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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  High Expectations and Pleased - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Anna Petey - October 12 - 10:43 pm

  I am a first-time crossover/SUV buyer, in which I traded-in my 1997 Honda Accord (the best car model ever made, in my opinion) w/ 160,000 miles, and felt it was time for an upgrade since Im moving to a mountain state. Going from a car that got 31 mpg hwy to a heftier and less efficient model was tough, but I have actually been happier than I expected, with the RAV4. I get an average of 24 mpg, and probably up to 26-7 on the hwy. I had heard that the Sport models have a rougher road experience b/c of the tires, so I opted for the Base model instead. Compared to my Accord, there is less engine noise and much less road noise than some of the CR-Vs I test drove. Overall a good, smart choice!

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  RAV 4 Ever? - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV Mao - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had others that were bigger but this one has personality. Even though the 2000 was the last year of this styling, Im glad I got it when I did. I think the newer models are okay but the 2000 and earlier are set apart. Yes, the pick up is a bit slow - Have you ever found yourself shaking back and forth to try to help it out? - but the truck has heart. I can reach into the backseat without even getting out!

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  Cute!!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Celeste - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RAV for two months. I considered a wide variety of cars, including the New Beetle, Accord, Passat, Camry Solara and RAV. I had four major criteria - cuteness, fuel economy, reliability and safety. The RAV has lived up to all my expectations. I have done better than the fuel economy estimate of 29 mpg on the highway, yet the engine is very peppy. I had driven six cylinder cars for the last ten years and was pleasantly surprised at the acceleration of the the RAVs four cylinder engine. The back area is the perfect height to sit and put on my hiking boots. I highly recommend it for those seeking a reliable, practical and cute car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By garyp - October 11 - 4:03 am

  I bought this 3 weeks ago and have enjoyed every minute I have spent in it. It is really quick, very nimble, very roomy and very comfortable. The ride is very comfortable and secure, both at freeway speeds and on curvy country roads. The first 2 tanks of gas are averaging over 25 mpg and should only get better. I traded a large Buick Rendezvous for the Rav and am much happier with the Rav. Plenty of storage and easy access. Easy entrance and exit to/from both front and rear seats also.

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  High end SUV at mid range price - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill - October 10 - 7:50 am

  Vehicle handles well and feels solid. Cabin is well designed (other than cup holders and LED clock). Plenty of storage space and room for rear seat passengers. Fuel consumption beats all competition and with the V6, this vehicle has more power and better acceleration than many other vehicles on the road.

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  Please read before you buy!! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Debbie - October 8 - 10:36 pm

  Purchased my RAV4 brand new. Check engine light was on after about one year. Catalytic conv or O2 sensors were always said to be the reason. At 100,000K it started to slip between 2nd and 3rd gear. Causes major issues! I just received something from Toyota saying that they will reprogram my ECM for no charge now, but unfortunately for me, this defect already ruined my transmission. Do not even think about purchasing a 2001-2002 RAV4 unless you have several thousand extra dollars to replace a transmission and ECM (avg.$4K). Trust me!!

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  Toyota Rav4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Her Toy - October 5 - 9:20 pm

  Terrific gas milege - very sporty, yet smooth comfortable ride. A coworker, who was my passenger asked if the Rav4 was a V-6 because of the exceptional pick up. Far better visibility than Honda CRV - vertually no blind spots. Lots of toys - stereo/CD player controls also located on steering wheel for ease in changing from one to the other. Excellent sound too. Lots of room - rear seats fold up and out - many compartments for storage 4 wheel drive hugs the road and its an SUV thats very easy to get in and out of. These vehicles run for years too.

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  Fun Factor - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By tom - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought it second hand from US (1 year, 7,000 miles) and drive it in Europe, where RAV4s with 269 hp are very rare. Fun factor is acceleration and faces of the guys from $50.000 branch cars when they cannot get me on the road ;-) Its bigger when it comes to passenger & luggage space then EU model. Good. Very silent compared to cars I had (even Mercedes C-Class is louder inside). Fuel consumption relatively high, but when you check 270 hp competitors you will see, that actually RAV4 isnt fuel hungry really. Interior from stone ages, even 2010 model left it almost untouched. Lack of board computer (EUs have it). Relatively reliable only when properly serviced.

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  Hood defect? - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Debbie - September 29 - 11:20 pm

  Im having a problem that rain and snow gather in the hood channels and the spray the windshield. It temporarily restricts visibility. Also the Bluetooth is hit or miss. Sometimes it connects and I can make calls. Other times it stops and starts the call several times before connecting.

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  RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Lene - September 27 - 12:40 am

  V6 is very peppy engine. CONS:Drivers seat does not go back very far. Im only 56" & I would like more leg room. Since getting the car I have always noticed a humming noise whenever Im accelerating & at all speeds, but especially between 40-45 mph. It has never impacted the performance of the car. I just took it into the dealer to address this sound. The dealer confirmed it IS a problem with the Rav4. They will be replacing the L side engine mount, rear engine mount & L side drive axle damper. They said IF that doesnt do the trick it will have to get a new transmission! What a surprise that was! Thank goodness I took it in before the warranty expired! So be aware...and listen.