2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited: The Car I Wish We’d Purchased
Erica Mueller
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I Can’t Help Fangirling about the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited.
It’s no secret that I love the RAV4. I’ve driven it multiple times and always wished that we’d purchased one of these compact SUVs instead of the Camry we got in 2011. The RAV4 has the same interior space for passengers but sits higher off the ground, has a more flexible cargo area, and, if you get the hybrid version, rivals the Camry in fuel economy. Needless to say, when I knew I’d be taking an extended road trip, the opportunity to drive the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited was met with excitement.
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The two-tone combination in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited is lovely to look at. Photo: Erica Mueller
What We Loved About the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited is a remarkable addition to the popular RAV4 lineup, and this compact SUV continues to impress with its combination of fuel efficiency, performance, and features.
When it comes to exterior design, this bold little SUV features sleek LED headlights, a distinctive grille, and a sporty silhouette that can appear either rugged or sophisticated depending on the paint color and appearance package. The Limited trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents that give it a premium look. The all-wheel-drive system, which comes standard on the Hybrid Limited trim, offers excellent traction and stability in various road conditions, and the well-tuned suspension system makes for a smooth ride across the country and back.
The interior of the RAV4 Hybrid Limited is an inviting space that made us feel comfortable on our long road trip. It comes equipped with premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces, leather-trimmed seats, and upscale accents. The cabin is spacious, and the seats are supportive and comfortable, making it a great choice for long road trips. The rear seats are also roomy and offer ample legroom, even for a 6’ 2” teen!
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Besides the tech, these are some of my favorite things about the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited. Photo: Erica Mueller
Tech that Supports All the Right Things
The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Limited comes loaded with a generous array of tech features. The 10.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system is user-friendly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which we loved. It also includes a JBL premium audio system that delivers clear and immersive sound quality for those who enjoy podcasts and music. Wireless charging, USB-A and C ports, a digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free foot-activated liftgate were a few of the other tech features we loved.
Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 219 horsepower, the RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain provides a good balance of power and efficiency. It accelerates smoothly and is surprisingly quick off the line. I was impressed at how smooth the transition from electric to gas driving was. The real highlight here, though, is the excellent fuel efficiency. The RAV4 Hybrid Limited is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, making it an easy choice for anyone who commutes for work.
The RAV4 Hybrid Limited comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. These features contribute to its excellent safety ratings and make it a great choice for families and new drivers alike.
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The back seat of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited. Photo: Erica Mueller
What You Need to Know About the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited
The 2023 RAV4 starts at $28,275, which isn’t bad for a small SUV that offers 203 horsepower and up to 35 miles per gallon of fuel. Optional AWD on all models is another huge plus for this small SUV.
Because of the RAV4’s popularity, Toyota offers over a dozen appearance and performance packages for this SUV, ranging in price from $28,275 to $39,540. Some of these are your basic LE, XLE, and Premium packages, while others are more specialized, like the TRD Off-Road with specially tuned shocks, a higher stance, and extra underbody protection, and the beautiful Hybrid Woodland edition with its bronze wheels and accents.
Some of the upgrades along the way include 18” or 19” wheels instead of the standard 17” wheels, a 10.2” multimedia screen instead of an 8” screen, premium JBL sound system, panoramic moonroof, nicer interior materials, two-tone exterior finishes, and all-weather floor mats.
The back end of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited. Photo: Erica Mueller
Why I’m Still Regretting Not Purchasing a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited
Why oh why didn’t we buy one of these? The truth is, I can’t remember, and that bugs me. I knew that we needed something efficient with a good reputation for longevity, so we shopped for sedans my tall husband could fit in that we knew people really liked. Perhaps we just assumed an SUV wouldn’t be fuel-efficient? Whatever the case, driving the RAV4 Hybrid again made me look at our Camry with disappointed eyes. Yes, it’s been a good car, but the RAV4 would have suited our growing family so much better!
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited Monroney. Photo: Erica Mueller
Disclosure: Toyota lent me the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Limited for a road trip from Texas to Georgia and back. All opinions and photos are my own.
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