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This is the time of year when people looking to buy vehicles have a decision to make. Is it better to purchase the current model year, or is it wise to wait for the upcoming model year?
Car dealerships typically advertise big specials to clear out their current inventory and make room for incoming vehicle shipments.
However, the ongoing vehicle shortage will play a part in these proceedings this year (more on that later).
Toyota RAV4 is no exception.
2022 Toyota RAV4
RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid fans were greeted with a number of key upgrades for the 2022 model year. New headlight and wheel colors / designs. A new 2022 RAV4 Hybrid SE. Lockable glove boxes. And illuminated interior switches.
These are all RAV4 updates that buyers should find important and may play a part in them wanting to buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4 or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Changes
Yes, the previously mentioned updates are very good. But new features coming for 2023 RAV4 may be looked at as even more significant. Yes, that includes you too, 2023 RAV4 Hybrid.
Toyota has added its new state-of-the-art infotainment system – Toyota Audio Multimedia – to its entire 2023 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid lineup. The 2023 RAV4 Prime was not described in detail in the Toyota press release, but I feel Prime will carry this system as well).
Wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, all-new graphics and stereo options, easy and extensive voice commands, larger multimedia touch screens up to 10.5 inches, and faster processing speeds will greet 2023 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid owners.
Plus, look for modern multi-information displays up to 12.3 inches in size. Cool stuff.
Also, 2023 Toyota RAV4 is updating its safety package to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. Drivers will now have intersection support and evasive steering assist to help prevent potential accidents.
RAV4 Video: My 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition walkaround
A new trim level, the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, is available as well. This new Toyota offering provides both great gas mileage (40mpg combined) and more off-roading capabilities than ever before in a RAV4 Hybrid.
How Vehicle Shortage Affects Toyota RAV4
And now this brings us to the ultimate question for today. Should you buy a 2022 RAV4 or a 2023 RAV4? Or 2022 RAV4 Hybrid or 2023 RAV4 Hybrid?
A 2023 Toyota RAV4 will have more equipment, but I would anticipate it will cost more too. Hopefully slightly more and not much more.
For me, the updates coming to 2023 RAV4 are significant enough to make it tempting to hold out for the incoming model year. One of my vehicle hot buttons is multimedia technology, so this is a no-brainer for me personally.
However, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is more than worthy and is still the best-selling SUV in the entire country.
This will have to be a personal decision that each person will make based on different criteria and situations.
My advice to many of you is altered these days due to the worldwide vehicle shortage affecting just about all manufacturers.
I say if you can find a Toyota RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid or RAV4 Prime and it is configured the way you like, and if it also fits your budget, you should go ahead and buy it.
Many people have been waiting months and months and months for their RAV4 to come in, so it will be a welcome relief when your vehicle arrives.
Time for Your Toyota RAV4 Comments
Have you been waiting for a Toyota RAV4, RAV4 Prime, or RAV4 Hybrid? How long? Do you have an estimated delivery date yet? Are you wondering if you will get a 2022 RAV4 versus a 2023 RAV4?
I would love to know your situation, as it may make for interesting story content that may help other people too.
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.
Jeff Teague - I have been involved in the auto industry for nearly 20 years. I enjoy learning and sharing the most up-to-date news and information. My other talent is creating informative and entertaining automotive videos. I’ve been building and growing my Toyota YouTube channel “Toyotajeff” for the last 5 years. I take pride in delivering informative automotive news, how-to information, and reviews. My background serves me well with my writing. I hope you enjoy the news I bring you. Follow me on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and send me news tips please.
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Comments
Kinda wish I held out for the
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Kinda wish I held out for the 23MY. Big fan of latest tech in my vehicles. Just got the ‘22 Hybrid in February. Worth trading in for ‘23?
I ordered my 2022 RAV4 XSE
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I ordered my 2022 RAV4 XSE Hybrid in February and was told three weeks ago it changed in the computer from ordered” to “in process”. Not sure what that means but I will hold out for the blue color I’m so in love with. They did get a White XSE Hybrid last month, but I’m holding out.
