The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling compact SUV in the United States for several reasons. Firstly, it offers much value for its price. It has many standard features, including an infotainment system, various safety features, and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. Additionally, the RAV4 has a spacious and well-crafted interior that seats up to five people and has plenty of room for cargo. It is also comfortable to drive and has a reputation for reliability, a major selling point for many consumers. Luckily, Toyota came out with the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime, an upgraded plug-in hybrid version. The infotainment system in the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime has received some updates for the new model year, including larger standard and optional touch screens, a more advanced user interface, and standard wireless smartphone integration. These enhancements are huge improvements over the system in previous versions of the RAV4 Prime. Keep reading to find out more about the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime’s hood is flat in the center and raised on both sides, which is typical for this model. The Toyota logo is blue to indicate that it is a hybrid. The front of the vehicle has LED daytime running lights and additional daytime running lights that are unique to the Prime model. Aside from the new red accents, the tires look nothing out of the ordinary. The fender flares are painted black, and there is a plug-in hybrid badge on the side, chrome trim around the windows, black pillars, and a partially black roof. There is also an all-wheel drive badge on the side. You can find the non-interior release charging port on the passenger side and the gas cap on the driver’s side. With the RAV4 Prime XSE technology package, you can enjoy a Smart Key System, which allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle’s front and rear passenger doors with touch capability. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime looks more aggressive but lacks exterior changes for people to mistake it for another model.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime has one of the largest cargo capacities in the compact SUV class. It offers 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, giving you plenty of room to store both large and small items. The standard liftgate is manual, but you can upgrade to a powered and hands-free power liftgate. The storage under the cargo floor is big enough to fit a spare tire.
The RAV4 Prime XSE Tech package includes full SofTex seating and a power driver’s seat with a memory function—a common feature in technology packages. You’ll notice all the red stitching and padding on the door panel and steering wheel. Base model features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a manually adjustable steering wheel, and a removable floor in the cargo area. The car has adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and volume and voice command controls. There are controls for the center stack on the other side, turn signals, windshield wipers, and other standard features. Higher trim levels offer additional amenities such as heated front and rear seats and ambient lighting. The front seats are comfortable, and the range of seat and steering wheel adjustments gives you your most comfortable position while driving. However, drivers over 6 feet may feel like they need more headroom, but that won’t bother you much since the car gives you a great overall driving experience. The rear seats are also comfortable, with plenty of legroom for adults, so feeling cramped won’t also be an issue. And, of course, you get storage pockets, vents, and USB ports.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasts a newly-upgraded infotainment system, which offers improved usability, faster response times, and clear graphics. With its included wireless smartphone connectivity, this system is a significant step up from the previous version. The menu layout is intuitive, and the touch screens have a responsive feel. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime has a standard 8-inch touchscreen and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the system includes Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, five USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition to the features previously mentioned, the vehicle also offers options such as a digital gauge cluster, a power outlet compatible with standard household voltage, a rearview mirror with automatic dimming, a digital version of the rearview mirror, the ability to operate garage doors remotely, and a choice between a traditional moonroof or a panoramic version. These features provide a range of options for entertainment and communication while on the road. You can easily say the upgraded system is a great addition to the Prime model.
The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has an 18.1-kWh battery pack. According to Toyota, the battery is designed to offer approximately 42 miles of all-electric driving range. This car is perfect for drives to the grocery store, to school, to work, or to your dentist. When the gas engine is utilized with electric power, the car can travel up to about 600 miles before needing to refuel or recharge. The Prime XSE comes with a standard 3.3-kWh onboard charger, and an optional 6.6-kWh charger is available, which decreases charging time to 2.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet. Meanwhile, it will take about 12 hours to fully charge using a 120-volt outlet. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a highly fuel-efficient compact SUV that boasts an impressive 94 MPGe rating. It can also deliver 40 MPG in city driving, 36 MPG on the highway, and 38 MPG overall. This makes it a suitable choice for families looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle. The only powertrain available for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a combination of an electric motor and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which together produce 302 horsepower. This setup is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel-drive models have an additional motor on the rear axle. According to Toyota, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.7 seconds, which is faster than the acceleration of its RAV4 Hybrid. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime has a starting price higher than many of its competitors in the mainstream plug-in hybrid SUV market. The SE model begins at $41,590, while the XSE starts at $45,460.
In terms of performance, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivers quick acceleration from a stop and has no trouble passing or merging at higher speeds. The gas engine may produce noise when pushed to its limits, but the CVT operates smoothly overall. While less impressive than some other small SUVs in terms of capabilities, the RAV4 Prime performs well in handling and stability. This is mainly due to its standard all-wheel-drive system and low center of gravity. The suspension does an excellent job of smoothing out most road imperfections, and the vehicle experiences little body roll. The regenerative brakes function well, lessening your worries while on a drive. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime isn’t the most exciting car to drive, but no one can deny it’s a solid choice for an SUV. You also won’t have to worry about this plug-in hybrid’s longevity as Toyota is generally known for producing reliable vehicles. Toyota models consistently rank highly in reliability ratings, and the brand as a whole has a reputation for producing dependable cars, trucks, and SUVs.