I Bought the Most Basic 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD - Review, Road Trip and MPG

Bought the brand new 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD, paid just hair over $30K for it.
Here's my initial impression of it and some road trip driving feedbacks.

[@robertgregory415]

You’re a smart man. You purchased what you needed, not what you wanted. That’s why you will be in a sound financial position when you retire. Although a base RAV4 , you purchased a very reliable vehicle.

[@bbman10pwns]

the MSRP of the XLE is only like $2k-$3k more lol I used to be the same way, but creature comforts are well worth the money sometimes.

[@rylans.5365]

⁠@@bbman10pwnsI totally agree. It’s a good mindset and decision in hindsight to only get what you need (the base model). However, when the price differential is that little, it makes more sense to go with the higher trim. I understand that the base model is more than sufficient for many people, but this RAV4 LE is really really bare bones basic. Even the lack of a smart key and push to start surprised me.

[@4397evan]

You think a push button start is worth 3 thousand dollars? That's 3 times what a new iPhone costs for a single button!@@rylans.5365

[@josiahademiluyi4677]

Why

[@cheryllawrence2652]

We just bought the 2024 RAV4 LE and I Love It!!! Same color similar fixtures. The only upgrade we’re getting later are the alloy wheels! 🤗🥰 This is our retirement vehicle although that’s not for about 4 years for me!

[@ecyfoto]

Holy cow! A real life auto review of a basic trim level. Great job!

[@guitar_fed]

This is genuinely the best car review I've ever seen on KZbin, real to the bones!!! I am a very disappointed that Toyota don't sell this model in the UK, as this is what the true essence of a RAV4 should be: solid, functional and no frills. Also, entry model for the UK market is a hybrid 2WD version at (today's) retail price of £39,885 ($50,718) ... sheer madness! Special prompt for the engine, that's genuinely one of the best Toyota has ever made, again, very disappointed that in the UK we can only get the hybrid or, even worst, the plug-in hybrid that they seem to be pushing very strongly in dealerships right now, which is absolutely unnecessary and adds a bunch of stuff that will go wrong, at some point, and will cost a lot to repair.

[@kenty6973]

Thanks for the review. I bought the same basic LE model with no "push start", no "stop and go", no sun roof, no Hybrid, no alloy wheels. I love it. I like the steel wheels because they are much stronger than alloy wheels. The base LE will save me lots of headaches in the long run.

[@Satellitegirl41]

@Hereandthere139 more stuff = more stuff that can break. lol I agree. Although I really like heated seats...but most of the other extras I don't care about.

[@OnTheRocks71]

@@Satellitegirl41 I can live without heated seats if they're cloth, but a lot of manufacturers are using that fake leather even on low end trims.

[@notmebutyou8350]

​@@Satellitegirl41EXACTLY!! More stuff that can break. Plus, I like simplicity. 🙂

[@repairman99]

Buying the higher trims for 2k to 3k price difference is a lot of money. Some people buy the extra add-ons they seldom or never use. I never bought a base model for the three cars I owned. Thirty two years and three cars. The last one I bought in 2012 is still going with 131k miles. Wise man to review a base model. Thank you.

[@KT_One]

I have a $70k sedan and a $13k hatchback sharing spots in the same garage. Guess which one I like more and will keep forever?

[@wibbles9712]

I genuinely love your appreciation for your new vehicle brother ! Aswell as seeing your happy family, I wish you longevity and health .

[@bebe0928]

Thank you 🙏

[@billybobbob3003]

@@bebe0928 base models 4 lyfe! lol 2014 honda crv lx/base model here i didnt want leather seats or sunroof

[@coastalbeer]

This is what my son bought. His first new car. We looked at everything else and determined this was the best buy. I may buy one too! I think the Rav4 has evolved with reliability and intelligent design in mind. The price is right and I highly recommend this car to everyone.

