TECH UPGRADES! -- The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has *More* Changes than What Meets the Eye!

Here's the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE! For 2023, Toyota has upgraded the interior with some BIG Tech and additional design choices! So is America's best-selling family car the one to buy? Or should you buy the new competition: the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, or Nissan Rogue? Go ahead: CLICK to find out :) Also, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and tap the notification bell if you enjoyed this review -- it helps us more than you can imagine!
#toyota #toyotarav4 #carconfections
Also, follow us for shorter-form content on our other social media platforms!
TikTok: @carconfections
Instagram: car_confections
Website: www.carconfections.com
Merch: carconfections.creator-spring...
0:00 Intro
1:24 Detailed Exterior Walkaround
6:03 Interior Design & Technology
15:05 Rear Seats & Cargo
18:37 Test Drive & Impressions
22:23 Sound Level Reading (dB)
25:45 Air Ball & Slam Dunk
27:33 Pricing
© Car Confections, LLC 2023. All rights reserved.
“Sampling the Latest Automotive Delicacies!”

[@CarConfections]

Looking to buy a Toyota RAV4 or a similar vehicle? Go to carconfections.com/new-car-quotes to learn about invoice pricing and get the BEST PRICE on vehicles in your local area!

[@treads2595]

The issue isn't how good the car is. The issue is that Toyota can't seem to make enough of them to meet demand.

[@FingerBoy10]

Indeed. I do not own a Rav4 Hybrid right now because when originally asked for one, the wait time was up to 1 year.

[@elizabethstewart552]

In my area it can vary by model, but it varies from 3+ weeks, to several months. Most of them are pre-sold. No inventory on the lot, except for maybe an occasional one.

[@treads2595]

@@elizabethstewart552 And that one on the lot is probably marked up by several thousands.

[@13Dalek]

True! Mine has just been ordered 8/7/23 hopefully be here Xmas 2024 Adelaide South Australia 🇦🇺

[@dambo8416]

You can’t even buy them new from factory in UK anymore.

[@AlexandriPatris]

I just decided on the XSE over the weekend. I long ago decided on a hybrid, but I was going back and forth between the RAV4 XSE, the RAV4 XLE Premium, and the new 2024 CRV Sport-L. I have decided that many of the features available on the XSE were worth the higher price and the slightly lower cargo volume (compared to the RAV4). Now it's just a matter of getting my hands on one, though the dealership is aware that I won't be ready to buy until the end of August so there's not an immediate rush.

[@elizabethstewart552]

Great review!! I just bought this exact car (XSE Hybrid) for my 21 year old son. In fact, I think it's the exact same color (silver). His car has some cool cross bars across the top. We looked at cars for a LONG time. Since dealerships have inventory issues, it was challenging trying to test drive cars. I was leaning toward the CR-V Sport Hybrid, but 95% of the ones we looked at did not have Blind Spot monitoring (dealers told me it's the chip shortage). Honda also has ridiculous dealer mark-ups ($3,000 +) on their cars (nitrogen, pin stripping, Lojack, paint protection, etc) making even their low trim levels pricey. I like that Toyota doesn't skimp on safety features. The lane keep assist works really well. The hybrid is so quiet, and it really has a decent amount of pep. Plus 42 MPG is awesome! We lucked out because I called a local dealership, and they they had one on their lot. We drove it, and I bought it the next day. I was worried the car would sell in a few hours, but we drove to the dealership and bought it the next morning. I know Toyotas are super reliable and hold their value. We paid $43,000 OTD which is more than I wanted to spend on his car, but I'm thrilled he is driving something safe and something he will have for a long time.

[@CarConfections]

Happy Tuesday and thanks for watching! The interior has a funny deleted scene so make sure you stay tuned for that... 😂

[@darriontunstall3708]

😂😂😂😂! That was hilarious

[@SBohemian]

LOVE IT. I got mine late 2019. 60k done. Not a single issue

[@dambo8416]

That colour combo, especially with the 19 inch alloys, is absolutely stunning.

