A yr in the past, we took a take a look at the best Toyota RAV4 model years to buy. In that story, we informed you that the 2022 Toyota RAV4 simply earns a spot on the checklist with fewer-than-average on-line complaints and higher-than-averaege reliability rankings, together with J.D. Energy’s highest reliability score for any mannequin yr of RAV4 on this era but. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 had a robust reliability rating from J.D. Energy and Associates and few complaints as nicely. Ditto the 2004-2005 fashions, which have been strong bets the place excessive reliability and a low variety of complaints tempted customers with the promise of a assured possession expertise.
2023 Toyota RAV4
- Engine
-
2.5L Inline-4 Gasoline
- Horsepower
-
203 hp
- Gas Financial system
-
27/35 MPG
However amongst all of those, which Toyota RAV4 mannequin yr is more likely to be essentially the most dependable total now, in 2025, and which mannequin yr is the perfect one for used automotive customers to purchase? Seems, the reply is definitely MY2023. Under, we’ll run by means of a full background verify to indicate you why – and reveal a number of necessary issues to contemplate alongside the best way.
We revisit the RAV4’s most dependable yr because it at present stands in 2025. however specifically for the present fifth era, which launched for MY2019. All info was right on the time of publishing.
Up To Velocity On The Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 ignited the compact crossover SUV phase after an preliminary debut in 1995 for the 1996 mannequin yr. On the big-screen, Independence Day was the key blockbuster, Pearl Jam and Nirvana have been dominating the airwaves, and on any given Friday night time, you’d most likely spot a number of Dakotas, Tauruses and Oldsmobile Cutlasses parked exterior your native Blockbuster, too.
The first generation of the Honda CR-V would arrive a yr later for the 1997 mannequin yr, and the Ford Escape wouldn’t be a part of the scene till 4 years after that (2001). Earlier than lengthy, the RAV4 would become the crossover to beat.
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Quick ahead a number of many years and generations, and we’re now within the period of the modern-day Toyota RAV4, whose fourth era launched for 2013, bought an replace for 2016, and was finally changed by the fifth and current-generation RAV4 for 2019. That is the place we’ll focus our seek for the perfect mannequin yr to purchase, given the newest security enhancements of the day, and the safety-minded nature of household SUV customers.
An Essential Caveat
Neither the RAV4’s status nor its awards, place on web reliability lists, or any rating on an skilled level scale is a assure that the particular unit you are shopping for is dependable, reliable or trouble-free. The way in which the particular RAV4 you’re contemplating was pushed, maintained and cared for by earlier house owners will finally dictate the reliability you’ll expertise in actual life. Nonetheless, reliability rankings can assist level you in the correct route. This is what a few of the specialists are saying.
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Why the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Appears The Most Dependable
For the 2022 mannequin yr, the Toyota RAV4 was in its fourth yr of manufacturing in its present (fifth) era, serving to it earn fewer proprietor complaints and above-average reliability scores from J.D. Energy. From that foundation, Toyota upgraded key features of the RAV4 for 2023, including a brand new multimedia system to all fashions in addition to an clever assistant, twin Bluetooth cellphone connectivity, larger and higher shows, and built-in Wi-Fi. Notably, 2023 upgrades to the RAV4’s infotainment and security depart the underlying powertrains, construction, platform and structure unchanged. They merely replace two digital techniques in a extremely confirmed platform that is powered by a highly-proven engine and transmission household.
In trendy automobiles, infotainment systems are a key trouble area, and the newest infotainment tech utilized to the 2023 RAV4 stands to assist mitigate this. Now able to Over The Air (OTA) software updates, upgraded options, fixes and patches could be rolled out robotically, probably stopping points earlier than they occur and making the system extra dependable. That’s mirrored in J.D. Energy’s reliability scoring, which noticed the 2022 RAV4 rated at 81/100 factors for High quality and Reliability, in response to J.D. Energy. For the 2023 replace, the High quality and Reliability rating drops by 5 factors to 76, although recollects fell from 2 to 1. For 2024, the High quality and Reliability Rating climbs again to 80.
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However High quality and Reliability scores are simply a part of the equation. Between 2022 and 2023, the RAV4’s recollects fell from 2 to 1, and whereas recollects do not essentially have an effect on reliability, many competitor fashions have a dozen or extra recollects, and fewer recalls generally is a signal that extra points have been caught and solved in manufacturing, earlier than automobiles ship to clients. By 2023, the RAV4 can be within the fifth yr of manufacturing on the newest platform, which means that Toyota’s groups, machines, suppliers, and factories have lots of expertise into the present machine. This may encourage confidence and is usually related to increased reliability scores than first-year fashions as bugs and points are labored out in manufacturing.
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Living proof? CarComplaints.com experiences 131 complaints for the 2019 RAV4, its first yr on this platform. By 2023, that determine had dropped to only 5. That is removed from a strong metric of real-world reliability, however low grievance numbers are extremely reassuring.
