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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  Love my rav4!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By MYRAV4 - October 9 - 4:06 am

  Traded in my smaller Corolla(which i loved too!) for something with more storage and head room for child car seats. Also appreciated the AWD! Wanted something with the similar features to my corolla and i got better!

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  Red Sharp - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Cookie12 - October 7 - 5:01 am

  I actually traded my 2015 Subaru Impreza for a 2014 Toyota RAV4 (Certified Toyota). The Rav4 had less miles on it then my Subaru. Nothing wrong with the Subaru except it was a bit small and a lot of engine noise. I just wanted something bigger and actually I had traded in a 2009 RAV4 on the Subaru. My new RAV4 gets worse gas millage then the Subie but I knew that when I traded (24MPG for the RAV 35 MPG for the Subaru) over all so far I really like my new Rav4 and love the color, metallic red! The Toyota is much more comfortable and bigger, I just feel much safer in this vehicle this being my fifth Toyota I am well aware of their reliability.

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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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  RAV4 Not Perfect But Still Great Vehicle - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RGLII - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Well after 4 months of ownership the honeymoon is over but still satisfied. Have made three trips into dealership to repair rattle/squeak in dash. Turns out the noice was from plastic cover on windshield wiper motor. Thought I could share and save frustrations for others. Overlooking the fixed rattles, I am still happy with my purchase. Comfy, quiet and plenty of pep for commuting to work every day. Did great in last 7 inch snowfall and I dont even have 4wd.

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  First Toyota, Great Car - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By fairway2 - October 5 - 12:46 pm

  We couldnt be more satisfied. After 3500 miles and three months of mixed suburban driving The RAV4 has exceeded our expectations. After a lifetime of 4 cylinder autos the V6 is awsome. And it is rated by the Feds as a "green" car, too. Mileage has averaged 25 mpg.

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  This little car is a beast - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By yotajeepguy33 - October 5 - 11:26 am

  This car has been my everything from hauling hockey gear back and fourth to being a teenagers rally car, to hauling a 2500 pound trailer full of furniture when i moved it pulled it over mountain passes and through cities and on the interstate and never even put up a fit. my parents bought it with 60,000 miles and now it has over 231,000 and 100,000 put on by a teenage male with a very heavy foot. I have done things with this car that would make normal people cringe. and it still starts first time every time. you think that after so many hard miles the little car would be putting up a fight, No Sir it like thank you may I have another she still ticking away.

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  Great Performance, Great Car! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Snowy New Hampshire - October 3 - 10:16 am

  I bought my second Toyota Rav4 this fall to prepare for the New England winter! We just had a major snowstorm, and the Rav4 performed flawlessly. I felt perfectly safe at all times, and the Rav4 even navigated unplowed roads and driveways just like they were summer roads! I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  Great Cute-Ute - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Allan - October 2 - 10:56 pm

  This is a great small ute veh. In general this veh is very fun to drive. Even more so in the winter snow. It has good ground clearance and has a smooth ride with smooth shifts. With the optional 6 airbags , ABS , Traction control , VSC and Side impact beams you feal very safe. It has a great turning radius and for a 4 cylinder has great pickup and go. In very low speeds (aprox 1 to 10 MPH) the transmition could be a little smoother (has trouble finding the gear you need) but once your acclerating normally your fine. In general this veh is built solid and if you treat it right by not beating on it, changing the oil and keeping up the maintaince it will last you well over 200k miles

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  02 RAV - Great Car and Great Value - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By rickrossrr - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We have 2 RAV 4s, a 1999 and a 2001. We enjoy both but the 2001 was significantly improved over the 99. The new body style was our favorite change.

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  MY REVIEW - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By MISS SPOILED24 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR, AFTER 2 MONTH, I STILL FEEL THE SAME EXCITEMENT WHEN i GET IN IT AS WHEN I LEFT THE DEALER WITH IT. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN GREAT AND QUITE HONESTLY, I WILL DRIVE TOYOTAS FOREVER.