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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  Feel every bump on the road - buy sports - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Kumar - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Dont buy unless you want to feel every bump on the road - The sports model with Flat-Free tire has a very noticeable bumpy ride. At this it is very annoying, with the vehicle wobbling, driver shaking like he has convulsions. Works well on a smooth and even road, which is not realistic to expect. This ride quality does even come close to 10-year old Camry and 4-year old Sienna.

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  Great except for bluetooth... - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By rmundlimo - June 22 - 3:57 pm

  The Rav 4 is a responsive, small SUV and well appointed. The auto liftgate is handy and all the features you might want are available in the Limited. HOWEVER, if you have an I-Phone 4, you will not be able to load the contacts from your phone on to the bluetooth system! Wish they had told us that the contacts would load on the base models, but NOT their top of the line model. If this is important to you, and it should be, look elsewhere.

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  RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeff - June 20 - 12:46 pm

  Have driven 17000 miles. Day to day driving it only gets 23 mpg. EPA estimates 24 to 30 mpg. Seats not very comfortable on drives over 40 or 50 miles. Rides rough, you feel every bump. There is a large blind spot on both rear corners. Dont like large swinging rear door. The 4 cyl engine takes a lot of pedal to get the vehicle moving. Get the V6. I wont buy another.

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  Pre-collision w/pedestrian detection may not work - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By James Canell - June 19 - 3:07 pm

  I bought a Rav4 with TSS-P. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection does not work like advertised. Brought car back to dealership to check out system. Computer analysis diagnosed system in working order. Road test with Toyota adviser as driver proved a failure of this system. Dealerships answer was to turn to pages 240-241 of owners manual listing the limitations of the pre-collision system; that it may or may not work. Toyota headquarters USA told me that the pre-collision system only works in certain circumstances. I recommend you do not spend the money for the advanced tech package, until you road test your vehicle in these certain circumstances.

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  Very Pleased After 2 Months - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Gil V - June 19 - 2:13 pm

  This is a great small SUV. My MPG has varied from 24 to 29. It is fun to drive and just the right size. The only minor issue I have is that the I notice the A/C putting a minor drag on the engine when I am doing around 30 mph. Is is slight but I am going to ask about it when I go in for an oil change. Ive also notice that the slightest hill causes a downshift when I have the cruise control on. Other than that, this is a great car.

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  Dissapointed - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim S. - June 19 - 3:39 am

  Probably just luck of the draw but my Brand New Rav 4 had a faulty transmission that the dealer acknowledged and replaced to their credit. It had a very pronounced whining/whistling noise on deceleration and still has some whistling noise to it on acceleration now. If I knew then what I know now about CVT Transmissions, I would have purchased a different vehicle that has a conventional trans. Did much research before the purchase and the Rav 4 had awesome reviews across the board which heavily influenced my decision to purchase it. Live and learn.

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  Practical Machine - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Versatile Vehicle - June 18 - 11:20 am

  The Toyota RAV4 Sport V6 is a wonderful, well thought out vehicle. I looked at the other competitors before buying and they dont offer the interior features, room, and comfort that this vehicle does. The drive is comfortable and the V6 engine has great pick up with 269 hp. Also note that the V6 gets only one mile less in gas mileage compared to the four cylinder. The safety features built in along with available options for this vehicle are great. The height of this vehicle is also just right, and unlike the Honda CR-V four cylinder, there is more power and more interior room. You will get many compliments with a Toyota RAV4 Sport V6.

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  Love my RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Schirmer - June 17 - 6:33 pm

  Great car for anyone looking for a SUV with great styling and value. Excellent ride, interior space, nice styling inside and out.

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  2007 Toyota Rav (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By dtown40 - June 17 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car a few months back, and have been very pleased with the purchase. The fuel economy has been good, ride is comfortable, and interior is fantastic. The V6 has amazing power that will blow you away. You really have to watch yourself when you start off. There is plenty of room in the backseat for guest, and lots of cargo area for your gear. I have a small trailer I pull from time to time, and the Rav does a fine job with that too.

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  Great car... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom Pate - June 17 - 9:38 am

  The leg room for a big person is somewhat restrictive.