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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  Ride in Confidence - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Phoebe - March 6 - 5:49 am

  I did small SUV research and comparison before I purchased the Rav4. Its one of the best cars I have ever owned...and I have owed a few but I am sold on Toyotas ability to image and to have captured what drivers want in a small SUV. The safety features which are standard, the design, ride, comfort and style is excellent. Toyota has built a car for me and my family; and I believe it will not be the only Toyota I will buy. Its an excellent car and provides me with a peace of mind. Thank you Toyota...keep producing quality cars, at reasonable prices!

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  A Big Headache! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By SunGodess904 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in August 2001. It has been in the shop 5 times for repairs. This is not quite what I have been accostomed to in new car purchases. Toyota needs to take a good look at the design of this auto. Fun to drive but certainly not worth the aggravation of scheduling recurring problems.

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  drive on freeway before you buy - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By mandy - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought the RAV4 for reliability and comfort. I am an older female with a disablity. I have had this SUV for three months and wish I would not have bought it. It does not hold the road and vibrates the steering wheel at 65 mph. I am getting no help from the dealer..I am told it is because "I dont know how SUVs drive". Well, the car drifts all over the road...I thought a new vehicle should atleast hold the road. Beware before you buy.

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  1st Time Toyota Buyer - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Gushguire - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my 96 GMC Jimmy and bought the RAV4. The 4-cyl. has good acceleration and nimble handling. Im dissapointed in the gas mileage--21 mpg in the city. Ive tried switching to an 89 octane with no better results, so Im sticking to 87. The rear headrests can block your view, so if you routinely drive alone, Id suggest removing them for the clearest view. Im tall--510" and there is plenty of leg room on the drivers side. Annoying rattle behind the glove compartment at speeds in excess of 30. Rear seats remove and reinstall with ease. Nice feature to haul around the dogs.

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  15K Mile Update - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By sheepleking - March 4 - 8:03 am

  15K mile Update - Well the tapping noise is gone but honeymoon is over. I still like the RAV4, but now all the little things are starting to poke their heads out. - It definitely rides more like a truck now than when I bought it, with the suspension sending me jarring messages over all but the best of roads. - There are also little rattles and squeaks coming from the riser by my head between the driver and passenger door. - The drivers side window rattles a little (just a tiny amount but its definitely noticeable to me) - The noise from the rear when doing 25mph or less is horrible. It sounds like a squeaky/rattleing cage. Ive looked at all the seals, made sure everything was tightened and nothing helps. - Gas mileage has been stagnant...still 18-20 city and 22 - 25 highway. Other than that, it does what I need it to do (hauling kids to sports, school activies, shopping runs, etc.) so I wont complain too much. My next vehicle will probably not be another RAV4 but I wouldnt downplay it if someone told me they were considering buying one.

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  Great car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Maggie - March 3 - 2:38 am

  I love this car, great ride, quality interior, great stereo and navigation. I am loving the safety features; backup monitor, cross traffic warning, blind spot monitoring. My only complaint is the terrible rear view visibility!

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  Best Value - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By bob - February 27 - 5:06 am

  This is the best value for the dollar of any car I have ever purchased.It is the first 4 wheel drive I have ever owned.It compares much better in every way to the old Army M151 I used to drive,and handles like a tall "car". This is more like a modern day station wagon!! Cargo handles in the rear even hold your plastic grocery bags..

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  93,000 Miles Later and BETRAYED! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Dissappointed - February 25 - 9:36 am

  It was good overall. I kept up with all regular scheduled maintenance. First the Catalytic Converter went out at approximately 74,000 miles. Of course, the brakes had to be replaced more than other cars, and now at 92,000 miles I had to replace the transmission solenoid for $1,600. Next, might be the transmission, for $3,000 dollars more. Had both of them gone out it would have been a downpayment on a new car. So, thats all I have to say.

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  Good SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Mag - February 21 - 9:13 pm

  The V6 engine has great performance. Quiet engine. Fun to drive, easy to park. I like the controls and fold down seats. Good gas mileage, 23/25 town, 27/29 highway. I am very disappointed in the ride, it is more like a truck, not smooth at all. Also the headrest are not comfortable.

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  We love it review - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Fillers - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I drive this auto to work but my husband loves to drive it also. We usually end up taking it on trips because of the good gas mileage and because we like to travel in it.