2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD Review - The PERFECT Car For 99% Of People!

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DISCLAIMER!
The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The thoughts expressed in this video do not reflect the owner, dealership, or organization that owns the vehicle featured. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. DO NOT make a financial decision based off of this video.
#RAV4 # Rav4Hybrid

Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - Drivetrain
2:54 - Interior
6:38 - BFB Test
6:52 - Interior
8:28 - Back Seats
9:37 - Trunk / Cargo Space
10:42 - Exterior
11:22 - Final Thoughts
14:47 - Outro

[@bwofficial1776]

The RAV4/Honda CR-V has become the definition of car now. It's reasonably sized, fast enough, efficient, reliable, and comfortable. The RAV4 hybrid is so popular that Toyota has months long waiting lists and dealers are charging hefty markups. Toyota has perfected hybrids and I think they know what they're doing going all-in on hybrids until we can solve several major issues with EVs. One issue with camera rearview mirrors is that the view is flat and doesn't change when you move your head. Parallax is an important aspect of rearview mirrors. When I was car shopping last year the RAV4 hybrid was on my shortlist, however for the money the Subaru Outback I bought had more features and a nicer interior. Toyota does options/packages/trims weird and doesn't allow special orders. If only Subaru would do hybrids...

[@truhouse2285]

55 missed called huh? Bruh.. if you don’t leave that toxic woman alone king! 😂

[@adamgoldenbear]

This was one of the most down to earth and d honest reviews I’ve watched. Thank you.

[@rustyshackleford1687]

I traded in a beloved 3rd gen Mazda3 for one of these last year. It is an incredible well-rounded car that can pretty much do anything efficiently and competently. I usually get emotionally attached to my cars, but I feel almost nothing for this one. You really nailed the spirit, or lack there-of for this car. I don't know if this a flaw or not since most people don't need emotion out of their car but I like to feel that my car is more than just an appliance. Because of this, I'll either get rid of my RAV4 after a little while or keep it forever because it's so practical and low-stress.

[@zacharyreynolds4303]

this is the exact reason I'm choosing a Subaru over this or a Corolla, coming from a Subaru family. I like the new Crosstrek, if you want another practical and competent car with a little more soul I'd look into either one of those, or a Forester if you felt like your Mazda3 was too small.

[@boxoffisa]

RAV4 has lacked personality always but we buy and like it for stress free vibe it gives.

[@kiraleaf]

Hmm, I guess it can be a positive depending on your perspective ... like, if anything bad happens to a beautiful car you've put so much work into, it can be devastating and a long recovery process. But if your car is a toaster that gets the job done, day after day, and you walk back to it in the parking lot and someone's left you with the aftermath of a hit n' run, you can shrug it off. "These things happen to cars, at least Toyotas are pretty cheap to fix."

[@mitchaser5159]

I plan to keep my 24 rav for a long time and maybe in 5-10 years I’ll get some sports car to compliment it. But you’re right it is kinda boring which sucks

[@rustyshackleford1687]

Exactly. I was definitely more upset when I got the first scratch when my Mazda was new. When it happened to the RAV4, I just thought, "Huh, that sucks." and went on with my day. I don't want bad things to happen to it, of course. But, it just being an appliance to me is kind of liberating. There's definitely something to that.

[@narniebone1332]

Great review it is a nice car, nearly picked one up but went for a same spec CRV mainly because it seemed bigger in the back and boot and in my opinion looked better just not a fan of the wheel arch on Rav but both cars pretty much same it’s splitting hairs keep up the great work love your channel

[@MrBYG]

Good vehicle, great video. Thanks Zack

[@user-ce8dk8vs5n]

Solid XSE own one and it isn't bad. Worth it until a 4 Runner hybrid is released. Wife uses the Rav I have the MX5 16 club for fun. Plus what I heard from different comments EV is Golf cart mode! But driving really chill was able to reach at 56 MPG in the Rav. We did pay 46k for it used with 10,000 miles but... Toyota Care is included better then buying new lower interest rate and fast pace the battling who shows up first to buy it off the trailer. Not kidding this is in Phx, AZ. PS cool features with AC the system does notice when there is a passenger, and you can also adjust seats. Learning curve but def research it. Battery is under the middle seat so dont spill a bunch of water! Only complaint is not a ass cooler in the seats overall very solid. Only complaint is the sales offices on there high ticket items like the GR line. But switched dealers good customer care. Overall do your research, sometimes pay the extra money stuff like that. Giving outlook to it and used to be a part of SCCA (Sports Car Club of America). So dealers slap the GR stuff around so Mazda still wins the sports car genre.

