL audio
- See more features
2023 RAV4 Adventure
Starting price when new: $34,170 | See used listings
- Torque-vectoring AWD w/off-road modes
- Downhill Assist Control
- Engine oil cooler
- Raised black roof rails
- Black badging
- SofTex upholstery with orange stitching
- Available Adventure Package
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2023 RAV4 TRD Off-Road
Starting price when new: $37,595 | See used listings
- TRD-tuned suspension
- All-terrain tires
- SofTex upholstery with red stitching
- 18-inch TRD alloy wheels
- Height-adjustable power liftgate
- Moonroof
- Red shock absorbers
- TRD stainless steel front skid plate
- Available digital rearview mirror
- Optional Panoramic View Monitor
- Optional TRD Advanced Technology Package
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2023 RAV4 Limited
Starting price when new: $36,280 | See used listings
- Digital gauges
- 11-speaker JBL audio system
- Vented and heated power front seats
- Optional heated rear seats
- Front and rear park assist
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Low-profile black roof rails
- Hexagonal-pattern grille
- Blue ambient interior lighting
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink
- Dark brown interior accents
- Available panoramic moonroof
- See more features
2023 Toyota RAV4 LE
We like that Toyota makes the same commitment to safety on all RAV4 models regardless of trim. In the case of the entry-level LE, that means the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver assists comes standard.
The TSS 2.5 mix includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Other safety systems include eight airbags, a rearview monitor, a tire-pressure monitor, and hill-start assist, which keeps the RAV4 from rolling backward when stopped on a steep grade.
Although considered an entry-level trim, the LE doesn’t skimp on essentials. It comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels with covers, tinted rear privacy glass, intermittent front wipers, remote keyless entry, a rear wiper/washer, and LED headlights.
The cabin is equally basic, with manually adjustable front seats covered in durable cloth and a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat with a center armrest.
Standard amenities include one-touch up/down power windows, power door locks, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with controls for the audio, Bluetooth phone, and cruise.
The LE enjoys manual air conditioning, a digital speedometer with analog tachometer and gauges, a 7-inch multi-information display, an outside temperature gauge, three USB ports in the front console, and lighted visor vanity mirrors.
The LE’s infotainment system consists of a 6-speaker audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen with access to wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Toyota’s connected services open the door to more features, such as navigation, remote start, vehicle locator, service reminders, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
ToyotaCare covers free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and free roadside assistance for two years.
Optional equipment for the LE includes a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic detection.
The LE AWD adds a Multi-Terrain Select system with the following drive modes: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal.
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control – Keeps a safe distance between the RAV4 and traffic ahead, with the ability to automatically slow down or speed up as traffic patterns change.
- Wireless smartphone connectivity – The RAV4’s infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to stream your favorite apps, personal messages, or navigation directions without needing to plug into an open USB port.
- LED headlights – LED headlights use less energy than conventional halogen bulbs while providing a brighter beam for better nighttime visibility.
See 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE models for sale near you
2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE vs. LE
The XLE elevates the RAV4 to an area most buyers expect when plunking down nearly $30,000 for an SUV.
It builds off the LE, adding features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, variable wipers, roof rails, and Toyota’s Smart Key keyless entry with front lock/unlock touch sensor door handles.
The LE’s optional blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert come standard.
The XLE cabin gains an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a push-button starter, a cargo area cover, sun visors with sliding extensions, two additional USB ports in the rear seats, a 12-volt cargo bay outlet, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents.
Options for the XLE include the XLE Grade Weather Package, which adds heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers with de-icers.
The Convenience Package adds a height-adjustable power liftgate and a power moonroof.
- Power driver’s seat – The XLE’s 8-way power driver’s seat offers more options than the LE’s manual seat, making it easier for drivers of all sizes to find the ideal driving position. Standard power lumbar helps with posture while minimizing lower back fatigue.
- Smart Key – The XLE’s advanced keyless entry system senses the fob in your pocket or purse, allowing the doors to unlock by touching the door handles and the RAV4 to start at the push of a button.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – The dual-zone system lets the driver and passenger select differing temperature settings. The system includes rear seat air vents.
See 2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE models for sale near you
2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium vs. XLE
The RAV4 XLE Premium adds even more standard equipment to the XLE while opening the door to more luxury upgrades.
Building off the XLE, the Premium gains 19-inch chrome alloy wheels, a height-adjustable power liftgate, a power moonroof, and LED fog lights.
