2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, offering a variety of options from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, with two off-road-oriented trims in between. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Adventure trim, which we tested, had a more aggressive grille with a repositioned Toyota badge, blacked-out wheels, and faux skid plates, giving it a rugged appearance. However, it was more about style than substance, with orange interior accents and a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel to an otherwise basic interior.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to project a tougher image with its aggressive styling, including angular gray body cladding and dual exhaust outlets. The TRD Off-Road model, which we tested, topped the lineup with a base price of $38,295, featuring Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and optional technology and weather packages. While the RAV4's interior focused on utility with easy-clean surfaces and rubber-lined storage areas, the higher trims offered more upscale options. The TRD Off-Road model's cabin was practical, with SofTex upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but it lacked the premium feel of some competitors.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option, except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which came with AWD by default. The Adventure trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and a standard suspension setup, while the TRD Off-Road model boasted 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension. Despite its rugged appearance, the Adventure trim was more suited for on-road driving, lacking the off-road capabilities of the TRD Off-Road model.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 retained the same 2.5-liter engine, delivering 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The TRD Off-Road model came with standard AWD, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels. Multi-Terrain Select offered various driving modes, but the TRD Off-Road's ground clearance and approach/departure angles were similar to other RAV4 models. While the off-road suspension improved ride comfort on rough surfaces, the RAV4 remained noisy at freeway speeds. The TRD Off-Road model's fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg combined, with our test averaging 26.6 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 37.7 inches of front headroom with the moonroof and 39.5 inches in the rear. Front legroom measured 41 inches, while the rear offered 37.8 inches, making it competitive with the Honda CR-V but less spacious than the Subaru Forester. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a dashboard shelf and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it in the middle of the segment.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized practicality with its utilitarian interior, featuring storage shelves, trays, and rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with optional heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat accommodated four adults comfortably, with good legroom and footroom, although it felt low and lacked leg support. The cargo area offered 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it competitive in its class.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard and a 10.5-inch screen for higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with voice command and over-the-air updates. Our Adventure trim tester featured the upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on the Limited and TRD Off-Road trims.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Various connected services plans were available, including Service Connect and Safety Connect for ten years, and Remote Connect and Drive Connect for one year. The system offered cloud-based navigation, a digital voice assistant, and Wi-Fi connectivity. While the infotainment system was sophisticated, it lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had some usability issues. The test vehicle had a digital rearview mirror but lacked the panoramic surround-view camera.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available on the base LE model and standard on higher trims. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing and improved ratings in updated tests.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, but the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems performed adequately, though they were better suited for straight highways. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in the latest crash tests, highlighting the need for an updated design.