2023 Toyota Rav4 XSE Hybrid | My Full Review!
Today is a super exciting car tour for one of the most popular SUV models on the market! The 2023 Toyota Rav4 XSE Hybrid is the latest and greatest version developed from Toyota. Back in 2019, the Rav4 had a complete body style redesign and now in 2023, there are some really interesting interior developments. Most importantly, I want to dive in and see just how friendly the 2023 Toyota Rav4 is for families.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of everything the 2023 Toyota Rav4 XSE Hybrid has to offer and if it’s the best choice for your next family vehicle.
Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!
Toyota Rav4 Exterior
One of the most exciting things about newer Rav4’s is the 2019 exterior redesign that showcases a much sportier version to the previous models. A lot of people have been calling this a “mini 4runner” which I absolutely love! For being a five passenger SUV, it brings a totally unique look to the market.
LED headlights are the norm for all 2023 Toyota models, and this Rav4 is no different. There is a lot of really eye-catching contrast on the front especially and I think an all-back grill is a really cool touch. Overall, the car looks really fresh.
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Options
Before we dive into all the interior details of the car and how it holds up for families, I want to discuss the hybrid options available. Like so many car brands on the market, Toyota has been working on their powertrain options. Their Toyota Rav4 Prime is the most cutting-edge model, with the plug-in all-electric features.
Although this is not the car I am walking through, their active hybrid option works really well with the engine to get that optimal fuel economy you’re looking for. With a combined 40 miles per gallon, I am impressed with the line up of hybrid options available for the 2023 Toyota Rav4.
Toyota Rav4 First Row Details
Diving into the interior, the 2023 Rav4 has been an anticipated launch because of the updated interior details. Although this is really exciting, the true test is seeing how well it will work for the smaller families out there.
Driver Seat Door Panel
The driver seat door panel is simple, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Overall, the car interior keeps up this simplistic feel, while using high-quality materials to elevate the experience.
A little bit of blue contrast is found through the door, and the rest of the vehicle, which is a fun touch matching the hybrid blue symbol on the exterior. The cup holder side cubby is an okay size (I have seen better), but the additional storage is a nice option for any driver.
Infotainment System
Before we jump into the infotainment system, the technology starts on the driver’s left-hand side right underneath the wheel. One of their new tech features allows you to see a complete 360 degree view of the vehicle that pops up onto the middle console screen.
Now shifting over to the infotainment system itself, the dash is completely digital which looks awesome. The screen is a 10.5 inch display with all the typical features you see from any modern infotainment system. That being said, I always notice how nice, responsive, and colorful their screens are in comparison to others I’ve played around with.
I am a particular fan of AC and fan controls outside of the infotainment system, and Toyota has created the largest buttons I’ve ever seen. Moves down into wireless chargers and USB-C plus-ins within the center console.
Lastly, there are a few fun details I just love about the first row! The passenger side has a small ledge right above the glove box, making it the perfect spot for your phone. As for the seats, they tote some of the fun blue contrast we see throughout the vehicle, making it a fresher interior than a lot I’ve seen before.
Toyota Rav4 Second Row Details
Moving on back to the second row, car seat setups are the most important aspect of any five passenger vehicle for me. Although I try my best to answer the question of fitting three across, the ranges of car seats, child heights, and their weight make it difficult for a one-size-fits-all answer.
For the 2023 Toyota Rav4 XSE, I do not recommend three across and I could not fit three across with my car seat set up. For hardware, lower anchors are available in the outboard seats and tether anchors are available across the bench. The problem comes in with a narrow middle seat and a bit of seat belt crossover between the two.
Although you may be able to find a three across car seat combination that works for your family, I advise planning ahead too. As seats face forward and turn into boosters, it may be difficult to ensure everything is tethered in tight and correct.
What I Like About The Second Row:
The bench is wide and provides a nice seat
Cup holders available
Second row ventilation
USB-C ports
Toyota Rav4 Trunk Details
The trunk space is great for a stroller! Without having to maneuver any seats or wheels, my stroller could lay down flat and be loaded in easily.
Without the stroller inside, this is a really nice trunk set up. With 35 cubic feet available, it is one of the largest trunks in its class. Cargo cover is available to hide valuables, as well as a power tailgate.
Toyota Rav4 Wrap Up
With the 40 miles per gallon average and an updated interior and exterior, the 2023 Toyota Rav4 is a great option to consider for smaller families. Although sitting three across may be too difficult to maneuver as your children grow, the durability and fuel efficiency of this SUV are great. Overall, I really enjoyed the amenities available within this vehicle, as well as the hybrid options available.
To watch my complete walkthrough of the 2023 Toyota Rav4 XSE Hybrid, click here.
Do you have a personal favorite SUV option for smaller families? Please let us know in the comments!
If you’re interested in the Toyota Rav4, here are a few others I would consider as well:
