2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium Review -- Is It Worth OVER MSRP??

As of publishing, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is STILL selling for over window sticker, but is it worth it to pay all that money for Toyota's flagship compact SUV? I will try to make a determination with this review. We will go over the powertrain, the fuel economy, the cargo space, the passenger room, and the features, and then I will tell you if I think a RAV4 Hybrid is worth over MSRP.
To watch my POV test drive video on this car, please click here:
• 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybri...
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:02 Engine and Transmission
2:52 Styling
3:49 Cargo Measurments
6:07 Passenger Space
7:23 Convenience Features
10:03 Safety Features
11:35 In Conclusion, Is The RAV4 Hybrid Worth Over MSRP?

[@bronxzoo7891]

I just purchased this exact SUV (black metallic exterior). Since it was a hybrid and in high demand, the dealer wanted 4K over MSRP (38,520). Magically they let me have it for MSRP plus tax, license and DMV fees. I'm very happy with it. They are highly desirable with great reliability and resale. Most dealerships don't even have the base LE trim on their lots.

[@dennistrue3361]

I like this guy!!!

[@chegekinya2454]

Cool nice RAV4

[@bradcrittenden1789]

It’s helpful to see someone of your height fitting in reasonably comfortably. It’s important to note that resale value affects the cost of ownership. If I walked into a dealer, may it be with a RAV hybrid to trade in!

[@CarDietrich]

Your point about resale value is certainly valid!

[@agak61]

I’m 5”8 and I’m not comfortable ;( It’s ok but I was surprised

[@almostkinda]

I just got the rav 4 hynrid woodland. A step down from this one but a little more off road looking. I love it so far. Got 2k off msrp

[@CRVgarage]

2k off, no shit.

[@reaality3860]

The most 'bang-4-the-buck' trim of the Toyota RAV4 is the XLE Hybrid, unpackaged. I do not need or want to pay for leather heated seats and steering wheel, a power tailgate, or a sunroof. However, I would like to add fog lights to my $33k 2022 RAV4 XLE base Hybrid.

[@dginta7932]

You can get the the Rav4 XLE Premium for MSRP with a few free small add ons in Canada. Versus the comparable CRV that is $4500 more. The Rav4 is a no brainer.

[@pete9688]

To make up to the flip up rear view mirror, the FOB has a remote start installed. I’m kind of pissed that the salesman didn’t mention that when I bought it , as I almost had one installed before I found out that I had one already on the FOB.

[@trang8735]

This is the first hybrid xle premium with GLOSS bumper/trims that I've seen. I thought they were always plastic. What should I look for on the spec sheet to know whether if it's plastic or gloss black paint?

[@CarDietrich]

Look for "Color-keyed upper front bumper, and black lower front bumper, overfenders and rear bumper" on Toyota's specs on their website

[@jeljone3267]

How do you customize to the gloss bumpers when ordering online?

[@armandolo17]

quick question, is it true that we have to change all the tires in AWD models if just 1 tire gets ruin?

[@CarDietrich]

On most AWD cars I would say yes, but actually on this RAV4 Hybrid I would say its not as important. The concept is this: most modern AWD vehicles have computer controlled center differentials that try to give more power to the wheels the most grip. So if you have three worn tires and one brand new one on and AWD car, the axel with the new tire on it will have a little bit better grip so the center differential will try to shift more power there, and that has the potential to cause undue wear on the differentials. The reason why I say it is not important on this particular RAV4 Hybrid is because in this car there is no center differential, the gasoline engine can only drive the front wheels and the rear wheels are driven only by a secondary electric motor. So you won't wear out the center diff, although it is still a best practice to maintain the vehicle with tires that have equal amounts of tread. For future reference you can order a tire that is shaved down to a certain tread depth from Tire Rack Dot Com if you get one flat but the rest of the tires on the car are still good.

[@armandolo17]

@@CarDietrich Thanks for your quick answer, I'm seriously considering a new Rav4 Hybrid.

[@jeljone3267]

How do you get an Xle premium with gloss bumpers?

[@CarDietrich]

I’m pretty sure this one came with them standard. I rented it off Turo to review, I don’t think they’d swap those pieces out for a rental

[@lisaw7633]

I've read that the wind noise is a problem with these also. For the price they want to sell these, it should be more refined. Toyota needs to take notes from Mazda on a few things and vice-versa.

[@billyrock8305]

Topgun #1. Charging over MRSP is illegal in Canada. It means prison. 👍

[@CarDietrich]

Can the dealerships make you give them a couple gallons of maple syrup on the side to get the deal done?

[@billyrock8305]

@@CarDietrich Two Four of hockey pucks and some back bacon usually works. 🇨🇦

[@CarDietrich]

Sounds fair to me

[@owascoshaw]

What is that measurement tool?

[@CarDietrich]

Bosch laser measuring tape

[@Summer-jc9yx]

Does it have wireless changing?

[@CarDietrich]

It’s part of an option package on this model

[@paulwhitmire]

Most dependable SUV, I wouldn’t pay over MSRP

[@miazahmed3930]

Why is the price if I pay installment 5,000$ and what will be monthly with all?

[@CarDietrich]

You’ll have to consult your local Toyota dealer on that one

[@scott.j1]

so given that MSRP is 38k, and most dealerships are charging a couple thousands over MSRP, at that point would you say it's worth if to look at a base model Lexus?

[@CarDietrich]

In theory yes, but Lexus dealers are charging over MSRP tooo

[@scott.j1]

@@CarDietrich thanks for the reply, damn had no idea. I thought the luxury cars wouldn’t be that high in demand in todays market.

[@Amorphous_Sand]

@@scott.j1You'd think so but at least in my Midwestern city, I know multiple families in the market for one.

[@Klingard]

I think you didn’t meant to say this “It doesn’t have Factory Navigation.”

[@jimmyvo6918]

But yet they are the best selling mid size suv.

[@rajcherian578]

Yes, i do not think it is worth over the MSRP. but HONDA CRV is the next option but it is not worth the MSRP my opinion, Next only option is the KOREAN makes , but not available in naturally aspirated hybrids, So bottom line i have a RAV4 2024 gasoline at MSRP now and i have booked one hybrid RAV 4 XLE PREMIUM. All other makes I dont trust so far and lexus is great but I cant spent much money for that

[@gurjitsandhu8393]

People at Toyota dealership are very rude 😒

[@hphillips7425]

Agreed. I like Toyota vehicles but their dealerships are the worst of any car brand in the Memphis area

[@mr.kamote2475]

You have lot of complain

[@rcg9573]

LOL

[@williamconnell6541]

It's actually a spare wheel, not a spare tyre, the term tyre is the rubber component of the wheel. If this vehicle came with a spare tyre you wouldn't be going far because it should be attached to a wheel, good lord......😁