7 Things That I Don’t Like About My 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD

After owning the vehicle for 6 months, I've came up a list of things that I wish could be improved.

[@See6H12O6]

Yakfish, for the love of God, please don't use a broom to clean your car! At the minimum, please consider using a microfiber mitt and something like maguire's wash and wax. Use a foam cannon to spray it down with wash and wax and wait for like 5 minutes, then hose rinse, then spray cannon foam again with the wash and wax and clean with the microfiber mitt and then rinse off, the results are spectacular, but does require 2 to 3 hours of your time, starting from the top to the end with the rims and then the wheel wells, but it's a relaxing and enjoyable process if you focus on it that way.

[@user-sc7hg3ux4g]

Strongly agree 👍

[@Fredo3Timesss]

Wheels and tires first so the dirt slings first, not after you already washed the car.

[@omidniazi4103]

Unequivocally agree, you pointed out the sensitive matter to protect the paint and proper cleaning 👌🏼😊

[@richardmorse5307]

This won’t help but it is the little things that bother you that are the most annoying. Good, down to earth videos!

[@richardmorse5307]

Are you sure that is a broom and not a car/truck wash brush?

[@wj6063]

Lift the cap where the wiper arm attaches to the pivot and the rear wiper arm can be raised higher

[@muhammaddelen7769]

great video!

[@stevenkono]

Great video. I was looking at a RAV4 and I appreciate knowing these things. Also, the reason the front defroster resets to the off position after turning the ignition off and back on again may be that some cars have the AC compressor automatically come on when you activate the front windshield defroster. So if it stayed in the on position after shutting down the car, the startup/battery load would be increased by having to drive the AC compressor when starting the vehicle. That could shorten the battery life. Just my guess though.

[@bobrottman3445]

I’m still trying to get use to turning exterior lights on/off myself. Had to think about it, but haven’t had to do this in 26 years and I’ve almost always bought lower trim level. I knew I had to use a key to start this Rav4 hybrid LE…I knew it had no remote starter and no heated seats. Can’t get them…period. On the other hand, it’s got adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitor/rear cross traffic alert was added as an option. Also has heated exterior mirrors along with turn signals on sideview mirrors. 👍 So it doesn’t feel stripped by any means. Goes to show you how thorough you have to be even when buying brand new car. I’ll get use to it. Other than this, I’m very happy…so far.

[@yardboy3955]

Thanks I’ll be sure to check the rear tailgate for the wide gap before I buy a RAV4.

[@rejeanpoirier6047]

Another great video. Now for your rear wiper, at the end of the wiper there is a cover that hides the bolt. All you have to do is spread and lift the black cover and your wiper will go up further . And then drop your wiper back to the glass and snap back that black cover.

[@mshaw290808mi]

I have the same car as you and the same garage door opener. My opener popped of the visor also. But I found a very simple fix, mount it on the side of the visor between the visor and the light. When my remote is clicked on the metal clip covers the word "generation" on the back of the visor.

[@bryaninnc5511]

We bought my wife a 24 LE last month. She’s loving it so far. I’m surprised you didn’t mention engine auto shut off. I know you permanently deactivated it by unplugging the hood sensor wire, but now you see that message in the instrument console. We’re trying to make pressing the deactivation button a habit after turning the ignition on.

[@bebe0928]

I didn’t mentioned it because I disabled it lol. But yes thanks for the reminder 👍🏼

[@bme7491]

Same problem I have with my '19 Range Rover....it's now my habit to deactivate it each startup.

[@Tom-ej8bb]

I have a 2024 and agree emphatically about wipers, the thick visor. I have an xle with delay wipers with rain sensor only because it came with a pkg. I didn’t want the so called convenience pkg but luckily twas last day of month and they wanted to move it so I got the convenience pkg, winter mats, cargo and seat back protection along with mud flaps and door edge guards for no charge. I told the salesman to not tell Toyota but I would pay?500 NOT to have a Moonroof!! I maintain vehicle like you will oil changes too! Yeah the hood thing I’ve done 2-3 times and only have 2k miles ha. Thanks!!! Well done!!!

[@abss4808]

To lift the rear window wiper you have flip the separate piece at the base up like a latch clip. This is how you’ll be able to change it as well. 9:43

[@nemomocha1]

I have a 2023 Rav4 LE, and I completely agree about the windshield wiper speed! Also the lack of BSM on the LE I don't understand. To me that should be a standard safety feature.

