2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition - Greener Adventures Re-Driven Review

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition - Greener Adventures Re-Driven Review
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: treading trails in green

KNOBBY NUMBER ONE GREEN: Spreading the lean mien of gasoline battery electric hybrid propulsion to every non- Subaru or BMW made model is key to Japanese automaker Toyota's Beyond Zero strategy. The smashing success of the RAV4 crossover utility vehicle as best selling, non-truck nameplate in America has been shouldered by more than 40% packing hybrid and Prime plug-in hybrid power. Not even the introduction of the new wham glam 2023 Prius is likely to diminish RAV4's rank.

Two years ago the XA50 fifth generation Recreational Active Vehicle 4 wheel drive expanded to trail adventures with the RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Now Roadblazing.com Re- Drives the first mid size crossover SUV which can travel by hybrid electrification to the trail: the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition .

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition Driving Hits:

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition2021 Toyota RAV4 AWD TRD Off Road
Curb weight (pounds)3775 lbs.3615 lbs.
Powertrain - petrol2.5L 16V DOHC gas I-42.5L 16V DOHC gas I-4
Powertrain - electrifiedMG 2 PMS (front): 88 kW (118 hp), 149-lb-ft MG 3 PMS (rear): 40 kW (54 hp), 89 lb-ftN/A
Battery - electric propulsionLiIon 259.0V, 70 cells x 3.7V @ 4.3 Ah, 1.6 kWh capacityN/A
Drivetrain10 step CVT, on-demand, rear E-Motor all-wheel drive8-speed torque converter planetary automatic transaxle on-demand viscous clutch differential all-wheel drive
Horsepower petrol / Torque (pound- feet)176 hp / 163 lb-ft @ 4400 r.p.m.203 hp / 184 lb-ft @ 5000 r.p.m.
Horsepower hybrid (net) / Torque (pound- feet)219 hp / 163 lb-ft @ 3600 r.p.m."

Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: 219 hp, 163 lb-ft, 36 m.p.g from the e-AWD CVT drivetrain
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: 219 hp, 163 lb-ft, 36 m.p.g from the e-AWD CVT drivetrain
  • First gas hybrid electric Trail Adventure ready CAV in America
    • 4th generation parallel series Hybrid Synergy Drive gas battery electric hybrid powertrain
    • E-Four on demand all wheel drive (rear propulsion purely separate e-motor)
    • CVT transmission with planetary first gear
    • Drive modes x 3: Eco, Normal, Sport
    • Trail Mode = ABS torque vectoring
    • Moves out with some verve
    • +37% fuel economy, +23% maximum range vs. non-hybrid RAV4 TRD Off-Road
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition2021 Toyota RAV4 AWD TRD Off Road
Fuel Economy - miles per gallon combined EPA37 m.p.g. (observed)27 m.p.g. (observed)
Driving Range - highway (miles)508 miles (14.5 gallons)413 miles (14.5 gallons)

Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: fuel consumption and hybrid power flow in gauges
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: fuel consumption and hybrid power flow in gauges
  • Fully independent suspension:
    • Hybrid Woodlands Edition specific: TRD "Red' progressive rate coil springs; Stiffer bump stops;  Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail D1A tire all-terrain knobby tread tires
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: unique stronger cast bronzed 18" alloy wheels banded in Falken all terrain trail tires
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: unique stronger cast bronzed 18" alloy wheels banded in Falken all terrain trail tires
  • Urban weighted electric assist power steering, Smooth slowing disc brake rotors + 1- sliding piston calipers x 4
  • Still among the more comfortable riding and driving crossovers out there
  • Rigid hot stamped high tensile steel body
  • Generous cabin sound insulation for segment
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition2021 Toyota RAV4 AWD TRD Off Road
Ground clearance (inches)8.1"8.6"
Approach / Departure / Breakover angles (degrees)18.0o / 20.0o / 19.0o19.0o / 21.0o / 20.0o
Suspension F/RF: Strut + lower A arm / R: 4-link; F+R sway bars, TRD dampers, red springs, bump stopsF: Strut + lower A arm / R: 4-link; F+R sway bars, TRD dampers, red springs, bump stops
Tires / Wheels225/60-H Falken Wildpeak all terrain Trail / 18" bronzed alloys / doughnut spare tire225/60-H Falken Wildpeak all terrain Trail / 18" graphite alloys / doughnut spare tire
Brakes F/RF&R 1-Piston Sliding calipers 12.0" vented Disc/ 11.1" solid Disc; ABS; EBD; Pre-braking, Hill Start controlF&R 1-Piston Sliding calipers 12.0" vented Disc/ 11.1" solid Disc; ABS; EBD; Pre-braking, Hill Start control
Off road driving assistanceHybrid AWD Woodland Ed.: Trail Mode (ABS torque vectoring)TRD Off-Road: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt [ASC disengaged] off road modes (under 25 mph); Descent cruise

Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition Driving Misses:

  • A CVT will always hang engine revolutions like a CVT
  • On road responsiveness remains on the dull side
  • Knobby all-terrain tire tread is noisier, short of howling, and issues coarse road sensation
  • No skid plates
  • Lower ground clearance vs. other RAV4 Hybrids (due to running boards)
  • No off-road specific drive modes
  • No locking f:r differential (physically un-connected rear E-motor)
  • Half the towing capability vs. non-hybrid RAV4 TRD Off-Road

What the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition Has Got:

  • Pricing: from $31,575 (incl. destination) for a CVT automatic 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE all-wheel drive.
    • As tested 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition trim priced at $35,604
    • Number 1 selling passenger vehicle in America

Appearance:

