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:
Showing 1661 through 1670 of 2,041.00-
Love this car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By Shaun S - November 13 - 10:00 ambig truck in a little car body
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Smooth on Highway, a Little Rough Local - 2007 Toyota RAV4
By sy - November 9 - 8:26 amDrove from Chicago to Las Vegas (1700+) miles smoothly. Plenty of horses, but accelerating from a stop, the transmission tends to lag a bit. Not sure if its torque steer, the SUV weight or needs better quality or premium gas, or the trans itself. However, once you get moving, this vehicle can fly. It rides very smooth on the highway even going 100+. Its a bit bumpy on local streets, especially for the rear passengers, but keep in mind, after all, it is an SUV. Exterior looks great, but the interior is a little "plasticky", I guess thats how you keep costs down. If you want more refinement, go with the luxury brands. Otherwise, this is what $25K gets you (w/o 4WD). Overall, good value.
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I have try it, it is worse than i though - 2003 Toyota RAV4
By kalokt - November 9 - 2:00 amI have testdrive it, the color was impressive (the blue one), but the inside feature and the dealership is not that goooood. Generally the car is ok, inside doesnt have a great room, but acceptable.
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Great Car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
By Luv my 3 js - November 7 - 5:07 pmPurchased my car earlier this month and I absolutely love it. It drives very smooth and is very comfortable. However, I drove my car to Palm Springs this week and the seats were so hot, I couldnt sit on them until I put a towel in them. Overall, Im very pleased with this car
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Good car--dumb interior - 2010 Toyota RAV4
By Sue in Colorado - November 4 - 1:26 pmTest drove & extensively researched both 2010 RAV4 & CRV before buying--(previously had a 2002 CRV & loved it). Comparison was a tossup, so got a RAV4 mostly just to "try something new". After 2 months...its a great car, but overall, think I preferred my CRV. RAV4 interior design/quality leaves much to be desired. Biggest letdown is the whole front console/storage/cupholder arrangement--storage room is unhandy and limited; your drink blocks access to some controls & dashboard storage nook; plastic is flimsy; center console too low for an armrest. And if they can dispense with the clunky exterior tire on Sport model--why not on ALL RAV4s??
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Everything I was hoping for... - 2001 Toyota RAV4
By Erik - November 4 - 10:00 amI love this car. Truck. Cluck. It is a touch underpowered at 4 cylinders, but that would have been my choice anyway. Toyota should really offer a six. This is my first experience with AWD. I wont go back. It handles the snow here in the Northeast very well. I still, two years later, think this is a snazzy looking car. If you are on the fence, you wont do better than this one.
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Easiest Purchase Ever! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
By RAV4 Lover - November 4 - 10:00 amBefore buying my RAV4 I researched for 6 months going back and forth between it and the Mazda Tribute. Well, the RAV won hands down. I loved the reliability and the ratings it got from experts and other consumers. I dont regret buying it at all!
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Awesome RAV - 2012 Toyota RAV4
By Karen S. - November 1 - 6:55 pmI loved her, but I need the more advanced help available on newer RAV.
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Ho Hum - 2007 Toyota RAV4
By Dan - October 30 - 2:03 pmI wish I knew now, what I had no way of knowing when I bought this car. The V6 engine is very peppy, the car handles well, and is terrific on snow covered roads. I really like the way it looks and drives. However, I was not prepared to pay $1800 ($171 for parts)to replaced a water pump. My wife drives this car to work everyday, approximately 100 miles round trip. That comes out o 95% highway driving. If I had known the cost involved for this repair, I would have never bought the V6. At the time I bought it, it was the highest rated SUV according to Consumer Reports. Live and learn.
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I love my Rav!!!! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
By kmark - October 30 - 10:00 amI traded in a 2001 Dodge Ram Ext. Cab Half-ton for my Rav4. I wanted an automobile that was different, fun, and econioical! I hit the jackpot with my Rav4. I average 30 miles to the gallon. I save over $100 per month in gas, from what I was paying with my Dodge. The Rav4 fits my family of four very comfortable, and the cargo space is very well designed. It is so much fun to drive!