[@new2000car]

Great video Zack. I noticed you had the panel vents blowing warm air to the interior, set at 85 degrees. Once the windows are clear, in winter temperatures, it's always more comfortable to direct the warm air to the floor. Still 10% of the air comes out the defroster vents, and a little to the side window vents, to keep the glass clear of fog. The least comfortable would be to leave it on defrost, breathing in super heated air, drying out your eyes and sinuses, while keeping your feet cold. Almost as bad is the panel vents, you're still breathing in super heated air and your feet stay cold. One can say it's personal preference, and they're right, they're saying "I prefer to be uncomfortable, don't tell me how to set my settings." OK, never mind, I won't.

[@netman88]

Great video. Does that have the traffic jam assist function?

[@mbd501]

Good review. One minor critique I have of Zack's reviews is he usually doesn't mention the upholstery. Like in this car, the seats look leather, but they could also be fake leather. On video they both look the same. Also, he could mention what the standard seats are and what the optional seats are for this car model.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video, I’ve got a video on the Yaris cross hybrid coming tomorrow

[@davidp2888]

Good vehicle. I rented one for a few days last year and it was very capable. Unfortunately I’m not a tall or small guy and getting in wasn’t easy.

[@sigintdevildog]

I have the same 2023 RAV4 XSE. My winter mileage is the same as yours; in the summer and fall it averaged 41 mpg!

[@diydrivenGA]

For my short time with the RAV4 4 days and about 1200 miles I have to say it was one impression I got compared to a CX-5 and that was longevity of the materials used.

[@Yeazy3]

The xse looks great. the xle looks like a basic company car in comparison

[@jimmypena2442]

We have a Silver SE, perfect car for my wife, easy to drive, tons of space, and surprising power given we average 40.9mpg all time.

[@Hachiro]

Ooo the reverse cam and radio I installed in my car has that feature. I'm too lazy to set it up, so I've just set it as a full-screen backup camera. I've got a 1st gen Honda Fit. Small enough that I don't need to have a bird's eye view for it xD (It's the Atoto S8 radio with their camera)

[@RangerRickTV]

Rav4, forester, cx5? Which one?

[@rightlanehog3151]

Zack, If it would match the CR-V's interior capacity, it would be even better.

[@peterchang4851]

Yeh but it won’t be a Toyota 😂

[@aenoymotors]

If it wasn't for how damn expensive they are I'd get one of these. Toyota is stingy when it comes to heated seats... you have to have the nicest of nice trims to get those.

[@E_Rice]

Nice video. Question: how are the headlights? Do they decently light up the sides? Are cornering lights included? Thanks.

[@LRKarts33]

As someone who works on ravs every day yes they work very well

[@marvinmejia8006]

I own a 2022 cx-30 , thought needed something bigger and Hybrid. Test drove the Rav4 and was impressed but still not as fun as the Mazda. Any work on CX5 Hybrid ?

[@tylers.2069]

I’m going to be honest, I think it’s a decent looking vehicle, especially in this trim. What would be “cool”, it to see some I-force max option that’s faster than the plug in version but not plug in. Like 300 horsepower and 360+torque. That car would be fun.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Same here. I think it looks pretty darned good, especially in the XSE trim!

[@ottogrijalva5410]

Good job

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

My wife said her next car will be a RAV4, which would be good for her; she doesn't really care about cars, which is the EXACT opposite of me; I LOVE all cars & trucks & so on!

[@hfdewees]

One thing I'm surprised wasn't mentioned in the video (or maybe I missed it) was that the RAV4 could use a little sound dampening material. It's not a deal breaker but Toyota could improve on that.

[@williamfrench9973]

Good review. One minor quibble - the blue stitching on the seats has nothing to do with it being a hybrid - it is unique to the XSE trim.

[@mchild3349]

Curious why the LOVE for the CRV but said the RAV4 hybrid is just a microwave? Aren’t they both about the same?

[@boxoffisa]

Also your camera work is good. Nice B rolls.

