What's New in The 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 returns to the market; it remains a very popular vehicle among compact SUVs and compares to similarly popular models including the Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-50.

The RAV4 is available in a variety of versions.. It has gasoline, hybrid and rechargeable hybrid engines, also called PHEV. The current generation of the Toyota RAV4, the fifth, was introduced in 2019; the vehicle benefited from a slight visual overhaul last year. Note that Toyota recently withdrew from the catalog its basic model with traction and its TRD version dedicated to off-road; however, a Woodland version was added.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 offers few changes, except for the addition, as standard equipment, of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite. The SUV also benefits from a new multimedia system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It benefits from an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard and 10.5-inch in the more equipped models.

All RAV4s benefit from a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Thanks to the addition of an additional electric motor, the hybrid and Prime versions benefit from greater power, namely 219 and 302 horsepower respectively.

Here are the answers to several frequently asked questions about the Toyota RAV4.

What is the price of the Toyota RAV4 2023?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 retails for a base price of $27,575 MSRP including freight and delivery charges. It will cost about $30,225 to get it in the hybrid version and $41,590 to purchase the Prime version.

What is the range of the Toyota RAV4 Prime 2023?
The electric range of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is officially 42 mi battery-only, 600 miles total. Some drivers have managed to get better range in areas where the conditions are favorable. Of course, this autonomy will be reduced in cold weather. Toyota announces a total autonomy of up to 600 miles with a full tank of gas and a full charge.

Are the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Prime eligible for federal and provincial rebates?
In the United States the Toyota RAV4 Prime is no longer eligible for any federal tax credits from the IRS as of August 16, 2022. In Canada, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is eligible for a rebate of $5,000 provincially and $5,000 federally, for a total of $10,000. Hybrid versions are not eligible for electric vehicle rebates.

Where is the Toyota RAV4 made?
The Toyota RAV4 is assembled at Toyota's Canadian plant in Woodstock, Ontario. As for the RAV4 Prime, it is built exclusively in Japan at the TICO (Toyota Industry Corporation) plant in Nagakusa.

What are the problems with the 2023 Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 has always built its reputation on its high reliability and resale value. However, RPM's Sylvain Raymond notes that "there is a downside and it is the corrosion problem that affects the electrical cable of the RAV4 hybrid and Prime. This problem could result in significant disbursements for the owner when the vehicle is no longer covered by the warranty. The current generation is affected by seven recalls in Canada."

Is the Toyota RAV4 a real 4X4?
This is a question we are often asked, writes Raymond. He explains that the Toyota RAV4 is not a real permanent 4X4 vehicle. Instead, it drives in 2WD most of the time, and when grip conditions require it, torque can be sent to the rear wheels.

RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime models feature an electronically controlled on-demand all-wheel-drive system featuring an electric motor. Under normal driving conditions, the system directs 100% of torque to the front wheels to maximize efficiency. When weather or terrain conditions demand it, the system automatically splits power up to 50/50 between front and rear.

Have you owned a RAV4 before or own one currently? Please, tell us your opinion about the RAV4 in general or the 2023 Toyota RAV4 in particular in the comments section below. Thanks for reading and sharing in your social media.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.