2023 Toyota RAV4 Exterior Colors
1. Introduction
Faber Birren is one of the most well-known color scientists to date and has compiled a list of attributes and emotions associated with each color. His works show that although each color has both positive and negative attributes, the perception of the color's attributes is highly subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. Despite this subjectivity, these color attributes are highly prevalent in today's society and can make or break one's interpretation of a given object. (Long, 2020)
Color, simply put, has the unique ability to influence thoughts and emotions. It can affect a person's immediate interpretation of a certain object and can alter the way that they think about that said object on a subconscious level. Studies have shown that it takes only 90 seconds for a customer to form an opinion about a product and between 62% and 90% of that interaction is determined by the color of the product alone. This is significant for the RAV4 because anyone who purchases a vehicle has a very high interaction level with it, and the color may very well influence future purchase decisions. In some cases, color can even persuade a consumer to simply accept or decline a product.
To understand the true importance of 2023 Toyota RAV4 exterior colors, we must look at the bigger picture. Story time: you're driving down the highway and in the distance you see a high-powered, stylish Toyota RAV4 in your rear view mirror. It's gaining on you and as it pulls ahead you notice that it is the exact same model as the one you're currently driving, but something is different. Oh yes, it's the color, the other RAV4 is a deep dark blue and yours is a light sandy color. You kick yourself for not getting the blue, because now not only do you know that the blue is far superior to the color that you chose, but everyone else who sees your RAV4 and the other one will think the same thing. This scenario is evidence of the monumental role of exterior colors and their impact on the perception of the RAV4 vehicle.
1.1. Importance of Exterior Colors
Beranger has written that car companies have discovered that color is an easy way for consumers to add their personal touch to their cars without having to pay for costly options like better trim, stereos or even power windows. This means that when people don't have enough money to buy a better version of a car they already own, they tend to buy the same version but in a cheaper price and spend the rest of the money customizing it. And even though having the same price, the resale price of the car with the added customization will be higher compared to the car with no customization. This would be beneficial to the consumers and also car companies because they will be in higher demand to consumers who would want to have a custom version of the same car, hence color has a direct impact on the demand of a car model. (Bysko et al., 2020)
Australian automotive industrial designer, Paul Beranger, wrote in his thesis about car color concepts and color changeability. One of the car company's officials that he interviewed said "The color is more important than the design. People won't buy an ugly car, but if it's in the right color they may well do so." Although it may seem that the design is more important, the car company officials interestingly claimed that the color is more important as people would not mind buying an ugly designed car as long as it is in the right color. This is an interesting statement that gives further emphasis on how important the color is compared to the car design, thus it would also affect the resale price of a car.
An external aspect of a car is also something that determines the price of the car itself. Research from a company called Autometric, Inc. recently discovered that the resale price of a car can increase or decrease up to $1000 depending on how good the car looks. Their vice president, Heyward Wagner, says "Consumer attitudes about a car's desirability are often linked to the colors offered on that vehicle. This has a direct impact on the brand and model's resale value." This shows that how important the color of a car can increase the price of it, it would also have a direct impact on people's perception about the brand and model of the car.
1.2. Impact of Exterior Colors on Vehicle Perception
The impact of color upon perception can be found through numerous studies. While color's meanings can be rooted in local or specific society, some attempts to universally analyze the psychology of color have been conducted. For the RAV4, as an example, silver has been the best selling color in North America. Silver, by conventional wisdom, is considered a conservative and calm color, and one not flashy or overly loud. Knowing the RAV4's target market, silver was more or less an ideal color choice for the vehicle - especially at the time of its release. Studies of color and its influence on branding and marketing have been conducted for over a century now, but the psychological impact of color and its effect on consumer perception of vehicles is a topic that has been explored relatively recently. One such study on "The interactive effects of car color, sex, and price on subjects' impressions of vehicle described hypothetical male or female purchasers who bought a car at a price that varied by $1000 and described the color of the car as either navy blue or light blue. No effect of car color was found on price expectations, but expectancy of the typical owner's characteristics was influenced by car color, car type, and sex of the subject" (Aune & Basil, 1994). While color perception has its basis in personal and cultural experience, the color and vehicle type/brand image associations made by subjects in studies can offer predictive implications. Through analyzing consumer expectations by developing perceptions of imaginary owners of cars, such studies can offer auto makers a glimpse of what potential consumers may associate with a given vehicle based on color alone. Since color perception has its basis in personal, cultural and universal experiences and has been shown to often influence consumer purchase decisions, it is imperative that auto makers take color into consideration as one of the key factors in determining how their vehicle will be perceived.
