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:

• 

  So Far So Good After 3 months - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By L. Howard - August 20 - 8:03 am

  Ive had my RAV4 now for 3 months. Overall getting 23.5 MPG consistent around my area, with little highway. Havent had a trip yet, but when mostly highway, some local, only getting 25 MPG, so a dissapointment. Understand V6 doing as well or better so i should have opted for it.Ordered body side molding, not sure why cars dropping this. Painted same color and actually improves appearance. Getting some hesitation when accelerating and twice felt like system wasnt getting fuel or stuck in a gear. Toyota says hesitation normal, but in 2 instances id say problem. Just giving my personal experiences so far.

• 

  Yugo in Toyota Cloths - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RichieGil - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Kids are older; didnt need minivan anymore. Went out looking at Camrys and Accords but wife likes being up high. Looked at RAV4s and CRVs. Wish we’d bought the CRV. Infamous RAV4 rattle. Been back 3 times; still not fixed. Driver side wiper broke in snow this weekend. Trip #4 to dealer. Just developed a new rattle on roof rack. Car has less than 2000 miles and havent even made 1st payment yet! Auto. doesn’t shift smoothly into high. Not enough storage compartments and ones it has too small. Bought new Plymouth Horizon in 1980; biggest piece of blank I ever bought until now. Thought Yugo of business but Toyota must be outsourcing RAV4 production to them.

• 

  I Love It! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Happy RAV - August 16 - 3:20 pm

  I could not be happier. The RAV build quality and handling are tops. I have used it in limited off-road situations, and it has performed decently. For the money, you get a lot of features. Once that 4 cylinder hit 3000 rpm, it goes like a rocket! I am 63" tall and I do not feel cramped at all. I did have to take off the handles above the door on the inside, I hit my head on them sometimes. Overall, I am happy everytime I start this vehicle.

• 

  Modestly Priced Rocket - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rhinoman - August 10 - 2:33 pm

  All I hoped it would be, except for quality of interior materials - hard plastic looks cheap. Leather does too, but it isnt a Lexus; you cant have it all without paying for it. But, oh, the acceleration! Add a K&N air filter and its even better. Mileage is great, and on 87 O to boot. Considered and drove the RDX, but that thirsty turbo 4 using premium just killed the deal. Too bad the MDX (the car we traded for the Rav4) was designed with the engine the RDX should have had. We have the optional pearl paint. Really looks great. The ride is better than our MDX had and this Rav4 is much more nimble.

• 

  ALMOST PERFECT FOR THE FIRST 36000 MI - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ovi - August 10 - 1:33 am

  We purchased the RAV4 in feb 2006 , it works very well in city drive , highway ride is dominated by infernal noise , the design is nice but the quality of this vehicle is nonexistent . After the first car wash i noticed a lot of white paint chips on the front hood then soon after 36000 a two thousand dollars array of repairs started : rear shocks, front brakes , intermediary steering shaft , belt tensioner ,dash glove compartment door . At 74500 miles every time i stop an a traffic light i have to shift in neutral because of very heavy vibration and noise and the CD changer works occasionally . The technicians at the dealership find all this normal , if soo , TOYOTA IS NOT FOR ME.

• 

  Reliable - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ray - August 9 - 2:26 pm

  I have 60k miles and no problems except tires at ~ 25k. Great gas mileage and dependable. Love the v6 power with lots of pep!

• 

  nice car - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Carlos - August 6 - 5:36 am

  The cars really nice. Mileage is impressive on 4 cylinder. Who needs more power? Not here in FL for sure! Some people think the motor is noisy. I disagree. Its not THE sport SUV, but still nice. very easy to drive, brakes well on wet. Stability is OK for a SUV, but the rear wheels blocks a little in hard braking. Most people will not notice, though. No big problem, its a safe car. Just use it like a SUV and not like a Porsche, you will be OK.

• 

  Perfect for Tucson, AZ - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By desert rat - August 3 - 9:23 am

  Bought this 98 Rav4 in 2001 for driving around town and light off-road excursions. It has been extremely reliable and performs well in Southern Arizona. Handles well in tight spots and seems to be holding up to the rugged road conditions in "The Old Pueblo." Took it off-road a few times and the AWD was perfect on dirt roads. The 4 cyl. engine is a little underpowered, but great fuel economy. No major problems in over 3 years.

• 

  My Toyota Rav 4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Leanne - August 2 - 6:23 am

  I just got it had no miles and now I put 3,000 on it and LOVE it! I got it has a gift and I wouldnt have asked for another SUV!

• 

  New RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Christine - August 1 - 8:36 pm

  Just took my RAV4 camping last weekend. Lots of room. It performed well in rain and hail. A/C cant keep up with 100 plus degree heat. I like the styling and love the blue color.