[@uros4925]

These are 18s in the video.

[@dambo8416]

@@uros4925 I know. I’ve got 19’s, they look great.

[@AxlAX]

I've been following your channel for years and I want to congratulate you guys for a job well done! 🎉👍 Excellent reviews!

[@CarConfections]

Awesome! Thank you for being a long time member of this Car Confections family!

[@jprizzleson87]

I absolutely love my 2023 Rav4 XLE. I'm hitting an easy 30mpg.

[@Shambles7698]

I really impressed with this RAV4 . Prop to Toyota 👌

[@AlHarameenUSA]

Thank you for the review. But, please note that the XSE HYBRID Battery Type is: Sealed Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Voltage: 259.0V not Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) 244.8V according to the E Brochure from Toyota's website on page #25. Toyota has 3 deferent type of batteries on the 2023 RAV4. 1) Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Voltage: 244.8V for the trim models: (LE, XLE & Woodland Edition). 2) Sealed Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Voltage: 259.0V for the trim models (XLE Premium, SE, XSE & Limited). 3) Sealed Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Voltage: 355.2V for the Prime SE & Prime XSE.

[@autobuff1812]

Ordered my 2023 XSE about 2 weeks ago without any dealer markup. It’s loaded without the crossbars and running board. Scheduled to be built the latter part of July.

[@autobuff1812]

Just got that mine will be delivered to the dealership between August 19-24. Ordered on 6/15.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Now my perfect SUV.

[@parlimentjenkinsiii6658]

Hello, I recently purchased a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE and want to replace factory tires (225/65R17) and wheels. What is the biggest tire I can use without a lift and with no rubbing? Thanks

[@darriontunstall3708]

It looks alright! Toyota makes good cars

[@annasoming]

another device deciding to look up what it thinks you said to get you in trouble. Like the Rav. Thanks for the vid.

[@underdog9785]

"Testicles Sticker" Lmao

[@RodrigoRosa]

when talking about MPG versus other models a chart would be very helpful. i have no idea what "better" means unless i go scout out the others (which i did, but would have been nicer to see a chart). seems like the only relevant change wrt 2022 is the infotainment part (possibly safety stuff too?). a friend has an older bmw and found guides to use an infotainment from a newer model along with an OBD2 device and some software to adapt it. hopefully someone will figure that out for the Rav4 and once people start crashing their 2023 I'll get to update mine (: thx for sharing

[@lPHOENIXZEROl]

I put a down payment down for an XSE with tech back in September last year, I only just got a call last week that my dealership secured an allocation from trading with another dealership. Not in my first choice of colors but it should be here early next month. Of course then a dealership that I just e-mailed randomly texted me a couple days after I got that call that they had one coming from Japan and they were offering it to me, if I hadn't already gotten that call I probably would have though it would've been another month or two wait from when the one I just accepted would arrive.

[@stancartmankenny]

Testicle stickers? I guess I'm in that part of youtube again.

[@chibuzo2010]

Then he follows it up with the "these are nice and deep"

[@CarConfections]

😂😂

[@Soh90]

😂😂😂 I’m weak

[@njgtguy]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Lol. That’s so funny.

[@ponch001]

I’ve had mine for almost 3 months it’s a 2023 RAV4 hybrid and I think it’s one of the best vehicles own

[@MrJ978]

Keep up the great work. The sound db is a plus.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! Will do!

[@rick_terscale1111]

Is that a pocket to the left hand side of the steering wheel?? Is that where you would put your keys?

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent review and I-don’t even want to know what images you would’ve gotten had these been Siri

[@CarConfections]

Haha yeah thank goodness it was only Toyota's built in assistant 😂

[@RajaMungamuri]

EV ratio plays a key role in plug-in or hybrid vehicles fuel economy example my outlander PHEV does gives 1L~2L/100 i.e. 235/114 MPG if I drive within 100km range after each charge , & when battery depleted with one pedal drive it gives 6L/100 approx 40MPG when I drive 700 kms without charge but official figures speaks otherwise!