2. Available Exterior Colors for 2023 Toyota RAV4
To keep it simple, all color options for the Toyota RAV4 2023 can be divided into 2 categories: single tone and two-tone. As for the single tone variant, Toyota provides a total of 7 colors. Starting from Blizzard Pearl, Super White, Silver Sky Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blue Flame. Pearls are always a great option to add a touch of luxury to your car, and Toyota offers 4 colors of that. If you're seeking something sporty, Ruby Flare Pearl is the best choice. (Liu et al., 2022)
The paint job for the Toyota RAV4 2023 is a work of art in itself. Toyota has always been great when it comes to providing a wide range of colors for their SUV lineup, so I'm pretty sure you'll find a paint job that fits you. According to Toyota's official press release, there are 10 colors available for the Toyota RAV4 2023, although one of the colors is exclusively available for the hybrid model. The hybrid exclusive colors are all subject to regional availability, with Sriracha and Supersonic Red being the colors exclusively for the RAV4 Prime in North America.
2.1. Classic Black
An exterior color choice is very subjective. A color that is perfect for one person may not be as good for the next person. Humans have historically associated the color black with being classic and elegant, which automatically makes Classic Black a safe bet and a timeless choice. As one of the standard color offerings, the RAV4's black color will have a glossy finish. Although it is a standard color, the glossy finish greatly elevates the car's appearance as a whole. Classic Black is the best option for customers who are planning to sell the RAV4 in a few years because it is a safe and timeless choice. Being generic, the color will not look outdated, thus making the car easier to sell. During the development of the 5th generation RAV4, black cars were widely popular in the USA, Russia, and the Middle East. As a universal color, the black RAV4 will look good in any region around the world. When it comes to trims, the Adventure grade black RAV4 will look menacing and rugged with its black over fenders and lower body panels. Keep in mind the black Styling package offered to XSE Hybrid models. Specifically for XSE hybrids only, this package includes gloss black painted wheels and accents, and a two-tone Midnight Black Metallic with Ice Edge Roof color, a unique black colorway for this RAV4 model. There is a high chance that the black XSE with the black styling package will be the best looking variation amongst all RAV4 models offered.
2.2. Pearl White
Next is pearl white, a very elegant, lustrous color that gives a premium look. White has always been a symbol of peace, honesty, and innocence, and it has always been liked by people. It looks very lavish, especially in sunlight or under street lights. White catches the light and is easy to see and find at night. It's not surprising that many luxury cars are mostly seen in white. In the RAV4, it goes very well with all the trims, and due to its appearance, your vehicle may look a bit more expensive than the money you actually spent on it. White color is available at the cost of $425 and is not common in all RAV4s. You might not see many RAV4s on the road in white.
Out of the seven available colors in the 2023 RAV4, the first and very common among many vehicles across different manufacturers is the classic black color. It's a no-cost color, which means it comes as standard on all models. Black goes well with most vehicles, but unless it's the top-end trim, it looks very normal. Black is a good color if you are purchasing a lower-end trim and planning not to spend extra bucks. It's easy to maintain compared to light colors, as it looks a bit dirty even if it's loaded with dust and swirling. But it's still a great choice if you want ease of maintenance.
Besides Toyota's quest to make power-packed SUVs/sedans like the RAV4, there is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that produces 203HP and has a cost-effective fuel economy of 26MPG in the city and 35MPG on highways. The one thing that sets Toyota apart from other car manufacturers is the options they provide to consumers. And this is again true in terms of the color options provided in the all-new 2023 RAV4. Toyota has gracefully given multiple color options to choose from. Let's have a look at that.