[@Scott-pn3np]

Enjoy your RAV4! Just so you know, that green light being lit below the SOS button means that Toyota is collecting your location and other data. You can turn it off by pressing the SOS button when you get the car or by opting out of the master data collection agreement by calling Toyota.

[@ryanmanning5348]

Why do you care if they have your data?

[@falconclutch4051]

@@ryanmanning5348 why would you want any company to have your data?

[@marylinthicum678]

If it helps should your car get stolen then I am for it. At least they can track the location of your car.

[@pollyholly198]

The difference between Hybrid and non-Hybrid that I get is more that 7 MPG (something like 3.5 KPL), and considering the yearly mileage and the gas price I save on that difference pays off for the price difference between a Hybrid and non-Hybrid in about 2.5 years. The real beauty of Hybrid, is driving in city and/or traffic.

[@Riley_1955]

Yeah non-hybrid vehicles get their best mileage at highway speeds and Hybrid vehicles get their best mileage in town ..... Love my 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE AWD.

[@user-tk5jb8fn2p]

I'm not really interested in buying a Rav but this guy is very Informative. I really enjoyed watching the video. I hope Toyota can offer him a job being the spokesperson!

[@kypatriot7037]

Thank you so much for the pleasant and thorough review. I had purchased a Rav4 just like yours this week and I am liking a lot so far!

[@mospalacios]

its so refreshing to see reviews of base model cars. its the best representation of a company's intention with the car. thanks and look forward to your videos!

[@maxineperkinswordsmith]

I just bought a 2024 today. This is the most informative video ever! Thank you so much!

[@helloimjeffjones]

I usually don't comment on videos like this but, excellent review. You were straight forward and went over everything that I wanted to know. Great job!!!

[@Mousirelen]

I had to subscribe, I just love how many times you shared it is basic and especially when your face light up, alerting us that you will update your viewers when you get your new alloys. Your a champ.

[@Grizzzly.]

loved the review bro / super down to earth / loved the RPM check at highway speeds / and smart purchase / bought everthing u needed in a RAV4 and not all those accesories that the upper trims come with that just add on to ur loan amount through interest / also the reasoning on sticking to all gas AWD is a great note / this RAV4 will be seen for years to come in ur family, solid purchase .

[@nunyabeeswax3936]

WOW. Had not even considered a Rav 4 but your presentation has me desiring one! Thank you!

[@DanAllen1]

I really appreciate this review. I've been all over the place on the RAV and trim level. This helps a lot.

[@craftinite3528]

i appreciate this review, base model reviews are damn hard to find, thank you!

[@dilemmadelima]

I love cloch seats, just doesn't get too hot or too cold. Good choice!

[@richLS3]

Awesome video! Congrats on the new rav4!!!! You’re a smart man with doing the break-in oil change and 5000miles (or 6 months!) oil changes.

[@Jean-lr4hv]

Glad to see such a detailed review of the base model, thanks!

[@lexithelexus7377]

I always prefer base model dont need or want 10 K in options

[@BarakTheWonderer]

Nice job. Thank you. Congratulations on your new vehicle and drive it in good health!

[@izzydaman2231]

I got a 2021 Rav4 LE got it new I drive Lyft in Los Angeles CA and I already have 90K miles on it, zero issues I have just followed regular maintenence such great cars

[@kyaw-soemoe1412]

Thanks for video. I'm driving 2012 RAV4 base model now and still running smooth.

[@notmebutyou8350]

WOW! That's great! I love those little Ravs, especially with the tire on the back. I think they're really cute!! My first car was a 2017 Toyota RAV4 LE. I loved my "RAVI." 🙂

[@AmericaFirst069]

I like basic less to break. A vehicle is only designed to take you from point A to point B doesn't have to be fancy.

[@cormaro1376]

If you stop being poor you get choices lol not everyone wants a base model for a daily , most of us can afford a few trims up lol

[@AmericaFirst069]

@@cormaro1376 You may be poor, but I'm not poor, what makes you think that I'm poor, I paid cash for my 2023 Toyota 4 Runner. It's obvious that you didn't understand my previous comment, You have no right, accusing anyone of being poor.

