While the crossover SUV market has become a billion-dollar business, it is hard to remember a time when seeing a car-based four-wheel drive vehicle was a novelty. But if we jump in our Delorean and set our flux-capacitor for 1996, we can enter a world where Toyota introduced the US to its Recreation Activity Vehicle with Four-Wheel Drive, conveniently known as the RAV4 for short.

Since that time when the first RAV4 drove onto the scene, we have seen an explosion of crossover vehicles that the RAV4 has done battle with, like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. But for 2023 Toyota brings us a RAV4 that is even more versatile, practical, and affordable.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Powertrain

As with most cars and trucks these days, things are moving from gas to electric, and the ever-evolving RAV4 is no different. In its traditional gas-powered versions, thrust comes by way of a 2.5-liter aluminum block and head, DOHC inline-4 that makes 203-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That power is then funneled through an 8-speed automatic transmission on its way to all-four wheels, as expected. But you can also get your RAV4 in front-wheel drive only, though that is not called a RAV2.

The hybrid versions of the RAV4 use an Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4 that makes 177-horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque as well as additional electric motors to make up to a combined 302 net horsepower if you opt for the larger Prime hybrid setup. If not, total hybrid output for the regular battery comes to a net of 219-horsepower. That power is then routed through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) as opposed to a traditional automatic unit, and then on to all-four wheels yet again.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Has 15 Different Trims

There are up to 15 different trims available for your RAV4, six being gas-powered (LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited), while seven are hybrids (Hybrid LE, Hybrid SE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid XLE Premium, Hybrid Limited, and Hybrid Woodland Edition). There are also two more available models in what Toyota calls the RAV4 Prime lineup. They are both plug-in hybrid models, called the SE and XSE. The Prime versions use a bigger battery pack and put down more horsepower than the base battery-operated hybrid versions.

Obviously, with this many variations, there is basically a RAV4 for almost anyone with any kind of lifestyle imaginable, which is exactly the way Toyota wants it to be. Want to go off-road? The TRD versions of the RAV4 are surprisingly capable when the asphalt ends. The available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive, which is available on gas-engined cars with all-wheel drive, can send up to fifty-percent of power to the rear wheels, as well as to the left or right wheel in varying amounts can help you do go places you never dreamed of. Combine that feature with the Multi-Terrain Select, which is a driving mode selector allowing you to choose from Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, or Normal to tell the car how to react with the throttle, brakes and drive force when wheel spin happens.

Related: Your First SUV: 2022 Honda CR-V Vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

All models begin with the Toyota New Global Architecture platform that sits on a reinforced steel unitized body and uses both Macpherson struts up front and a multi-link out back, tuned specifically for whichever on- or off-road variant RAV4 you choose. Also, universal to all models are the same 12.0-inch vented front and 11.1-inch rear disc brakes that utilize an active cornering assist function to help stabilize braking while turning. In most cases those brakes sit inside a set of Falken Wildpeak A/T 225/60R-18 tires.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Can Go 0-60 MPH In 5.7 Seconds!

The RAV4's performance has never been its calling card, but it has steadily improved over the years. Opt for the RAV4 Prime Hybrid and you can run from 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds. And while that acceleration number is very impressive, the RAV4's more impressive stats come at the pump, where it can run on electric only for up to 42 miles, and net you a money-saving 41/38 city/highway MPG in any of its hybrid formats, while the gas motor still manages to hold its own with a respectable 27/35 city/highway MPG.

The Interior And Technology Of The RAV4

Inside, the RAV4 has a litany of options and packages to choose from, depending on how much you want to spend. Generally, the lower trims get a useable 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the upper end of the spectrum is treated to a 10.5-inch unit. In either case, both are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, include a 4G LTE hotspot and have an optional wireless charging pad, navigation and upgraded JBL stereo system if so desired. There is also a 12.3-inch multi-informational display with a full digital gauge display to keep the driver apprised of everything they need to know during their travels.

Related: 10 Things We Love About The Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV

While the RAV4 still has quite a few plasticky bits that give away the fact that it isn't a Rolls-Royce Cullinan by anyone's imagination, you can get heated and ventilated 8-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar support, plenty of cubby storage, and as many as eight cup and bottle holders front and back. There is also a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet up front as well as in the rear cargo area for blowing up rafts, or powering an electric grill, or anything else you might need to do at a tailgate party, or out in the wild.

Safety Features For The 2023 RAV4

Also, available is Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite of features that helped the RAV4 become an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022. This umbrella package includes things like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing and Road Sign Assist, automatic high beams and dynamic cruise control. Also, available is the useful Panoramic View Monitor, which gives a full 360 degree animated virtual view of the car from above using four cameras located on each side of the vehicle.

Related: Mazda CX-5 Vs Toyota RAV4 In The Battle Of Compact SUVs

Once again, with as many trim levels as there are for the RAV4, the price range does have a wide gap from the base to the top end trims. The base gas engine RAV4 starts at a very reasonable $27,575, while the lowest prices hybrid you can get starts at $30,225, and the top end Prime model has a base MSRP of $41,590 and comes with all of the optional bells and whistles that are only options on most of the lesser trims.

The Toyota RAV4 Was The Best Selling Crossover In 2022

The RAV4 is coming up on its 30th birthday in just a few short years, and like most of us that have reached that milestone, it is amazing how much time can shape and change us for the better. The RAV4 is a practical and comfortable answer to life's daily challenges, for not a lot of money, and people have noticed. There is a reason that RAV4 sales nearly doubled the next closest SUV in 2022, people love it. It wasn't long ago that the Toyota RAV4 was just an odd-looking wannbe SUV that no one took seriously. Now, that little truck-not-truck is the champion of a niche market that other companies have been vying for a piece of for decades. So it looks like the biggest recreational activity the RAV4 enjoys, is ironically, winning at king of the hill.