Used 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

This could be the most Toyota-ish Toyota ever. Take one of the company’s best-selling vehicles and add a drivetrain that’s a Toyota hallmark — a gasoline/electric hybrid.

The entire RAV4 lineup enjoys a reputation for reliability, decent build quality, and robust resale values. The cabin is roomy, the standard equipment is generous, and the RAV4 has performed well in crash tests. This hybrid adds extra power and greater fuel efficiency. Yet its starting price is only $2,650 more than the gasoline-only counterpart.

Last year’s RAV4 won the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award for its class and did the same the year before. We didn’t make a distinction between the hybrid and non-hybrid variants, but with its combination of qualities, the RAV4 Hybrid achieves peak Toyota-ness.

The non-hybrid RAV4 and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid are each reviewed separately.

Hybrids are thrifty with gasoline, so fuel bills and emissions are kept relatively low. But there’s another aspect, with a bit of mischief thrown in. Electric motors provide excellent thrust.

There are two motors in the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid. Although Toyota doesn’t give maximum torque figures (torque is perceived as thrust), there’s enough energy to get away sharply from the traffic lights or perform an effective overtaking move.

Compared with the combustion-only RAV4, this hybrid variant has more horsepower (219 instead of 203), yet it can average around 40 mpg. The best the regular RAV4 can manage is 30 mpg. So, the hybrid is a win/win.

However, the gasoline engine can sound coarse when revved hard, something that might become more apparent on the freeway. This is when every RAV4 model could use some more sound insulation.

There’s the much-loved raised driving position, though, and generally good outward vision. This hybrid also has blind-spot monitoring as standard.

In general, the suspension is set up for comfort but can feel a little slow to react at times. The XSE has a sportier suspension, and the new-for-2023 Woodland Edition has one tuned to suit mild off-roading.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of compact SUVs, including this Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

This generation of RAV4 is now in its fifth model year, making it one of the segment’s older entries. There are now plenty of newer rivals with arguably nicer cabins that are quieter, have better-quality materials, and enjoy sharper technology. The Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson, to name just a few.

The RAV4 doesn’t lead the class in terms of occupant and cargo space, but it’s still roomy by any reasonable measure. Adults of average size can sit in the back and enjoy plenty of legroom. And the extra components of a hybrid system have not compromised cargo volume. This hybrid has the same as its combustion-only stablemate: 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seats folded down.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
This becomes standard in the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid, integrating smartphones without needing a cable. It’s part of a general upgrade to the infotainment systems and is simply a great convenience feature.

Infotainment touchscreens
They’re bigger for 2023. The first five trims lose their 7-inch display for an 8-inch screen. A 10.5-inch upgrade replaces the 8-inch version in the XSE and Limited trims — it also becomes optional with the XLE Premium.

Standard AWD
The combustion engine and one electric motor drives the front wheels, a second electric motor powers the rears. So, it’s not an old-school all-wheel drive (AWD) system with differentials, etc. But it is an increasingly common arrangement and one that’s just as welcome when the weather turns rough.

Digital instrument cluster
Another new item for 2023, this 12.3-inch driver’s display is standard in the top Limited trim and optional in the XLE Premium and XSE models. It’s customizable and can show hybrid system information.

JBL audio system
Available as an option in the XLE Premium and XSE trims, this 11-speaker/800-watt setup comes from the same parent company as the Mark Levinson systems offered in Lexus vehicles.

Advanced Technology Package
Offered with the XSE and Limited variants, this options bundle includes wireless charging, a panoramic/360-degree camera system, and a height-adjustable powered tailgate with hands-free operation.

Although the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid is not the newest of its kind on the block, it still has excellent fuel economy figures when comparing like for like. That means looking at rivals with all-wheel drive (AWD), which is also standard in the new Honda CR-V Hybrid and optional in the similarly fresh Kia Sportage Hybrid.

The Toyota and Honda both have a combined fuel economy figure of 40 mpg (that’s 55% city driving, 45% on the highway). The Kia Sportage AWD manages 38 mpg, the same as the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (with AWD as standard).

The RAV4 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (running on regular 87-octane gasoline) and two electric motors — one of which turns the rear wheels. Total system output is 219 horsepower.

Maximum towing capacity of the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid is 1,750 pounds.

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors
219 total system hp
EPA city/highway fuel economy (estimated): 41/38 mpg, 38/35 mpg (Woodland Edition)

More RAV4 Hybrid fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty for a 2023 RAV4 Hybrid is three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. Both are typical of the class, although longer warranties are offered by Hyundai and Kia. Toyota’s hybrid battery warranty is impressive, though: 10 years or 150,000 miles. And other hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. Two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance is also included.