[@donswier]

So many "enthusiasts" express hatred for compact crossovers (because they're so popular??). -Is it because RAV4s wouldn't handle mud bog racing well? - Because it won't tow 10,000 lbs? - Because it won't lap Nurburgring in 7 minutes? These are ideal because they do it all for most (non-delusional) drivers. ...& are almost the same height, length & width of most cars from the first 5 decades of automobiles!

[@kiraleaf]

Hey hey, it's the RAV4 XSE! Toyota's getting so much better with their computerized AWD systems after collaborating with Subaru. This vehicle's closest equivalent is the Crosstrek which I personally think looks better than the RAV4, but both are extremely capable of navigating challenging road conditions. They perform similarly in closed testing scenarios, with the Crosstrek usually placing on top and then most other brands trailing way behind them.

[@sheldonlamey7010]

I think these will be popular in 20 years because it has off road looks ( a little) but maybe it wont because its not really a proper off road vehicle

[@Dankcatvacs]

the same as the prius ? no not so much , the prius is more economical and lighter . i high 5'd my old quasar microwave that survived batteries and metal loved that thing!

[@nyejo]

RAV4 is nice but for the price of an LE rav4 I can get a Mazda CX-5 that is pretty well equipped with heated leather, Bose audio, and more. And just as reliable

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Yes!

[@peterchang4851]

Just buy the CX5, RAV4 owners will thank you coz we can’t distinguish our RAV4 in the public parking lot anymore they are all over 😅

[@user-ce8dk8vs5n]

Must say 2023 Rav 4 for the wife and a 2016 MX-5 club. I can honestly say the Rav 4 is worth it.

[@zlvirag]

In my 61 years of driving, I have survived many, many cars. Austin A40, new 66 Plymouth Belvedere, new 66 Caddy(Won as door prize at Exhibition), Rambler, 76 Volvo 264 GL, 61 Volvo PV544, Saab, Audi(5 cylinder) 73 Fiat 128 Sport Coupe(new)-one of my absolute favourites(60 mpg), Porsche 914(another favourite), and a 68 Camaro Z28 RS 302 -original(fun beyond words, but scary). And many more. But never an SUV. On the wait list for at least 12 months for a 2024 RAV4 Hybrid. More than likely, will be a 2025. I think I'm ready for a toaster.

[@johnmartin7158]

Did you keep any of those vehicles.

[@zlvirag]

...no, not a one...@@johnmartin7158

[@victorkrottner3818]

All my life I wanted a Rav4 Hybrid. This year I finally bought a brand new 2023 and I love the hybrid mileage, the ground clearance and the 4 wheel drive. I was so in love that I totally ignored all the drastic design flaws. The roof is two inches too low. I am 5'10" and I bang my head every time I get in and out and what's even worse is the serious visibility flaws. When I look 30 degrees to the right the rear view mirror is directly in front of my face. If I want to look 30 degrees to the right I have to duck my head down to see underneath the rear view mirror. The center console is three inches too wide on both sides. It digs into my right knee making it painful to my knee cap to keep my foot on the accelerator pedal. I’m thinking about gluing on some padding to ease this problem. My wife also complains about leg discomfort on her side. The side pillars are so wide that I absolutely cannot see oncoming cars at intersections of less than ninety degrees. I feel like this is going to kill me one day. The headrest is so stupidly designed that I sometimes feel like it is forcing my head down. After four months of constantly banging my head, serious visibility problems, the most uncomfortable seating and the loudest road and wind noise of any car I have ever owned I am now sorry that I ever bought a RAV4 at all. Plus I heard of a new class action law suit because the moon roof drains are short circuiting the air bags which it claims Toyota knew about but failed to fix which the customer must now pay to fix and there is other talk about a power cable corrosion that may cost up to $6K to fix. After four months of living with this car I'm now sorry I ever bought a RAV4.

[@campingwithale]

Are you serious? You have to be making this stuff up. I own the gas model Limited 2023, I am 6'1 and I don't experience any of the problems you mentioned. As for ride quality, I also own a BMW X3 which is similar size to the Rav4 and the quality is surprisingly not that far off. Finally that corrosion problem for the hybrids was fixed starting with the 2022 model year. You should keep up with Toyotas news especially of a car you own, instead of spreading misinformation.

[@victorkrottner3818]

@@campingwithale Don't care what you think. I'm telling the truth about my experiences and you can video every detail as proof. My seat is down as far as it goes. I'm sorry I ever bought one!

