


Front-wheel drive remains standard, but Toyota now offers a choice of all-wheel-drive systems, dependent on trim. The 2023 RAV4 uses a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota makes its suite of driver-assistance features standard across the lineup, so there's not much reason to go with a pricier trim-unless, of course, you really want ventilated seats. It provides plenty of standard equipment that the LE and XLE don't offer, such as 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux-leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. It's hard for us to resist the cool new TRD Off-Road, but we'd practice restraint and choose the mid-range XLE Premium. Toyota includes a host of driver-assistance tech and desirable infotainment features as standard, which helps bolster the RAV4's value relative to its rivals. The RAV4 is at its best when it's tackling more suburban tasks, such as daily commuting and trips to the home improvement store. The RAV4's rugged looks allow it to look at home among 4Runners and Tacomas, but even the most capable TRD Off-Road model isn't going to make it to the same remote locales as those more rugged off-roaders. A hybrid and a plug-in-hybrid powertrain are also available, but we review those models separately. Acceleration is somewhat poky, but fuel economy is good. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder drives the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 RAV4 continues the tradition, with a cargo-friendly interior, an attractive base price, and sensible road manners. There are good reasons why the RAV4 is a perennial bestseller for Toyota-it's a practical and efficient SUV that appeals to your common sense.