[@520wade]

If you can find a wiper switch at an auto salvage you can remove three screws, remove the plastic column cover the wiper lever has a tap lift it and just comes out put the other in and it’s upgraded.

[@rhfactor7688]

Hey Yakfish, Great videos! Thanks for taking the time. I was surprised to find your videos. I have the same EXACT vehicle. Same color, hubcaps, trim and everything. One thing I am disappointed in, are how short the defroster vents at the base of the windshield are. They only cover half of the windshield! Check yours to see. These short vents are inadequate in my Michigan winters. Poorly designed in my opinion. I love the vehicle overall and am especially pleased with the fuel economy. About the gap you mention at the hatchback. Mine is not that excessive (not trying to make you feel bad). Perhaps you should talk to your dealer about a warranty claim. A professional body shop might be able to make an adjustment and align things better. Maybe that is all it needs. Like your doors, it is removable and has specific adjustment requirements. I'm surprised that slipped through during the final assembly inspection. Maybe it was adjusted or played with after it left the factory? I would research and find out how much adjustment is possible. Anyway, thanks again for the great detailed videos! Keep up the great work!

[@Gary65437]

I agree, annoying you can't slow down the wipers more, even 1980s cars had more speeds. I put a tape label on my gas latch open lever to not pop the hood open. I like that the sunviser turns on a light when you open the mirror slide. If you park outside in a heavy rain the doors may collect water in them as the bottom seal won't let the water drain. I made a v cut on the rubber seal to stop that. Most annoying for me is the Rav does not track straight, I constantly have to correct the wheel left and right to go straight. I like your Honda Pilot and wish I could find a 2024 at a good price before the new 2025 changes come out. But it doesn't look like a good deal will happen in my area.

[@Kevin_Flynn]

I had a 2024 RAV4 XLE for a rental for a week. The Heated Seats were not very warm. Acceleration was sluggish when first hitting the gas and no digital oil gauge.

[@mshaw290808mi]

My wife has a 2024 RAV4 and I have a 2023 RAV4, both cars were built in Canada. Both cars have an 8 mm gap between roof and rear door at center line. I opened both doors and there is zero debris where the hinges are located. Our cars are always parked in the garage though. I have also opened the hood a few times when I meant to open the gas door. I asked my wife how many times she had done it. She said never, she said she saw the two releases and saw the left was for the gas so she only opens it when she wants gas. I guess women are smarter than men.😁

[@richardmorse5307]

I humbly don’t think that is a good way to measure the difference in intelligence between men and women. Unless of course you were joking which I suspect 😻

[@AlexRettig_cl]

Hello, thanks for sharing your experiences with the RAV4. I ask you a favor: Could you mark the height where the door closes, then open and load the door 3 times (tilting the vehicle) and check the height where the door closes? In my experience, their hinges are so weak that the doors fall off with normal use. Don't worry if it bent a little, then you pick it up and it's so soft you can adjust it. On the other hand, in Hyundai Santa Fe year 2011, the door hinges are firm and it does not affect it.

[@cotmhg8980]

Great info. Also, if you hand wax your vehical, do not take it to a car wash. I'tll remove that wax. Plus, may get scratches on the paint from those brushes.

[@spidersinspace1099]

I don’t have a RAVE but I do have a Tacoma like yours and also a Camry. My main complaint is that neither vehicle has any room to put stuff. Yes the both have a glove box and a center console but I would like to see still more room.

[@JR-pr8jb]

The windshield wiper-speed limitation (exactly the same as on my base-level 2009 Corolla!) is not insignificant. It's really annoying and unforgiveable.

[@jaymefrancisco6140]

The rear door gap in my 2023 RAV4 its about 1/2", I reported this to Toyota Advocate and I got compensated due to the design flaw.

[@mshaw290808mi]

One significant design issue I had on my 2023 RAV4 LE was there was very little lumbar support (upper level RAV4s have adjustable lumbar supports) and it was causing me significant back pain. And I did not want to buy one of those ugly back support cushions off Amazon. Luckily I found a KZbin video that shows that the back of the seat has a zipper, undo the zipper and add more foam till you get the desired effect and zip it back up!

[@AdventureDiaries869]

could you share that link, I have the same back issue.

[@mshaw290808mi]

@@AdventureDiaries869 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qF6cYnWDo8ajl9E This person used an inflatable lumbar support, I did not want to use something that you would have to adjust constantly. I found the best foam to be a white semi firm foam that is used packing high end electronics. I added a little bit more every day until I found the sweet spot. Good luck!🙂

[@xyzcivil]

My immediate observation was the wheels. Those wheels is something you would find in an entry level car

[@adkfuller8062]

Garage door opener in the sunglass holder and sunglasses on the visor?