[@johnmartin7158]

⁠​⁠@@campingwithale. I think he’s making these things up. I’m the same height as him and none of those things happen to me and my wife. Perhaps he works for the opposition. And if all this is true, you’d 100% pick up on those things in a test drive.

[@johnmartin7158]

@@campingwithaleHe probably searched the internet and compiled everyone’s one off complaints.

[@dave11686]

Interesting

[@jonathankleinow2073]

I'm looking forward to seeing that CX-50 hybrid. I miss my 2004 Mazda3, but that was almost 20 years ago now!

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Cx 9 or 90 ...50s inside feel small for me who's 5.5

[@crouchb15]

Prefer a CX-50

[@travelfoodfun9384]

can you comment on off-roading?? please…

[@johnpapallo6795]

Yea but the cx5 ain't giving you 40 mpg.

[@malrofo]

These seem nice, but too fking big. IMA stick with my 2004

[@canoebelue]

I paid about half that much for my first house...

[@GlacialLake]

99% of people do not need a massive SUV.

[@doug6191]

Cool. For the 99% who don't need a massive SUV, Toyota offers this compact hybrid crossover.

[@GlacialLake]

It is a massive SUV. @@doug6191

[@Foxhole1776]

Massive?

[@GlacialLake]

@@Foxhole1776 Yes

[@johnmartin7158]

It’s classed as a small SUV in USA. Perhaps you live in the land of the Pygmy.

[@TinLeadHammer]

No offroad test? Pointless.

[@1996ChevroletImpalaSS]

I’m apart of that 1% who wants horsepower then

[@jimmypena2442]

They have the Prime trim with 300hp. Plenty

[@jm4100]

This car wld be a nightmare out of warranty....good luck buying this used after 3-5 yrs - the batteries, AWD system etc....all spell BIG BUCKS for any repairs that come along after warranty period.

[@Foxhole1776]

This might be the dumbest comment of all time lol

[@jm4100]

@@Foxhole1776 so funny how the morons like Foxhole1776 who comment on KZbin don't seem to actually watch YT much & have no fkin clue what's happening in the world....😂 Nice try but EV sales are starting to crater because resale value & cost of ownership are starting to be widely known now...but keep shilling for crappy EVs. ...good luck with that. 👍 --- kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ7Hc6Wtfdmlq68si=-4avru5gx80EojfN

[@johnmartin7158]

How do you know.

[@windexfighter77]

Clearly you’re someone who has never had experience with Toyota hybrid vehicles of any kind and you’re basing your comment on tired rhetoric from competitor car brands from 25 years ago. Toyota has perfected these systems and they are even far outlasting comparable modern gas engines with turbos and whatever other doo dads other manufacturers are using to meet emissions standards. These are battle tested machines with unrivaled quality and you sound either very ignorant, or purposefully malicious. Source- A person who has owned and driven 5 modern hybrid vehicles. One of which was sold to a close family friend who has put almost 300,000 miles on a 2012 Prius and has had it in the shop exactly ZERO times and the hybrid battery still works. Even I was shocked. I had sold that car around 112,000 miles because I heard the same crap you spouted back then and bought into the fear of replacing batteries. Now I know I’ll get tired of the vehicles before anything goes seriously wrong with them. Better try next time, though.

[@Gopinathk17]

Toyota gives warranty for 10 years or 150k miles on the hybrid batteries.

[@becoolmanilaners5256]

Not anymore Toyota scandals

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Perfect car for useless modern people who still says this is 4*4

[@doug6191]

You're describing nobody.

[@faheemabbas3965]

@@doug6191he said the 2005 LS430 looked “terrible”. “Modern useless people” lmaoooo

[@francescos6101]

i dont agree...this car is not a micro wave...you like more mazda...this give me a plenty opinion about your understanding about cars.. and more , you talk about 43k fucking dollar for this car , well , i just spent about 62k euro for this superb car (for be onest , discount and my old car back were a bit less) , so , 43k dollar make me laugh , buy a mazda boy , have turbo , let specialist buy this micro wave

[@justahumbledude]

If y’all need excitement get a hobby. Geez.

[@user-zv2xw6mj1b]

Women will still crash it.

[@Kurlyhairedmofo]

43k holy fuck