2.3. Magnetic Gray Metallic
The Magnetic Gray Metallic paint color looks professional on the RAV4 because it creates a sleek and bold appearance on the SUV. The RAV4 looks more dominant and ambitious on the road, and the gray color also enhances the car's design making it look more modern and up to date. The gray paint is a great choice for all RAV4 lovers looking for a flawless and attractive color because it will not disappoint. The Magnetic Gray Metallic RAV4 is an essential upgrade for drivers who want a top-notch SUV at an affordable price. A bold paint color choice can make or break the sale of a car. It doesn't matter how good a car looks or how reliable it is. If the paint doesn't strike the fancy of a buyer, it's not going to sell. This is why the RAV4 in Magnetic Gray Metallic is the affordable and desirable choice for any individual.
2.4. Lunar Rock
The bold and inimitable Lunar Rock is a color to behold, especially when it's on the 2023 Toyota RAV4. This color accentuates the vehicle's formidable off-road protections by giving a spotlight to every angle of the lower SUV. Far from 50 shades of gray, Lunar Rock is a color inspired by the world of outdoor adventure. True to its name, this new RAV4 color option resembles the surface of the moon with its cool-toned, speckled grey color. While it may be hard to get a good look at the moon with all the off-road adventuring the 2023 Toyota RAV4 can do, at least drivers will get to gaze upon this unique color. When dirty, the Lunar Rock color can stand up to more mud than other RAV4 colors and cleans off easily. And with how capable the 2023 RAV4 is at handling rough terrain, Lunar Rock will inevitably become a favorite among outdoorsmen.
2.5. Blueprint
The previous RAV4 was a leftover 2020 blueprint (currently the 2021's are in the showroom). Building it from the ground up and knowing what we were happy with on the last one, we found a 2021 XLE with the convenience package available in the province loaded onto Toyota.ca inventory. Next was the search for the color. Unfortunately, the blue was not available when searching online inventory. Then came a tag from an insurance broker that the previous dealership RAV4 already IPA'd (In Processed Application for new plates, gives a written time to keep the vehicle before canceling the insurance and surrendering the plate back to the customer) and that the cancellation would be for a new RAV4. This was the Universe's way of telling us that we are meant to get this new car. After explaining we could not acquire the desired color, the sales manager was able to work out a dealer exchange for a blueprint RAV4 with another local dealership. (Winkler, 2023)
But I digress, so we bought the car. But with issues. Coming home from camping, we hit some wildlife and wrote the car off. Praise to the 5-star safety. No one was injured in the accident, so I could say it was a no harm, no foul situation. And taking a previous road trip discussion about maybe trying an SUV instead of a small car, we knew what we needed to do. Look for another RAV4. Coming back from the dealership, we could only acquire a lease down payment for a new RAV4 and ended up leaving the dealership feeling defeated. But hey, the RAV4 was now a lease, same car just a different plan.
My husband and I wanted to switch from leasing to purchasing a vehicle. We agreed to go to the dealership to look at a blueprint RAV4 for a starting point. But before we did that, I wanted to look at what our other options were, so I did some research on all the available colors. The Toyota website only had a photo and nothing specific on how to identify the color. I wanted to know how best to describe the Blueprint color, to know that if we did another search, used Carfax, Autotrader, or local car dealerships, that we could help them help us find what we are looking for. So what did I do? I made a spreadsheet. And in that spreadsheet, I found that my color identification skills/descriptions were pretty good. Check out my color sheet at the bottom of "RAV4 Colors", it might help you out too!
It might just be me, but I have a soft spot for blue vehicles. Blueprint is a color name specific to cars manufactured by Toyota. It's not metallic, it's not a certain shade of light or dark - it's just blueprint. It has blue flakes in the paint that give it a moderate amount of pop in the light. Almost giving the color a live look as the car moves. Blueprint has been available on a few models: Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Tacoma, and the all-new 2021 Toyota RAV4.
3. Customization Options
There are three options for wheel choices on the RAV4: 17" five-spoke alloy wheels with P235/65R17 tires (no-cost option), available in silver or dark hand-sport finish, and 18" seven-spoke alloy wheels with P235/55R18 tires with a super chrome finish. The seventeen-inch wheels with a higher profile tire would be better suited for rougher terrains or urban use - it would be easier to find all-terrain tires in the stock size, and the taller sidewall would absorb impacts from curbs or potholes better. The latter eighteen-inch wheel would be more for on-road performance due to the lower profile tire and would be the most appealing to the fashion-conscious buyer, looking to maximize the RAV4's appearance. The wheel with P235/55R18 tires could be purchased as an option on a couple of the two-tone styles; however, it would not be available with a two-tone color combination in any way.
