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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  Okay but... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By okay but......... - July 2 - 1:10 am

  Just passed 10,000 mile mark. Gas mileage not 29 mpg like sticker says, more like 21-22 mpg. Finally adjusted tires so ride not so bumpy. Humming noise at 40 mph is almost unbearable. Dealer says its normal. Drove other RAV4s and heard the same noise. I love everything else about my RAV, but dont know how much longer I can stand the noise.

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  Poor in Snow, Item Fall Out Tailgate - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Anne - July 1 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this SUV last winter. The "run flat" tires are very poor in snow. Need snow tire alternative in "run flat" tire, as there is no room for spare tire. Also, buyer beware that when one opens tailgate items fall out onto the ground. I warn that a small child could be seriously injured if standing nearby when the door was swung open, because items, large and small fall right out of SUV. Watch those toes!

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  Love My RAV! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By juggs - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck; its a great all around vehicle. I commute 50 miles round trip daily, mostly freeway and in heavy traffic, and so far am averaging 23 mpg. Visibility and acceleration are good. Do your research; test drive more than once; drive it at night; take it on the freeway; take it up a hill; make a u- turn. The RAV is a lot of fun.

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  RAV4 vs CX-5, CR-V and Forrester - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By pmonk - June 30 - 3:45 pm

  I just finished a week with a brand new RAV4 rental in XLE trim. I purchased a CX-5 a couple of months ago and test drove a CRV and Forrester during the purchase process, so I thought I would offer some comparisons. In a nutshell, these are all fine cars and which one you pick probably depends on your priorities. Go for the CX-5 if you want looks and handling; pick the RAV4 for a comfortable, quiet highway cruiser; the Forrester as a wagon replacement (lower seating position); and CR-V as the best all-around (especially at the lower trim levels).

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  Still Love This Vehicle - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By JoanE - June 29 - 6:52 pm

  This is a review of a 2007 Limited Rav 4, which was the top-of-the-line model when it was released. Its still a terrific SUV, although by todays standards its missing some features, such as a back-up camera, lane warning, video screen, push start and USB ports. However, it does have bluetooth for a cell phone, heated seats, a very spacious cargo area with storage under the cargo, a reversible, removable carpet/rubber mat for the cargo hold (which keeps the back clean), automatic headlights, and the tire mounted on the rear, which Ive always thought looked cool. The tire has a premium cover that matches the silver of the car. The rear door swings open, rather than up. The rear seats fold down with extreme ease - just pull a lever. The car has a premium sound system with a CD player, which isnt available anymore. Id say that the gas mileage is average, brought down a bit by the all-wheel drive. Pickup is also average, although the vehicle has always been fun to drive. It has good clearage for snow, anti-lock brakes, and all-wheel drive that kicks in automatically. Im a short woman, and the foot controls are easy to reach; its very comfortable to drive. Visibility is good. I was commuting a long distance when I bought the Rav4, although now I probably drive under 10,000 miles a year. This car has been reliable and hasnt needed major repairs. The leather seats are comfortable, although Im noticing a little cracking on the sides of the front seats. The drivers side visor is drooping - the bracketing is getting worn out. I like the dash controls, which are unfussy knobs and buttons. All told, its been a fun, practical, and reliable vehicle.

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  Review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By jmb - June 28 - 11:16 pm

  Traded in 03 Accord for 07 Rav4. Loved the Accord, but wanted AWD and better visibility. Handles great. Easier to park than a car.

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  Rav4 First - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Donny Boy - June 24 - 12:20 am

  First Rav4 after a Camry for six years with nothing but routine maintenance. Hope to get the same from the Rav. Comparing the SUV to the Camry car is like apples and oranges. They have there own values. Enjoying the Rav as the vehicle it should be. Has some road noise and a rougher road ride because of the Sport suspension and larger tires. There is trade off. All wheel drive, firmer suspension, safer vehicle for us who travel in winter climates and the build quality where it counts is there. You want a Caddy ride buy one. You want quality and a fun road safety vehicle SUV buy a RAV4.

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  issue with brake and gas pedal - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By steve475 - June 23 - 3:00 pm

  The gas pedal and brake pedal are 3 inches apart, not enough space for a size 12 shoe, on two occasions I have had the engine RPM go to 3,000 when pushing the brake , if my foot is at an angle the gas pedal will be depressed too, the 269 HP engine over rides the brakes, the Smart stop technology only works under certain specific conditions, this is not one of them , have contacted Toyota with the suggestion that a new brake pedal be designed to have up to 5 inches between the pedals, their reply was this is a safe vehicle, have already found several people with 2007 and newer V-6 models that have had the same issue , all have size 10-12 shoes

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  The Best Bang for the Buck RAV4 V6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jimmy Drew - June 19 - 11:13 pm

  Only had the car about 3 weeks now. The vehicle is really impressive with the fit and finish and the room inside. Love the design also. Quality all round is noted in this vehicle. Mileage is impressive for such a potent engine. This vehicle cruises at 80 mph and you feel you are going 50 mph. The upgraded radio is even worth the extra bucks.

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  Best Car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Orin Beitlich - June 19 - 10:33 am

  This was my first Toyota ever and I wished I had done it sooner! I now have reached 100K miles and it runs the same as when I bought it. I have never had any major problems with it. Front brakes around 50K and regular maintenance at recommended mileage. Original Tires replaced at 36K which is better than expected. BF Goodrich now have 64K and still good tread. I have never done a wheel alignment on this vehicle. I have tracked my mileage and it was exactly the 24 MPG overall that Toyota said it would be. It is only FWD so in winter I take it easy but this has been a very reliable vehicle for us. The utility has been great and removable seats are wonderful. I am very satisfied with it.