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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  Loved my last one! Stepped up to a snazzier model! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By TS - April 22 - 2:29 pm

  On a whim I traded up for more style than my 2012 Rav 4 which I loved. My new Rav 4 has some additional safely features to help with back up and blind spot, the technology meets my needs, the ride is smooth and quieter than the past model, and It is more sleek in appearance. Its snazzy!

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  Best Car Ever! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By juliev - April 17 - 9:56 am

  I have had my Rav for over 4 years, but almost 100,000 miles on it and aside from new brakes, tires and regular maintenance...Ive never needed to do anything to it. I love this car, its perfect for 2 adults and maybe one child and a dog. The only problem I have is the back seat is too small. We have a one year old, with one on they way and we need to upgrade....cant fit 2 car seats in the back unless you want your knees in the glovebox. Aside from back seat, its a great car with room in the trunk for lots of stuff (including a giant stroller) and it drives great. I would recommend it to anyone!

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  I like it - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By brian - April 12 - 3:20 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Scion tC for this car and feel much safer in the snowy conditions. I drove my Rav in 7 inches of snow the other night and it handled beautifully. All of the traction control and saftey feature are a definite plus. The auto LSD works like a charm. As I pulled into my drive way through the huge snow drift the front wheels slide to the right. I put on the auto LSD and drove straight up the driveway.

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  Love this SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By shelhed217 - April 12 - 9:56 am

  I traded in my 05 dodge grand caravan after the transmission failed (6000 miles out of warranty). I was pretty upset about having to go into the next loan upside down, but having talked to several RAV owners they think I should be even in 3-4 years. It is so much more comfortable even without 8 way adjustable seats, holds everything I need it to, handling is fantastic. But the best part is 26 mpg compared to 18 in the caravan. I couldnt be happier.

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  Like it so far - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave Gogebic - April 12 - 6:30 am

  Just purchased it. Fit and finish is excellent - but did have a cowling rattle that needed to be fixed. Really fun to drive and very quiet. I have the 5 speed which matches up great with the spunky engine. Handling is awesome! Interior room is great and loads of head room. It drives like a sports car but has an incredible amount of interior room for such a small vehicle.

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  Good overall transportation - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Charles - April 10 - 12:27 am

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  Excellent - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Carlos - April 9 - 9:30 pm

  Nothing to complain.

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  Satisfied Customer - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota Woman - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Reliability, a good engine, fun to drive - I love my 1999 RAV4. Other than somewhat uncomfortable front bucket seats which slope downward and a headrest that pushes fwd, mechanically it behaves and has surprising surge power on the highway, when you press the power button.

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  Great Ride - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By hallbltmr - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This was the fourth vehicle I have purchased and by far the best. It has the best gas mileage out of all SUVs and thats real important for me especially now with the high gas prices. I would recommend anybody that is looking to buy/lease a SUV to really consider the RAV4. I know when I replace mine it will definitely be with a new model of it.

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  A Surprise Decision - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Surprised and Happy - March 31 - 11:03 pm

  My BMW 330i was fun, solid and hugely expensive to maintain. I researched many options and while looking at an FJ Cruiser, the salesperson suggested a RAV4. I was surprised at the V6 performance and handling was also unexpected. I loaded it up and chose the Limited because of the heated leather seats.The outside spare was not an issue because I was looking at an FJ. The center dash stack is space ship like and the gauges dont all read top of dial for normal. Im 6ft 3in. and I can wear a cap with the sunroof. This is a very comfortable car with deceptive interior room and storage space, and it is kinda fun to drive. Got the extended warranty and waved good bye to $1000 repairs.