Placed an order for an XLE
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Placed an order for an XLE hybrid in March (Ontario , Canada) was originally told latest it will arrive is September. Now we're being told you'll be lucky to get it this year you might get it 2023. Ask another dealer if they were having the same time lines and they stated they are telling customers 24 months for hybrids.
ordered a Rav4 prime SE first
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ordered a Rav4 prime SE first week of October 2021 in Ontario, Canada. Was told in May I'm next in line and that they were expecting August/September but haven't heard anything since. I don't care which year it is, I just want it to finally arrive sooner than later
We ordered a RAV4 XSE hybrid
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We ordered a RAV4 XSE hybrid with every option except navigation in early March 22, in April we told them we would also take a loaded Limited if that was easier to get, but didn’t want navigation. In mid June I randomly call another dealer and find they have a Limited hybrid with every option except navigation coming in and it was not on hold, so I put a deposit on it to hold the car. July 30 we bought the Limited and got our original deposit back from the 1st dealership.
After 5 months the 1st dealer still had not been allocated a Rav the way we wanted. But I have also been waiting for since April 2021 for three 2022 Ford Super Duty’s, I don’t have good luck ordering vehicles…
I just ordered a Rav4 Hybrid
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I just ordered a Rav4 Hybrid XLE Premium this week Monday. I am in Green Bay, WI.
The dealership told me 8 to 12 month wait. Also, because I have ordered at the time I did, they told me I would be getting the 2023 model and price should go up about $500 for the newer model.
I am also in Green Bay and we
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In reply to I just ordered a Rav4 Hybrid by Jennifer Leffel (not verified)
I am also in Green Bay and we ordered the XSE Hybrid in April. Got the email this morning that it will be built in October. Still a 22 model. At this point, we were hoping 23, but will take it!
Ordered 2023 Rav 4 with
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Ordered 2023 Rav 4 with deposit ( 2022 no longer available) Prime in February 2022. Don't expect to arrive until March 2023. Ontario, Canada.
Ordered 2021 Rav4 Cruiser
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Ordered 2021 Rav4 Cruiser hybrid15/09/2021,was updated in march 22 to a 2022
model,Notified 3 day's ago will be getting 2023 model. I hope this is the last year update,luckily I drive a camry that is in great condition and the wait doesn't really bother me. Interested to know are the full increases in price 3 of in my case,$1580,$750 for 2022 model and increase for 2023 model passed on in the States Regards Jeff Bliss Brisbane Australia.
Well, if you can get a deal
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Well, if you can get a deal on a 2022 that would erase some of the depreciation considering its end of 2022. But since deals are few and physical vehicles on dealer lots is a joke. You will probably see a 2023 more than a 2022. We have a 2021 and love it except for a noisy engine at cold startup. The dynamic engine is great but its nosier than previous gen engine. MPGs are certainly great for an AWD SUV.
Ordered a RAV4 Prime XSE in
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Ordered a RAV4 Prime XSE in February and today got an email saying still no update and most likely will be a 2023.
We ordered a 2022 Rav4 Hybrid
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We ordered a 2022 Rav4 Hybrid Limited in June with a deposit, but still have no timeline on delivery. Dealership was not sure if we'd be getting a '22 or '23 and also did not have pricing on '23 models. Buying a car is a different game these days! Iowa City, IA.
Ordered a XSE Hybrid in April
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Ordered a XSE Hybrid in April. Was told this morning that it will be built the third week of October. 22 model. Was hoping for 23 at this point, but will take the 22 after a 6 month wait!
Ordered a xle hybride May
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Ordered a xle hybride May 14th. Dealer just called and said it will be made Dec 6th at the Indiana plant, and I should have it before years end. I don't know if it a 22 or 23? Are they even making 22 at this point?