The XLE Premium’s interior upgrades to SofTex synthetic leather seat covers, with a soft-touch dash pad and armrest covers and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
The XLE’s Weather Package adds a two-position memory driver’s seat, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers with de-icers, and a heated steering wheel.
Additional options include front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, a wireless charging pad, a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.
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2023 Toyota RAV4 Adventure vs. XLE Premium
The Adventure grade lives up to its name, adding more features for people who like to take their vehicles away from paved roads. In addition to torque-vectoring AWD with rear axle disconnect, the RAV4 Adventure gets a more robust Multi-Terrain Select system with Downhill Assist Control.
The RAV4’s engine start/stop system is deleted from the Adventure trim.
The Adventure distinguishes itself from the XLE trim with a unique split-bar grille with active shutters, prominent black fender trim, distinctive raised black roof rails, 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance (vs. 8.4 for the XLE).
Towing capacity increases from 1,500 pounds to 3,500 pounds.
Knowing the Adventure’s interior will likely see its fair share of mud, dirt, and spills, Toyota equips it with easy-to-clean SofTex seats featuring orange accents and stitching. Orange accents pepper the dash and console, adding a bit more flare, while a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel make for a nicer tactile feel.
The Adventure’s cargo bay adds side netting and a 120-volt/100-watt AC outlet.
Options mirror those of the XLE and XLE Premium. They include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, the JBL audio system, a height-adjustable power liftgate, and a power moonroof. You can also get a RAV4 Adventure with a two-tone paint treatment.
- Torque-vectoring AWD – This advanced AWD system manages torque between the front and rear axles (and between the two rear wheels) for optimal performance on and off-road.
- 120-volt outlet – The Adventure’s 120-volt AC plug can power standard household appliances like a blender or outdoor light, which is handy for camping or tailgating.
- Available JBL audio – The Adventure’s available JBL audio system is one of the best in the business. It features an 800-watt amp driving 10 speakers and a powered subwoofer for enhanced bass.
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2023 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road vs. RAV4 Adventure
Tuned for use in the dirt, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road model competes with rivals like the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
The TRD builds off the Adventure, riding on slightly smaller 18-inch matte-black alloy wheels wrapped in Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires. A TRD-tuned suspension with unique off-road shocks and struts, red-painted shocks, and jounce bumpers gives the TRD Off-Road a leg up on unruly trails.
Also standard: a height-adjustable power liftgate, a power moonroof, and a TRD-stamped steel front skid plate.
Inside, the TRD resembles the Adventure but has red accents (instead of orange) and TRD all-weather floor mats. The TRD Off-Road model also gets upgraded with a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Options for the TRD Off-Road include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers with de-icers, the JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, a wireless charging pad, and front and rear parking sensors with rear braking.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also available.
- Falken Wildpeak A/T tires – Among the best all-terrain tires, Falken Wildpeaks help the TRD Off-Road tackle nature’s worst.
- TRD-tuned suspension – The TRD Off-Road’s suspension features tougher shocks and struts, allowing it greater latitude when traversing ruts, rocks, and uneven terrain.
- Available digital rearview mirror – Attached to a rear-facing camera, Toyota’s digital mirror provides a wider field of view behind the vehicle. Tall passengers or a bed full of cargo do not block the camera’s view.
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2023 Toyota RAV4 Limited vs. TRD Off-Road
The RAV4 Limited delivers more luxury amenities, be they standard or optional. It also brings the more advanced torque-vectoring system from the Adventure when upgrading to AWD.
Building off the XLE Premium, the Limited gains active grille shutters, side mirror puddle lights, and bi-LED projector-style headlights.
The interior gains blue ambient interior lighting, dark brown accents and stitching, heated and ventilated front seats, two-position driver’s seat memory, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Also included as standard is a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, plus front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
Options for the Limited include a foot-activated rear power liftgate, heated rear seats, a panoramic glass moonroof, a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree Panoramic View monitor, rain-sensing wipers with de-icers, and a heated steering wheel.
- Digital gauge cluster – The Limited’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers several themes, allowing the driver to custom tailor information they think is most relevant.
- Heated and ventilated front seats – With the ability to heat or cool the front seats, the Limited’s front seats fear no season.
- Available panoramic moonroof – This massive glass panel allows additional light into the RAV4’s cabin and features a power sliding front panel when fresh air is desired. When less light is preferable, a power sunshade covers the entire panel.
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