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:
Showing 121 through 130 of 2,041.00-
5000 mile review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
By danfitz2 - September 9 - 8:06 pmI purchased a 07 2X4 Limited Rav4 (silly name) on May of 2006 and have to date put on about 5500 miles. About half are city and half are highway.
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Starting Issue - 2010 Toyota RAV4
By caboz - August 11 - 3:53 am4 times in the last 2 years the vehicle would not start because the brake pedal was locked and not moveable.
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Not enough comfort - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By Danny D - August 3 - 11:53 amI bought my rav 4 2009 base 4x4 because of the toyota quality so far it has quality but it is stiff and my honda civic is more comfortable than the brand new rav 4. I drove it in the snow and it was okay. I am happy with the vehicle but it doesnt drive as I expected.
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I traded my Saturn for this? - 2012 Toyota RAV4
By lgreeny - July 14 - 9:28 pmIve had the car for a week. Its the most uncomfortable vehicle ever and Im regretting the purchase. I traded my 2008 Saturn Astra for it. I needed something bigger with 4 wheel drive.
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Barely average - 2013 Toyota RAV4
By katekebo - June 19 - 5:15 pmI have owned the RAV for about one year. I bought it based on previous experience with Toyota vehicles and a good trade-in offer I got from my dealer for my previous car - my net-out-of-pocket on the RAV was ~$2-3k less than other comparable CUVs. After one year of ownership the best I can rate this car is "average". The only real positive is the amount of cargo and passenger space. In every other area the car falls short, especially comparing to competition. Its noisy, has a very stiff and uncomfortable suspension, safety ratings are mediocre (below key competitors), transmission behavior is strange and disconcerting, mileage is OK but not outstanding. Bottom line - just average.
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One of many - 2002 Toyota RAV4
By Fred - June 3 - 4:47 amYou see them everywhere, except in junkyards. Ive been in and out of a few over the last year hunting for parts for my Grand Marquis. I havent seen a Rav 4 yet. Id like to get a spare steel wheel but I always turn up empty. If you want a car thats affordable, easy to handle, somewhat economical, and really reliable you wont go wrong here. Lots of cargo room if you fold down the rear seats. Even more if you lift them out ! Not the most stylish vehicle on the road but its not hideous either. Mines full time 4WD so it might be a little more aggressive when it comes to cabin noise but its livable. Superior road handling. Average everywhere else which truly isnt a bad thing. You could spend almost double on a Lexus but would your 5 or 6 bags of groceries in the back know or even care ?
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Never again will I buy a RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
By mommao - March 16 - 12:55 pmI bought a Toyota because of the reputation of reliability. This was my first brand new car, I took care of it especially because I wanted to hand it down to my daughter (just like the commercial right?). Unfotunately, Im not even done paying it off and it needs a new engine. Soon after I bought it I realized I had made a mistake, but it was little things that bothered me, I felt I didnt get much for the price I paid, and it wasnt all that great on gas. Now with the engine going, I am extremely unhappy with my purchase and most likely will never buy another Toyota.
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A Big Headache! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
By SunGodess904 - March 5 - 10:00 amI purchased this car in August 2001. It has been in the shop 5 times for repairs. This is not quite what I have been accostomed to in new car purchases. Toyota needs to take a good look at the design of this auto. Fun to drive but certainly not worth the aggravation of scheduling recurring problems.
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drive on freeway before you buy - 2002 Toyota RAV4
By mandy - March 5 - 10:00 amI bought the RAV4 for reliability and comfort. I am an older female with a disablity. I have had this SUV for three months and wish I would not have bought it. It does not hold the road and vibrates the steering wheel at 65 mph. I am getting no help from the dealer..I am told it is because "I dont know how SUVs drive". Well, the car drifts all over the road...I thought a new vehicle should atleast hold the road. Beware before you buy.
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Not a great SUV as first thought - 2007 Toyota RAV4
By nitkad - February 20 - 5:36 amFrankly, I got fooled by my purchase. I realised after the purchase that I have bought a low end SUV even though it costs more. I used to own a camry and I thought that as Rav4 is little expensive it will be better comfort wise. But that is not true. It feels like you are driving Corolla. No power (4 cyl). Lot of external noise. Lot of shocks. So, basically it is not a smooth as Camry. I got a factory installed remote start which stinks. My problem might be that I was thinking it will be similar or better than Camry but it is absolutely not the case.