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: swept back windshield
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: swept back windshield
  • "Taco" ma nosed, dramatically incongruous creased body panel, flared plastic clad fender, rising beltline compact crossover utility vehicle, which avoids segment blocky while boasting adventurous chunky.
    • Woodlands Edition specific: Darkened grille, bumper covers, body cladding and window, door trim & "Rock" insignia door sills, bronze high strength cast alloy wheels, body length running boards, darkened exhaust outlet
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: fully lower body cladded ruggedized look
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: fully lower body cladded ruggedized look

Space & Utility:

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: seating includes driver's power adjust and Row 2 split reclining backs
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: seating includes driver's power adjust and Row 2 split reclining backs
  • 5 generously sized adult, 2-Row seating
  • Compact approaching mid-size spaciousness
  • 60/40% split folding 2nd Row seatbacks, with split back recline
  • Mid dash driver and passenger shelving
  • Generous cargo volume for compact segment
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition2021 Toyota RAV4 AWD TRD Off Road
Wheelbase (inches)105.9" TNGA-GAK105.9" TNGA-GAK
Headroom Row 2 (inches)37.7"37.7"
Legroom Row 2 (inches)37.8" inches37.8" inches
Cargo Capacity (nom. - max. cubic feet)37.5 cu.ft. - 69.8 cu.ft. 37.5 cu.ft. - 69.8 cu.ft.
Towing (pounds)1750 lbs.3500 lbs.

Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: 60/40% split folding 2nd Row seatbacks = whopping 70 cubic feet max. cargo space
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: 60/40% split folding 2nd Row seatbacks = whopping 70 cubic feet max. cargo space
  • Fit & Finish: +1 Padded tiered contrast stitch padded upper and middle dash; Lower mid dash shelves for driver and passenger; Satin metallic mid dash, door panel & center console banding; Dual analog dials flanking 7.0" color TFT multi-function display gauge cluster; Wide center stack and lower wireless device storage shelf; Tightly grained soft plastics; Even & smooth finished switchgear; Oversized knurled rubber 2-zone climate temperature knobs.

Standard Feature Set:

  • Remote keyless entry; 1-zone (optional 2-zone automatic) air-conditioned climate control
  • LED headlights & taillights; Rain sensing windshield wipers
  • Full express power windows x 4; Cup holders x4, Bottle holders x 4
  • Ballistic fabric 6-way driver & 4-way passenger manual adjust seats; Tilt & telescoping leatherette steering wheel

Infotainment Technology:

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: layered dashboard w/ color displays + knurled oversized climate knobs
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: layered dashboard w/ color displays + knurled oversized climate knobs
  • NEW FOR '23: Upper mid dash, pod mount, single knob controlled 8.0" landscape split pane touch LCD audio & media display w/ Toyota Connected powered by GoogleSearchTM voice query, control, "Hey Toyota' wake-up phrase; USB-A x 1, USB-C x 2; 12V x 1; Bluetooth phone connectivity and smart phone SMS
  • Standard 6-speaker, 240 W streaming audio with HD-radio
  • wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay phone projection; Sirius XM satellite radio (90 days trial);

Safety & Driver Assistance:

  • +1 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick; 8 airbags; Backup camera w/ predictive grid lines + front & rear warning park assist, +1 Door mount wing mirrors
    • STANDARD Toyota SafetySense P 2.5 = Rear camera + predictive grid; Pedestrian & vehicle collision avoidance braking; Blind Spot View monitor; Full adaptive cruise control; Lane departure warning, trace assist; Post collision brake lock; Road sign recognition; Row 2 occupant reminder; Auto high beam LED headlamps
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: driving w/ Toyota Connected navigation
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: driving w/ Toyota Connected navigation
  • Warranty: 3 year / 36k miles bumper to bumper, 5 yrs. / 60k mi. powertrain, 8 year / 100k mi. hybrid component warranties + 2 yrs. complimentary scheduled maintenance

What the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition Has Not (or Not Preferred):

  • Some exclusivity to what is oh so common
  • Still a dark low panel contrast cabin
  • Cargo load floor lacks raising tether or latching
  • No heated seats, No heated steering wheel; No power liftgate assist !!

Standout Feature(s) on 2023 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID AWD WOODLAND EDITION:

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: unique badging
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: unique badging
  • Google Search supported cloud GPS navigation + offline HDD mode w/ voice guidance
  • "Woodland Edition" specific tree embossed rubber floor mats, cargo bay mat & 2nd Row seat back liners
  • Running boards
  • Raised crossbar roof rack
  • Voice command / guidance, Google Search cloud GPS navigation
  • Auto dimming rear view mirror; Comfort access; Push button ignition;
  • Ballistic cloth, 8-way power driver, 4-way manual passenger adjust
  • USB-A x 1; USB-C x 4 (incl. 2nd Row); 12V x 2; 110V AC outlet (cargo bay)
  • Toyota Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, Navigation assist
  • 2 GB WiFi trial subscription by Verizon
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: tree image embossed floor mats & 2nd Row seat back liners
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition: tree image embossed floor mats & 2nd Row seat back liners

Roadblazing.com Says: Finally, a cordless hybrid electrified compact SAV equipped for greener adventures.

Contributing Editor: S. Frissell

2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD - Bottom Line Review
(Contributing Editor: Peter Stamatis) Timeline of Current Non-Truck Based Current Best Selling Passenger Vehicle in America. 1994 - XA10 1st generation Toyota RAV4 debuts. The world’s first volume compact crossover SUV is derived from the Corolla sedan platform. The model acronym = Recreational Activity Vehicle 4 -Wheel Drive. Launched as a