The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has unveiled a series of upgrades and a raft of enhancements that focus on improving life on board with new multimedia systems and a customisable new digital driver’s instrument display. Safety is enhanced, too, with new functions added to the Toyota Safety Sense systems. The changes are rolled out across the full range of hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric models, making the world’s original and best-selling recreational SUV an even more desirable proposition.
2023 Toyota RAV4: new multimedia system
The new RAV4 adopts Toyota’s latest multimedia system which features a larger,10.5-inch screen with a high-definition colour display.
The standard system provides cloud-based navigation that allows for accurate journey planning with information that’s constantly updated, plus live details of traffic and road events and how easy or hard it might be to find a parking place near your destination.
Thanks to the included four-year over-the-air “Smart Service” data package, customers can access Toyota’s latest multimedia and navigation systems without having to pair their smartphones to the vehicle.
The user experience is seamless with the accompanying MyT smartphone app, so customers can keep track of various vehicle information, such as driving analytics, fuel levels, warnings and “find my car” function. There’s also the time-saving convenience of being able to use the app to book service and maintenance appointments at Toyota centres.
Smartphone integration with Android Auto® is available and for added convenience, wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay® is featured as standard.
There are more ways to communicate with your car using the new on-board voice agent that will respond to spoken requests to adjust the climate control, choose multimedia options, make a phone call, or open and close the windows. “Hey Toyota” is designed to understand conversational speech, so if you say “I’m cold” it will respond by closing the windows or raising the air conditioning temperature.
A further, optional multimedia system is also available, offering additional functions. It introduces an embedded navigation system that will operate when no data connection is available. It also recognises highway signs and can provide local weather alerts and notify the driver of restricted LEZs (low emission zones).
Remote services
The new RAV4 comes with more remote functions the driver can make use of without having to be in or near their vehicle. The familiar worries about whether you have left a window open, the doors unlocked or the lights on after you’ve walked away from your car are addressed with remote notifications to confirm the vehicle is secure. This feature is standard on all new RAV4 models.
You can also lock and unlock the doors – a handy feature if someone without a key needs access, for example to drop off a parcel or to clean the car. The hazard lights can also be flashed, making the vehicle easier to spot in a big or busy car park. These features are newly standard on mid-grade models, together with remote operation of the climate control to warm up or cool the cabin before making a journey.
2023 Toyota RAV4: new digital combimeter
It’s a feature of all-new Toyota models that the driver can view and take in key vehicle data at-a-glance, so there is the least distraction from their focus on driving and the road ahead. The new RAV4 introduces a new digital combimeter in the instrument binnacle that comes with flexible display settings. There is a choice of four styles and three layouts and personalisation options for the 12.3-inch display so the driver can choose the most relevant information needed between the numerical speedometer and digital dials, as well as other information such as an eco-driving meter, audio track information, or Adaptive Cruise Control display, among others.
These layouts are presented in four different style themes for a more customised look and feel: Casual, Smart, Sport and Tough.
The new unit is standard on all grades apart from the entry-level Icon model which uses a 7-inch version of the combimeter.
2023 Toyota RAV4: enhanced Toyota Safety Sense
The new RAV4 gains enhanced Toyota Safety Sense functions that can warn the driver and help avoid a wider range of common road accident risks.
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) gains intersection support that can help with safer turns at junctions. It will detect if the car is about to cross the path of any oncoming traffic, and if there are any pedestrians crossing the road into which the vehicle is moving, alerting the driver and, if necessary, initiating braking control to help avoid an impact.
Emergency Steering Assist is also newly provided, helping the driver avoid a pedestrian who has stepped into the road while keeping the car under control and within its traffic lane. On the RAV4 Plug-in, the system will also recognise and react to bicycles and parked vehicles. The RAV4 Plug-in’s PCS also gains the ability to detect oncoming vehicles in the car’s traffic lane and reduce the risk of a head-to-head collision.
New exterior colour
A new Platinum White Pearl exterior colour is being introduced for all grades of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid. Dynamic grade will see the introduction of a Platinum White Pearl bi-tone with Midnight Black Metallic for both variants.
Production of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 will begin during the third quarter of this year.
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
Hi my name is Ian, I ordered a Rav4 Dynamic Premium PHEV on 7th February 2022, the order number is KS4841, my customer ID is 4667930, I haven’t received any information on My Toyota App. regarding my order, could you please check that I’m registered with my Toyota App. to receive information about my order, the reason being is that I have read previous posts from customers that ordered their cars well after mine and they receive information, and on my App I don’t get any information at all.
Hi Ian,
Thank you for your order.
There is an error on the system, which may be why you are not receiving information.
Please contact our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further.
You can find them here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Hi, I ordered a RAV4 phev dynamic premium back in March and now the latest date says July 2023 which will be a considerable delay. However as others have stated it seems the dynamic premium is no longer available and so I actually have no idea as to the specification of the car I might or might not receive in July next year. I ordered the dynamic premium model due to specific features like the heads-up display, how do I find out what options will be available on the 2023 specification ? I assume with a July delivery date that I will now receive the 2023 model and not the 2022 model?
Thanks.
Hi Stephen,
We apologise for the delay in delivering your new RAV4 PHEV.
Please speak with your local Toyota Centre regarding the specification of your order.
Thank you.
Hi Stephen
I ordered the Premium model and just found out that it’s been changed to Dynamic model with Pan roof….No JBL. I’m trying to find out about the other options. I’m not happy as I haven’t been told that my order had changed so I think there is going to be some upset customers .
Hi Andy, thanks for your order.
We are sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied.
Our Customer Relations Team would be best placed to assist you. Please contact them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Hi I have Ordered a Rav 4 plug in in August 2022 will I be getting the upgrades as advertised in My 23 model because my vehicle is due for delivery only in March 23
Hi, thanks for your comment.
