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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  Whole new level above - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike - October 9 - 11:53 am

  My wife has been driving an 03 Rav4 limited 4WD since getting it new and has been very happy with it. And I wanted one also. So when the 06 was announced I thought we should go check it out. Well I was blown away at the improvements Toyota made with this new RAV4. We bought it for a few % above what the 03 cost us even though both were loaded. Everything about the design is impressive. The size and MPG it gets are hard to believe. The inside styling on the L version is really nice. The general feel of the vehicle is fantastic

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  Sensational SUV!! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Ryan - October 9 - 1:03 am

  I absolutely love this car! Im a research junkie and thoroughly reviewed and test drove the Honda CRV, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape, Subaru Forrester, and Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. The RAV4 blew them all away. My last car was a BMW 5-series with all the bells and whistles so I was a little worried about making the adjustment to a non- luxury SUV. However, this car has continued to impress me with its easy handling, roomy interior, reliability, features, appearance, comfortable seats, and gas mileage. I have read a few of the negative reviews and I really think that we must be driving completely different makes/models. My RAV4 has been fantastic!

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  04 RAV4 L Best Choice - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By August11 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt sure when I bought my 2004 RAV4L if is it was the truck for me, but now Im convinced! My RAV has a nimble feel, excellent braking and handling, unexpected fuel economy at 30mpg and is fun to drive. With a 5- speed, 4WD & traction control it handles fantastic during the NJ winters. Its has a smooth ride, but also a slight SUV/truck feel, which is why I bought it. (I owned a 1993 Toyota P/U 4x4 and loved it!)It took 8 weeks (the sunroof was put in at port in the U.S,) to get after I placed my order, but well worth the wait !

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  Very Nice - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - October 6 - 11:56 pm

  Got my Rav one month ago. First thing is that its great on hills and excellent off start. Holds plenty of gear with great cargo room and system. Seats are great but had leather put in aftermarket (not an option on sport) I miss my satellite radio so awaiting for dash fit kit, but sound of jbl speakers are great. Waiting to see how it rides in snow. Fit and finish of parts are clean, tight and look great. Great on long highway trips and fuel economy has been 26 mpg. Wish it had full time 4wd ability for heavy rain and snow. Toyota needs to offer satellite as option or the connection for it. Only serious complaint is that you cant read radio and clock display in daytime or with sunglasses on.

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  4 yr / 100K Review - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By BCC - October 6 - 8:50 pm

  After 4 yrs and 100K+ miles on my RAV4 I have had no problems whatsoever. What a great car. This is my first Toyota. No wonder people love em. Has been to the dealer for routine maintenance only. I seem to have finally done something to it: there is a slight squeak under the dashboard that I plan to have fixed soon. Besides that all I have spent on it is fuel and oil only. Too bad the new one is an oversized version, this was the perfect size (and I am 6"1 220 lbs).

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  ECM /Transmission Problem - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By abamabam1 - October 1 - 8:25 pm

  I rarely write reviews online but I want to share my experience with this vehicle...My RAV4 is in excellent condition until I hit 89K on my 2003 RAV 4 last month when its started jerking on shifting. Im 3 months passed out of extended warranty as per TOYOTA 10 YEARS/150,000 miles. I took mycar to the dealer but told me I need to pay $$$$ for the diagnostic and repairs because of out of warranty...Even calling TOYOTA Customer Relation is still no help..This is my last TOYOTA ever...You lost one loyal customer...I traded my RAV4 for a 2013 Honda Accord...

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  Nice Little SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JPM - September 28 - 6:13 pm

  Worth the wait, which was quite long to get the combination I was looking for. Its a very practical and useful vehicle.

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  Great compact option - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By steelrain - September 26 - 11:29 am

  I have had my Rav for 2 weeks and 1,700 miles and am very impressed. My job requires a lot of traveling and I traded my 2012 Silverado White Diamond Edt for it and could not be happier. I have driven a full size truck for the last 10yrs and was afraid at first about trading in on what is considered a compact suv. My mileage at the moment is 24mpg with all highway, which is a great improvement over the 15 I was getting w/my Silverado. The interior space is very surprising and comfortable. It has plenty of power for interstate driving and more features than I would have ever expected for the price I got it for. I would check it out if you want something thats practical and comfortable.

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  Dont like instrument panel - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By okos12 - September 20 - 11:50 pm

  Instrument panel is dark. Cant see the clock in daylight. Same for the stereo. Storage for coins is open. Should have cover. When I plugged in GPS into power, could not use glass holder. I need the other glass holder for key. Hate that I can hardly see the clock. It has pale orange background and black numbers. Ugly plastic inside. Too manly. Really dont like the light color floor mats. Am using old ones from another car, because it would get dirty in no time Who would put creamy or light color floor mats in a car! The steering wheel is too small Mostly dont like all instrument panel is not illuminated enough. I kept turning the light in every position to see if clock can light up

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  What a Blast - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By deadmanlives - September 18 - 5:23 pm

  This little SUV is great fun to drive. It has tight handling, great turning radius, good ride, and the acceleration...whoa momma! Buy the V-6 and you will understand what I mean. We bought a Limited with all the bells and whistles, paid right at $1000 under MSRP, so we felt like we got a good deal. The interior roominess is close to that of much larger SUVs. Road noise is much quieter than the CR-V. Ill be curious to see if we get anything close to the mileage rating of 21/28. My only disappointment is that the Rav4 is my wifes vehicle, and I hardly ever get to drive it.