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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  So So - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Lon K. - February 15 - 4:55 am

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  First And Probably Last Toyota ... - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Phil K - February 13 - 4:08 pm

  Reliable but dated, tinny, poor material quality. Archaic instrumentation. Interior comfort is well above average.

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  NEW FLEET AUTO - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Trish - February 1 - 5:20 am

  This was my only option for an all wheel drive fleet car. This is the base model, so I know upgrades would help. It is the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned. I am a healthy person with no back issues, but this seat, with no lumbar support, caused a lot of lumbar discomfort. The suspension is terrible. I can rotate the steering wheel three inches in either direction, and no response from the SUV. It is cute in appearance, but I am very disappointed that I have to spend the next three years in this automobile.

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  Steering Shaft and Rack Problems - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By chris - January 26 - 1:36 pm

  I loved this car, until I hit about 50,000 miles, then I noticed a knock in the steering, Total cost of repair on the vehicle will be close to $3000.00. Needs steering shaft and rack. Over 36,000 miles this is not covered and I just turned 52,000. I took it to the dealership complaining of an occasional knock at 20,000 and then again at 30,000 and they could find nothing wrong; they told me to get an alignment, this made it a little better but know it is highly annoying to drive the vehicle. There is a Tech bulletin out there for this problem, too bad they dont recall these parts. With the bad publicity you would think they would rectify this problem. I am not sure I would get another Toyota.

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  Not sure what all the hype is about - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By villagefish - January 13 - 7:40 am

  The RAV drives more like a dune buggy than a 21st century vehicle and leaves an unrefined impression not generally associated with a Toyota (I have owned two other Toyota vehicles). The 4 cylinder engine is very loud and road noise is pronounced. I can hear suspension, wind, and tire noise at even the lowest speeds on newly paved surfaces. The ride is stiff and the steering feels artificially weighted. Throttle response is jerky, especially at low speeds. The lack of a rear bumper is a safety concern and the side hinged tail gate is inconvenient. I think this vehicle is cheaply made and not worth the high used vehicle price it commands. Suggest looking elsewhere.

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  Just OK - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Denise M - January 12 - 12:45 pm

  Theres a lot of road noise. Too much in my opinion. Rear visibility is poor. Unless I have backseat passengers, I keep the seats folded down. There are a lot of rear blindspots and the backup camera is no help with those. The headrests seem to lean forward, so I removed it. I find the steering wheel to be awkwardly small. I traded in a 2004 Toyota Solara with 210,000 miles. The RAV4 does not even come close to matching that car in comfort or handling. Hopefully it will match in reliability and longevity. Definitely buyers remorse.

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  I have try it, it is worse than i though - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By kalokt - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have testdrive it, the color was impressive (the blue one), but the inside feature and the dealership is not that goooood. Generally the car is ok, inside doesnt have a great room, but acceptable.

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  Good car--dumb interior - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Sue in Colorado - November 4 - 1:26 pm

  Test drove & extensively researched both 2010 RAV4 & CRV before buying--(previously had a 2002 CRV & loved it). Comparison was a tossup, so got a RAV4 mostly just to "try something new". After 2 months...its a great car, but overall, think I preferred my CRV. RAV4 interior design/quality leaves much to be desired. Biggest letdown is the whole front console/storage/cupholder arrangement--storage room is unhandy and limited; your drink blocks access to some controls & dashboard storage nook; plastic is flimsy; center console too low for an armrest. And if they can dispense with the clunky exterior tire on Sport model--why not on ALL RAV4s??

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  Bad Trans/Differential - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Charles - October 22 - 10:00 am

  These SUVs develop an annoying differential whine at about 40 MPH and up. There is a Service Bulletin #TSB- 0192-10 that addresses the problem. Problem is it simply tries to cover up the problem by dampening the noise - hoping the owner will go away. Also the engine has to be pulled to simply replace a water pump. The Service manual also states that the engine needs to be removed for spark plug replacement. It could really get expensive to own this vehicle for the long term.

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  ECM /Transmission Problem - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By abamabam1 - October 1 - 8:25 pm

  I rarely write reviews online but I want to share my experience with this vehicle...My RAV4 is in excellent condition until I hit 89K on my 2003 RAV 4 last month when its started jerking on shifting. Im 3 months passed out of extended warranty as per TOYOTA 10 YEARS/150,000 miles. I took mycar to the dealer but told me I need to pay $$$$ for the diagnostic and repairs because of out of warranty...Even calling TOYOTA Customer Relation is still no help..This is my last TOYOTA ever...You lost one loyal customer...I traded my RAV4 for a 2013 Honda Accord...