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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  New RAV4 Owner - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By jim - March 23 - 8:23 pm

  I test drove many of the small and medium SUVs before choosing the toyota. Hands down the most bang for the buck.

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  Excellent sporty dog suv - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By spike - March 22 - 7:03 pm

  It handles great and I love the looks and overall appearance inside and outside.

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  my review - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By enelrad - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I really love my car. I really havent found anything that i dont like about it. they have put everything in there and in the right places. when pulling a small motorcycle camper behind it, we get surprisingly great gas mileage too.

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  Excellent choice for multiple purposes - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By KStrassell - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Rav 4. Mileage is fantastic, well within advertised range. More power than you would expect from a 4 cylinder; excelerates well when you need to "punch it". Beats the heck out of driving my Tacoma; more practical for my circumstances with the adaptable uses: lug cargo AND people with room left over. I drive it; it doesnt feel like it is driving me. I feel safe with Toyota in general, but with this vehicle in particular. Excellent for those of us who are "vertically challenged."

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  Rav 4 owner for two months - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By cas of ct. - March 20 - 2:43 am

  Have enjoyed owning and driving the RAV 4. Interior road noise is difficult to get used to and radio sound system is not as good as I had hoped it would be. Also the first time I went through a car wash (touchless) the tire cover came completely off and was damaged (scratched). This cover had never been removed for any reason during my ownership--According to dealer this has happened to ONE other RAV 4. Also tire cover not covered under warranty according to dealer!

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  Okay I guess - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By barbian7 - March 19 - 4:16 am

  As far as exterior design, nothing beats it--its a cute car. But the power just wasnt there. My mom drives a 4-cylinder Ford sedan that seems to have far better power. It was really sluggish up hills. And the fuel economy really wasnt there either, surprisingly. It was reliable in terms of service though. I only recently had an engine light come on, and then a report came out that said it might just be a glitch. I traded it before I found out. For me the worst feature was interior noise. It didnt seem insulated or something-- just wasnt really smooth in that respect. Overall just really a so-so experience for me. I doubt Ill even buy a Toyota again.

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  Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Debi - March 18 - 3:16 pm

  I just love my new Rav4. It is so fun to drive. The get up and go is great. I can get to 80 real fast. It is a smooth ride and I think it is so cute. There is plenty of leg room in the front and back seat. It really has more room than my Nissan Quest did as far as leg room. I know Toyota is a good product because this is the fifth one I have had.

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  Mixed Opinions - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Lee - March 16 - 9:23 am

  Ive read reviews on the fuel economy, but happy to say so far consistently 23.5 mpg in local driving. But dont see a huge increase in mostly highway. Perhaps in 25-26 range, but not 29. Also, have complaint now with Toyota on occasional severe hesitation when accelerating from stop or nearly stopped situation. They mentioned it could be new Electronic Throttle Control whatever that is. Mostly positive other than that. Fun to drive with size, comfort, feel, ride etc. Hate tire on back, but oh well. New 2007 CRV losing its tire on door, which should have been a must for Toyota. Jury still out though overall if i made the right choice. First Toyota, so hoping it lives up to hype.

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  Very happy after 9 months - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By susieq33 - March 15 - 4:06 am

  I waited to write this review, since I wanted to take a decent road trip. Having just got back from a trip to and from Ohio to SC, I now feel I can write an honest review. This is a great vehicle. I have owned Hondas for the past 25 years or more, the latest being a 2008 CR-V, and was bored with the same interior look and features. I test drove multiple vehicles, SUVs and sedans. The RAV 4 is extremely nice looking (Pearl White) and runs and rides perfectly. Got 29.6 miles per gallon on average, using heat, defrosters and air conditioning through rain, fog, and sleet. The RAV-4 Limited offers a comfortable ride, great handling. The heated seats/lower back are outstanding No complaints. ****UPDATE**** Ater having this RAV4 for almost 3 years now, and after several long road trips, it continues to make me happy. The only problem Ive had is that the tire pressure sensors are extremely sensitive and tend to show low air pressure frequently in winter months with temperature changes. Otherwise, the ride, acceleration, and gas mileage is great. Averaged 30 to 31 mpg on our most recent trip from Ohio to SC. The power in the normal mode is so good for passing or entering freeways that I have never switched into sport mode. The economy modes mpg was equal to using the normal mode, so why have a more sluggish vehicle and not gain anything? I drive in the normal mode all the time and with combined city and highway driving, usually average around 28 mpg and 27 in the winter. Have had many back seat passengers remark on how roomy and comfortable the back seats are. Oil changes are a bit more expensive due to using synthetic oil. The only changes I woukd make to do something with the cup holders, which are too deep for some items, adding a smaller, covered storage area for a cell phone or similar, a button to program the garage door opener, and automatic headlights when windshield wipers are in use, and better speakers as the sound is not the greatest at lower levels. That being said, even without those fixes we would purchase the RAV4 again, without hesitation.

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  CDD2006Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By CDD - March 13 - 12:20 pm

  High Cool Factor.RAV4 can keep up with cars costing $20/30K more. Blows by BMWs. Requires two hands on the wheel, it will get away from you if you stomp on it, almost feels like the engine will rip out Hauled a trailer to college for kid, couldn’t even tell it was there. RAV is jerky when shifting on its own, hills and passing, not always a smooth ride. True gas mileage is 18-20 in the city, 22-24 on highway. No one is getting 30MPG on the V6. After 7 months, squeaks are apparent as is engine noise Engine light comes on for oil change, dealer instructed me on how to reset myself. RAV is really good for 2+2kids, no more. RAV has blind spots. Max 4 hours driving trips/too uncomfortable