2023 Toyota RAV4: Is It Realistic to Get One for Under $30,000?
How much do you have to spend for a 2023 Toyota RAV4 with the necessary equipment? This compact crossover SUV is one of the most popular vehicles in its class and the entire market. Still, it might seem unrealistic for Toyota to claim you can buy this SUV for less than $30,000 while having all the right stuff for your driving needs.
What does the base model of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 include?
The base version of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the LE trim, which comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine providing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain returns 27 city/35 highway mpg, making this small SUV relatively efficient.
In addition to the healthy powertrain, this base version of the RAV4 has:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Six-speaker audio system
- 8-inch infotainment screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 17-inch steel wheels
- LED headlights/taillights/daytime running lights
- Three USB ports
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Remote keyless entry
- Digital instrument panel
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency brain
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlight
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rearview camera
- Tire-pressure monitor
- Hill-start assist
- Intermittent front wipers
- Remote keyless entry
- 7-inch digital gauge cluster
Furthermore, every model of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 receives the ToyotaCare package, which covers free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and free roadside assistance for two years.
All of this comes at the low starting price of $28,275, which fits the claim that you could get a Toyota RAV4 for less than $30,000, but is something missing from this base trim?
How much does adding AWD increase the price?
Using the Toyota Build Configurator for this compact SUV, adding AWD to the mix on your 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE increases the MSRP to $29,675. For consumers satisfied with the packaging of the LE trim but looking for AWD, this slight increase could be worth the cost. Adding AWD not only provides power to all four wheels but also adds the Multi-Terrain Select system, which has the following drive modes:
- Mud & Sand
- Rock & Dirt
- Snow
- Normal
What happens to the price when adding packages to the 2023 Toyota RAV4?
The only package available for the LE trim of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system. This adds $680 to the price of either version of the LE trim. Incidentally, this base RAV4 comes in five colors, one of which (Ruby Red) adds $425 to the price, while the other four are no-cost options.
Two interior colors are available for the RAV4 LE, but adding the Nutmeg fabric color instead of the black fabric requires the addition of the Blind Spot Monitor feature. This makes the Nutmeg fabric a $680 option with additional safety systems to this Toyota SUV.
Adding the Ruby Red color, Nutmeg interior, and added safety features brings the MSRP to $31,205.
Can you step up to a higher RAV4 trim for less than $30,000?
Moving up one rung on the trim ladder brings you to the 2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE. The starting MSRP for this trim with an FWD powertrain is $29,785. This is the top RAV4 model offered for less than $30,000 without adding any options or packages.
The XLE trim adds:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Heated side mirrors
- Variable speed wipers
- Roof rails
- Toyota’s Smart Key keyless entry
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Push-button starting
- Cargo area cover
- Sliding extensions for the sun visors
- Two additional USB ports for the rear seats
- 12-volt cargo bay outlet
- Dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear seat vents
This is a pretty impressive list of features for the slight price increase. The only drawback to the RAV4 XLE is that adding AWD will push this SUV over the $30,000 threshold.
As you can see, you can get a 2023 Toyota RAV4 for less than $30,000 MSRP, but you’re limited to the lowest two trim levels and can only add AWD to the base LE model.
