Is The Best Selling SUV Also The Best SUV? 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review
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Date: 2023-08-15
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Comments and reviews: 19
Wised1000
The CRV also has a mechanical AWD setup that send up to 50% of torque to the rear. Our 2023 CRV was superb in the central Wisconsin snow. I equipped ours with Michelin Cross Climate tires directly from the dealer since after 26 years I'm sick and tired of swapping summer and winter sets. Best decision I have ever made. It was unstoppable in all winter conditions, dare I say even better (probably because the overall less power) than any other AWD vehicle I have ever owned up here with Blizzaks, X ices or any dedicated winter tire.
I have not, driven the new hybrid RAV 4, but I have driven the regular gas version, quite honestly, the CRV's overall package is a categorically better vehicle in every way.
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The CRV also has a mechanical AWD setup that send up to 50% of torque to the rear. Our 2023 CRV was superb in the central Wisconsin snow. I equipped ours with Michelin Cross Climate tires directly from the dealer since after 26 years I'm sick and tired of swapping summer and winter sets. Best decision I have ever made. It was unstoppable in all winter conditions, dare I say even better (probably because the overall less power) than any other AWD vehicle I have ever owned up here with Blizzaks, X ices or any dedicated winter tire.
I have not, driven the new hybrid RAV 4, but I have driven the regular gas version, quite honestly, the CRV's overall package is a categorically better vehicle in every way.
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David
I currently have a 2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Limited; leased it nearly five years ago, purchased it directly from Toyota Finance when the lease was expiring in 2021. It has been the best all-around vehicle that I've ever had. There were three unscheduled visits to the dealership to replace the driver's side power lock actuator and the blower motor for the climate control twice. The power lock actuator failed after the warranty was up, as did the replacement blower motor for the one that was replaced the first time. Aside from these annoyances, the vehicle has run flawlessly and has been nearly as fuel efficient as advertised.
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I currently have a 2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Limited; leased it nearly five years ago, purchased it directly from Toyota Finance when the lease was expiring in 2021. It has been the best all-around vehicle that I've ever had. There were three unscheduled visits to the dealership to replace the driver's side power lock actuator and the blower motor for the climate control twice. The power lock actuator failed after the warranty was up, as did the replacement blower motor for the one that was replaced the first time. Aside from these annoyances, the vehicle has run flawlessly and has been nearly as fuel efficient as advertised.
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Mr.
Could you go over the reliability differences and why with this RAV4 system versus the Korean ones? It'd be good information for long term owners.
Personally, I've also driven both a RAV4 and a Tucson extensively, and the RAV4 infotainment system is still not equal to the Korean setup. I will say the gauge cluster is more customizable with Toyota, but it looks like 3 separate screens together and with older styles. Not attractive to me.
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Could you go over the reliability differences and why with this RAV4 system versus the Korean ones? It'd be good information for long term owners.
Personally, I've also driven both a RAV4 and a Tucson extensively, and the RAV4 infotainment system is still not equal to the Korean setup. I will say the gauge cluster is more customizable with Toyota, but it looks like 3 separate screens together and with older styles. Not attractive to me.
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Dariel
I am not buying a hybrid vehicle again anytime soon. I plan to keep my vehicle for a long time, its just a matter of time before the battery goes bad and then all the savings you had goes down the drain. Just happened to me two weeks ago and the price to repair and get a new battery plus labor it's more than the car's worth.
Right now cant decide between the entry Rav4 LE or a CX-5 carbon edition for basically the same price.
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I am not buying a hybrid vehicle again anytime soon. I plan to keep my vehicle for a long time, its just a matter of time before the battery goes bad and then all the savings you had goes down the drain. Just happened to me two weeks ago and the price to repair and get a new battery plus labor it's more than the car's worth.
Right now cant decide between the entry Rav4 LE or a CX-5 carbon edition for basically the same price.
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Right
Alex, I hesitate to use such strong language but gosh darn it, Toyota would sell a 'heck' of a lot more RAV4 Hybrids if they could build them fast enough to keep up with demand. In terms of a refresh, leg room in the back seat and competitive headroom are the most pressing priorities for the next RAV4. Let us hope the new RAV4 has a sliding second row like RAV4s of old.
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Alex, I hesitate to use such strong language but gosh darn it, Toyota would sell a 'heck' of a lot more RAV4 Hybrids if they could build them fast enough to keep up with demand. In terms of a refresh, leg room in the back seat and competitive headroom are the most pressing priorities for the next RAV4. Let us hope the new RAV4 has a sliding second row like RAV4s of old.
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Invest
I just got the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and couldn't be more impressed
It is more powerful than the Rav4, while being twice as smooth. Getting 34-45 MPG, but I drive it harder than most, and the 6-speed's smoothness more than makes up for it. I wouldn't get a CVT because of those NVH issues. Not one problem in 6000 miles. Looking 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid next
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I just got the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and couldn't be more impressed
It is more powerful than the Rav4, while being twice as smooth. Getting 34-45 MPG, but I drive it harder than most, and the 6-speed's smoothness more than makes up for it. I wouldn't get a CVT because of those NVH issues. Not one problem in 6000 miles. Looking 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid next
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Jon
A quick counter data point for CR-V hybrid mileage. I own a '23 Sport Hybrid and over 4k miles the lifetime average is 41mpg. City commuting can easily get up to 45mpg. Highway driving does take a hit, but on a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas I had 37mpg on the drive out and 38. 5mpg on the return (driving with cruise set at 73mph and climate at 70.
