With its available hybrid models, including the RAV4 Prime PHEV, Toyotas RAV4 has one major thing going for it that Chevys Equinox does not. If information technology and a spare tire are important to you, this car is head-and-shoulders above the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V Hybrid. Towing capability in the 2023 Chevy Equinox maxes out at 1500 pounds, and the car has the Stabilitrak stability control system with Traction Control.
The Toyota RAV4 has more towing capability at its top end compared with the Chevy Equinox (3,500 pounds versus 1,500 pounds). Even if you opt for the RAV4s all-gas option, you will still be able to get better efficiency than you will with the Equinox (30 combined MPG). Fuel economy is only 26 mpg Combined, far short of the 40 MPG that Toyotas best-performing hybrid-equipped RAV4 with greater horsepower will deliver.
The One gets a claimed gas mileage up to 40 combined MPGe, whereas the RAV4 Prime gets a claimed fuel economy up to 94 combined MPGe in EV-only mode, and 38 combined MPGe in hybrid mode.
The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is also making its 2023 debut, giving the hybrid RAV4 its first all-terrain-oriented trim (the gasoline-only Adventure and TRD Off-Road were, and continue to be, gasoline-only).
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 — which is essentially identical to the 2018 Toyota RAV4 — received the top safety pick rating from IIHS, and the 2022 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid received the highest rating, the 2022 Top Safety Pick+.
Infotainment & Technology The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Sport Touring While the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V were both the sales leaders of their respective segments for years, both models honestly had plenty of complaints from consumers regarding their infotainment systems.
With that in mind, the 2023 Honda CR-V and 2023 Toyota RAV4 have far better infotainment systems than they did years ago, but they are still a bit harder to use than systems on some of their rival models. Each 2023 RAV4 gets a refreshed infotainment system, including a new 10.5″ touch screen on top trim levels.
A new, fully digital dash panel (below, right) debuted in top trim levels for 2023, which brings an otherwise nicely-rounded RAV4 in line with much of the compact SUV segment. The otherwise well-rounded RAV4 now finds itself the elder statesman in the compact SUV segment, with most competitors now fully overhauled after undergoing their own drastic redesigns in 19.
I spent time back-to-back weeks behind the wheel of the 2023 Chevy Equinox RS and am now back with an in-depth report on how well the 2023 Chevy Equinox holds up against a host of high-profile competitors including the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Ford Escape.