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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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Captain Jim - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Really suprised by the comfort and handling of nour Rav 4. It fits the whole family perfectly. 4 different drivers, 4 really different size people, and no matter who drives or sits where, its comfortable. It could use better gas milage. But it has been a dream to own!

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  Rave on Rav4 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Marjory - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car to buzz around the city in. Its height gives you an advantage compared to a sedan, and the turning radius combined with a compact body makes tough parking a breeze. The AWD has a great impact on winter roads and you feel very safe/grounded.

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  MY TOY - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By rab264 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  My sister purchased a 2001 Rav4 and I went with her when she picked it out and purchased. I immediately feel in love with it. I purchased my in September, 2001 and really enjoy driving it. It is perfect for me as I have arthritus in my knees and the fact that I can step down makes it alot easier.

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  Best All-Around SUV You Can Buy - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris G - July 4 - 6:20 am

  This car is great, quality is world class and the power is unsurpassed in similar small SUVs. Regarding the MPG, if you drive it like a hot rod all the time then you will not get great gas mileage. Yes, I certainly like to experience the raw power every once in awhile - but for the most part I drive like a normal person and dont always test the limits of this car every time I take off. I easily get 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

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  Fits the bill. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Old Grump - July 3 - 1:46 am

  I wanted a vehicle with a proven track record, more cargo area than a small sedan, decent power and fuel economy. The RAV4 fits the bill perfectly. The V6 is stout without totally compromising fuel economy. The ride is firm but comfortable. Handling is agile and predictable. Interior/exterior is stylish and driver-friendly. Avg 23 mpg commuting which is a mix of expressway and stop-go traffic. Trips? 27.5 mpg averaging 70-80 mph. For myself, its practical yet still fun to drive.

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  Great Car To Own - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Dawn K. - June 30 - 4:30 am

  I love this car. Never had any problems with it. Would highly recommend it to anyone!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By allysonb - June 28 - 5:22 pm

  Just traded in my 2007 Ford F-150 for the Rav4 to get better fuel economy. I was a little hesitant going from a v8 to a 4 cyl., but this car did not dissapoint! I recently had a spinal fusion and I can drive this car all day without it bothering my back. I am also a single mom of a two year old, this car has room enough for him and all of his "gear" as well as another friend. The gas mileage is great(especialy compared to my F-150).

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  A great car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Mary Ann2 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, fun, no frills, economical SUV.

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  Good vehicle to own. - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By larry leslie - June 26 - 10:00 am

  so far Im very pleased with the performance of this vehicle. Before I purchased it I compared vehicle prices and design, fuel milage, Engine power and handling in somewhat adverse weather conditions such as strong winds and snow covered roads. I was also pleased with the smooth ride. I looked at and test drove 4 other makes and models of SUVs before buying this one.

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  Wonderful - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Picky Picky - June 20 - 10:13 pm

  My wife and I researched for over 2 months for the right vehicle for us. With a large breed dog that travels will us frequently, we needed the cargo space, and the low loading dock. We got everything we asked for in the cargo space, and the handles to put the rear seats down was one of the features we love the most. The V6 has tons of power. We test drove the 4Cyl also, which has plenty of power as well, but was just a bit too noisy. I wouldnt say the seats are "uncomfortable", but without a power seat Im still trying to find the right position. There seems to be SO much space all around. And the rear seats that fold flat make it all that much better. Love my Rav.