[@ivanjrivas921]

This is the best review I've seen great Job!

[@CarConfections]

Thank you for that compliment!

[@armandolo17]

the starting MSRP for the Rav4 Hybrid LE is $31,225 USD, I suppose at the dealership this can go up to 35k with waiting times of months?

[@witchofthewildwoods3496]

I recently made a deposit on an XLE Premium hybrid, due to enter production this month. If it's anywhere near as reliable as my 2007 Prius I'll be ecstatic!

[@josephpayton9151]

Its like a you get what you get and you dont have a fit like situation when talking about the price. This rav4 offers a lot for this class. Yes its costly but when u think about it , majority of the competition don’t have as much to offer as this does specifically the new CRV. And on top of that not only is the Hybrid more efficient its also more powerful than its gas version which is something not all hybrid toyotas are capable of. Now imo, this is has the best overall design and factually this has the best sells and resale value. You can tell by just how many are on the road. Every time u blink theres a rav4 in sight. But ye back to the pricing. Automotive manufacturers tend to send automotive journalist a vehicles that offers everything they have. Like the exterior accessories, those really aren’t needed. It just makes the car look better and more unique for the camera. And i have to say, they did a pretty damn good job on this spec because not all Rav4’s look this “cool”. And to have all these feature you are gonna have to pay the price.

[@mauarduz]

I’m wondering how do those exterior piano black details age?

[@atulyaop2803]

Wow I like the new rav4. Keep up the great work.

[@wantsanewvehicle]

So..I had a 2021 rav4 xse that had every package you could get on it at the time. I had it for 1 year and 13k miles. I sold it because I had the opportunity to make $5k over what I bought it for (msrp), also, I kind of wanted something different. After selling it, I couldn't really decide on what to get- I only had minor things with the rav4 that I didn't like. So, I went to the toyota dealership and ordered a 2023 with exactly the same spec lol. They told me it should be about 2 months to come in. I waited those two months and it was nowhere in sight, so on black Friday i ventured out looking at other vehicles. I decided to get a 2023 santa fe limited, thinking "well, this will hold me over until the rav4 comes in and then I'll trade this toward the rav4". Rav4 finally came in about 2 months ago, I went and drove it and got lowballed on my santa fe. I realized that I literally like EVERYTHING about the santa fe, except the fuel economy, better than the rav4. Plus, I couldn't justify losing ~$6k for 5k miles and 4 months on a vehicle that was in mint condition. The only thing the santa fe does not have that the rav4 had is heated wipers, which didn't honestly work that great on the rav4 anyways. Also, the digital rearview mirror- I got an aftermarket digital rear view mirror from amazon for around $100 (so, much cheaper than the factory toyota digital rearview mirror) - the quality is MUCH better, and it works as a dash cam FRONT & REAR, also it's considerable larger. The sound system is better in the santa fe, the heated steering wheel works as it should (the whole thing heats up, instead of just the sides as it does in the rav4), I have ventilated seats (a bit of a gimmick, but helps a little), the digital gauge cluster looks much better (the 2023 rav4 I ordered had one), the panoramic roof is considerably larger and opens much more, more room, the app works better for remote starting the vehicle, it rides much much nicer, much more power from the engine, interior looks and feels much higher quality, headlights are better, etc. The only con is the fuel economy, it's hard getting ~20mpg combined when I got ~45mpg combined all day every day in the rav4 with no change at all to my spirited driving style. My biggest complaint with the rav4, and all 2019+ rav4's have this issue (my 2021 did since day 1, and the 2023 did as well and it's well known within the community that it's an issue). The side view mirror glass shakes the whole time you're driving. You can get used to it, but it's very annoying to say the least. Toyota has a 'fix' for this- they put more reinforcement between the mirror itself and the inside of the door. This does nothing at all to fix the issue, the issue is that actual glass..however it is connected to the fixture is a terrible way of doing it. Also, the first time I used my heated mirrors, my driver's side mirror shattered. They fixed it under warranty, but I feel it made this issue worse on that side lol. Would I go back to a rav4 hybrid? Maybe.. if a loaded xse as like $30k or under. But for ~$42k when there are much better options? No thanks..

