2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, especially revered for its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), drew attention for its nostalgic design and added luxury. This model was based on the SR5 Premium trim, adding $4,505 to its price, of which $1,875 was allocated for the standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. The remaining $2,630 facilitated retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, 17-inch bronze wheels, bronze badges, seat stitching, and other aesthetic enhancements. This special edition 4Runner came in black, white, or red paint, with a black artificial leather interior. The 40 ASE had a strong Southern California vibe, accentuated by vibrant yellow, orange, and red stripes that reminded some of the 1970s era. Its distinctive and assertive truck-based SUV stance contributed to its enduring appeal. Its interior, while laden with plastic, was regarded as solid, high-quality, and user-friendly even when wearing gloves.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained a more contemporary design, continuing from its 2019 iteration. With six trims available, the RAV4 offered choices from the value-oriented LE to the upscale Limited trim, featuring ventilated seats. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims stood out with a more rugged appearance, including a two-part face and black cladding around the wheel arches. The Adventure trim, which we tested, further darkened the grille, blacked out the wheels, and added a faux skid plate, boosting its rugged, mountain-ready appeal. Its interior was accentuated with orange accents and plastic borders that enriched the otherwise modest center console. The Adventure model also offered a sense of premium with its frameless rearview mirror, although its general appeal leaned more towards practical than luxurious.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s performance reflected its robust, traditional design. Every model housed a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The SUV’s power requisite allowed for a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD on most trims and a full-time 4WD as an option for the Limited trim. Regardless of the drivetrain, the 4Runner’s fuel economy was rated at 17 mpg in combined driving; in real-world testing, it averaged 16.9 mpg. Designed for rugged terrains, the 4Runner boasted a minimum ground clearance of nine inches and several off-roading technologies, like Hill-Start Assist Control and Active Traction Control. It also featured optional enhancements such as locking center and rear differentials and a Crawl Control off-road system, making it a dependable companion off the beaten path.

Switching focus to the 2023 Toyota RAV4, backed by a standard front-wheel drive (FWD) system with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option, it was well-suited for daily drivers and occasional adventurers. Models like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road came with standard AWD. The RAV4's gasoline engine offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Though it wasn’t particularly exhilarating in acceleration, its performance leaned towards unobjectionable rather than exciting. Off-road enthusiasts would appreciate that the TRD Off-Road trim featured an all-terrain tire setup and TRD-tuned suspension, unlike the Adventure trim’s focus on aesthetics rather than serious off-roading capabilities.

In terms of interior space, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a uniquely immersive driving experience thanks to its power-down rear window. With features like heated SofTex seats in the 40 ASE and ample storage options, the 4Runner’s cabin was designed for comfort and practicality, though many storage spaces lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area provided considerable legroom, headroom, and comfort, while the optional third-row seat was noted for being cramped. Cargo capacity was impressive at 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row for the five-passenger models and up to 89.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, opting for the third-row seat drastically reduced cargo space to a mere 9 cubic feet.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five and offered generous front row legroom of 41 inches and a decent 37.8 inches in the rear. With 37.7 inches of headroom up front and 39.5 inches in the back, the RAV4 provided relatively better comfort for rear passengers despite narrower back seats. It also included multiple front passenger storage options such as a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. In terms of cargo capacity, the RAV4 boasted 37.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row and widened to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it well within the competitive pack for compact SUVs.

Technological sophistication wasn't the 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s hallmark, yet what it lacked in modernity, it made up for in user-friendliness and reliability. The analog gauges and an 8-inch infotainment display were considered adequate, featuring easily accessible knobs and buttons. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, and could function as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Despite the dated graphics, the system was intuitive, showing multiple functions on the home screen, which isn't typical for newer Toyota models. The voice recognition worked well for most commands, though it had limitations like adjusting cabin temperature.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 significantly improved its tech game with a new infotainment system that included an 8.0-inch standard touchscreen and a 10.5-inch display for advanced trims like Limited and TRD Off-Road. It also offered over-the-air updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity. The RAV4 Adventure edition tested featured an upgraded multimedia system with an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A standard 7-inch information display was complemented by a 12.3-inch option on the Limited and optionally on the TRD Off-Road trims.

The safety package of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner included essential features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard across all trims. While the adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, acceleration lagged when returning to speed. Aging designs reflected in its crash-test ratings, with NHTSA awarding it an overall four-star rating and a marginal IIHS rating for the small overlap front test.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with the TSS 2.5 suite of driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, dynamic radar cruise control, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2023 RAV4 excelled in IIHS evaluations, securing a Top Safety Pick+ award thanks to strong scores in crash tests and updated safety technologies.