Overview & Reviews

Originating in the latter half of the 1990s, the Toyota RAV4 was one of the first entries in the small crossover SUV market. Almost two decades later, today's RAV4 is considerably larger than that pint-sized original, but the core appeal of versatility, good fuel economy and favorable on-road manners are firmly intact.

The RAV4 has been very popular with consumers through the years, so there are going to be plenty to choose from if you're searching for a used model. The newest third- and fourth-generation RAV4s are the most family-friendly and come with the most features, but an older RAV4 should still appeal to young families and urban singles in search of a reliable compact crossover SUV.

Current Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is offered in LE, XLE and Limited trim levels. All have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard and buyers can choose either front- or all-wheel drive. With an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined driving, the RAV4 is as fuel-efficient as its competitors.

Base LE standard feature highlights include air-conditioning, reclining second-row seats, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface and iPod/USB integration. The XLE adds alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and sport front seats. The Limited features bigger wheels, a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, a power driver seat, heated front seats and faux leather upholstery.
Major options, depending on the trim level, include automatic high beams, blind-spot/lane-departure warning, Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system, a navigation system and premium audio.

In reviews, we've found that this RAV4 gets just about everything right. Its roomy cabin boasts more cargo room than most rivals and provides ample seating space for adults both front and rear. The overall interior design is modern looking, and the Entune system provides useful smartphone app integration, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can sometimes be finicky to use. There's no engine upgrade available, but the RAV4's 2.5-liter four is refined and adequately powerful. Handling is secure, and the all-wheel-drive system adds further athleticism on curvy and slippery road surfaces. In the interest of comfort, we recommend the smaller wheel options, as the 18-inch wheels tend to have a rougher ride quality.

Used Toyota RAV4 Models
The current, fourth-generation RAV4 debuted for 2013. It maintained the typical RAV4 strengths of carlike driving manners, versatile cargo and passenger configurations and all-around comfort. It's about the same size as the previous generation, but has bolder styling, a more modern interior and some new features. It also has an easier-to-use, top-hinged liftgate instead of the previous swing-out gate, though the previously available third-row seat was discontinued. There have been no notable changes since its debut.

The previous Toyota RAV4 represented the third generation, which Toyota produced from 2006-'12. Compared to earlier models, these RAV4s were bigger and offered an available V6 engine and third-row seat.

In its inaugural third-generation year, two engine choices were offered. A 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine delivered 166 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.5-liter V6 produced 269 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. Automatic transmissions were standard, with the four-cylinder paired with a four-speed, while the V6 received a five-speed unit.

Three trim levels were also offered: base, Sport and Limited. Base feature highlights included air-conditioning, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat and full power accessories. The Sport added 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and a roof rack, while the Limited topped it off with 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat and an upgraded audio system. A third-row seat, a moonroof, leather upholstery and a DVD-based rear entertainment system were options on upper level trims.

We praised these models for their pleasant driving manners and convenient cargo space, but deducted points for the side-hinged rear gate and noticeable road noise. We also preferred the powerful V6 over the base four-cylinder engine that suffered with its outdated transmission and mediocre fuel economy.

Changes since its debut were minimal but included additional standard airbags in 2007, a slight styling update in 2009 (with an external spare-tire delete option) and a power increase for the four-cylinder engine (from 166 hp to 179 hp). A newly available touchscreen audio interface and Toyota's Entune smartphone apps were introduced for 2012.

The second-generation Toyota RAV4 (2001-'05) was larger than the original RAV4, with more expressive styling and innovative removable second-row seats that gave it truly impressive cargo-carrying capabilities. Early models had a 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that came up short versus the larger four- and six-cylinder engines offered by competitors. Toyota addressed this to some extent in 2004 by replacing the 2.0-liter with a larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 160 hp. Acceleration was markedly improved, and buyers could still choose a manual or automatic transmission. Overall, we found this RAV4 to be a fun-to-drive urban runabout thanks to its precise suspension tuning and high fuel economy ratings.

The first-generation Toyota RAV4 (1996-2000) was offered in two-door and four-door body styles, with a convertible version for a brief period. The first-gen RAV4 was appealing to young singles, but due to its narrow width and tight rear legroom, this cute ute was ultimately no substitute for a traditional family vehicle. Advantages included carlike handling, a low cargo floor and a large rear door that made loading cargo a breeze.

User Reviews:

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  Mixed bag - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By RonC - December 28 - 1:57 pm

  Pros: Roomy, great gas mileage, dependable, good dealer network, good driver lumbar support. Cons: Armrest placement awkward for trip comfort, suction cup marks on windshield, handles rough pavement poorly, wind noise very noticeable at highway speeds, outside rearview mirrors block side views, no way to judge your parking as fender height totally blocks any visibility for parking. Overall road comfort feel is like a truck.This is my seventh toyota and I feel the rav 4 did not meet my expectations.

