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:

• 

  After 6 years in a Honda CRV,This is like....silk! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Zorro - September 1 - 1:35 am

  I once had a 78 Cadillac Deville.It was like...buttah! But this Rav4? A very close ride.Smooooooooth ride,and it just feels ..luxurious! I have only had it for 3 weeks,but I am amazed every time I drive it! The Honda was a wonderful vehicle,but this? This is like...so luxurious! Actually,even tho it is MUCH bigger? It gets way way better gas mileage.The sound system? Goes up to 60!! Beautiful sound,better than my Bose home sterio..I just wanna sit n my Rav4 an listen to the XM radio all day..Cannot WAIT to take a nice long road trip! Got a stupendous color,and the black interior is so clean and classy.I think..I thin I might be in love with this vehicle!!!!haha Cant wait to see what it is like in the winter! Seriously,this Rav4,is a fun driving experience..***Update..So,I love this Rav4 more than I ever thought ,especially this winter!,I put studded snow tires on it,much to the consternation of many of the old timers .But ,I have a job that makes me HAVE to get to it,no matter what,and this has been a heavy duty winter so far.Many times,when I leave for work? The roads have not even been plowed.Im the first one on the road.My sweet Rav4 just eats up the snowy,icy road,like it was made for it! Slow and steady,and it will go anywhere!.For a minute,last fall,I considered trading it in towards a Toyota truck.I am so glad that I didnt! I love this vehicle,and yes,there ARE some blind spots,but Ive learned to work around them..In my opinion? This is the PERFECT winter vehicle.We call it"the Tundra mobile"...Gas milage,in the winter is down to 23 mpg,but its ok.The quality of the ride is amazing!

• 

  1997 Toyota Rav4 (auto 2.0l 4dr) - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By panowak2 - August 28 - 8:22 pm

  I owned this 6yr. old / 57000mi. Rav4 for 5 years, used it for USPS duty for 2 years. It had decent engine performance, but got worse in higher gears. Overall seating package was not very good, with awkward rear access coupled with poor thigh support made it uncomfortable for taller peoples. Gas mileage was fairly poor at about 22 mpg. overall; never got above 24 mpg. Traction on ice and snow was bad as can be for 4wd. Rear trunk room was good, as was overall reliability and materials quality. Engine and transmission usually were flawless. Almost no body rust at 11 yrs. old. Tire wear was a bit excessive over time, and getting tires for it was very expensive.

• 

  too much difference between trims - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Roger - August 28 - 1:43 am

  Outdated look, very basic standard trim at an unattractive price

• 

  Small, but Big and Peppy Rav4 - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By SaraJane - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RAV 4 for 4 years, and it has NEVER needed any service(other than typical maintance and has been one of the most reliable cars I have owned. It is comfortable, other than the small back seat(not too great for adults),and has alot of cargo room. It also has alot of pep(I have a 5 speed), as much as any sports car I have owned in the past. Great car!!!!

• 

  Brake problem - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By RICE - August 27 - 1:23 am

  My wife bought rav4 2005 from maplewood brach and it has a sever problem of brake during snow and cold weather. It slides on very little snow. Even if you are driving low and try to stop it skids. It doesnt stop immediately as you step on the break. It keeps going with a sound gggggg struggling to stop. So my wife is not happy to drive during snow time.

• 

  Greatest "car" I have ever owned! - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jefe76 - August 26 - 4:07 am

  I am writing this review as I await the salvage yard to take my dear RAV4 away from me after five great years of service following a REC. The number one thing to recommend this car to any potential buyers on the used market is that I drove this car on several camping trips ranging from Georgia to Rhode Island and never had a problem or worried that I may encounter one. I honestly believe this car was the best city car ever made. Its ability to maneuver through Philly while surviving the rigors of neglected streets was astounding. The two problems that I had with the car were this: 1.-The engine is incredibly weak, even with a manual transmission. 2.-No room for adults in the back seat.

• 

  Will buy another! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Matthew - August 24 - 1:15 am

  I bought this car with about 85,000 miles and it now has 120,600. It had one owner and was babied. It still runs like brand new and I have only had to pay for scheduled maintenance and a few minor recalls. The recalls were free of charge of course. The MPG is exactly what Toyota put out, and thats with my heavy foot. When going downhill the car will sometimes look for a lower gear, but nothing serious. The V6 engine is unbelievably amazing! I absolutely love this car! When this car finally dies on my family I will not hesitate to buy another!

• 

  A great vehicle to drive - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Kim-H.S. Golf Coach - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my RAV4 last January and Im surprised at how much I enjoy it! I drive about 130 miles round trip to work, both city/highway miles, and Im averaging 26 mpgs. I can haul people/things with this vehicle. I havent noticed the lack of power that most people are griping about. My husband and I hauled butt, fully loaded, at 70+, in the Rockies with no problem. Hmmm, maybe some people just like to complain...or maybe I dont drive like a maniac! I have the all- wheel drive version, and it handles well in crappy, snowy driving conditions.

• 

  Side mirrors - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Barbara - August 22 - 8:11 pm

  Purchased a RAV4 2015 limited. Like the car but wish they would change the side mirror design very bad blind spot. Was just in a accident because of blind stop. Anyone else have this problem?

• 

  More sporty than crossovers - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By jstorbeck - August 22 - 2:24 pm

  After considering and test driving a lot of small SUVs including the Jeep Liberty, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, and Cadillac suv, I ran across the RAV4. I had always read good reviews but I hated the look of the tire on the back. The Sport model solves that with run flat tires and no spare tire. Pickup is good in the V6 and I like that it doesnt look like the "mommy crossovers". Its built on its own frame. Dashboard controls are easy to reach and black. After about 4 months I am getting 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The paint on this car is amazing and durable. My only complaints are road noise is a little more than I would like and the gas tank is a little small.