[@cormaro1376]

@@AmericaFirst069idk how I’m poor when you’re talking about base models like a boomer 😂 u think I care if u paid cash for a piece of crap , nope lol it’s just the base model lol U Understand that boomer lol , get back to your trailer poor boy 😂

[@daodejing81]

Very interesting video! In the next day or so, I will be collecting my LE Rav4 hybrid AWD. I am looking forward. Thanks for the lovely review!

[@TobiasPhotographs]

I don’t normally comment on videos, but this was great! Thorough, informative, and enjoyable! Thank you! Just bought my Rav4 LE AWD today! :D

[@RR-on1gj]

I appreciate the detailed review of your new car. Well done and with Toyota reliability you should be good to go for many years.

[@JR-pr8jb]

This is great, exactly the information (and commentary) I needed. Thanks!

[@lakeeconcepcion4260]

congats bro on ur new car...dreaming to have one...simple yet it meets the living needs...wise choice brother!take care...

[@derronburrell7421]

This man is so excited about his new car it makes me excited

[@robertross1670]

Just picked up the exact model two days ago and we absolutely love it!

[@alexeimiloslawsky2978]

Man. You made a smart move. This car will serve many years.

[@subforceusa694]

You won’t be sorry, Toyotas are amazing I’ve owned several. Current 2017 SE Corolla (50 years model) the front brake pads and rotors are still the originals from the factory. Pads are still in the yellow for wear. At 110,000 miles. See how many cars can go that long before doing brake jobs. Never broke down runs like new. Getting mid 40s mpg on highway non-hybrid. You definitely picked a great vehicle!

[@billyrock8305]

Topgun supercool ride. #1 selling vehicle in America. Most reliable and highest quality. Best value for the money automobile you can buy today. 💯 You’ve made an ideal and wise configuration choice. You are a very smart man. Well done sir! 👍 🇨🇦

[@petertishler2166]

I believe the hybrid LE is only about $1600 more than the regular LE with AWD, not $10-20k difference. It also includes things like alloy wheels already. Regardless, awesome car that I’m sure will last a very long time. You should also be able to get slightly better mpg as your new car breaks in. I got almost 40 in a gas rental with all highway driving.

[@katherinemejia5150]

Good luck finding a stealership that wont mark up the price of the hybrid.

[@rnt45t1]

hybrid will require a lot more money when the battery starts acting up

[@markm0000]

@@rnt45t1 I was about to buy a Prius with almost no miles for a really good deal then noticed the history showed records of the hybrid system being serviced over and over every year. It was a lemon and never got sent back to the manufacturer.

[@Joe-ip2ky]

What about the rusty cable gate on hybrids ? They didn’t fix it properly yet IMO

[@TheFiredragon52]

That's a Cdn$6,000 more on a 2024 XLE Hybird Prime then a Premiums !

[@Justatypo]

Have had a 2024 XSE hybrid since November, went with what i wqnted and let me tell ya it satisfied my needs. Totally recommend a rav4 to anyone no matter what package.

[@chaule7246]

I liked your review, yes, everything goes to simple always nice . Congratelation & enjoy a new RAV 4.

[@Notjared138]

I just bought a ‘23 RAV4 XLE for me and my girlfriend. Mid level trim with nice features. Sunroof, push to start, etc. with only 12k miles. I would’ve had no problem getting an LE.

[@gregsantos9731]

Wow! Lucky you! That's one of my dream car, actually it's on the top of my list! Congrats!

[@137997311ful]

I'm currently looking at pre-owned RAV4. They are at a dealership where I live. One has almost 4k miles on the odometer and another has 30k plus. Thanks for making this video. I'm not familiar with RAV4, but I'm hoping through videos like yours I will educate myself enough to feel comfortable purchasing a RAV4. Thanks!