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  At first impressed and then not so much - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By spidermum - December 8 - 3:00 pm

  I am a 7 year Toyota owner and didnt think twice when it was time to buy a another car. My 2003 Corolla took me to 150,000 miles with no problems (besides standard maintenance). I bought my CERTIFIED 2008 RAV4 in November of 2009 and have had to replace the breaks, tires, and battery since then. At first, I loved the snappiness (torque) of my V6 Rav4. After replacing the breaks and the tires (after 6 months of ownership) I was a little discouraged. Then, my battery went out and what I didnt know is that the power steering is powered by the battery. I lost complete power steering in the middle of a major intersection and am thankful to be alive.

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  Malfunction at 90 miles - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By wpenny - November 29 - 12:20 am

  I am disappointed with the 2008 Rav4. I turned a corner last night, pressed on the gas and the car jerked and three major malfunction indicator lights came on (4WD, VSC and a lamp). Toyota does not know what the codes are and needs to contact Toyota engineering. 3-weeks old and malfunctions. Should have stuck with the Camry

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  Engine problems - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Somerset Ky - November 2 - 2:00 am

  With only one year and 9000 miles on the vehicle a piece fell from inside the valve cover and went into the engine doing about $3000.00 in damages to the engine. Dealership advised it was a bad design by Toyota, but would didnt think it would be recalled. The fan belt has a squeek in it ever since.

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  2013 RAV4 AWD Limited - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By paul280 - September 17 - 12:03 am

  We bought the car in mid-August. We really like the Blind Spot Monitor option. Also, an unexpected but convenient feature is that the music files on a USB drive can be played back directly. We also like the memory function of the driver’s seat. Our main complaint is that the ride is really bumpy, even bumpier than my 20-year-old Corolla. Another thing is that the air outlets have begun to make an abnormal sound when switching the air flow from the setting of upper body and feet to the setting of upper body. Since the car has less than 2000 miles on it and it already got a problem, I really question the long term reliability of this vehicle.

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  Toyota meesed it up - Hood Vibrates - Watch it. - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By and44 - September 10 - 12:17 pm

  Toyota with the RAV created this segment. Instead of improving with every iteration they are down grating on quality, workmanship, reliability and customer satisfaction. I own the 2013 Limited version since April 2013. It has 9,000 kilometers, the main issue is that the hood vibrates while driving on uneven pavement in the city and on smooth pavement on the highway. This is a design issue that Toyota needs to address. Toyota chose to have a flimsy hood for less weight. Two trips at the dealership could not resolve the problem. Toyota is referring me to the dealer, even though the dealer stated clearly there is nothing they can do to address this issue. Toyota is behaving arrogantly.

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  Nav lockout disappointing - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By jacksonholerski - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle after months of researching it and other vehicles. I cant believe I never came across anyone talking about the navigation system which does not allow you to use it when the vehicle is moving! I couldnt understand why the nav would only work sometimes and then on a road trip 2 days ago I finally stopped at an out of state dealer that told me why. It is so dangerous to stop to use the navigation system! I never would have bought either the car or the car with nav already in it. I feel cheated and betrayed and likely sell this car and demand a rebate from Toyota.

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  Catastrophic Engine Failure/vvt oil leak - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Deb - August 19 - 12:10 am

  I used to love this car. I ordered it specifically. We own several Toyotas. After only 37000 miles I had a VVT hose leak spraying the car engine and making loud grinding sound. The dealer will not examine the valves or open the drip pan. I have found this is more common than Toyota is letting on. Toyota has only replaced the hose (60000 power train warranty) and will not agree to look for any damage that may have occurred. The warning light does not come on until the oil is gone and the engine is frozen. Horrible combination. Hope this helps someone else avoid this situation.

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  Poor Mileage Unreadable Climate Display - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By R Grimes - August 14 - 1:16 am

  This car is acceptable. I dont get anywhere near the promised mileage. The Premium Radio and Climate control display is unreadable in sunlight while wearing sunglasses. It is a clear safety hazard to try and operate them while driving. They need to be better lit as they are fine at night.

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  HATE it LOVE it - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By justadriver - August 7 - 7:18 am

  My version of the 2016 rav 4 is the most expensive with the birds eye view and thinking that spending 40,000 on this car would last me a lifetime, but I am slowly starting to count down the days until I am able to trade it in. Dont get me wrong the birds eye view is great, the blind spot sensors are great, the car is awkwardly high and low at the same time, but what bothers me the most is that I can never get the Pandora or Iheart radio to work. And the apps for Toyota are really horrible. The car itself is spacious if you are no taller than 5"10 so far the Ive only had one oil change, and seems to be running fine, but I only get 23mpg city which seems very low for an eco friendly 4 cyl. car.