[@johnmartin7158]

Thank you for the Homer epic.

[@vincentchuvc]

Do you have a link for the rear view mirror you mentioned?

[@susiecarmicheal2988]

the theft with the kia and hyundai's have affected their trade in value they are hard to move off the lot used thats why the low balled u on the trade

[@johnmartin7158]

@@susiecarmicheal2988 A really that’s a good point. I’ve found that used Toyota Hybrids retain their price a lot better.

[@jss_510]

Too bad they’re ugly

[@Deez_Nutz510]

Just got my wife the metallic grey woth tech package and panoramic glass roof. Paid msrp. Some dealerships were charging anywhere from $1k-$3k over msrp.

[@01Tripilina]

Where can I get the fog lights?

[@timothyallbee1176]

Thanks for sharing your experience and this is why I purchased our new RAV4 hybrid, still waiting on delivery. Wife is so excited about getting this vehicle , she can’t wait to drive it but I will get her 2014 premium Mustang to drive now lol 😂

[@CarConfections]

Our pleasure! Congrats on your upcoming RAV4 Hybrid!

[@barsixful]

I have a 20 model. Love it but it is a bit NOISEY. I think that pull parcel shelf is actually to keep some rear noise down?! I may try different tyres….but awesome car

[@ulivision]

Does anyone know if this model has ambient lighting?

[@bjsimon802]

My Rav4 is 14 years old, and has taken me in the toughest snow and terrain in Canada, but the new one is much better than mine.

[@carapapenfuss2663]

No, older is actually better!

[@bjsimon802]

@@carapapenfuss2663 new one has torque vectoring, it does very well. YOu can see video of offroading. People in ukraine offoading their carsz.

[@jashanmundi1058]

Which model n year u have?

[@blueflameSM]

I love driving Sedans, but given where I live where November - February it may snow quite a bit, I may have to change and go with an SUV. Not sure if a Hybrid or Prime would be the better option; my local dealership has both on the lot.

[@jos1515]

I have the RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid which I think is the best value for the features you get. Getting 42 MPG. Btw you got a naughty one for your tester ;)

[@lima91rs]

Ordered one just after New Year and the wait time was 9 months (should be getting it in October). I decided to go with Adventure model (Europe's Woodland edition), it looks super cool IMO with Lunar rock colour. I can't wait! ☺

[@waynebinky]

Just got mine after a couple days shy of 9 months of waiting. A woman can conceive and give birth during that time. Well, this is now our baby.

[@lima91rs]

@@waynebinky Congrats! 9mo is indeed long time, but it is what it is. I hope it'll be worth it!

[@waynebinky]

@@lima91rs Only 200km and barely off the full mark on the gauge. Liking the fuel economy so far compared to the old 2010 ICE Forester.

[@robertg9334]

I personally went with the LE version, and added the mudflaps, rear electronic lift gate,all windows tinted to match the stock rear tint, i didnt want the moonroof which was automatic in the xle package but i paid 29,899 for it added extended 150k mile warranty 12 years added the other parts myself for 1,800 so i basically got the XLE for 32,000 with no sunroof😂😂😂😂

[@robertg9334]

And it was a 2023 in these trying times I think I did dam good😮😮😮

[@Datboiwalker88]

How were you able to add a rear electronic lift gate on an LE model?

[@rolandomota6549]

Great video - do all XSE Hybrids come with AWD or is that an option?

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! ALL RAV4 Hybrids come with AWD, actually

[@peterbland7227]

Do Toyota fix the corroding cable problem design issue?

[@ahbenjamin2889]

Great Video and the information and presentation is first class . One thing I noticed there is no dedicated AC or Max AC button when you did the review of the Climate system. Did I miss something ? The other question how does the ride quality differ from the Limited trim and the XSE ? I am deciding which trim to get .