[@user-dv1ly7df3z]

I have the same car and the same trim. My pain points are: 1. Cabin windnoise 2. Auto Start / Off button has no memory and will have to be pressed each time you turn on the engine. 3. No auto headlights. Headlights have to be turned on/off manually every time.

[@nofyfb123]

Interesting... I have no noise issue, have no auto start, and have auto headlights including high/low beam. And I also have the same car and the same trim. Mine is hybrid but it shouldn't make a difference.

[@user-dv1ly7df3z]

@@nofyfb123 Mine is a gas model so I understand that your hybrid does not need auto start on or off. The wind noise is higher compared to other SUVs in this price segment. Mine does have auto high beams but doesnt have auto headlights, for example if i enter a tunnel, i have to switch on the headlights manually.

[@minhta7540]

The hump on left and right hood block my vision of the ground.

[@bobbyc1849]

When you find something for the remote please share. I have a 2018 and I have not found a fix.

[@user-hk1er2mv9x]

I got 2023 xle premium is no problem I like it

[@dream3151]

The cup holders. When u get a drink from a fast food place you hit the straws when you go to shift the gears. You have raise your arm up over your straws.

[@crhistianhorna3115]

do you get the airbag light on for passenger on the controller?

[@Mo.Jo.]

What about engine noise? A lot of people are complaining that the current generation 2.5 N/A engine is very coarse and noisy when picking up speed, and that the cabin should have been more insulated from it. Would you agree?

[@babylonlion4603]

All the things you mentioned make sense, I suffer from it too

[@leungfun]

I wish they had manual height adjustment on the passenger seat, the seat is set kind of high

[@Jan96106]

I have a Nissan, and I have some of the same problems. I have accidentally opened the hood at a gas station rather than the gas door. Debris gets stuck in a number of places on my front and back windows, and it is impossible to get out (although my gap is much, much smaller than your gap is which is why tree droppings get stuck in it). In any car I've owned, I've never had wipers that are timed for very, very small amounts of rain. As for the large gaps, I had a Toyota Corolla years ago, and the gaps where the door closed were so big in winter I never knew if I'd be able to get into my car in the morning. Often it would freeze up. I'd have to muck it up with WD40 to try and avoid that. I guess these are the problems with cheaper cars.

[@nofyfb123]

I totally agree with some, disagree with others, and have a few of my own. I agree with wipers not having two intermittent modes. I mean totally. This is ridiculous. I don't have the liftgate gap on mine but it's made in Japan while yours is likely made in the US I personally couldn't care less about sunglasses not fitting in the dedicated pocket but I tend to agree that it might be annoying I - again, personally - don't care about visor thickness simply because I don't have a garage opener and if I had, I would've found a workable solution I also agree with climate controls, and not only absence of setting memory but also counter intuitive layout. Why are there separate buttons for basically the same functions. Like fan up/down. Why not one rocker button? As far as gas/hood levers go, it's the same thing on a lot of vehicles including both of my 4Runners so I got used to it, and it doesn't bother me at all. The rear wiper not extracting all the way - yes, it is annoying. My oldest (2004) 4Runner has the same "feature" so I fixed it 20 years ago by just breaking the plastic tab off. My 2018 4Runner's wiper goes all the way up behind the rear spoiler so it's not the issue. What I REALLY have an issue with is "infotainment". The darn thing is of the 16th century in terms of functionality and interface. And finally, don't worship your honda too much - when you have a problem, good luck getting help from it. Don't ask me how I know and why I dumped my last honda in 2004, replaced it with a 4Runner and never looked back. In short, despite all - legitimate and not so much - issues, Toyota has incredible advantage over everything else in terms of reliability and longevity, and that - trust me - compensates all shortcomings.

[@cjpamp1267]

I was looking into a RAV 4 LE but what they wanted for it I wound up with a Subaru Crosstrek Sport

[@anthonyrice8528]

Do you happen to know where your Rav4 was assembled? Mine was built in Canada. I just walked outside and my Rav4 has all the same gaps lol. Still love it though, so far.

[@bebe0928]

Mine is Canada too

[@promagnuman]

I bought 2024 rav4 FWD from Canada. I had two conditions, no black or dark grey and it had to be FWD. They did their best to get me to buy a AWD and I had to go out of state to buy the FWD but it is worth it. The AWD drives are not worth the price and can be a bunch more in expense. If you think you need or want Awd buy the 4 wheel drive, they're worth it.

