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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  my rav4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By kath23 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Since I have had my car its comfort and reliability have been the best of any car I have ever known. It is fun to drive and excellent to take on road trips.

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  cool car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By todleo - January 24 - 10:00 am

  ths women love it

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Rbagzis - January 23 - 5:43 am

  Love it - seats are a little uncomfortable for long hauls - but over all not too bad - great mileage (27 hiway/24 town) - lots of room - cute style - love the color - love the extras - easy parking - sharp turning - AWSOME VEHICLE

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  Love My RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Jay-Jay - January 22 - 7:43 pm

  We wanted a vehicle that had lots of storage space. We went with the V6 for the tow package, if and when we may need it. Taking our daughters to and from college was a little tight in my 99 Camry. So Im happy to say that I just love my RAV, I got a car that looks great, handles great, and is truly fun to drive. Plus serves the purpose of the purchase. Just got back from picking up daughter at college 2200 miles round trip and average 25 mpg, thats loaded right up for the trip home. I would make this purchase again in a heart beat.

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  I should have had the V6 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By charbojr - January 20 - 8:58 pm

  Have had this car for 2 years now and clocked 20k miles on it. From the outside the Sport package is quite handsome and aggressive. I dont even mind the tire on the door. Then you get in and drive it. The 4 cyl/4 speed gets the job done, but there is no joy. The handling is good for a Sport Ute but can be jarring and at times uncomfortable particularly on long trips. Tight cabin for a 6 tall guy. Interior bits are cheap. Theres plenty of space for your stuff which is why we purchased the car, but coming from a 04 BMW 325i this car is a little disappointing and leaves me longing for days of yore. Toyota cheaped out on this car and it shows.

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  Excellent Value - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Blue Ridge - January 20 - 4:23 pm

  We live in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the combination of very steep roads and snow/ice is challenging. We had to have 4WD and seating for six, but we wanted good mileage too. After two years of reviewing cars, we got a RAV4. The V6 eats up mountains without straining the transmission. Theres a bit of a turbo lag as the transmission gears down, but then the RAV4 jumps past cars when passing. Same engine as the Highlander in a much lighter SUV. Wow. Backdoor and wheel are same as on our Jeep; not a big issue for us. Where else could the full-size spare go? Having a full-size spare is important. Only complaints - mileage is not as good as we want and steering not as tight.

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  Love It!!!!!!! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Julie220 - January 20 - 2:46 pm

  Ive only had my Rav for 3 days now but I absolutely love it! Mine is Black with light gray(ash)interior. I cant get over the fact that only being able to afford the base model isnt a sacrifice.There are so many features that come standard its unreal.Fuel economy is remarkable! Ive put 173 miles on it so far and I just hit a half a tank. Ive been driving it all weekend getting to know it. The Rav 4 is fun to drive and handles beautifully.There is plenty of cargo space and with the seats down its perfect for my 3 huge dogs. The only thing I dont like is having a car payment again. I love the looks it gets too when driving down the street. Go buy one, youll love it!

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  Still Great After All These Years - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jp582 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this RAV just about 5 years ago and have yet to experience one mechanical problem. Exterior is solid and interior has also held up well. Gets decent gas mileage for a little SUV (both city and highway) and I have taken it on long road trips without a problem. Lacks power on mountainous roads and hills, though and I have had it floored to keep up with the Speed Limit in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Great quality overall!

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  I love my Rav4! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By redcat - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2004 Rav4 L AWD in pearl white. I test drove the Tribute, Escape, CRV as well as the Rav4 and the Rav 4 was my favorite. It handles well in all types of weather and is pretty economical on gas for an suv. I have driven it up to about 90 mph and it still feels sturdy but once you go above 70 mph, the wind noise becomes more pronounced. Acceleration is much better than previous years, it is smooth and gets the job done. Braking is EXCELLENT! The interior may seem small but my 60 boyfriend fits with no problem. Initially, he thought Rav would be too small and wanted me to get something else, now he tries to drive it as often as I will let him.

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  My Favorite SUV (car) - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Catherine Young - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Two of my neighbors had a Rav4. I asked them how they liked it. My husband and I went to the Daytona Toyota "just to look". A very friendly and helpful salesman greeted us. When we walked over to the pretty green gray Rav4 my husband said he knew that was the the SUV for me. I feel very confidents driving it as it handles real well. Everything on the inside is very convenient. The back opens to hold alot of groceries or whatever. I can say there is no other car on the road that I would rather be driving. Even the back seat is comfortable for adults or children. The gas mileage is great and that is important to me. Thank you Toyota for building such a great SUV.