[@jgwalton]

You are so right, very few basic reviews. Thank you.

[@PiotrekPan]

Thank you, very good review. I have enjoyed watching. Just purchased 2024 RAV4 XLE, excited to try it tomorrow

[@bebe0928]

Wow, congratulations to your new Rav4

[@CC19524]

Very well spoken and thoughtful review. I always go for a base model - best value for the buck.

[@KCYO0311]

I’m about to buy a used 22’ and I’m so excited. I have an 18 ram 2500 that gets me about 12-14 mph when hauling a trailer and about 17 hwy with diesel. So I’m really excited to have a little daily driver so I can keep the truck at home.

[@scottwerner5862]

I bought a new 2022 LE gas in 2022 and I’m very happy with it. I’m amazed with the gas mileage and how well it does in the snow. Just an overall practical vehicle.

[@grandmastert01]

Your car is exactly what I want. Thank you for this video. I just want a car that will last forever !!!

[@BadgolferJimmyJam]

Great video. I wish there were more reviews of the basic models without all of the options, turbos and hybrid "upgrades." Thank you for this video.

[@TheGunterGlieben]

Awesome review my good man. I like the car, and your reasoning! Cheers.

[@marcinsobczak2485]

two years ago i bought most basic tucson hev. front passenger seat only goes forth and back, no vanity mirror lights, have to turn the key to start it (yes, in hybrid) has analog gauges, normal bulbs for headlights and rear lights, no parking sensors just camera. and i still love it. cost 39000 euros

[@mikedelta658]

Your review made me to stay on my decision of buying Basic Rav4 2023. Thank you for the great review.

[@bennygagaoin]

me too

[@lokerola]

Nice review. I did something similar in 2021. I bought a base WRX with a stick shift. No sunroof, no heated seats, etc. But it drives like a dream and I love the thing. I got it right before Covid prices blew up for right under $30K.

[@cormaro1376]

Wow so u spent 30k for a base model wrx 😂 would’ve told u to ditch that and get a Mazda , you got screwed on features badly lol

[@canalesivany]

I just got a 2023 le rav4 for my daughter she’s really happy have what she needs

[@sennis1361]

Great video and review of your LE AWD. very informative and detailed. Awesome purchase. And look forward to future updates. Note i have a 2010 RAV4 Limited With V6 unfortunately just FWD 166,000 miles and pampered.. Wish it would last forever. But know Ill depend on you in a year or so to help me make the best decision.

[@rafaelbetancourt3551]

I agree with you on the oil change intervals. I have a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander with 145k running strong since I follow the same oil maintenance schedule

[@thatgameingchanel]

Really enjoyed this video, please do more car reviews

[@tomkato6400]

I rented a RAV4 like yours (LE AWD) several months ago and I was amazed by the fuel economy (averaged 32 MPG over 3 tanks) and how well it drove.

[@dwang552]

I bought the 2017 RAV4 LE, it can get 34 miles per gallon

[@lexithelexus7377]

you like it > would you buy used or new

[@cristianmetz9470]

Love'd everything about this video and review. Well done sir, and god bless your family.

[@paulm6481]

You are very smart on your oil change cycles. I had never heard of that oil type 0W16

[@jml9550]

Yep, 0-16w on my wife new Lexus Nx350h. Had the oil changed at 1k miles, then 5k miles or 6 months after that.

[@zeekus2222]

Looking at your choice and the information about break in oil change clearly shows you educated yourself well before buying this new car. Congradulations!!

[@rundix3351]

Great review, I think you made my mind up.

[@thechihuahua4523]

Just enjoyed this video thanks for all the info !!!

[@steamloco1705]

Great review and very nice car , congrats , you're a man of focus and pay the fair price for a beautiful and ultra reliable car , most people fall victims of the stupid trends that make the cars last less and cost more , you have a great product that with the right care , will last forever , hope to enjoy it. BTW , the color is perfect.

[@bbo1779]

Great video! The front seats look wide and comfortable, which is a must for me.

