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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  Great SUV! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob S., Reno,NV - August 4 - 1:26 am

  I have owned various 4WD SUVs since 1990 and to date this is the best overall. Fit and finish is outstanding, great ride, a real fun vehicle to drive. We looked at the 2007 Santa Fe and 2007 CR-V and the RAV4 wins on all most all features. The jury is still out on the 4WD.. Need to drive in some Sierra snow. We lived in Western New York State for 35 years, we still value 4WD.

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  Love my new 2008 RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Vicki - August 3 - 9:46 pm

  After lots of research, I traded in my Camry SE for the 2008 Limited, 4wd,4 cyl RAV I drove a V6 to compare, and it was fast, a quieter engine, but they didnt have the V6 available in the Limited. However, the 4cyl is peppy enough for me. From a dead stop it takes off with plenty of speed and for my commuting needs the 4cyl is fine. The overall feel of the car is super and spacious. Im up much higher than in my Camry and I like that. I love the interior, the safety features and its a smooth drive. Wind noise is nil. I am very happy I bought this vehicle.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Christine - August 2 - 5:00 am

  I have been pleased with my Rav4 since buying it in May. The gas mileage is very reasonable and I am certian that having a 4WD vehicle will come in handy for New York winters.

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  A bunch of 4s - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By billiebad - July 31 - 10:43 am

  1500 miles and three weeks since purchase. Black with Terra Cotta - I like the interior colors versus all black. Just finished a road trip. Milage since purchase 26.8 - estimate highway at close to published 29. It is not a race car but I knew that. Wanted the range of milage we are getting. Enjoy the wide storage in the rear. Better than competition. Front seat comfort is good - visibility is good using mirrors. Interior style is appealing. Challenges - none of which would change my decision. No Homelink - even in Limited trim. Didnt realize and would like. No rain sensing wipers - spoiled with this on another vehicle - and had a very rainy road trip.

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  I absolutely LOVE my new RAV4! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Jessica D. - July 20 - 12:06 pm

  I just traded in my 2009 Toyota Camry LE for a 2010 RAV4 4WD Base model. I must say, I do not miss my Camry at all! The RAV4 is great. It drives so smoothly, handles well, looks awesome. I guess the only drawback (compared to say the Camry) would be the quality of the interior. The RAV is very nice looking, but the Camry is more "luxury" on the inside. I suppose if I would have gotten the Sport or Limited it would be a little fancier. Still, its a great looking car. I did quite a bit of comparing to the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, and Toyota tops them both!

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  Quality is Toyotas Job One - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Sam Eigel - July 19 - 1:00 am

  You pay for what you get. Great quality for the price. You can pay less for an suv but you will not get the build, ride or satisfaction compared to other import brands. Most companies take something of quality out of there cars in order to get the lower price. Honda is a good example of taking quality out but basically keeping the car the same with little improvement. They may seem different but there foxes with sheeps clothing. The manufacture says they have to break completely before they consider fixing it regardless if it has few miles or not. Toyota stands behind what they sell. Dont buy anything else, consider only leasing them if you dont want to be sorry.

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  2007 RAV4 great review! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Kirk - July 19 - 12:16 am

  I leased the vehicle based on the rating in Consumers Reports where it scored the highest in its classification. After six months I have 3,400 miles on it (my wifes vehicle). I had the oil changed at the dealer we leased from and have absolutely no complaints. Great vehicle. It is the 4 cylinder and we average about 28 MPG on the road and 23MPG in the city. Great mileage for a small SUV. Everything works and no recalls. I am very well satisfied at this point!

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  Love what it does for me - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Bradley Jordan - July 17 - 3:53 pm

  I just bought my RAV4 yesterday. I was reluctant to buy it as a RAV4 had been labeled a girls car but the style and look have changed my mind. My gas mileage is actully better than my 2000 Civic right now. I plan on filling up at a quarter of a tank instead at the true empty. I am quite happy with it. Love the storage bins under the floor. I will propbly drive this car into the ground like my CIvic and Camry. I would definitely recommend it. I got tinted windows and the luggage rack.

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  RAV4 Again -- Just Like My Dad Told Me - 2018 Toyota RAV4
  By Sharon - July 13 - 3:01 pm

  My dad told me to find a car that was comfortable to drive, required little maintenance and treat it well. I bought a RAV4 again because the highest maintenance bill on my old 2012 Rav was $25. Dad was right

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  One year old - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - July 12 - 1:00 am

  I purchased an 07 RAV4, February, 2008, used, from a Toyota dealer, replacing a 01 Ford Taurus. Bought a 4 cyl, fwd. Use for daily commuter and weekend chores. Occasional trips. Just recently, averaged 27.5 mph at a steady 75 mph on a 500 mile round-trip. Around town, am getting 22 to 24 mph. As a daily driver, the car is excellent. Perfect for weekend chores. The swing rear door does cause some problems while carrying lumber, however, I knew that when I purchased the vehicle. Otherwise, car is perfect for intended use. Am very pleased with performance, handling, and overall build.