DecodedCars2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 177 hp
- Transmission
- e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 38 combined · 40 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 52% better than the average 2023 small SUV (25 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 50 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 38 MPG combined (40 city / 36 highway), 52% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2023
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 RAV4 Prime →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Obu, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2023 RAV4 Prime configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Prime 4WD Plug-in Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 40 / 36 / 38 | +52% | $1,750 | 72 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 PRIME SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.3% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime (this car) | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 30, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Sep 11, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Not every 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 36 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 6 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 39,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RAV4 Prime years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 RAV4 Prime | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 29 |
| 2022 RAV4 Prime | 38 | – | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2021 RAV4 Prime | 38 | – | Not rated | 4 | 99 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →