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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  Vibration - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Carmelita Fronk - December 13 - 5:03 am

  When engine is idling and AC is on you will feel a vibration through the floor when the AC kicks in. Sometimes vibration is stronger than other times. It is very anoying

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By steve - December 11 - 6:43 am

  I love driving this car I dont believe I will ever drive anything else. When time to trade I will get a new RAV4. It drives great, very reliable and looks great

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  used RAV4 after 6 years - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Bikerrandy - December 9 - 10:30 pm

  We bought our RAV4 used after a lease turnin @ 36K miles. Weve put 46K on it so far. At first we drove it 100+ mi. a day commuting. Now were both retired and it gets a lot less use, but it is 1 of the best cars we have ever owned in so many ways. On the road we get 30-31 mpg on reg. Ive towed 1,500#s of stuff from norCal to Canada effortlessly. Ive heard lately some owners have had auto. tranny disasters. We have seen nothing of that so far. I wonder if its how others use their RAV4. We dont do much stop & go. Finally had to replace the front brake pads at 73.6K mi. Ive owned Toyotas both new & used since `75 and have never regretted it. We hope to keep this car forever

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  More of a blog - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By John Beven - December 9 - 4:56 am

  I have put 1000 miles on this RAV4 Sport 6. It goes very fast, and has many carelike qualities. A good thing. I cannot understand why Toyota puts that stupid radio antenna, waggling on the right side; especially in light of its excellent build quality. I have the JBL upgrade. So, it is incongruous to see a 1990s whip antenna! It comes with light truck tires. Mine with Yokahama Geolanders. That is nuts. One orders a sport 4 X 2. I will NEVER go off road. The logic is vacuous. Hence, I changed to the new, quiet, stickier MXV 4 S8 from Michelin. What a joy!. Now at 70, it does not sound or feel like a tundra. I have been to LA and back to LV. Excellent. The V6 for trips. The I4 for town.

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  Fun car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Dorin Viorel - December 5 - 7:40 pm

  Fun to drive car with an excellent performance in and around the city.

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  Bought three years ago and still love it - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Marcia Gruver - December 3 - 9:53 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned, and Im a 50-year-old woman, so Ive been around the car block. Its compact enough that it gives decent gas mileage and being an SUV, it puts me on the same level as the rest of the world. (In fact, Im a bit miffed theyre planning to make the 2007 models bigger -- if you want bigger, move on up to a Highlander or a Sequoia. Leave the Rav 4 alone!)

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  5000 mile review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jon from Jersey - November 30 - 6:53 am

  Bought the Sport 3.5 liter V6 4wd in April and enjoyed my first 5000 miles. The six cylinder feels powerful and propels 4 people up steep hills and highway on ramps with astonishing acceleration. The sport tuned suspension provides a firm ride which minimizes body roll when you push it into the curves. Interior is comfortable for 4, a bit snug for 5 although rear leg room is plentiful for my 6 foot teenager. The front seat is comfortable for me - I am 510, with a cranky back. We recently went on family camping trip and with a roof carrier had no problem carrying everything. Only two beefs: the gas tank of 14 gallons is too small - 300 mi. before you get nervous, and the radio stinks.

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  Love it!!! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By arti tripathi - November 30 - 3:56 am

  Love my new HOT LAVA rav4 SE MODEL. Just love it. It has smooth ride, awesome features, great color, nice shape (i hate the round- van looking SUVS) either make a van or an suv... has great warranty as well i hope to drive it for a long time!!!

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  My First Car I Bought On My Own - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Diana - November 27 - 2:26 pm

  What a fun car to drive! I have always been a fan of the manual transmission, ever since learning to drive on the Rambler with 3 on the "tree". Guess manuals are a dying breed. I was so lucky to get the 5speed in the gold color I wanted. Yes, I have the dash rattle, but it is very infrequent. Besides I always have the radio on so its not really a problem.

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  Rave Review for the Rav! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By david ryan - November 25 - 11:32 am