2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 continued to build on the legacy that began with its North American debut in 1996. Over five generations, it evolved from a small and unique alternative to large SUVs to a more sophisticated crossover SUV. The 2022 model, a further refinement of the 2019 redesign, positioned itself top among SUV sales charts in the United States. The exterior displayed angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines contrasted with organic shapes on the body-side, giving it subtle uniqueness. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and assertive lower fascia openings lent the RAV4 an anthropomorphic character that was both playful and aggressive. At the same time, Toyota’s traditional fit-and-finish elevated the vehicle's overall quality.

Inside, the 2022 RAV4 featured a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors anchored by a straightforward center stack. The touchscreen interface, placed at the top of the dash's center, minimized driver distraction. Distinctive design cues such as a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern tied the cabin’s aesthetic together, creating a cohesive interior design from the cloth seat inserts to dash pieces and even the 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels on the Adventure-trim.

For 2023, the RAV4 remained aesthetically faithful to the 2019 redesign but added specific tweaks, particularly in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The Adventure trim moved the Toyota badge closer to the center of the more aggressively styled grille, blacked out the wheels, added a faux skid plate, and featured prominent black cladding around the wheel arches. This trim also introduced orange accents inside, such as stripes on the seats and contrast stitching. The Adventure's basic center console received orange plastic borders for added flare.

However, the Adventure was only visually rugged compared to the TRD Off-Road, which had genuine off-road components. The interior for these trims also presented mixed levels of practicality and style, with a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel but maintaining the RAV4's ruggedness.

In 2022, the Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model housed a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for FWD stood at 27-28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while AWD configurations offered 25-27 mpg city and 32-34 mpg highway, slightly reducing fuel efficiency. The Hybrid model combined the same 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a total of 217 hp, achieving an impressive 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, featuring a larger battery pack, delivered a total of 302 hp with a 40 mpg city and 36 mpg highway rating, and could run 42 miles on electricity alone with a 94 MPGe combined efficiency rating.

The 2022 RAV4, notably in the Adventure AWD trim, proved adept for everyday driving with smooth power delivery and satisfactory highway performance. The naturally aspirated engine provided an immediate power response, free of turbo lag, contributing to an enjoyable driving experience. The vehicle's handling benefited from MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, along with dynamic torque vectoring for AWD models.

The 2023 RAV4 stuck to a single gasoline engine choice across non-hybrid models: the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing the same 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This setup was coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although the eight-speed automatic delivered a familiar driving experience, it lacked the thrilling acceleration to excite drivers. The RAV4 Adventure trim continued with the same suspension setup as other trims, only appearing rugged without significant off-road capability unless opting for the TRD Off-Road trim, which included specific suspension enhancements.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered plenty of space and utility, capable of holding 37.5 cubic feet of luggage with the second-row seats in use, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Payload capacity ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. Towing capacity varied across trims, with LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades pulling up to 1,500 pounds, while the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models managed up to 3,500 pounds.

Inside, the 2022 RAV4 provided ample room for four adults, though it could fit five passengers when needed. The front row offered generous leg, hip, shoulder, and headroom. Storage solutions included multiple cupholders, bottle holders, a spacious glove compartment, and storage beneath the center armrest, ensuring practicality for daily use.

For 2023, the RAV4 continued accommodating five passengers but included specific measurements: 37.7 inches of headroom in the front with the moonroof, compared to 39.5 inches in the rear. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the second row. While providing more headroom for rear passengers than some competitors, the 2023 RAV4 had narrower rear seats. The vehicle still held 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet when folded.

The front row of the 2023 model also featured practical storage with a shelf above the glove compartment and sizeable door pockets. The center console offered side-by-side cupholders and a lever-style gear shifter, reflecting the model's rugged aspirations.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included a solid technology suite starting from the base trims and improving with higher levels. Standard were a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay integration, SiriusXM, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect within trial periods. Upgraded XLE trims and above received a 9-inch touchscreen, with top-tier models like the Limited or RAV4 Prime XSE boasting an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime also showcased five USB ports, two auxiliary power outlets, and additional features like wireless smartphone charging and a bird’s-eye view camera system.

For 2023, Toyota modernized the RAV4’s technology, introducing a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.5-inch touchscreen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The updated multimedia system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our test on the Adventure trim included the upgraded system, featuring an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio setup. Additionally, the 2023 model had a 7-inch driver-information display standard, with a 12.3-inch available for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims.

In 2022, the Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the Star Safety System, including features like vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location, and roadside assistance. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, among others. The 2022 RAV4 earned top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 RAV4 advanced safety features with the updated Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, adding Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Standard safety elements included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The 2023 model maintained excellent safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.