In comparison with earlier RAV4s, the newest era usually has a fraction of the recollects, complaints, and producer communications in comparison with earlier items. The previous few years of RAV4 manufacturing usually have 1 recall, if any.
2023 Toyota RAV4
- J.D. Energy High quality And Reliability Ranking: 76/100
- Kelley Blue Guide Ranking: 4.6/5 stars
- RepairPal Annual Upkeep Price: NA
- NHTSA Recollects: 1
- NHTSA Complaints: 62
The Different Nice Purpose To Go With A 2023
The RAV4’s 2023 replace additionally brings the newest Toyota Security Sense 2.5 system (TSS 2.5) to the usual gear checklist, upgrading from earlier fashions with the ‘2.0’ model of the system. Translation? All RAV4 fashions from 2023 and on get a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection together with emergency steering help to help in evasive maneuvers. Full-speed-range adaptive cruise management and lane-departure alert are additionally commonplace, with lane tracing accessible when the cruise management is energetic. Computerized excessive beams and road-sign help are included too.
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Non-compulsory driver-assistance features added to the RAV4 in 2023 included a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, entrance and rear parking sensors with computerized braking, and a surround-view digital camera. Not solely might these options save your life and enhance the longer term resale worth of your used RAV4, however they might scale back your insurance coverage premiums versus an earlier 2022 mannequin with previous-generation security tech, so you’ll want to verify together with your dealer.
The Particulars Of The 2023 Toyota RAV4
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the fifth manufacturing yr of the fifth-generation RAV4, dubbed ‘XA50’. It’s in-built Ontario, Canada, and competes primarily with the Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. Pricing began at $27,575 for a base-model unit with the XLE, XLE Premium, and Restricted coming in at $29,085, $31,975, and $35,880, respectively. Search for 203 horsepower from the usual 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, teamed up with a traditional 8-speed computerized.
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Consumers after a extra fundamental unit can try the RAV4 LE, whereas the XLE and Premium add must-have options value-bundled into inexpensive packages to make up the mid-range of the RAV4 lineup. Extra adventurous and rugged variations included the Journey mannequin, and TRD Off-Street, the latter fitted with specialised styling, wheels, suspension and skid plate provisions. There was additionally the RAV4 Restricted, which flaunts the entire RAV4’s high-end options.
|
Engine |
2.5L NA I4 |
|
Horsepower |
203 hp |
|
Torque |
184 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
8-speed computerized |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD or AWD |
|
Cargo Quantity (behind 2nd row) |
37.6 cubic toes |
|
Trim Ranges |
LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Journey, TRD Off-Street, Restricted |
|
Beginning MSRP (2023) |
$27,575 (LE) – $37,195 (TRD Off-Street) |
What It Prices To Preserve
Based on Repairpal.com, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has no issues reported and earns a wonderful rating for reliability, rating third out of 26 small SUVs. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 you’re contemplating is probably going coveted as a result of some portion of remaining manufacturing facility guarantee is left too – which means it will not possible want an costly restore for a while. Although Repairpal doesn’t have sufficient knowledge to counsel an annual maintenance value for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 but, it does present the next figures for widespread jobs when and if the time comes.
- Oil pump alternative $1,960 – $2,369
- Transmission fluid change $183 – $215
- Windshield washer pump alternative $159 – $218
- Headlamp alignment adjustment $35 – $44
- Energy steering leak inspection $44 – $56
- Axle shaft seal alternative $202 – $249
- Wheel lug stud alternative $38 – $47
- Mass airflow sensor alternative $237 – $355
- Transmission mount alternative $264 – $287
- Trailing arm alternative $326 – $358
Based on CarEdge.com, automotive insurance coverage for a Toyota RAV4 will run about $1,912 per yr primarily based on a 40-year-old driver with a great report, good credit score, full protection, and who does 13,000 miles a yr. That is $983 lower than the nationwide common for common SUV fashions.
What It Prices To Purchase A 2023 RAV4 In 2025
2023 mannequin yr pricing for the Toyota RAV4 noticed the majority of the mannequin vary concentrated across the low-to-mid $30,000 vary, with the TRD Off-Street taking the highest place within the value vary at $37,195.
2023 Toyota RAV4 US MSRP:
- LE: $27,575
- XLE: $29,085
- XLE Premium: $31,975
- Journey: $33,770
- TRD Off-Street: $37,195
- Restricted: $35,880
Based on KBB.com, a 2023 Toyota RAV4 has depreciated $5,137 (16%) prior to now two years, for a resale worth round $25,873 (or a trade-in worth of $22,624). After all, these are estimates solely, and your outcomes will range. Nonetheless, it exhibits the robust residual worth that draws many consumers to Toyota. For comparability, KBB.com says {that a} Honda CR-V in the identical interval has depreciated by 20%, with the Hyundai Tuscon, Tesla Mannequin Y and Ford Escape depreciating by 31%, 36% and 39%, respectively.
Sources: Toyota, KBB, CarComplaints, J.D. Power.