[@CarConfections]

Thank you! Not sure about the button - we just let the automatic climate work out all the details. XSE is really just a cosmetic package so they both ride very well 👍

[@indaydongtv5139]

Nice review!please review 2023 trd off road rav4

[@SeekrofTruth25]

The dealer markups on this model push you towards other options

[@harryzanks9016]

I just kicked out getting a 2024 at retail that wasn’t claimed and 1-2 weeks away from delivery

[@bmlove81]

The google assistant glitch, was hilarious!!

[@Richard2003]

I love the testicle sticker option!

[@RangerRickTV]

Class act review! This or the forester wilderness?

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! Personally, we would pick the RAV4

[@RangerRickTV]

@@CarConfections RAV4 or CX-5?/cx50?

[@hphillips7425]

Good video. I like your channel

[@CarConfections]

Thank you very much!

[@petermaree]

I am looking for someone to tell me something. If the vehicle experiences a power outage during charge and power returns does it a. Auto charge slow b. Auto charge std c. Require a reset handshake by unplugging and replugging.....d. reset via app to continue to charge..... thanks would be great to know

[@killer0178]

I find it very weird how come the american version of the Rav4 has "37.6" cubic feet of cargo space. Direct conversion to liters that's 1064.7 liters... that's more 484 liters (17 ft3) than what is sold outside of the US

[@danielardale8615]

I have a 2022 RAV4 XSE in Blizzard Pearl. Awesome car but pissed that they updated the exterior and waited until 2023 to update the infotainment system. Getting rid of mine for a Grand Highlander Hybrid

[@ivanboesky1520]

Yeah, gotta flip cars for an infotainment system. LOL 🤡

[@glenncharamut5831]

Love the video, but what the hell kind of music do you call that , broken record ?

[@prabhakarganapathy9469]

Mr Drew bro, you are not measuring the sameway when you do the Sorento EX hybrid. Probably Sorento is slightly bigger than Rav4 Hybrid

[@jashanmundi1058]

Cx5 or rav4 without hybrid?

[@mjbucar]

How about some objective 0 - 60 mph acceleration data / times

[@Cyanide19901]

I bought a Rav 4 XLE Premium 😊

[@TheVonnieVonVonShow]

My dream car 🔥🔥🔥

[@SpuddsBuckley]

The memory seats are not standard. I learned this the hard way.

[@GrOmaha]

A couple things to point out is the RAV4 Hybrid is about $1,600.00 more than the gas version of the same model. Hybrids perform best when about 50% city and 50% highway drive. The only weird Toyota thing is remote starting. Not available unless you subscribe or get the premium Audio Package or the advance tech package depending on what connected services come with it and for how long they come with it. I'm not talking the app based remote start, I'm talking the FOB based remote start. I can't find anything talking about remote starting from the fob although i've seen it done. But is it part of the connected service subscription? Too confusing.

[@CarConfections]

That is correct. Toyota has said in the past that the remote start from the fob is also dependent on having an active subscription (or trial) just like using the app

[@tadasmarcinkevicius2833]

Only review where sleeping space is reviewed, thanks

[@troymitchel4790]

Since it is supposed to be an SUV, why doesn't it come with crossbars and a hitch receiver so you can attach a bike rack and J-Cradles for kayak transport?

[@josephpayton9151]

Oh wow…. Testical sticker?!? 💀 whats that. That threw me off guard. The dash lady i see has a very interesting vocabulary 😂

[@fgump51]

"TESTICLE STICKER" LOL

[@andrewmalchow6505]

I was not expecting to hear that about stickers on this review

[@fcf777]

9:55 maybe from your search history? 😊

[@popaki9484]

No HUD in the rav4?

[@daveq2234]

Great review but I really don’t need I think the testicle sticker 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@vigninnouhinnoude2792]

I'm so attracted by the MPG !

