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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  Best Small SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom - October 31 - 5:33 am

  Quiet, smooth, powerful - excellent fit and finish inside and out. Evaluated all other small SUVs on the market and none really came close. Far and away the best engine. Amazing interior capacity. Averaging 25 mpg combined city/highway driving.

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  Rav 4L - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Brian Uglione - October 29 - 1:36 am

  The Rav 4 is an exceptional value for its class. The handling is very tight. Cornering is comfortable. The stablility and traction control system enables a very smooth ride. The cargo space in ample. You have about 6ft of cargo space when you remove the back 2 seats. I would recommend getting a roof rack to increase your cargo options. The interior is quite functional. You dont need to reach too far to access the dashboard controls. Seats are decent albeit a bit stiff. Safety features abound. Good for family transportation. I am very happy with this purchase. Great gas mileage and lots of features make for a fun, affordable ride.

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  Best small SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Love my RAV4 - October 24 - 2:20 am

  This is my first Toyota. I love it so far. Been in Hyundais since 1990. This is definitely a SERIOUS step up. Much better quality, reliability, styling, MPG. Hope to drive the wheels off the thing. I usually keep vehicles for at least 10 years, so this one should be around for awhile.

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  Rattle Trap - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Run - October 22 - 2:00 am

  My Rav4 rattled at the bottom of the windshield and the breaks started to squeak before I traded it. I repeatedly tried to have the rattle fixed but it always returned. If you want a quiet car, get something else that is what I did. The Rav4 is easy to park and drive on flat roads, but struggles to make it uphill.

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  toy cutie - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By toyoters - October 21 - 1:26 am

  Outstanding car to have. Better than my BMW X5 in terms of quality and cost to drive

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  Another RAV4 For Me! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By RGH - October 19 - 9:13 am

  I previously owned a 2007 RAV4, traded it in for a Ford Escape in 2012, and traded it in for a 2015 RAV4, that was a demo with 5,000 miles. I like all the new features in the Limited, eg. power lift back door, navigation/maintenance screens, many apps, etc., a few extra conveniences that I am loving! UPDATE AFTER 28,800 miles: Continuing to be very pleased with my RAV4! No complaints! I went back to see Candace, my sales person, once and was happy to see she was still selling Toyotas. Thank you, Toyota, for building another very sturdy SUV! Rachel from Orange, TX

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  Finest Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Carol Huot - October 17 - 6:20 pm

  This is the 3rd RAV Ive purchased. My first one was a 1997, then a 2001 and now my 2005. Its the most functional vehicle Ive ever owned (except for the 97, two doors, too small and front- wheel drive only). The 2005 drives really tight, and the four-wheel drive gives me the confidence I need for winter driving. Superb stereo system. I do a lot of camping, and my RAV provides plenty of packing space, with the features of roof rack, removable rear seats a plus. For an SUV, its very economical on gas, another plus with gas prices the way they are today. If I have anything negative to say about this vehicle is that I just dont drive it enough. Maybe a drive across country is in order

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  Impressed with little SUV - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Jetmyke - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this RAV 4 used with 12000 miles on it. I was looking for something a little larger but with gas prices at $2.00 a gallon, my wallet was my guide. I have been very impressed with this vehicle. It is very responsive (5 speed manual) and has excellent handling. While it is not suited for rugged 4 wheel drive terrain like my truck, it handles rough roads well and climbs well for not having a low range transfer case. As far as the daily commute, I am averaging 26.5 mpg. Other than an occasional dash rattle, I am very happy with the RAV 4.

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  love the Rav 4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By tmoore - October 16 - 6:13 pm

  I think that this is a wonderful vehicle for the money. It is roomy and doesnt feel cramped at all inside. It isnt a huge SUV, but fits a family of 3 or 4 perfectly. Fun to drive and looks good. What more could you want!

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  Mountaineer Replacement - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Cape Cod Dad - October 13 - 2:03 pm

  Divorced father, 2 kids (13 & 10), needed a replacement vehicle for a 97 Mountaineer. Looked at Acadia, Enclave, TaurusX, Mazda CX9, CRV & Odyssey. Purchased V6 Sport 4WD 11/07. Vehicle has 24,500 miles on it now. Very pleased with the gas mileage (averages a consistent 27 mpg when driven between 60-65 mph). Very quiet riding vehicle, nothing rattles or squeaks, very tight. JBL sound system is wonderful. Kids love positioning options of backseats I should have purchased more comfortable / flexible leather/ powerseats. On long rides its worth the extra money. My 1st Toyota, wont be my last. Very pleased.