Overview & Reviews

For 2011, the Toyota RAV4 sees only minor changes to standard equipment and option packages.

• Superb power yet great fuel economy from optional V6
• Comfortable ride
• Responsive handling.
• Huge cargo space with flat load floor and low load height

• Taller drivers are a tight fit.
• Interior has a budget feel
• Right-side hinge for tailgate impedes curbside loading

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 54.00

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  More sporty than crossovers - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By jstorbeck - August 22 - 2:24 pm

  After considering and test driving a lot of small SUVs including the Jeep Liberty, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, and Cadillac suv, I ran across the RAV4. I had always read good reviews but I hated the look of the tire on the back. The Sport model solves that with run flat tires and no spare tire. Pickup is good in the V6 and I like that it doesnt look like the "mommy crossovers". Its built on its own frame. Dashboard controls are easy to reach and black. After about 4 months I am getting 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The paint on this car is amazing and durable. My only complaints are road noise is a little more than I would like and the gas tank is a little small.

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  Sporty and My Choice over Equinox - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By jstorbeck - July 23 - 8:15 am

  After test driving a half dozen small SUVs including the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape and Explorer, and Jeep Liberty, I concluded the Rav4 Sport was right for me. Coming from an RX8 I wanted something fun to drive, that looked sporty, and yet had a lot of storage. You get less standard features compared to the Equinox but you have to weigh that compared to Toyota reliability. Also the Equinox back seat does not fold truly flat. Only minor complaints are above average road noise and a stiffer ride. The Sport model looks a ton better as it does not have the ugly tire hanging off the back. It uses run flat tires. Has 269 hp, great visibility, and responsive steering. Good sporty option.

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  A good small SUV - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By badreligion - January 2 - 5:24 pm

  Due to my family growing in size unexpectedly, I traded my 2011 Audi A4 Premium for a 2011 Rav4 Sport V6 with leather and other options. Once I replaced my radio with an aftermarket unit, I am just as happy with this car as my Audi. It is a bit slower, but the V6 is no slouch. The LED taillights look nice, and the full size spare makes me feel good about the car.

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  4500 mile, 6 month review - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By sm1791 - August 20 - 4:34 am

  I bought this RAV4 for Toyota quality. I wanted a quality, V6 , 4x4 small SUV. Overall, I am satisfied so far. (I just got the base model-keep in mind). Acceleration and power is great. Ride could be better, but not bad. Terrible air vibrations when driving with rear windows down (my Liberty did same thing?) Overall interior and exterior functionality is really good. Except...Toyota, this SUV needs a flip-up rear hatch! V6 engine is a little loud for a new Toyota...could be the upgraded alternator. Gas mileage is good...24.2 mpg average...about 28 hwy driving conservatively. Hopefully will increase with synth. oil next month. Overall...7 out of 10 stars so far.

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  Unplanned Purchase, but so Far, so Good - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By chuck17015 - July 10 - 4:31 am

  I wasnt planning to get another car for another year or so, but when the postcard came in the mail, I went to check this vehicle out. Took the test drive and liked the ride. I was coming out of a Honda Fit, so driving this around felt like driving a beast, but I kinda liked it. The Fit was a nice little car with great gas milage, but I just wanted something a bit more capable. Also, the Fit was rather a slow vehicle for something so small. Im happy to say The Rav4s base 4 cylinder actually is quicker than the Fit. The handling is good, not as good as the CRV I once drove, but still solid. The ride is smoother than either of the other vehicles. Still, the gas milage is pretty low.

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  No hill holder on 4cyl. 4wd - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By rr93lwb - July 8 - 8:08 pm

  2011 RAV4 Limited 4cyl. 4x4. For me (63") I find seat bottom short and uncomfortable. Mom (54") loves the seats. Ride isnt terrible but still bounces around like SUVs do. Rides nicely on highway. One of the quieter vehicles. Visibility is pretty good. Storage and cargo space is great. Mom is averaging 14mpg because she drives short 3-5 mile trips to the store or doctor and frequently sits in traffic. But, its still 3-4mpg below lowest EPA estimate. 1 highway trip 1000miles I averaged close to 30mpg. There is no hill holder on the 4cyl. 4wd model. Car rolls back quickly and easily if stopped on incline and remove foot from brake. Very disconcerting. Only thing my mom does not like.

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  90 Day Review - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By sheepleking - February 21 - 1:46 am

  Purchased a 11 Limited RAV4 (Pyrite Mica color) in May and have driven approx 4900 miles in that time. Overall Im pleased with the performance and features. Gas mileage has been approx. 22 mpg in mixed driving with a high of 26.5 for a 600 mile trip to see family in Missouri. A couple gripes are a few rattles/creaks coming from the console (to the right of the shifter) and the passenger seat (underneath near the rails). Ive also had a consistent tapping noise when I am at idle (appt set for this week to have it looked at). Would rate build quality at 3.5 if that was an option. Overall Im pleased with the purchase and have yet to encounter any "buyers remorse".

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  2011 RAV4 4X4 4-cylinder - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By windman3 - December 25 - 8:36 pm

  Ive had my 11 RAV4 for 2 1/2 months. There are many things about this vehicle that I like, but two things that I really dislike: first, the gas mileage is less than what I expected. It will give me 27 mpg on the freeway--but only if I keep my speed under 70. If I go 75 the mileage drops to 26 mpg. If I go 80, it drops to 25. City driving it gives me 22. The other issue I have with this vehicle: the seat is set as far back as it will go and I still cannot stretch out my legs. (Im 58"). This isnt an issue driving locally, but out on the freeway the seating position Im forced to maintain gets old fast. If I had to do it over I would not have purchased this vehicle.

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  Initial Impressions of RAV4 - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By isophorone - September 1 - 11:54 am

  We just bought a used 2011 Base FWD RAV4 with 24K mi on it as we were outgrowing a 1999 Corolla with 199k miles. This RAV4 is pretty stripped down but does have tinted glass. The acceleration is great for a 4 cylinder and the car is quiet. We get 24-25 MPG suburban driving, 28 mpg hwy. Kids are comfortable in the back, and there is plenty of storage for our needs. Visibility good.

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  15K Mile Update - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By sheepleking - March 4 - 8:03 am

  15K mile Update - Well the tapping noise is gone but honeymoon is over. I still like the RAV4, but now all the little things are starting to poke their heads out. - It definitely rides more like a truck now than when I bought it, with the suspension sending me jarring messages over all but the best of roads. - There are also little rattles and squeaks coming from the riser by my head between the driver and passenger door. - The drivers side window rattles a little (just a tiny amount but its definitely noticeable to me) - The noise from the rear when doing 25mph or less is horrible. It sounds like a squeaky/rattleing cage. Ive looked at all the seals, made sure everything was tightened and nothing helps. - Gas mileage has been stagnant...still 18-20 city and 22 - 25 highway. Other than that, it does what I need it to do (hauling kids to sports, school activies, shopping runs, etc.) so I wont complain too much. My next vehicle will probably not be another RAV4 but I wouldnt downplay it if someone told me they were considering buying one.