The 2023 RAV4 offers several customization options for the prospective owner to tailor the vehicle to their taste and/or utility requirements. In particular, two-tone color combinations and wheel designs play into the aesthetic look of the RAV4. There is also a collection of additional exterior accessories to cater to outdoor activities such as biking, skiing, snowboarding, or water sports.
3.1. Two-Tone Color Combinations
Two-tone color combinations. Much like the previous years of the RAV4, this generation will offer a selection of two-tone color options to allow buyers to express their personality through their vehicle. For the XSE Hybrid model, three colors are available: Midnight Black/Ice Edge Roof, Blue Flame/Ice Edge Roof, and Lunar Rock/Ice Edge Roof. The latter of which is specified only for the XSE Hybrid and is a unique color to that model only. While the Adventure grade has one option by the name of Lunar Rock/Ice Edge Roof, which gives a rugged and tough look to the vehicle. And lastly, the Limited grade has two options: a more luxurious Supersonic Red/Ice Edge Roof and a more casual color by the name of Silver Sky Metallic/Midnight Black Metallic Roof. The two-tone colors are definitely pleasing to the eye and add an extra level of customization for the buyer. This will likely lead to many people splurging for the up-level model to get the two-tone color of their choice.
3.2. Wheel Options and Finishes
Unlike many other vehicles on the market, the Toyota RAV4 offers a variety of well-thought-out wheel designs and finishes. There are up to 5 different designs, all of which are 18" and you will have the option between steel and alloy for each design. The base design offered is a steel wheel with a silver split-spoke styled wheel cover. It is very basic in design, but the finish on the RAV4 does not make it look bad. The fact that there is no aluminum finish to peel or damage makes these a good choice for any RAV4 which will see off-road use. The second wheel design is an 8-spoke alloy wheel which also comes in a silver finish. This wheel has a bit more style than the first and would be a good choice for someone wanting to add some visual appeal to their base model RAV4. The third design is the most commonly associated with the RAV4, a 5-spoke alloy wheel. This wheel has a nice blend of design and price and comes in either a silver or a machined finish. These wheels are found on most V6 or Limited RAV4s and are a good choice for anyone wanting a factory replacement. The fourth design is also a 5-spoke alloy wheel but instead has a more rugged and simplistic design, somewhat similar to the base model steel wheel. These wheels are also only available in a silver finish and are commonly found on Sport model V6 or Limited RAV4s. The final design is the most bold and flashy design available, a 10-spoke alloy wheel. These wheels are only available in a machined finish and are commonly found on the Sport model 4-cylinder RAV4s. Although they may be visually appealing to some people, the amount of edges and spokes make them more susceptible to trail damage. Overall, these wheel design options offer a nice amount of customization for a RAV4 and can help a buyer add some personal flair to their vehicle. With there being no shortage of RAV4s on the used car market, a set of replacement wheels available through a Toyota dealer or eBay for a new car take-off price will make the RAV4 look much newer where the paint or body style has not changed.
3.3. Additional Exterior Accessories
Roof rack cross bars - The minivan extender is made of clear anodized aluminum. Includes molded end supports and black vinyl-coated aerodynamic crossbars provide a stylish/sporty look, and can support a maximum of 100 lb. utilizing the load capacity of the roof. The roof rack accommodates cross bars in three different configurations: raised, flush, and side. Tie down/luggage basket - Get the extra cargo space you need with the strong and stylish tie down/luggage basket combo. This KC Mule/Grab Bar is built from premium quality materials and is designed to compliment the Toyota RAV4 (44621). This basket has a 46" x 36" platform that sits on a 7" x 7" and can hold over 125 lb. Six inches of the platform is surrounded with a durable plastic shroud. The basket is also easy to install and remove without the use of any tools. The basket comes complete with a hardware bag and clear and easy to read assembly instructions. This product is made in the USA and is backed by a limited one-year warranty.
