28 MPG combined is acceptable fuel economy in the 2023 Toyota RAV4 AWD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. This isn’t a hybrid trying to match the Prius’s fuel efficiency, nor is it a sporty SUV focused on performance. The RAV4 AWD is a good fit for buyers who want practicality, reliability, and all-wheel drive without excessive gas costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for this RAV4 configuration, numbers that reflect what the vehicle does well and not so well. The 2.5L engine paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission provides enough power for merging and passing, but it’s not particularly exciting. Around town, the engine’s responsiveness and smooth transmission help maintain reasonable efficiency. On the open road, the RAV4 cruises comfortably, letting the engine run at lower RPMs, which helps achieve the respectable highway MPG. The all-wheel-drive system engages when needed, providing added traction without significantly impacting fuel consumption during normal driving conditions. Aggressive driving will affect economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,550 for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 AWD 2.5L 4-cyl. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs will change depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city or highway), and local gas prices. The more you drive and the higher gas prices are, the more you’ll spend. However, the EPA estimate is a useful benchmark for comparing the RAV4’s fuel costs to other vehicles. You can research RAV4 MPG across all years to understand its fuel economy history.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. RAV4 drivers commonly report numbers close to the EPA’s estimates, meaning the official numbers are fairly accurate. Factors like tire pressure, cargo weight, and weather can influence MPG. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, is also critical for maintaining good fuel efficiency. The 2023 RAV4 AWD’s fuel economy is reliably predictable and consistent.

How it compares

The RAV4 AWD isn’t the fuel economy leader in the compact SUV segment, but it’s competitive. The Honda CR-V AWD gets slightly better fuel economy at 29 MPG combined in its non-hybrid version. The Subaru Forester, with standard all-wheel drive, matches the RAV4 at 28 MPG combined. Some buyers choose the RAV4 for its reliability and overall value, finding the fuel economy acceptable. The Nissan Rogue, with its variable compression engine, gets 30 MPG combined, which may tempt buyers wanting slightly better fuel efficiency. If you only care about fuel savings, look at the RAV4 Hybrid, which greatly improves fuel economy but costs more upfront. You can compare specific trim levels using all Toyota fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid excessive idling. The 2.5L engine, like modern engines, uses fuel when stopped. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, especially in city traffic, turn off the engine to save fuel. Restarting uses little fuel compared to idling.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Correct tire inflation improves fuel economy and extends tire life.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This is effective on long, flat highways where steady speeds improve fuel efficiency. Reduce your speed if you can, as drag affects fuel economy more at higher speeds.

Lighten your load. Carrying extra weight in your RAV4 hurts fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need from the cargo area. Even small amounts of weight add up and affect the engine’s efficiency, particularly in city driving with stop-and-go traffic.

Drive gently and anticipate traffic. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, which waste fuel. Look ahead and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary stops. Smooth driving is safer and more fuel-efficient.