Isn’t the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid one of the best SUVs you can buy? It certainly has a good reputation. It is reliable, resistant and efficient. But that might not be enough. Rivals are gaining ground on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid pretty quickly.
Is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid worth buying?
Yes, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most popular options to consider. It has a quiet interior, comfortable ride quality, plenty of space, and can be combined with the TRD Off-Road version for more capacity.
But according to US News, the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid ranks fourth. It has a score of 8.2 out of 10. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson ranked first with 8.7 points, then the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid scored 8.3.
USNews rankings are based on an average score based on reviews from respected automotive critics found in newspapers, magazines and online.
Each vehicle is evaluated based on comfort, ride quality, interior quality, cargo space, passenger space, technology, safety ratings, fuel economy, reliability ratings, capacity towing and capacities.
The RAV4 ranks high for its reliability rating, fuel economy, quiet ride, responsive handling, user-friendly technology, spacious interior, interior quality, and a long list of standard safety features. But USNews reports that it has a lot of wind and road noise.
Why Rivals Outrank the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has the second-best fuel economy in the segment. It gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and up to 38 mpg on the highway. The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 43 mpg city and up to 43 mpg city.
Interestingly, the top-scoring 2023 Hyundai Tucson only gets an estimated 38 mpg in the city and up to 38 mpg on the highway, according to EPA estimates.
But it ranks high for excellent cargo and passenger space, spirited acceleration, serene handling, a smooth ride and a luxurious interior. But the list of cons is that it has lower fuel economy than its rivals and no volume knob.
The Tuscon Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack to generate 226 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 7.7 seconds.
With the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors that make 219 hp and can hit 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds.
Does the RAV4 Hybrid have any good features?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provides 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet total. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson has 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and up to 80.0 cubic feet total.
Additionally, the RAV4 Hybrid’s interior features solid build quality and plenty of comfort with innovative storage solutions. It comes with an 8.0-inch information system and a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Plus, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
So while the RAV4 Hybrid is complete with tons of value, comfort, and an athletic attitude, it lacks passenger space compared to its rivals. It may not be quite as refined either, but at least it can be equipped with above-average off-road capabilities.
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