2023 Toyota RAV4 MPG
Across its 6 EPA-rated gasoline versions, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 returns 25–27 mpg city, 32–35 highway and 28–30 combined.
The most efficient pairs the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, at 30 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive and is rated 28 mpg combined. The EPA also rated hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, the best at 40 mpg combined. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2022 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 41 | 38 | 40 | Regular · 223 g CO₂/mi |
| RAV4 Prime 4WD | 2.5 L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 40 | 36 | 38 | Regular Gas and Electricity · 72 g CO₂/mi |
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition | 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 38 | 35 | 37 | Regular · 240 g CO₂/mi |
| RAV4 | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular · 296 g CO₂/mi |
| RAV4 | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | Regular · 292 g CO₂/mi |
| RAV4 AWD LE | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | Regular · 296 g CO₂/mi |
| RAV4 AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 33 | 29 | Regular · 301 g CO₂/mi |
| RAV4 AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | Regular · 319 g CO₂/mi |
| RAV4 AWD TRD OFFROAD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | Regular · 323 g CO₂/mi |
2023 Toyota RAV4 fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 costs about $2,180 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (30 mpg combined), or roughly 15 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (28 mpg combined) comes to about $2,330 a year, $160 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2023 Toyota RAV4 specs
2023 Toyota RAV4 buyers could choose between 3 engines, according to EPA records: 2.5 L 4-cyl, 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid and 2.5 L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid. It came with continuously variable (CVT) and automatic transmissions, in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive versions. The EPA classes it as a small sport utility vehicle.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L | 4 | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive; All-Wheel Drive | 6 |
| 2.5 L hybrid | 4 | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 2.5 L plug-in hybrid | 4 | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2023 Toyota RAV4 problems
Owners have filed 236 complaints about the 2023 Toyota RAV4 with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Electrical system is the most-reported area (23% of component mentions), followed by steering (8%) and engine (7%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 58 complaints a year: more than the 2022 (35 a year) and fewer than the 2024 (67 a year).
That ranks 5th of 17 Toyota RAV4 model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 236, 24 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 11 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 90 | 23% |
| Unknown or other | 62 | 16% |
| Steering | 29 | 8% |
| Engine | 27 | 7% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 27 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 22 | 6% |
| Lane departure | 14 | 4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 13 | 3% |
| Back over prevention | 12 | 3% |
| Power train | 12 | 3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 11 | 3% |
| Structure | 10 | 3% |
| Air bags | 9 | 2% |
| Suspension | 7 | 2% |
| Tires | 7 | 2% |
| Visibility | 5 | 1% |
| Wheels | 4 | 1% |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | <1% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | <1% |
| Seats | 2 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 1 | <1% |
| Other/i am not sure | 1 | <1% |
| Seat belts | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the dealer repeatedly delayed the repair due to parts availability issues. …
1. System Failure & Availability: Vehicle's automated driver-assist (Lane Tracing/Keeping Assist) and steering modules failed. The vehicle is intact and available for inspection under a strict spoliation hold at an independent facility. 2. …
On August 6 2026, my RAV4 just cut off at the traffic light. The car was completely dead. I was unable to unlock the trunk but the doors did open. The vehicle was towed to the local dealership. …
2023 Toyota RAV4 recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2023 Toyota RAV4.
The most recent, campaign 25V744000 from October 2025, concerns back over prevention.
23V485000 · July 11, 2023 · Tires
Problem: During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged. In addition, the load carrying capacity label may state the incorrect weight.
Risk: A damaged or improperly installed valve stem may allow air to leak and/or the tires to be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | RAV4 years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V744000 | October 30, 2025 | Back over prevention | 2023–2024 |
| 25V595000 | September 11, 2025 | Electrical system | 2023–2024 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 4 versions of the 2023 Toyota RAV4; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| HYBRID SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| PRIME SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Toyota RAV4s can be compared fairly. Among other 2023 models in the EPA's small sport utility vehicle class, the 2023 Ford Escape (30 mpg), 2023 Honda CR-V (30 mpg) and 2023 Subaru Forester (29 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 40 | 649 | 92 | 6 |
| 2021 | 40 | 510 | 84 | 5 |
| 2022 | 40 | 176 | 35 | 3 |
| 2023 | 40 | 236 | 58 | 3 |
| 2024 | 39 | 206 | 67 | 4 |
Every Toyota RAV4 model year compared →
Similar 2023 models
FAQ
Is the 2023 RAV4 a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has 58 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (5th most of 17 model years), 3 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 40 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2023 RAV4 problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are electrical system (90), steering (29) and engine (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2023 RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 RAV4 get?
The EPA rates the gasoline versions at 28–30 mpg combined (25–27 city, 32–35 highway). The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions reach up to 40 mpg combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2023 RAV4 per year?
About $2,180 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,330 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).