2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Toyota 4Runner as a perfect 10 out of 10 in terms of look and feel, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earns a modest 6 out of 10. The 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), boasts a strong Southern California vibe, replete with retro body stripes, heritage grille design, and distinctive bronze 17-inch wheels. This edition, limited to 4,040 units, offers a nostalgic nod to the past while incorporating modern touches like a four-wheel-drive system as standard. The interior matches this theme, with bronze stitching and a quality feel despite abundant plastic. In contrast, the RAV4 Hybrid takes a more conventional route, with a redesign in 2019 that introduced a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its interior features multi-tiered dashboard designs and modern touches, though it is marred by the use of hard plastics and a downmarket feel in base trims.

Performance ratings from CarGurus tilt in favor of the RAV4 Hybrid with a 6 out of 10, edging out the 4Runner's 5 out of 10. The 4Runner sticks to its roots with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, offering significant off-roading capabilities but at the cost of fuel economy and urban maneuverability. Its off-road tech, including Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, underscores its prowess outside city limits. Meanwhile, the RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivers quicker acceleration and better fuel efficiency, making it a more practical choice for daily driving and highway commuting.

In terms of form and function, CarGurus rates the 4Runner at 9 out of 10 and the RAV4 Hybrid at 7 out of 10. The 4Runner's design prioritizes passenger comfort and cargo space, boasting up to 89.7 cubic feet of luggage capacity behind the front seats when the optional third-row seating is not installed. This makes it an ideal choice for those in need of ample space and utility, featuring unique offerings like a power rear window to enhance ventilation. On the other hand, the RAV4 Hybrid, while not as spacious, still provides a commendable 37.5 cubic feet of luggage capacity behind the second-row seats. It includes thoughtful interior storage solutions that cater well to daily use. Both vehicles serve different purposes effectively, with the 4Runner shining in utility and spaciousness, and the RAV4 Hybrid offering practicality and efficient use of space for everyday tasks.

Technology scores see the 4Runner at 7 out of 10, slightly ahead of the RAV4 Hybrid's 6 out of 10. The 4Runner's traditional approach to technology means an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports modern needs without becoming overly complex. In contrast, the RAV4 Hybrid introduces a more contemporary infotainment system with clearer graphics and a logical menu arrangement. Both vehicles provide essential connectivity features, but the RAV4 Hybrid edges out with a more modern interface and slightly better integration of technology.

Safety is a domain where the RAV4 Hybrid significantly outperforms the 4Runner, scoring 7 out of 10 against the 4Runner's 3 out of 10. The RAV4 Hybrid's modern safety features and robust crash-test scores from NHTSA and IIHS make it a safer choice. The 4Runner, despite its rugged build, shows its age with lower crash-test ratings and a more basic suite of safety technologies.

The 4Runner scores an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness, surpassing the RAV4 Hybrid's 6 out of 10. The 4Runner's value proposition lies in its off-road capability, size, and Toyota's reputation for reliability, despite its poor fuel economy. The RAV4 Hybrid, though more efficient, struggles to justify its premium over the standard RAV4 when considering the long break-even point on fuel savings.