2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered Canadian consumers a variety of choices with its four trim levels, ranging from the RAV4 LE priced just over $35,000 to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited exceeding $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in its US equivalent, showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional rugged styling elements like a faux skid plate and black cladding. However, despite its adventurous appearance, it was more of a style statement than a true off-road performer. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents and contrast stitching, with a frameless rearview mirror lending a touch of sophistication. The RAV4's interior varied by trim, with options for fabric or synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a range of adjustability features, culminating in the Limited trim's premium offerings.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to project a tougher image with its aggressive styling, including angular body cladding and dual exhaust outlets. The TRD Off-Road trim, available in the US, featured a digital rearview mirror and was priced at $47,815 for the gas-only version. Canadian buyers could choose from a range of prices, starting at $36,215 for the LE and reaching $47,815 for the Limited. The interior emphasized utility with practical storage solutions and easy-clean surfaces. The RAV4's cabin offered a comfortable experience, with SofTex upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated features. The rear seat provided adequate space for passengers, and the cargo area was competitive, offering 1,059 litres of space, expandable to 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a single engine option, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which, while preferable to a CVT, did not excel in acceleration. The AWD system was standard across all trims, including a Snow drive mode. The RAV4 Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models. While the engine's performance was not thrilling, it was reliable, albeit somewhat noisy.

For the 2024 model, the RAV4 retained the same 2.5-litre engine, delivering 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. AWD was standard, and the SUV featured Multi-Terrain Select with various driving modes. Ground clearance varied between 20.6 and 21.6 centimetres, depending on the model. The engine's power was sufficient for the compact crossover class, but it was loud and unrefined. The eight-speed automatic transmission was praised for its dependability. Fuel economy ratings were 8.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with the LE model slightly more efficient at 7.9 L/100 km. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offered better fuel efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km.

The 2023 RAV4 was designed to seat five, with headroom of 958 mm in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back, offering competitive space in the front but less in the rear compared to rivals. The interior provided practical storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 RAV4 focused on practicality and utility, with storage shelves, trays, and rubberized control knobs. The test vehicle featured SofTex upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated features. The rear seat offered good legroom and footroom, though it felt low and lacked leg support. The cargo area matched the 2023 model, with 1,059 litres of space, expandable to 1,977 litres. The interior was well-equipped for winter conditions, with heated mirrors, a steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers.

In 2023, the RAV4 received a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with voice command and connected services. The Trail trim did not receive the upgraded multimedia system, which was reserved for the Limited trim with an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version in the Limited trim.

The 2024 RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services included Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect available for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulties with voice commands. The test vehicle had a digital rear-view mirror but lacked the panoramic surround-view camera.

The 2023 RAV4 came with standard safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.

In 2024, the RAV4 retained TSS 2.5, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The system performed adequately, though the lane-centring assist was less effective on curvy roads. The adaptive cruise control managed distances well but was overly cautious in some situations. The 2024 RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests, highlighting the need for a redesign.