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A quick counter data point for CR-V hybrid mileage. I own a '23 Sport Hybrid and over 4k miles the lifetime average is 41mpg. City commuting can easily get up to 45mpg. Highway driving does take a hit, but on a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas I had 37mpg on the drive out and 38. 5mpg on the return (driving with cruise set at 73mph and climate at 70.
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itsMike
I have R4P, but really should just have bought a normal hybrid just easier to maintain. The heat pump couldn't take the Vegas heat when was 110. I think normal hybrid's a/c is better. It is peppy but I drive as EV most of time only use gas on the highway. I wish car told me how many hours the ICE was on so oil changes aren't based on miles.
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I have R4P, but really should just have bought a normal hybrid just easier to maintain. The heat pump couldn't take the Vegas heat when was 110. I think normal hybrid's a/c is better. It is peppy but I drive as EV most of time only use gas on the highway. I wish car told me how many hours the ICE was on so oil changes aren't based on miles.
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tjs114
I think a lot of manufacturers are sticking to incandescent bulbs for turn signals because they don't require a load resistor or a more complex flasher module as either of those add to the bottom line, and would require them to carry new stock instead of the same old blinker module they've been using since the switch to 12 volt systems.
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I think a lot of manufacturers are sticking to incandescent bulbs for turn signals because they don't require a load resistor or a more complex flasher module as either of those add to the bottom line, and would require them to carry new stock instead of the same old blinker module they've been using since the switch to 12 volt systems.
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Ted
Thanks, Alex for your great and thorough reviews! The RAV4 Hybrid is still an amazing vehicle with the best reliability and resale value in its class. It does have its shortcomings (rear legroom and noise, but ultimately, it all comes down to your needs and priorities for your vehicle choice!
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Thanks, Alex for your great and thorough reviews! The RAV4 Hybrid is still an amazing vehicle with the best reliability and resale value in its class. It does have its shortcomings (rear legroom and noise, but ultimately, it all comes down to your needs and priorities for your vehicle choice!
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Raload168
40MPG is impressive for the size of this car, RAV4 is not the best in term of design and comfort but liability does, for me liability and fuel-efficient is first priority when consider buying a new car, that's why it is one of the best selling suv out there.
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40MPG is impressive for the size of this car, RAV4 is not the best in term of design and comfort but liability does, for me liability and fuel-efficient is first priority when consider buying a new car, that's why it is one of the best selling suv out there.
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autos
Gas isn t going anywhere soon. Hybrids make sense for most people. You just can t deny the cost benefits of 40mpg. Of course, once everyone owns hybrids gas prices will just level out and the economic benefits will evaporate.
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Gas isn t going anywhere soon. Hybrids make sense for most people. You just can t deny the cost benefits of 40mpg. Of course, once everyone owns hybrids gas prices will just level out and the economic benefits will evaporate.
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hellos
This reliability statement is ignoring the high voltage cable corrosion issue with the rav4 hybrid for those in the snow belt. We'll have to see how good the revised fix is for the cable connector on the rav4 hybrid.
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This reliability statement is ignoring the high voltage cable corrosion issue with the rav4 hybrid for those in the snow belt. We'll have to see how good the revised fix is for the cable connector on the rav4 hybrid.
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autos
Pricing is going up around 3, 200 on the M. S. R. P. for the higher trims (hybrid included. The price increase varies between 0. 76% to 4. 21% depending on the model and trim chosen. Jun 20, 2023
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Pricing is going up around 3, 200 on the M. S. R. P. for the higher trims (hybrid included. The price increase varies between 0. 76% to 4. 21% depending on the model and trim chosen. Jun 20, 2023
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38mil-15B
The new Grand Highlander looks good inside and outside, at least better than expected from Toyota. Let the same design team design the next RAV4 and let's finally end the ugly RAV4 look.
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The new Grand Highlander looks good inside and outside, at least better than expected from Toyota. Let the same design team design the next RAV4 and let's finally end the ugly RAV4 look.
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Renoir
I wanted EV badly, but after long consideration, I chose RAV4 Hybrid. The price still makes me shiver, and waiting time is about 2 months Hopefully, it will be a reliable vehicle, will see.
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I wanted EV badly, but after long consideration, I chose RAV4 Hybrid. The price still makes me shiver, and waiting time is about 2 months Hopefully, it will be a reliable vehicle, will see.
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Auto
While we wait for word on the 2024 model year, the rumor mill is saying: the only thing that will change is the price tag. Looks like a more complete refresh will be around model year 2025.
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While we wait for word on the 2024 model year, the rumor mill is saying: the only thing that will change is the price tag. Looks like a more complete refresh will be around model year 2025.
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anderacpharmd
Excellent review as always. I have been watching your reviews for year, ever since I had young kids and needed a review showing rear seats and car seats. Thank you.
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Excellent review as always. I have been watching your reviews for year, ever since I had young kids and needed a review showing rear seats and car seats. Thank you.
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Joe
While I'd buy other gasoline models over the gasser RAV4, hard to beat the overall package of what the Hybrid offers, even going on model year 6 as we head into 2024.
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While I'd buy other gasoline models over the gasser RAV4, hard to beat the overall package of what the Hybrid offers, even going on model year 6 as we head into 2024.
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