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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  The best option.... - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By dschauf - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my RAV4 in August of 02 and I have had a great experience. I have friends that have large gas guzzler SUVs that think my RAV is too small. That is not the case. It has hauled everything from a 36" TV to all of our gear for a weekend of camping while getting 25 - 30 mpg. It is best balance of economy, cargo hauling capability and comfort.

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  the love of my life - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By LS - July 11 - 9:40 am

  I bought my Rav4 brand new with 15 miles on it. I will reach 100,000 miles within the next week. I fell in love with this little baby the first time I saw it and love it more every day. It is very dependable and I enjoy driving it more than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I will drive this one unitl the wheels fall off. It is tru love.

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  First Toyota...........was a Honda man - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By JulianOfAlabama - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I went to purchase a Honda, Accord...but the new RAV4 body style caugth my attention. This may be my first Toyota....but we have had Fun together......what a great riden auto. Just enough room for me and my bike...a few friends...love the road trips...May I point out the great gas milage! After several Honda, Accords all with 150,000 or 300,000 this is a JOY, hope to get the same for the Toyota!

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  Problems with brakes and rattles - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Unhappy Owner - July 4 - 1:00 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have ever owned and will probably be the last. I have only had it for 2 months and I have lots of complaints. There are a lot of rattles coming from the dash and when I took it in of course they said they were not out of the ordinary. But, a bigger more serious problem is that the car has shut down on me twice while waiting at a red light. I have had to take the car in 4 times and they have put it on the computer and have not been able to duplicate the problem. They told me its the traction sensor and that I am putting extreme pressure on the brakes which is causing the computer to think I am stopping suddenly and shutting down the engine. Is that nuts?

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  Newbie to the SUV world - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Faus - July 3 - 3:23 pm

  Even though it has been a short period of time, but after having owned several sedans and mini-vans in the past few years, and having rented other SUVs ocassionally, I can say I am amazed about this car. It is easy and fun to drive, it has most of the features you would ever want, and it is very safe and stable to handle. Finally, visits to my dealer are also fantastic.

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  Rav4 vs Rogue - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By cigsmh - June 30 - 4:21 am

  The biggest disappointment with the RAV4 driver position is that I canÂ’t adjust for normal driving. I donÂ’t even want to feel comfortable at least safe. My right leg and foot is so uncomfortable, it numb, the knee is pressed and hurts. The muscles are tense. The RAV4 seat has a lot of adjustment but nothing works. They had the acceleration pedal got stack problem once, and they put it so high from the bottom and also made the bottom incline, and cut the bottom half of the pedal making it so small; the feet is in terrible position , the position is breaking the feet. If I knew this issue I would take Rogue or may be CRV.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! BAR NONE! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Laura Loves her Rav4 - June 27 - 2:50 pm

  Never bought anything but American before, but after owning my Rav4, Im hooked! Ive loved my Rav4 for 3.5 yrs, and Im shopping for another one! It went thru snow, held its traction in heavy rain. Its never failed to get good gas mileage. Never failed to start. In the Toyota maintenence dept ONLY for oil changes and scheduled maint.. And talk about holding its value... this is the 1st time I have had a vehicle that is worth MORE than what I owe on it!

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  Awesome - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Dougs Toy - June 26 - 4:20 pm

  Wow, what can I say, playful, fun, responsive, AWD just totally great, expensive sound system without the cost. Want to feel free American spirit, Drive a Rav 4,

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By KS - June 26 - 8:20 am

  No complaints here. I purchased as my first car that I am paying for. Dealership was a pleasure to work with. Got it for 21K out the door. Love the 6disc in dash and the control that this car has. It drives like a sedan but is an SUV. Coming from a small car with power nothing, I love all the standard features on this car. Fun and easy to drive, great gas mileage for an SUV, and is big enough to fit me and my friends comfortably.

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  Very Disappointed in gas mileage - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Kurt & Jean Flaig - June 24 - 10:03 pm

  My husband and I are basically very satisfied with our Rav 4 but are very disappointed in the gas mileage. We do not get anywhere near what was quoted. As a matter of fact, we are not getting much better than our full size AWD pickup which we traded for the Rav4. We are only averaging 19 - 20 miles per gallon and have even had it back to the dealer which they claim there is nothing wrong with our car. That was our main purpose for trading in our pickup, and that was the gas mileage.