[@johnoberle9750]

A nice down to Earth review of a common persons car. Nice!

[@RollieFingers59]

65k on my 2021 AWD LE. Still running on original brakes. Only have done oil and filter changes and basic maintenance. Bullet proof.

[@shally89]

My friend is trying to talk me into getting the most basic Rav4. I think you might have convinced me. Thanks

[@jaimecuate763]

This was such a great video thank you!!!!

[@CrazyGreek80]

Great review congratulations on your purchase!

[@sammyelliott5554]

I too, bought the basic LE 2019 RAV4. The only issue is not mechanical but with the interior cloth seats. They are light tan and water spots from rain stains the seats. Was cleaning them at least once a month. Had to buy some expensive seat covers made from faux leather to make them look nice.

[@cormaro1376]

Oh the poor and not knowing about cars lol U do know they make ceramic coating for the interior right ? So it goes on cloth , carpet , leather or etc and it makes it hydrophobic, anti-static and much more

[@michaelanthony1797]

I agree on oil changes you mentioned. I am considering 2024 XLE AWD

[@nurseratched5537]

I appreciate this video. I've been looking at these, but I wasn't sure id the difference.

[@johntalbert8227]

Thank you for the content. You made great choices.

[@hexhead5732]

Graduations on your new car good choice 👍

[@viewlesswind]

The A25A-FKS engine can last only if you take care of it, which means changing oil/filter every 3000-4000 miles, replacing ATF/filter every 15,000 miles, replacing coolant every 30,000 miles. Even if you do that, certain parts will have to replaced regularly at fixed interval. Those are water pump, thermostat, purge valve, and engine coolant bypass valve. All these can be expensive to replace if you don't DIY. The engine has 8 fuel injectors, 4 port and 4 direct. You really have to use top tier fuel otherwise they will go bad fast. Given the high compression ratio the A25A-FKS requires, what the engine requires is premium gas. Direct fuel injection requires a pressure of 3,000 psi, which means fuel pressure regulator must work without a flaw. What's more is that tons of engine parts are made of plastics, which will have to be replaced not too long down the line. Sure, you can save some gas money but you pay more in maintenance and repairs.

[@earthling1984]

Great choice. I've been eyeing the 4runner and Rav4. I have a FJ Cruiser, which I plan to still keep many years (I've had it about 10 years so far, but only have 85k miles). I don't care for all the fancy electronics, self driving systems, and all that. I can drive myself thank you. And my phone does everything I need for navigation and entertainment. Basic is what I want in terms of extras. I just want a quality vehicle that will last and be reliable without a lot of 'bells and whistles'. Sadly, the more time that goes on, the less and less good options there are. I may just end up keeping my FJ another 20 years.

[@EcBuddy123]

I haven't read that screen name in years. But similar sentiments, have hady 08 4runner for about 7 years, but at 206kmiles. An 07 FJ I drive sits at 270k almost (parents 3rd vehicle I maintain and drive as needed)

[@georgewoodget271]

Keep the FJ I rarely hear someone mentioning that name

[@robertjenkins84]

you are hilarious, i loved the review, thank you for all the info

[@lafettemorgan6676]

Bought one in October this thing run on zero gas!! Love it.I knew nothing about hybrid but told the man that it will start giving problems in a few he seemed to agree with me😅 So basic was it for me.

[@mateocafe45]

Congrats! It's nice! I just bought a 2023 Toyota Corolla LE AWD Hybrid. I Love anything Toyota or Lexus.

[@jml9550]

Same here. 3 Lexuses in my household. Sons’s 08 RX350 AWD, wife’s 24 NX350h and my 17 ES350.

