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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  2010 4 WD Limited RAV 4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By New RAV 4 owner - June 12 - 5:06 pm

  Leased 2 1/2 wks ago and took on a road trip. V-4 performed great in mountains; did not notice road noise others have noted; great cargo area; passenger seat comfortable, but driver seat tight for my 65" husband; agree that interior plastic looks cheap even for the limited; so far love the car and features; was much cheaper to lease than Honda CR-V;

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  Toyota RAV4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeff C - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The RAV4 exemplifies Toyota quality inside and out. I find the design and engineering of the vehicle to be exceptional. You wont find a loose bolt on this vehicle anywhere. It has more than enough power for a 2.4 liter engine and it turns on a dime. The interior design is well laid out. Instrumentation is easy to read and easily accessible. Overall, the best small SUV on the market in my opinion.

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  RAV4s are GREAT SUVs - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By 300winmag - June 11 - 6:20 am

  My V6 RAV4 Sport 4WD has so much content and quality for a $25k SUV that one year later Im still amazed at how Toyota did it. I live in the Mojave Desert and the optional "Tow Prep Package" w/bigger radiator & heavy duty alternator is a blessing. From all the many standard "Star Safety System" features - standard on ALL models - to the competence of the vehicle in many situations from the highway to rocky roads to snow to the speed (the V6 is a hot rod!) to the great mileage which, according to my ScanGauge II data center I installed, is right on at 27 mpg highway. This is still the best SUV for the money when power, mileage and quality are factored into the equation.

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  Cool ride - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Randy Clark - June 10 - 9:45 am

  Great value

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  Love My RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By KPT - June 6 - 4:00 pm

  This is my first SUV and I love it. It drives and handles better than my previous car. The gas mileage averages around 24 mpg combined. For the price, reliability, handling and gas mileage, you cant go wrong. I would definitely buy again.

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  Great Remarks for Rav 4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By djaeight - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. It has a great ride and a lot less wind and road noise than expected.

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  One of many - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - June 3 - 4:47 am

  You see them everywhere, except in junkyards. Ive been in and out of a few over the last year hunting for parts for my Grand Marquis. I havent seen a Rav 4 yet. Id like to get a spare steel wheel but I always turn up empty. If you want a car thats affordable, easy to handle, somewhat economical, and really reliable you wont go wrong here. Lots of cargo room if you fold down the rear seats. Even more if you lift them out ! Not the most stylish vehicle on the road but its not hideous either. Mines full time 4WD so it might be a little more aggressive when it comes to cabin noise but its livable. Superior road handling. Average everywhere else which truly isnt a bad thing. You could spend almost double on a Lexus but would your 5 or 6 bags of groceries in the back know or even care ?

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  2006 V6 AWD RAV4 - Whats not to like! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jack Ketch - June 2 - 3:13 pm

  Great small SUV with comfort, handling and plenty of power. The only think I do not like about this car is the front console cup holders which are too large. Other than that I am totally satisfied.

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  VERY GOOD VALUE - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By kenbowls - June 2 - 12:50 pm

  Have 2.4 l 4 cylinder and very little problems, Radio replaced in 1st year, tires at 30,000 miles, but otherwise, have 42,000 miles on it and love it, Hauls a lot with back seats folded down, 8 chairs, furniture business and a handy hauler for small loads.

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  It takes a licking and keeps on ticking - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Kimbo873 - June 1 - 2:46 pm

  We live in Florida and my husband surfs the roof racks are great to hold his boards. We have put many,many miles over 202,000 and This car is still going. Love everything about this car.