4. Conclusion
My advice when choosing the perfect exterior color for your 2023 Toyota RAV4 is to take your time. Don't rush your decision and pick the first color that you feel at the time because you may regret your decision after it has been done. Take some time to consider your options and the pros and cons of each color, and you have a much better chance of being content with the decision that you have made. This is why I have detailed the customization options that are available if you still have not found the color for you, in hopes that it helps you enjoy the appearance of your vehicle even further. A world-class reliability record and excellent resale value mean you'll also get a fairly worry-free and solid ownership experience compared to many other small SUVs. The only thing it might not want to stroll into is a serious off-road. As a mini SUV, the RAV4 has a limited ground clearance, and the available 4WD system is designed for snow and rain, not rocks and mud. But for the majority of RAV4 owners, it offers a major boost in foul weather traction in a more manageable packaging. The exteriors of very few Toyotas ever come with any type of cause for complaint, and the RAV4 is no exception to this. This latest generation RAV4 features a more aggressive look to it, and its wheelbase has been increased slightly, providing that the RAV4 has a more "sporty" stance. Available features include 17 or 18-inch wheels, a hood scoop, unique grille and headlamp design, and various lower body kits. The Limited model also offers the new ability to add a few more features and still have a unique look with a new top-of-the-line Appearance Package. This package includes a new paint color, Blizzard White, rearview mirror turn signals, chrome-accented door handles, and a "high profile" rear spoiler. Also new to the RAV4 is the Sport Appearance Package, and this can be seen as an upgrade to base model RAV4s as it upgrades their standard features to those of the stylish Sport model. If none of these options have satisfied you and you still don't feel like your RAV4 looks the way you want it to look, the RAV4 has a bounty of exterior customization options available to it.
4.1. Choosing the Perfect Exterior Color for Your 2023 Toyota RAV4
Your RAV4's exterior is what you see every day and what other people look at when your vehicle drives by. You want to love the color you choose and be happy with it for many years to come. Remember, the right color can actually enhance and protect your investment. The wrong color can make a vehicle look dated, cheap or unattractive. Different colors can affect the car in different ways. Dark colors absorb sunlight and light colors reflect it. If a car is in a sunny climate and the driver uses air conditioning, light exterior colors are best to keep the car cool. Dark colors are also considered elegant and hide dirt, while light colors don't show scratches as much. Yellow, red and some shades of blue are considered sporty colors, whereas silver, gold and beige are more conservative and timeless. White is a standard color that can fit into any lifestyle and can also hide dirt quite well. However you feel about it, choosing a color is a very personal decision and often one of the most difficult choices to make when purchasing a new car. There are a wide variety of colors and shades available to choose from for your 2023 Toyota RAV4. The most recent exterior colors available include Ruby Flare Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Midnight Black Metallic, Blue Flame, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White and the new color Limestone. The following pictures and descriptions will assist you in determining which color best fits your personality and lifestyle to truly make your RAV4 your very own.
4.2. Enhancing Your RAV4's Appearance with Customization Options
You can further customize the appearance of your 2023 Toyota RAV4 by adding a variety of packages and accessories. Opt for the available two-tone RAV4 options, which adds a touch of sophistication with a black or ice edge colored roof. Available on Trail and Limited grades, the RAV4 two-tone design paired with RAV4's large front grille and robust profile gives off a sporty feel, while the XSE Hybrid refines the look with a black roof top paired with the standard Blizzard Pearl or an optional Ruby Flare Pearl colored body. The XSE Hybrid also comes with standard 18-inch wheels, black accents and a 2-tone paint scheme, giving you a more customized appearance straight from the factory. The RAV4's available 18" 6-spoke or 5-spoke black alloy wheels are sure to turn heads, or you can venture further with the RAV4 TRD Off-Road's 18" matte black TRD flow-formed alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. Toyota RAV4 2023 also provides a large selection of running boards and dashing guards, crafted to enhance the appearance and utility of your SUV.
References:
Long, J., 2020. EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS, AND COLOR SPOTS. tdl.org
Bysko, S., Krystek, J., & Bysko, S., 2020. Automotive paint shop 4.0. Computers & Industrial Engineering. researchgate.net
Liu, Y. C. M., Brazell, J. D., & Allenby, G. M., 2022. Non-linear pricing effects in conjoint analysis. Quantitative Marketing and Economics. [HTML]
Winkler, I., 2023. Advanced and sustainable technologies for automotive industry innovation. google.com