[@Argee55732]

Love and respect Toyota - the RAV4, Highlander, etc. Hate the huge "ipad" size infotainment system! Too bad a smaller integrated system is not an option. Moving on to others as I just can't stand looking at the huge TV.

[@OGGuy-xb1yk]

Doesn’t the sportage hybrid FWD beat the rav4 hybrid

[@montybaby7181]

17 months into a 14 month contract with no date when this car will be built. the dealership hasnt rung me once and i have had to chase them. increases in cost 3 times because of the delay and now makes my rav 4 hybrid more expensive than a tesla 3. Appalling customer service. If something goes wrong how long are you going to wait for parts.

[@gregoryjefferson6311]

LOL . The awkward moment with your Search History snitches . LOL ( I think it responded to the " Coupon" Test ) LOL

[@gregoryjefferson6311]

Is the Hybrid Fuel tank smaller than the regular gas engine ? How large is the Fuel tank ?

[@CarConfections]

It is somewhat reduced in size, I believe it's 14.5 gallons

[@gregoryjefferson6311]

@@CarConfections Thanks . I guess it being a Hybrid that's not a deal breaker . I hope you can still get 400-420 miles of Hwy range .

[@tsizzle]

No woodland review? 😢

[@jaykenpachi6788]

Does this come without a cvt transmission?

[@CarConfections]

If you get the non-hybrid version it has an 8-speed automatic

[@keska01]

Does any trim have ventilated seats?

[@CarConfections]

They are available on the Limited optionally

[@adrianbest3485]

Vented seats on my 23 limited hybrid are not impressive.

[@michaelsmith9308]

has Toyota resolved the over 6,0000 hybrids that have the cable rusting issues that are VERIFIED AKA cable gate...? My co worker had to leave Toyota because it was not resolved yet?

[@fredylopez1700]

Is it just me or does it Seem slow going up the hills , I have to put it on sport to catch up

[@riazbacchus3962]

so which trim level comes with the testicle sticker?

[@CarConfections]

😂

[@kurth.8599]

The talking Toyota is damn funny, I got my laugh for the day

[@darrylhodgkins6898]

You do know that "Testicle Sticker" will forever be in your search history 🤣🤣🤣

[@CarConfections]

Hope not 😂

[@peterlakra2984]

God bless you 👍

[@uros4925]

In Europe, their warranty and service coverage for the entire car in 10 years.

[@syken8695]

Awesome car, but only LE trim for me. Haha 😂

[@aaronjaggan]

I have to say .. the side view on the exterior looks military-ish.

[@stillwaters4097]

Even though this gets better gas mileage I still prefer my Mazda CX 5 Carbon Edition.

[@byronargueta1026]

Just have to wait until 2025 to get my 2023 .

[@Just_a_commenter]

Testi- _what?!_ lmao that's quite the sentence to hear

[@CarConfections]

Never thought that would be said in a Car Confections review 😂

[@foxstodios]

how are you on evrey video I watch

[@cotasa]

Black roof is SO STUPID! , = 10° hotter in summer

[@SalmonLeon]

好看

[@blitzy99]

Re testicle stickers, don't knock them until you try them. Lol.

[@craigo2142]

Toyota makes a great hybrid. But, that engine noise on acceleration is a killer. And, it did look like a lot of floating on the road drive. Price is getting near Lexus NX but sure it has a lot more options than the NX.

[@sarunassurvila7857]

Hybrid engine noise is not that bad. Non hybrid is bad.

[@gomusicproduction1]

Is cabin extremely noisy?

[@CarConfections]

Check the sound level reading section of the review for a full breakdown 👍

[@gene978]

I don’t understand how people can wait as long as they do for the Hybrid, or Especially the PHEV RAV 4’s to come in.

[@henryhonda8408]

I've been hearing that the wait times are coming down fast...... so please folks don't pay a dealership markup!!!

[@beeboodu1]

I gave up looking for them mark ups are insane.

[@plightn]

Probably should hold out for a refresh or get the Crv or cx-50 this even looks boaty on camera.

[@jacsonmoreira4310]

👏👏👏