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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  I love this car! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Yifang Dang - March 12 - 11:08 pm

  I love this SUV, because it has a higher view for driving than sedans, however, Im a little short for its large space. When I sit in the drivers seat, the accelarator and break and the steering wheel are a little far for me, so I had to sit close, and my space wont be that big, and on my way out of the car, I got be careful not to hit my head on the top of the car. So I would suggest everyone calmly testdrive this vichle and make the decision. This is my only concern about this car, otherwise, everything is great! The driving is great, the price is great, and the safety is great! I love this car!

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  Rav4 9000 mile review - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Smithgang - March 12 - 7:56 pm

  After owning my RAV4 for about 6 months, I can report that I am very pleased with it. I live in the south suburbs of Chicago and have about a 25 mile commute each day and average 24.0 mpg. This does require that you go easy on the accelerator. But its nice to know the power is there with the V6 when you need it. I replaced all the factory floor mats with weathertech floor mats. My kids are in a lot of sports, often riding with muddy shoes and it is really easy to dump the weathertech mats out. I also added my own towing bar to use my hitch mounted bike rack. Very easy (4 bolts), and way cheaper to do yourself in lieu of buying from Toyota.

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  the best - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By cepi - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, already put 45000 miles and runs excellent,feels very firm.No problems at all, i previously owned a ml320 mercedez 2000 and is nothing better than my toyota,I have a friend who owns a 1998 rav4 with 256000 miles and he is very very happy an ready to put more miles. Not bad for a 4 cylinders car dont you think?

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  Fun and Fast - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By ROD - March 10 - 9:00 pm

  I wanted an SUV that gets better mileage than the big ones and still have the room for trips and hauling stuff. I tow my 2 snowmobiles so this was perfect since it will handle 3500 lbs. I have been getting about 25 mpg and have not had any problem after 6 months and 6k. It has surpassed all my expectations and is fun to drive and it gets down the road in a hurry. Highly recommend it.

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  Traded Honda CR-V for RAV 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By eric r daugherty - March 6 - 8:03 pm

  I was looking for a new SUV which was slightly larger and had more power. The Honda had been fine, except on long trips fully loaded. The RAV 4 is very confortable, plenty of power and maintains reasonable gas mileage. This is the first Toyota I have owned, not a single problem, fit and finish very good, very happy in 10,000 miles of service.

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  Great Car But... - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By JK - February 28 - 5:36 am

  I have owned the car for 9 years and overall it has been very reliable. However, it has not been without problems. Cons: An emissions sensor had to be replaced at 70k (over $700 repair). The front struts had to be replaced at 75k ($1200 repair). The actuator rod for the driver door remote auto-lock mechanism failed at 80k (Its a $1000 repair). Finally transmission failed at 128k. Overhaul parts and labor put the repair at over $3400. A little underpowered and a little loud at highway speeds. Pros: Better than my Jeep Cherokee in the snow and rain. Comfortable driver position (I am 61"), good turning radius and great handling. Fun to drive.

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  Fun Car - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Alf - February 27 - 11:46 pm

  just traded in 05 Escape. I thought that was good until I tried this. Big difference. Better gas mileage from the 3.5 v6, great handling, fully loaded, quieter but still road noise, front wheels getting brake dust,smoother ride, tighter turning radius. 2 trip meters, outside temp., Escape did not have, but needs mileage computer. Seats a little tight up front, too much room in rear. Must be for Japanese market, smaller people. Could easily move seat rails back 2 in. Center console box could have been bigger, higher. Like to have grab bar like Escape. Blue tooth cellphone echoes. Rear hatch should open up, not sideways. A problem unloading with parallel parking. Will buy again.

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  Will not buy about another Toyota - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By J shafer - February 27 - 10:00 am

  First off, Ive had three yodas: 89 corolla 214,000 mi, 95 Camry 250,000 mi and this rav4. The rav just feels cheaper: the paint has way to many chips, the transmission is horrible, rough ride in the city, the stereo sucks, interior is loud, not enough room in the driver (Im 62" 200 lbs) and passenger seat, we are expecting our third child and have to buy three new car seats because the second row is so narrow and it just doesnt feel like it is going to hold up. Now the good: zero problems in the first three years (of course its just past the three year mark), awesome second row leg room and cargo, great in the snow, gas mileage is decent, and the wife loves the second glove box.

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  Really great SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mac12618 - February 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Rav4 and i love the way this suv drives and handles. A very nice quiet comfortable ride and great handling. The V6 engine in this vehicle is silky smooth and is very powerful and refined. Love that V6 ! owned a 2007 CR-V but Toyota has a much better SUV. My rav4 has 140,000 km (90 000 mi) and still looks and drives like new !

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  slightly underpowered - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By suresh - February 26 - 12:26 pm

  Bought my rav4 sports basic edition for $23,350 OTD after much hangling. I found the vehicle to be slightly underpowered (0-40 miles).But who needs a V6 with $3 a gallon prices.