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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  V6 Power - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - April 4 - 11:36 am

  The V6 has power and makes the car fun to drive. It is great on the highway. But there is a lot of wind/road noise in this car. For a car of this price, I was surprised that there was so much road noise that it makes conversation difficult without raising voices and feeling like you are yelling. The drivers seat is uncomfortable during any longer drive. The seat should be more like an upgraded Camry seat instead of an ordinary budget seat. The passengers seat seems to be more comfortable even without all the adjustments. It is a good urban car.

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  ok rental. lots of space. great city, bad freeway - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By jsohiorenter - April 1 - 6:12 pm

  Very attractive little suv, esp with the alloy wheels, which were above and beyond the entry level offerings for other comparable vehicles. Nice. For a small suv, great cargo space and overall roominess. The powertrain is really great and smooth up to about 35 and accelerates nicely. But get this thing going faster and the engine seems to really labor, buzz unpleasantly, and the transmission seems to get confused, searching for gears then delivering some really hard shifts. The trip display computer is not as intuitive as those in other cars. Lots of wind noise from the windshield. Ride was very good and there were no rattles or squeaks, good considering it was old by rental car standards, pushing 30k. The freeway ride was a little unsettling in that steering was imprecise and floaty. the driving position was pretty good, but would have appreciated a seat that raised up a little higher and the console armrest was too far back to be useful with a hand on the wheel. Ergonomically, it gets a big F just for the window switches alone. your left arm almost has to reach awkwardly around the door handle to get to the power windows. Bad design here. No long term review as I only drove it for three days, but probably wouldnt buy it. Brake pedal modulation was terrible. you have to push the pedal a few inches with no resistance or response whatsoever, then a sudden grab.

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  Love our RAV4s! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Barby - April 1 - 10:00 am

  We own a 1998 Rav4, decided to get a 2003. It is Spectra Mica Blue, with a moon roof, luggage rack, 2 WD auto trans, and Quick Pkg. Improvements since 1998 are impressive. The ride is smoother, seats are very comfortable, seating in the back is adjustable for more legroom, there are lots more nooks and crannies for storage, cup holders (4) that are adjustable, a neat little eyeglass holder hidden under steering wheel, nice small storage area under the floormat in back storage area, and a fishnet pocket on rear door. A compartment above the rearview mirror holds your garage door opener, etc. Better insulated agains road noise. City mpg 28.

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  Great Mini SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By CD#1 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I Just purchased my RAV4 after researching for little over 6 months in the mini suv class. This is my first SUV, & I love it. So far, I am a happy first-time toyota driver. The ride is smooth, visibility is great, the stereo sound is perfect. I love the moonroof and overall sporty look of the RAV4 - it definitely stands out from the rest. The gas mileage also has been pretty good. My only complaint is the headrest is uncomfortable, and I am unable to get it to adjust just right.

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  Fun Drive - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Door County - March 30 - 8:36 am

  Ive had my Limited 2WD Rav for about 8 wks. Traded in Nissan Quest & am more than thrilled w/car. Great mileage (only fill up every 12 days or so), holds a ton of stuff w/seats down. Just moved daughter into 2nd apt. It holds a boatload of stuff! Discovered another site that mentioned cupholder "flaps." I also hated them because all cans, bottles flopped around in them. By pulling up on the "flap," the can or bottle becomes tight & no longer falls over when turning. Why this info wasnt in owners manual, I dont know!

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  Great Handling - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Al - March 27 - 9:36 am

  We replaced My wifes 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee with our new RAV4. We live in the Hills in Connecticut and our 2.5L 4-cyl climbs the hills very well - so much better then our previous Jeep. Handling is superb. Gas mileage has been averaging 22.5 mpg, which is a little bit disappointing. Would highly recommend the mud guards which are about $58.00 at dealers cost. They prevent road grime being tossed up the side of the vehicle. Also they are easy to install. Overall this vehicle is a great buy for the money.

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  Rav4L - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Lonnie Wright - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car, safe and fun to drive. Very good in all types of weather conditions.

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  Rav4 Limited - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By NL - March 25 - 11:40 am

  The Rav is about 4 months old now, and were about ready to take it in for some warranty work. The low tire gage light will not go out, even though weve check them all inc. spare. The engine and interior vibrates when stopped and in gear. The car is pretty fragile, also. The rear bumper is damaged from a 2mph bump while backing the car out of the garage.

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  RAV4 built tough - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By SeanMCD - March 23 - 11:36 pm

  I have driven this car 130,000 miles in 3 yrs, had 51k when I bought it. I do on site computer service work for major computer service company. This car has never failed me, not even once! The only thing Ive had to do is oil, plugs, brakes, tires. Catalytic converter failed at 78k was covered by warranty, O2 sensors went out at 120k, those are the only mechanical issues Ive had. Ive beat this car to death and keeps going, its been across a few creeks, miles and miles of muddy dirt roads, up and down mountains, through hail, wind sheers, you name it this car can handle it ! Im sold on Toyota for life!

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  So Far So Good! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Quyen - March 23 - 11:00 pm

  Only had it for the weekend and 100 miles, but so far so good! Solidly put together with a reassuring thud when doors close. Car is definitely roomy enough in the back for babyseat and 2 kids. Interior ergonomics is perfect for a car of this price.