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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  Good car but needs more power - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By Lioness - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is alot of fun to drive. I like the fact that it is still small enough to be like a car yet higher up so that I can see more around me.

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  1997 Toyota Rav4 (auto 2.0l 4dr) - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By panowak2 - August 28 - 8:22 pm

  I owned this 6yr. old / 57000mi. Rav4 for 5 years, used it for USPS duty for 2 years. It had decent engine performance, but got worse in higher gears. Overall seating package was not very good, with awkward rear access coupled with poor thigh support made it uncomfortable for taller peoples. Gas mileage was fairly poor at about 22 mpg. overall; never got above 24 mpg. Traction on ice and snow was bad as can be for 4wd. Rear trunk room was good, as was overall reliability and materials quality. Engine and transmission usually were flawless. Almost no body rust at 11 yrs. old. Tire wear was a bit excessive over time, and getting tires for it was very expensive.

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  Brake problem - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By RICE - August 27 - 1:23 am

  My wife bought rav4 2005 from maplewood brach and it has a sever problem of brake during snow and cold weather. It slides on very little snow. Even if you are driving low and try to stop it skids. It doesnt stop immediately as you step on the break. It keeps going with a sound gggggg struggling to stop. So my wife is not happy to drive during snow time.

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  Dissapointed - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim S. - June 19 - 3:39 am

  Probably just luck of the draw but my Brand New Rav 4 had a faulty transmission that the dealer acknowledged and replaced to their credit. It had a very pronounced whining/whistling noise on deceleration and still has some whistling noise to it on acceleration now. If I knew then what I know now about CVT Transmissions, I would have purchased a different vehicle that has a conventional trans. Did much research before the purchase and the Rav 4 had awesome reviews across the board which heavily influenced my decision to purchase it. Live and learn.

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  RAV4 after one year - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By carguy - April 21 - 1:06 pm

  Audible beeps when merely locking/unlocking doors is EXTREMELY annoying. It sounds like car thief alarm. Gas mileage is horrible, not even getting the minimum. No leg room for driver (Im 61") with the electronic seat.

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  So Far Not A Favorite - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill - April 11 - 12:30 am

  Whoever writes all the positive reviews on the Toyota Rav4 Sport definitely did not drive a Chevy Tahoe prior to downsizing, which was a big mistake. For us, its hard to find the good that outweighs the bad. Hopefully, the Rav4 will have a decent trade-in value as we hope to rid ourselves of it soon. We read tons of information regarding this car. We have not found the economy, comfort, pep, or anything else. Our average mpg is 24, far from the 28. The ride is rough, and the passenger seat and seating area is the most uncomfortable ever! Even the steering wheel is misplaced causing uncomfortable driving if going any distance. Also, very poor stereo sound system and very loud road noise.

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  ok rental. lots of space. great city, bad freeway - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By jsohiorenter - April 1 - 6:12 pm

  Very attractive little suv, esp with the alloy wheels, which were above and beyond the entry level offerings for other comparable vehicles. Nice. For a small suv, great cargo space and overall roominess. The powertrain is really great and smooth up to about 35 and accelerates nicely. But get this thing going faster and the engine seems to really labor, buzz unpleasantly, and the transmission seems to get confused, searching for gears then delivering some really hard shifts. The trip display computer is not as intuitive as those in other cars. Lots of wind noise from the windshield. Ride was very good and there were no rattles or squeaks, good considering it was old by rental car standards, pushing 30k. The freeway ride was a little unsettling in that steering was imprecise and floaty. the driving position was pretty good, but would have appreciated a seat that raised up a little higher and the console armrest was too far back to be useful with a hand on the wheel. Ergonomically, it gets a big F just for the window switches alone. your left arm almost has to reach awkwardly around the door handle to get to the power windows. Bad design here. No long term review as I only drove it for three days, but probably wouldnt buy it. Brake pedal modulation was terrible. you have to push the pedal a few inches with no resistance or response whatsoever, then a sudden grab.

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  Big Problems - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Ravlight - March 17 - 6:43 am

  Im very displeased with the quality of this vehicle. I had numerous small problems that required several trips to the dealership, plus at only 60K, the AC compressor needs to be replaced (not covered by the warrenty). That and the fact that it is extremely underpowered, very noisy on the highway, and the back seats are very difficult to take in and out. It is very good on gas, rides and handles great in the city and has ample cargo room.

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  Poor Quality of work - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Pat McMullen - February 14 - 11:36 pm

  As a customer of Toyota, my wife and I are disappointed in the vehicle we have purchased. The Toyota Rav is only 7 years old and we need a new transmission. I have had 5 brand new cars in my life so far and never needed a new transmission installed as a maintenance problem with my cars. The Toyota was not in any kind of accident. I was told my the technician it was due to transmission fluid being low. I just think Toyota could do a better job of building their products than this. Everyone is saying how good Toyota is we decided to purchase our new Toyota vehicle but so disappointed to have the transmission gone with only 79,000 miles. Gear is slipping from 2nd to 3rd.

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  Wheres the leather? - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Leslie - February 8 - 10:08 am

  Actually, I almost bought this car until I found out that you cant get leather seats anymore. Dont be fooled! The leatherette is really an upgraded vinyl. It will never be leather and dont let them tell you that it is better or even as good as leather. It isnt! Cheap! Toyota blew it on the new 2016 RAV4.