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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  Moving forward - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By frafael - September 26 - 9:13 pm

  I decided give a try for RAV4 after good experience with my wife Siena08. 2009 RAV4 is very roomy and I bought a full load Limited. My previous experience was a much heavier LR Discovery V8, and RAV4 performer better, thanks to light body and very well designed transmission. The interior everything are very well resolved, but the material looks cheaper, even leather trim is not first class. There are excessive noise in cabin, combined from engine and road. Update, combined millage is 21mpg, not bad for a I-4 AWD, but I dont think Ill get promised 27mpg freeway.

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  No start problem - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By piko584189 - September 25 - 1:43 pm

  We paid close to 35,000 with all of the upgrades. Since the first week we owned this car it had an intermitent no start problem. Has been back to dealer 3or4 times. Today we were told it had something to do with steering lock--and we need to just live with it--now that we know what the problem is we know it will eventually start.. They sent a tech bulletin to toyota and maybe someday they will do something about it. This is an uncomfortable riding vehicle--will never buy a Toyota again.

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  2006 Rav - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By car guy - September 24 - 6:03 am

  Absolutely love the vehicle. It is almost as big as the Highlander but with more power and better fuel economy.

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  2001 Toyota Rav4 Review - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By etodd4 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is great to drive. It handles exceptionally and is actually quite high off the ground.

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  sweet ride - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By sweet ride - September 23 - 6:20 am

  Awesome vehicle, very quick pickup. (6 cyl.) fun to drive

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  The Good The Bad and The Ugly - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Sorun - September 17 - 1:30 am

  Lets start with the ugly. Road noise is high, if you do not like road noise then do not buy this car! Very loud on anything but smooth pavement.

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  First owned car! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Evan "Rudy" - September 16 - 9:40 am

  We bought our silver, 5-speed, L series beauty-of-a-car on Mothers Day of this year. So far we ABSOLUTLY love it! We got it with 70,311 miles and it drives like brand new! and it has 73,423 miles (as of 7/20/05) now. We havent actually tried the AWD the way it was built yet, but some friends of ours that have one says that "it drives as if there werent any snow" do Im anxious to try it out! Ive notice a hair-line crack where the plastic aluminum on the drivers door handle is. The sound is --okay. Over all Id give the car... well lets just say that Im gonna be buying another one someday! :) Its a BIG step up from 2000s model, it looks sexy!

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  The great Rav 4 make over - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By jlb1143 - September 15 - 12:36 am

  This new design takes the best of the old and incorporates some much needed improvements.

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  Terrific SUV Crossover - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By MikeND - September 13 - 10:26 pm

  I had previously owned two Corollas and loved both of them. I needed a bigger vehicle because of two new children. I test drove a Santa Fe, a Highlander and a Rav4. It took me about 5 minutes of driving a Rav4 to fall in love. I obviously like the added size and power. However, what I find amazing with the Rav4 is I still feel like Im driving my old Corolla. Im also looking forward to the 4WD and added weight this winter.

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  My 04 RAV rocks! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Brittik - September 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the second RAV4 Ive owned; the first was an 01. I have had nothing but good experiences with both cars. The first had 40,000 miles on it when I traded it - all without any major mechanical issues or problems with build quality. I think the RAV4 is the best-looking mini-SUV on the market, and the 04 model offered such significant improvements in power, handling, ride and interior sound deadening, I had to trade up.