[@gateopssss]

I've heard people say "owning a car is not a luxury nowadays, it is a necessity". Necessity for what, having a mental breakdown until you repair that pre-owned car you just purchased or living a comfortable and calm life buying a new one, because i cannot buy a new one for sure! 🤣 Wish i could have the finance to get a new car honestly, it's such a relief. Props to you man, and a good choice for a car as well. The only issue that comes up with these new cars is when their warranty goes out, then you get the trouble of repairing it because there's no parts to replace if anything breaks (usually), otherwise it's a miracle.

[@ryanmanning5348]

You’re wrong.

[@celinepark6855]

Thank you so much for this review. Not that many base trim review 😢

[@616civicmt8]

My girlfriend and I decided to trade our encore gx on a rav4. At the time our local dealer only had an LE hybrid so that’s what we got. We absolutely love it, comfortable and awesome mpg. Reliable as they come too.

[@lexithelexus7377]

good choice my man

[@CrispusAttucks2315]

I have the same car minus awd. I didn’t want a cvt or turbo nor the bells and whistles. It performs marvelously. Great gas mileage and does the job.

[@aengmax]

I bought 2022 Silver Rav4 LE. i Didn't need all those extra stuff except for Heated mirror. Which the base model doesn't have. However i was able to install heated mirror after researching it.. I rather have a key to start vehicle than push button. So far i am very happy with the base model. I did install alot of the aftermarket stuff that is available.

[@witchdoktor69]

We have a 2015 LE AWD with the black cladding. Love it. It doesn't get any stone chips or bug splatters

[@Dexterosa]

Koda loves the car, he wants to drive it :) Thank you for the information

[@HeadGasket7915]

Thank you for making this. Very insightful and well documented.

[@felix_five]

I have the same base model in Silver - hybrid awd. Love it

[@TJFT1234]

I paid $27K out the door for my Rav4 XLE Premium 2019, then sold it 4 years later to Carvana for $36217. Wish I had 10 of them!

[@chuckwalla2967]

Was that your spare car? If not, you would've paid inflated price for the replacement, right?

[@jml9550]

⁠@@chuckwalla2967exactly. 15 years ago I bought my home at $540k here in the Silicon Valley, my neighbor just sold their exactly same size home at $1.4m. Unless I intend to move somewhere much cheaper, it means nothing how much it is worth. Now if I bought 5 of them back then………..

[@dewdew34]

Why they are bankrupt ...

[@geraldjohnson7937]

Cool video Yakfish!

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Thank you so much for this review. I'm in need of a new car, and Toyota Rav 4 and Highlander are the two cars that are at the top of my list. I'm an older widow. I want to make sure to get a reliable car that I can drive across the country if I want. I'm going to need to buy used (I'm on a tight budget). I pray that I will get a car that will carry me through whatever I want to do!

[@aznpersuazn]

Thank you sir, I am also in Washington, just moved here for work and the base model RAV4 is going to be my very first car. Hopefully I could get it under MSRP.

[@douglarsen4801]

The RAV4 is a great buy! I have had several LE loaners and I'm probably going to buy one. I love my Sequoia but 13mpg isn't working for me even though the space is great. I was shocked to see 36mpg on a trip with the loaner. That would save me nearly $250/mo in gas basically covering 70% of the payment. We have a Highlander Hybrid if we need more space

[@notmebutyou8350]

My first vehicle was a 2017 RAV4 LE. It was good enough for me. I don't need all the fancy stuff, but hey, to each his (or her) own

[@omoyiwolaoluyemi9729]

Thanks for the review , you just made my decision easy for me as I get confused with all this different options. I like simple . Also Toyotas are known for engine oil leak. Little concern about that

[@Blackhawk556.]

My 2015 Camry has never had leak issues. 130k miles with no mechanical issues

[@Glideslopes]

Congratulations on finding one.

[@jasonjones886]

Great choice Hope u still liking it I am getting the 2024 rv4 xle premium my first time owning a Toyota Hope I like it

[@coston1986]

Just wanted to let you know that you can change your speedometer to digital if you would like to! I was impressed to learn that the LE trim allowed that. Great review!

[@MegaRetr]

Awesome video 😊 thanks a lot