DecodedCars2023 Toyota RAV4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- AWD Le / Xle 4dr SUV, AWD Trail / Limited 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV, Hybrid 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 176–203 hp
- Transmission
- e-CVT, 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 40 combined · 41 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,369–3,755 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 60% better than the average 2023 small SUV (25 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,490 lb (AWD Le / Xle 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (41 city / 38 highway), 60% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 171 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 RAV4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 RAV4 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky · Cambridge, Ontario · Woodstock, Ontario · Obu, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 RAV4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD Le / Xle 4dr SUV | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.9 in | 105.9 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,490 lb | 57/43 |
| AWD Trail / Limited 4dr SUV | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.9 in | 105.9 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,613 lb | 57/43 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.9 in | 105.9 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,369 lb | 57/43 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.9 in | 105.9 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,755 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 41 / 38 / 40 | +60% | $1,700 | 223 |
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 38 / 35 / 37 | +48% | $1,800 | 240 |
| RAV4 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 296 |
| RAV4 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 292 |
| RAV4 AWD LE | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +20% | $2,250 | 296 |
| RAV4 AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +16% | $2,300 | 301 |
| RAV4 AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 319 |
| RAV4 AWD TRD OFFROAD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 323 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 (this car) | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 30, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Sep 11, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Tires › Valve · Jul 11, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V485000 · 195 vehicles
- Problem
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with 17" black alloy accessory wheels. During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged. In addition, the load carrying capacity label may state the incorrect weight. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- A damaged or improperly installed valve stem may allow air to leak and/or the tires to be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 18, 2023. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 23R1.
Not every 2023 Toyota RAV4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Toyota RAV4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 44 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 28 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 27 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Toyota RAV4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RAV4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RAV4 | 43 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 42 |
| 2025 RAV4 | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 106 |
| 2024 RAV4 | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 177 |
| 2022 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 154 |
| 2021 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 411 |
| 2020 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 650 |
| 2019 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 905 |
| 2018 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 348 |
| 2017 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 321 |
| 2016 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 257 |
| 2015 RAV4 | 26 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 304 |
| 2014 RAV4 | 26 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →