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:

• 

  RAV4 rates #1 for me!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By C.B. - April 30 - 10:50 am

  This is my first Toyota. Let me list all the things I like about my RAV: it is easy to get into (not as tall as other SUVs), easier to see over the hood while driving, the back door swings from the side, the versatility and configurations of the back seats, the gas mileage, its pretty looks (definitely a girls car), the short radius for turning, the brakes stopping on a dime. This is all that comes to mind, although I know there must be more regarding the motor and things like that. I believe this will be my last vehicle for many years to come.

• 

  A GOOD AUTOMOBILE - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By jacknhill - April 25 - 8:57 pm

  The 2015 AWD RAV4 XLE I got is a good car, has a sound system that cranks and 3 months free XM/SIRIUS radio and free maintenance for 25,000 miles.PLUS the 6 speed transmission is factory sealed and never needs to be checked.The deal I got was good as I traded in a 2013 CRV.The XLE w/17" alloy wheel are sharp but did not come with locks,WHAT?The 65,000 Michelin Latitude Tour tires are a must have as well.Comfort is great,ride is smooth and 24 MPG is good enough for now that the price of gas has dropped 50%.The running boards and trailer hitch and harness made the deal I got a darn good one,and no one else could beat it.Sport mode/econ mode/regular mode offer variable performance too.GOOD CAR!

• 

  I love the way it looks outside... - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Pamela - April 25 - 10:00 am

  but i think the seats are kind of cheesy. its pretty fun to drive, but i wish i had gone with an automatic. i get sick of shifting in traffic.

• 

  RAV4 2001 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Ted - April 24 - 3:40 pm

  About ready to trade/sell this vehicle for another Toyota. It has been a superb car. Not as comfortable on long trips as I was hoping. Extremely reliable with excellent body integrity.

• 

  Great SUV! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By agonzo - April 24 - 4:54 am

  This is a great SUV with great handling, peppy engine, solid ride and economical. Driven it for over 8,000 miles now including a 1,600 mile trip up north. The Rav4 rides like a dream, but the best thing is how it does it. The 6 speed automatic transmission is silky smooth and always at the right gear. The engine purrs, its quiet, peppy and dependable. When you crank it up in the mornings, there are no weird noises, no piston or valves noises, it just starts quietly and efficiently. Im getting about 23 mpg in the city, about 31 on the highway. By all means this vehicle is way much better than my previous Subaru Forester.A Update: At 13,500 miles the Rav4 has been handling very well. Still rides great and shifts like new. This is one great vehicle!

• 

  Vibrates on the highway - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By BJ - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I almost did not buy a Rav4 due to concerns of Quality going down at Toyota. We had a 2005 Camry that vibrated of the highway if the wheels were not perfectly balanced. Well, I took a chance and got burned big time by Toyota. My 2010 Rav4 vibrates at speeds greater than 50. Other 2010 Rav4s tested at the dealership (after I bought it to compare) also vibrate and Toyota officially told me that they were just built that way. I have come across a couple of nearly identical complaints on the internet. Now I am looking to trade for a SUV that does not vibrate. Toyota could care less, but I would never buy another Toyota.

• 

  The Best Little SUV Ever! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Barb Blasing - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Rav4. Both of my Rav 4s were dependable in any kind of weather. We get great gas mileage. It is easy and fun to drive and easy to park. It starts no matter how cold the weather has been. It handles snow drifts across highways and holds the road very well when slippery. It is all that is was advertised to be! The exterior and interior design of the new Rav4 is very attractive and just makes you want to get in and drive. The Sterio/CD is great too. There is plenty of head room in the new Rav4 to accomodate my husband. He doesnt feel cramped at all while driving it. Thank you Toyota for consistanly making an excellant product!

• 

  Very good value and performance - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Elli - April 17 - 10:56 am

  I traded in a gas guzzler for a car with good gas mileage and an excellent reputation. I bought the base 2WD and I am not sorry. It did fine in the limited snow this year in NJ, and it has really great pickup (almost as good as the aforementioned V6 4WD gas guzzler!). I like that is has a lot of nice detail on the interior, compared to some other econo-boxes which are plain and drab in the base model (ex. Ford Escape and the Honda CRV). Gas mileage is pretty good, considering I do almost all city driving (I get about 22mpg). Best part is that its a Toyota and I think I will be able to drive it for the next 300,000 miles without too much worry!

• 

  Fun Car - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By carfreak - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of performance, easy to operate GPS navigation, very comfortable seats, and pretty good cargo holding. Vehicle came with Bridgestone Tires that have some road noise due to tread pattern. Vehicle has typical excellent Toyota fit and finish.

• 

  good except in heavy snow - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By MReid - April 14 - 2:23 pm

  Bought the RAV-4 in Florida before moving to Germany. It is a 4WD with all season tires. In heavy snow & ice I have been slipping and sliding everywhere, rear-end fishtails out of turns and Im not driving fast. I find this disappointing. I was expecting much better traction in the snow. I also think Toyota needs to put the emergency flashers closer to the drivers side hands and not over to the passengers side, it is very inconvenient. Also, Toyota could redesign the rear door to open up instead of out. Otherwise, I love the vehicle, great cargo space and great turning radius.