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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  Gas Hog - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Gail Delia - September 17 - 10:00 am

  For a 4 cylinder AWD and as light as this vehicle is it stinks on gas mileage. We get 17 miles/gal around town. Ugh. The CRV we had got 24 around town and it was a 6 cylinder AWD It doesnt hold its value. We leased it, we have 5,500 mile son it and to buy out the lease is still $23,000...more than a brand new one. Dont buy one.

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  Is there any other? - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Walter & Naomi - September 11 - 11:50 am

  Our 4th Toyota. Currently at 520,000 kms. Is a daily driver seven days a week as my wife is a travelling home support worker. Replaced brakes twice, timing belt three times only as good practice. Never needs wheel alignment. Never fails in any weather. Handles like a dream and my wife drives fast. Car handles like a sports car. Traveled once from Nova Scotia to Ottawa and back with 5 occupants and full of luggage not a problem and only $250 of fuel. Would not think twice of leaving for California in this vehicle tomorrow without service before leaaving. I handle a lot of vehicles and this is the best all around auto in the world by price, comfort, appearance, dependability.

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  could give beter gas Mileage - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Grayfox - September 11 - 10:00 am

  My experience with the vehicle was good I like about the vehicle we have lot of space.and if you could come with 6v models my dislike, are more driver legs space,mechanical problem are vehicle hesitate to go over hill some time and when are thay go to come out with that oxgen vehicle that only water are air come out of the tall pipe.

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  Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Missy - September 10 - 11:46 am

  I love this Rav! My previous car was a Corolla and this is a step up. I wont buy American engineered vehicles, been there and done that! The Rav seats are comfortable and drives like a dream. Disappointed in gas mileage, it isnt was they say it should get. Avg is 21 MPG. There is road noise and i agree the cup design is in the wrong place. The stereo is low quality. The Corolla had a better stereo system and cost a lot less. Overall happy with the purchase but think Toyota should go back and offer the 0% to those that purchased 6 months ago. That would show customer appreciation!!!

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  5000 mile review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By danfitz2 - September 9 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased a 07 2X4 Limited Rav4 (silly name) on May of 2006 and have to date put on about 5500 miles. About half are city and half are highway.

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  Love it! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Jessica - September 9 - 12:00 pm

  Just traded my 2009 Toyota Camry in for this wonderful SUV and I absolutely love it! I feel like I have tons of room, endless storage space,it handles very well, and it is a very smooth ride. I got the Base model, and although it doesnt come with any upgraded features (GPS, backup camera assist, etc.) it is the greatest car I have ever had! I did some research on the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, and I think I made the greatest decision ever!

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  Love My RAV4! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Freckles - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I highly recommend buyers first rent this vehicle and drive it on a weekend trip. Thats how I fell in love with mine. I narrowed my selection down to a RAV4 and a Nissan Rogue. The RAV4 is much roomier - my kids feel the back seat is very spacious. My RAV is fun to drive and comfortable and the interior looks more "rich" than the Rogue. My only complaint is that the majority of the Toyota dealerships we called were not willing to come down much off the sticker and in fact some were quite arrogant about their pricing.

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  RAV4 a Great Little SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Cybermeez - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This Rav4 is my third Toyota, previously had 2 pick-ups. The RAV lives up to the Toyota reputation good mileage, reliability and a sturdy 4cyl engine. I do a lot of driving often in bad weather and the RAV gets me through, though with a little less bravado than my old Tacoma. The RAVs interior cargo space makes it a fair trade off.

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  Toyota RAV4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By J Donohoe - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my RAV4 after looking at the Honda CRV, Acura RDX, Kia, Mazda and Hyndai small SUVs. I was previously driving a 2007 BMW X3. I was able to get an excellent price on my purchase after using Edmunds dealer quote program, sales price was even $1500 lower than average displayed. I have driven my RAV4 for 600 miles and am already averaging 23 MPG.

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  Initial Impressions of RAV4 - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By isophorone - September 1 - 11:54 am

  We just bought a used 2011 Base FWD RAV4 with 24K mi on it as we were outgrowing a 1999 Corolla with 199k miles. This RAV4 is pretty stripped down but does have tinted glass. The acceleration is great for a 4 cylinder and the car is quiet. We get 24-25 MPG suburban driving, 28 mpg hwy. Kids are comfortable in the back, and there is plenty of storage for our needs. Visibility good.