[@lisaw7633]

I also thought the hatchback gap is very odd. I has a baby frog rooming in mine. And also i can't tell you how many times i have mistakenly opened my hood thinking its the gas door. I'm missing my Mazda to be honest😊

[@stevepouliot7428]

Be careful when you wash your instrument cluster, it scratches extremely easily.

[@sarahbartlett1196]

Gas door issue. Or Petrol door as we would say in Australia lol - Just get a fluro or bright colour (yes we spell it with a U in Australia) round small sticker and stick to that so you know which one it is at a glance., fixed.

[@kellywelch3]

The windshield wiper issue would drive me crazy. We live in the PNW! All types of rain. I have a base model 2014 Jeep Patriot with no electronics. Hand roll down windows etc. But it has 5 speeds of intermittent wipers before you go to full on! The defroster would drive me crazy too. All of the simplest settings in a vehicle don't need to be digital. Give me analog buttons and knobs.

[@Miguel-ff5xw]

Just place the garage control under the steering wheel, there is a plastic piece where it stayed without a problem, I do the same in my Venza.

[@binskibinski3068]

There button for the back seat a/c light is on (green)when not in use and light is off when it’s In Use. Shouldn’t it be the other way around. I have the xle version

[@user-sc7hg3ux4g]

I'm living on Canada, just one issue which bothering me it's noise during the low temperature outside, plastic inside on trunk door, it makes a lot of noise

[@bme7491]

Rear windshield wiper on my Prius has the same limited upward movement. I'm surprised you didn't complain about the wind/road noise. The RAV4 is terrible for that. Lexus NX is quieter (and more expensive of course).

[@Ron-kn6ur]

I have exactly the same trim model and color and all of those things you mentioned doesn't bother me. All cars get dirty over time. I had an older RAV4 which was black and the dirt shows up more than the silver color. My car has 4 intermittent speed modes. Maybe Toyotas made in Canada are different? The things that bothers me is if I don't slam the back door hard enough it wouldn't catch. Also the doors on the car have the handles too far forward so there isn't as much leverage when you close them thus you sometimes have to slam the door a little harder to close. However, I would say those things are minor.

[@rayvalero8580]

Use like a turtle wax no streak detailer on your windshield and about every month or bi weekly and you'll be fin. Itll bead water like crazy.

[@philmancuso1345]

Your right the windshield speed stinks .on my Le if I push up on the handle the wipers will clean the windshield one time.

[@jc23858369]

About the wipers, it probably dont bother most because, they either had the car "treated", or they use something like RainX. I use RainX and only use my wipers....sometimes, so it never a big deal to me! I swear by windshield treatment... You have a legitimate complaint(s) though.. BTW... I don't have the Rav 4 yet, but... I have one on order. I'm going with the silver too, and plan to Overland it out :)

[@mshaw290808mi]

Yes! That is how I solved the issue on my car, I used Rain X.😄

[@pmhops77]

I have the same visor problem in my '13 Scion tC. I ended up clipping my garage door opener on the "oh sh!t" handle on the driver side. Not perfect, but gets the job done.

[@jk23233]

My Camry has the same problem. What's the "oh sh!t" handle?

[@pmhops77]

@@jk23233 the handle above the door

[@jk23233]

@@pmhops77 Why is it called that name? 🤣

[@pmhops77]

@@jk23233 when you're riding with an aggressive driver, ya grab onto it while saying "oh sh!t". That's what we called them back in HS. I don't know the technical term.

[@See6H12O6]

I'd give up the superior wiping choices on the Pilot for a dual injected non-vcm J35 with an AISIN transverse transmission like the AWF8F35...but then you'd be asking Honda to make a reliable vehicle past the warranty period...

[@jk23233]

Regarding wiper speed, if Toyota watched this video and read the comments, what would they do? 1) include intermittent wiper in the base trim to attract more buyers, or 2) don't do anything, to make you buy higher trim? They have to decide if this is a deal breaker that would piss off their potential customers and they may go buy a CR-V instead.