It’s great to hear that you have a RAV4 PHEV on order. We cannot provide updates on your order, your local Toyota Centre are best placed to provide these as and when they become available.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi Toyota,
The RAV4 Icon trim level is noted as having a 7″ combimeter display, as opposed to the 12.3″ display on the other HEV models.
Does this simply mean that it keeps the older MY22 display, still used on the PHEVs, or is it alternative version of the newer combimeter displays?
Unfortunately, all attempts to find a picture of it have drawn a blank. 🙁
Many thanks.
Hi Dave, thanks for your question.
The MY23 RAV4 Icon Trim is equipped with a 12.3″ Digi Dash.
Thanks.
Hi Toyota
I ordered Rav4 Excel 2.5 Hybrid FWD in August on contract is model My22 but registration plate will be 2023 question is did I get on my rav4 12.3″ Digi Dash.
Thanks so much
Hi Sylwester,
Thanks for your comment.
Just because the vehicle has a 2023 registration plate, this does not always guarantee that it will be a MY23 vehicle.
Your Toyota Centre will be best placed to confirm which Model Year vehicle you will be receiving.
Thanks.
Hi I ordered a rav4 dynamic January 2022, will it be the new 23 model or just 23 numberplates my distributor doesn’t seem to know .
Also the Toyota centre said the dynamic model is being discontinued and I would receive an excel.
Hi Angela, thanks for your order.
Please provide your Order Number so that we can look into this.
In regards to your second comment, it is correct that the dynamic model has been discontinued.
Thanks.
When will the RAV4 2023 plug in version be available to order? There seems to be no brochure online to look at. Thank you.
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your comment.
More information on this should be available towards the end of the year.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
I ordered my new RAV4 self charging hybrid in May (LG7697) with an estimated delivery date of November. I am now advised that it will not arrive until well into 2023 as it will be MY23. Whilst that is disappointing there is a big positive in that my23 seems to resolve the only issue with my current 2020 model: the infotainment system and in particular the satnav. Are you able to provide an approximate production/delivery date though?
Hi Phil,
Thanks for your order.
Your Toyota Centre would be best placed to provide an estimated ETA for your order.
Thanks.
Thanks for your reply but my dealership could not provide clarification beyond that it’s delayed to next year. In the current circumstances it helps to be able to plan ahead for financial commitments. I would have thought an indication of likely build quarter would at least be possible!
Hi Phil,
We have sent you an email.
Thanks.
I ordered a 2023 rav4 excel back in May for delivery in March. I like the multimedia upgrades. They are showing in the configurator interior images and spec now. The configurator also specifies GR sport alcantara seats in place of leather and white interior lighting on shelf and cupholders instead of blue. Is this a glitch?
Hi Simon, thanks for your comment.
Could you send us the link please, we can’t find this on our end.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Presently driving my 5th RAV and looking at the delivery times may have to visit dealer 1 year before change date due to the lead times.
Very concerned with the present RAV vulnerability to theft due to the ability to get into the engine bay via the plastic wheel arch and taking control of the CAN network. Are you aware of Toyota looking into this vulnerability ?
Also do you know if the Corolla Cross have steel front wheel arches as the Cross would also be another option.
Hi Keith, thanks for your comment.
We appreciate your loyalty to Toyota and understand your concerns. We are aware of this situation and have some advice to help avoid this occuring.
Here are some of our tips:
-Set the keys to “sleep mode” as the SMART keys of current generation models have a sleep mode or battery saving mode. This prevents the signal being transmitted until the key is re-awoken by pressing any button. You can do this by holding down the ‘Lock’ button and pressing the ‘Unlock’ button twice (confirmation is given by four flashes on the key fob). You can also do this for your spare key.
-When not in use, place the key in a Faraday pouch. There are a number of Faraday pouch options available. It is also advisable to place the spare key in a Faraday pouch.
-The SMART entry / SMART start function can be completely disabled using the customisation feature. This is probably not ideal but is available as an option which can be completed following the steps in the vehicle customisation menu of the multimedia display.
Unfortunately, we have no information on the Corolla Cross.
Many thanks.
Thanks for your reply.
Unfortunately your advise given does not address the problem of the plastic wheel arch / plugging into the CAN network method of theft. Using a physical deterrent ( steering wheel cover) appears to be the only way to reduce the risk of theft of the RAV.
Looking at videos of RAVs being stolen in under 2 minutes makes me question whether I will get another RAV unless Toyota takes this problem seriously and comes up with a solution.
Hi Keith,
We recommend reading our Car Security Advice and Tips article. You can find this here: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/car-security-advice-and-tips/. There is reference to your question in Tip 4.
We also advise speaking to your Toyota Centre regarding protective measures and actions you can take to help protect your vehicle.
Thanks.
My 71 plate RAV4 PHEV Excel is due for replacement in early 2024 and I need advice on when I should look to be ordering and the specs that will be bailable. My present vehicle is missing features that were in the previous RAV like heated steering wheel, windscreen defrost/ washer defrost plus the all round cameras. Will these option be available in 2024?
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your comment.
We hope your RAV4 Plug-in is serving you well.
Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on the specification of vehicles this far into the future.
Please keep an eye on our blog for the latest information on our vehicle offerings.
Thanks.
Thanks are these available on the 2023 model has I may look to swop early but fear you won’t be able to deliver until 2024 even if i orer now so that why i need some answers. Other manufacturers are able to commit to 2024 specs due to delays hence the question
Hi Bob,
Due to unprecedented demand we have sold out of the current RAV4 Plug-In model. However, you can sign up to keep informed on any updates regarding this, here: https://forms.toyota.co.uk/sign-up-rav4-phev.
Thanks.