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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  LOVE my new RAV4 Limited - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jude - September 1 - 6:16 am

  Ive had it less than a week and couldnt be happier (so far). I had test driven six other vehicles from Subaru to Honda to Jeep, etc. It is such a comfortable drive, esp. with the power drivers seat that includes lumbar support. I find the ride to be quiet and it accelerates quickly. I absolutely love the design of the dashboard and the displays. The leather wrapped steering wheel is wonderful and it can be adjusted easily. This vehicle has far exceeded my expectations, esp. after having driven six others.

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  She is a keeper - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By dtown40 - August 30 - 1:50 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and so far, I am very pleased with it. Traded in my 1999 Honda CR-V for it, and it is so much bigger. Much more power and smoother ride then the Honda. Hope the longevity in quality is as good as the Honda. Amazing how little difference there is in MPG between the two, seeing how the Toyota has a 6cyl engine and the Honda had a 4cyl.

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  Very pleased - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Tadams - August 29 - 5:06 am

  I went from a 92 Camry XLS (4-cyl) to 2006 Rav4 4x4 Base 4-cyl. Needed cargo room to haul band equipment. Rides very smooth and quiet, not quite as smooth as the Camry but still very good for a small SUV. 24 mpg city, 29.5 hiway, both with AC on max. I think Toyota makes a very good 4 cyl engine.

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  A Great Small SUV That Rides Like a Car - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By JustBoughtaRAV - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It is very comfortable, fun to drive, and rides quite nicely. I am tall, but there is still plenty of head and leg room. Its easy to get in and out of. You can sit straight up and still reach the wheel easily. The gas mileage is very good, so you dont have to pay the price for sitting high like most trucks and SUVs. The acceleration is very good for driving around town and getting up to 35-45 MPH. It seems more like a sports car to drive than your typical truck or SUV. Some people have complained of rattles, but I havent noticed anything that bothers me. The CR-V was nice, but this is much more fun to drive.

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  Toyota Convert - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RavFan - August 26 - 10:10 pm

  After previously owning/driving American-made cars, I can say that after driving the RAV-4, I may not go back. Although Ive only had the RAV for a few months, it feels like Ive been driving it forever. The ride is great, the new V6 gives it tons of power, and the larger size makes it a good fit for my family. Compared to the comparable SUVs I test drove (Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox), the RAV-4 blows away those competitors in my mind. Whether on the highway or hilly 2-lane mountain roads, Ive always felt in control behind the wheel. Thus far, I havent found a driving task that the RAV-4 couldnt handle.

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  Rav4 303,000 miles - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Cat L. - August 26 - 12:36 pm

  I love my Rav4. I have to say I prayed over the car too and that helped. My Rav4 has 303,000 miles on it. I had it checked recently at Superior Toyota in Birmingham. I wanted it checked out and felt like apologizing for my mileage. The owner of the company said "Its a Toyota; thats what they do." It means so much to drive a car for years after paying it off. Besides regular things like brakes, tires, and oil, that youd have to do for any car, Ive only had one thing fixed;that was a timing belt, after it had 268,000 miles on it. I will definitely buy another Toyota Rav4 one day. My finance teacher said to keep a car until you no longer trust it. I still trust it.

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  Great for family - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By cveto - August 22 - 1:10 am

  Bought it for my wife and she loves it. Things we love about it are 4wd, peppiness and styling. This vehicle got it all. It is not a male appealing vehicle but I enjoy driving it too. It is a all weather suv Rather than a offroad. If you got a kid or two that is the vehicle you need.

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  Great Car to Have and to Hold. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ms Cherry - August 20 - 7:56 am

  I got this car for my dog, but I fell in love with it after the first month. I get so many compliments in parking lots. It really drives like a car. Before purchasing this car I test drove a Suzuki, a CR-V, and a BMW X3. I decided to go with this car because it does not drive like a truck, its very smooth and quiet, and because has good fuel efficiency.

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  2013 Rav4 Limited - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By desertgolfer - August 17 - 6:59 am

  I have had this vehicle since August 2013 and have had absolutely no issues with it. I was somewhat surprised at some of the reviews in this thread as I have owned many Toyotas and have never experienced a problem they could not fix. I live in Arizona and we may have smoother roads than some of the cooler weather states, but I have found the Rav4 ride to be exceptional for this vehicle class. The features available on the Limited are outstanding, everything works perfectly and I love the versatility of the transmission. Heck, you can treat it like a manual and in Sport mode that is fun.

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  2006 Toyota RAV 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By John Paradiso - August 15 - 6:23 pm

  Exceptional quality and amenities for the price. Handles well and has surprising power for a 4 cyl. Plenty of room for both passengers & cargo. All the benefits of an SUV but rides like a car. Tight turning radius a bonus.