[@askorczewski]

investing in ceramic coat would save you the bad dirty look of your color ;) and secure the black plastic parts from UV/sun.. doesn't have to be expensive one - even low price products will do the work (but ofc., the higher price, the better result).. and OMG, this brush is just making this whole thing about dirt worse... ceramic coat for the front glass will do the work for most of the rain/water as well :) good luck! the rest of observations - yeah, I agree with all of them in some extent :) on top - the glossy, but plastic screens - I'm a bit afraid they will become mat shortly... :/ I'm already searching a good cover for them (additional 9H glass perhaps)

[@andrewelburton1]

Hi Yakfish Taco, love your videos. I'm a Canadian 2023 RAV4 LE owner, and I'd add a) absurdly deep cupholders in the center console that make getting at a small coffee very difficult, b) not-great mileage in stop-and-go traffic (as you've illustrated, the highway mileage is great) and c) a grill just below the windshield where seeds from a tree above my parking spot have great success penetrating (not sure how to clean them out). Cheers!

[@SiRDOHC]

I am curious if yours is Japan built or Canada built.

[@SF.Automotive]

Canada built since its not a hybrid

[@alsiciliano4146]

Looks like u need to clean the interior next 🤔

[@omidniazi4103]

That’s why it calls base trim. I prefer Honda CRV

[@faris9327]

What bothered me the most coming from a smooth V8 is the rough engine and `not smooth acceleration also the shifts are very noticeable. That's what I think bothered me the most.

[@Kevin_Flynn]

The Wipers you should have checked out before you bought the car. When you did a test drive.

[@bebe0928]

It wasn’t raining during test drive lol

[@Kevin_Flynn]

@@bebe0928 No I didn't mean to come across that way. I mean you could have turned them on even though it was not raining just to see if they worked to your liking.

[@richardlau2447]

What if it’s the right car? Do you not buy a car because of this feature?

[@Kevin_Flynn]

@@richardlau2447 You have to be comfortable with the car you are buying. Sometimes issues do not pop up until after purchase.

[@filipinofear13]

Toyota could have installed a better fckn reverse camera man with that price and a better speaker

[@emrodle]

Yes, rear wiper is possible to "open" it, you have to go to the base and hold to you the base, it is like a plastic protector, after that you can leave it fixed. It is the process when you have to change your rear windshield wipers

[@bebe0928]

Thank you 🙏

[@danielsohn5472]

Valid points. But, we *RAV4GE* 🤪

[@Kevin_Flynn]

That is a big gap. Maybe it's designed that way for water drainage ? Have you looked at the same model as yours to see if they have the same issue ?

[@bebe0928]

I looked at the RAV4 Prime at a parking lot and seems to be not as big gap as mine but still bigger than most cars lol

[@Kevin_Flynn]

@@bebe0928 Take into Toyota to look at it. Maybe they will tell you it needs to be fixed under warranty

[@EverydayJ1786]

That's strange about your wipers . I'm in Canada and my 21' LE AWD has completely different wiper speed settings . It has truely adjustable intermittent setting . It seems like Toyota took that away as a cost cutting measure .

[@user-sc7hg3ux4g]

I'm in Canada too, I have le 2023 , later I'll check how many speeds I have 😂

[@richardlau2447]

About windshield wipers, I understand you. The thick shade is s😊o funny, why? These engineers are missing something their kid could tell them. About windshield wiper short lift makes easier a stronger hinge. Sunglasses compartment is where you put pens. Toyota is building the best car for cheap. About the two latches is funny. True. Upgrade.

[@lisaw7633]

Its not a trim level issue. I have a XLE and my automatic wipers doesn't perform as nice as Mazda did.

[@dominicfischio851]

the rear wiper lifts up, but you have to pop the little plastic piece at the base of the arm all the way on the right side kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJPKp6hulstkgcksi=kD8E9hMRxTwHSQtR

[@minhta7540]

My knee hit against the center console. Not comfortable at all.

[@tigerscome678]

Use rain X. Then you never need to use your wipers ever!

[@Kane-pz5fq]

does the le have tire pressure sensors

[@rhfactor7688]

Yes - I have an LE and it DOES have tire pressure monitoring.

[@Hash2009]

That is a large gap in trunk area. Can't be normal.

[@kimcissell1905]

Very little head room

[@jskaggs8188]

None of your issues are my issues.

[@user-tk1np1if5l]

Only 7 ? I don't like anything about it 😅 actually 1: reliable

[@mohdhamad9658]

Try a black car. You will be cleaning it every bour😂

[@funkyjoe]

Get smaller sunglasses.

[@omidniazi4103]

😂👌🏼

[@grahamdaniel9534]

Don’t think they make a perfect vehicle 🤔

[@witmal99]

Yeah, and I don't like my Mercedes because it's dirty.

[@bricks-mortar]

TY. Sunglasses holder

[@newamsterdanm]

For the love of GOD !! just stop complaining bro🫡🫠🪦☝🏼