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 Love Love - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Pickles - November 23 - 7:33 am

  Ive had my car since May 16th, 2008 and just love it. Its Everglade Metallic, beautiful green color, it does look silver sometimes. I love the moonroof, didnt think I would, nice to watch the rain. Back seats have lots of leg room. We seem to get good gas mileage, havent been on a long trip yet though. I love the inside door handles, very neat looking and the bluetooth is great. I also had to get dealer to help me with that. I had a 2000 Rav 4 and this is much larger and still easy to drive and park. I did have a Nissan Murano that was totalled in October.

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  Excellent across the board - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By barbara211 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the reason I love Toyota. A quality product, for an excellent value. I have 105,000+ miles on my 98 Rav4, and have had no major malfunctions. Regular tune ups and oil changes only.

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  a real lemon - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By oldtoyotausser - November 19 - 8:09 am

  The Rav 4 has had 25 recalls, which should say it all. I have had to replace both front and rear brakes at only 50k miles. The sensors went at 25k. The battery died at 49k. The front end is so far out of alignment that I must replace tires every 16000 miles or drive on badly, unevenly worn tires. I have had the car to 3 different alignment shops which verify the car is badly out of alignment. This is an unfixable problem. Unfortunately it still falls within Toyotas specs. I guess it is easier to change specs than admit this problem should also have been recalled. I have also had repeated computer problems. I feel that this car is unsafe to drive and a money pit.

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  RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By jo sebern - November 18 - 12:20 pm

  Fuel economy is a little less than hoped for, 22 - 25 MPG, but I drive at least 70 on freeway, air conditioner on much of time and I live in a hilly area so am expecting a lot for what car is put through. The iPod location is not the most convenient, nor is location of power outlets. Wish rear window opened, continental kit should have a locking system, looks good but door opening is a bit problematic... cannot carry things longer than interior. Love rear seat adjustments and fold down configuration, but middle seat is useless. Lots of power and turning radius is fabulous. Fun. Great visibility. Really like the RAV4, wish the emissions were a bit better but have a v6, so...

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  Its a big Corolla! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4buyer - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Priorities for this car: Reliability, Reliability, and overall usefulness. Toyota wins hands down in the first two. Almost bought an Escape, but read Consumer Reports and changed my mind. Automatic was a must because of all the phone, food, map juggling, etc. Although a solid shifter, it is a poor match for the engine. Mileage is only fair (23 mpg). Ride and noise is comparable to a compact car. Back seats are very versatile. Lots of neat little compartments. Easy entry for 200 lb 6 guy. Steering wheel placement is a little off. Either my legs are too long or my arms are too short. Nice runaround car. I love it!

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  RAV 4 buyers beware - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By The Pilot 2 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  MY RAV gets 24 MPG on highways while my Pilot gts 21MPG.Why the small difference. Both use premium gas and carry just my bag and lunch bag. Got rip off buying this car, swear will never get a TOYOTA, 6 of my co-workers got their cars from my Pilot dealer while 13 more are in line and gettin their first car. Its a personal crusade of mine to vear out every friend and acquaintance out from Toyota delearships

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  My rav 6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By steve - November 8 - 8:36 pm

  Traded in a 4 runner for the rav4 to increase gas mileage. Ive gotten 30 mpg on the highway with the 6 cylinder, admittedly with conservative driving. The power with the v6 is outstanding! This is probably the fastest vehicle I have ever owned. I dont feel like I gave up all that much space as the rav is well packaged. Handling is very good. When winter comes I will find out about the 4wd system. The only drawback I have found is road noise. Its not bad but noticeable. More insulation would have been better.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Runner - November 7 - 2:10 am

  Fun little SUV. Handles well in all weather conditions. Perfect size car for kid to learn to drive and be safe. Small but roomy. I get 32 MPG around town.

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  Love My Rav - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By valerie bilodeau - November 5 - 9:23 pm

  I have had my Rav for 1 yr 5 months. I have no regrets. The reliability factor is a solid 10. It handles the road very well in all types of weather. I have noticed better gas mileage within the last 7-8 months. It is easy to drive. I love the amount of room I have for storage in the back. The glove box is quite roomy also.

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  Perfect for whats its designed for - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By jon61575 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota RAV 4 is perfect for what it was designed for. A compact SUV that is sporty and fun to drive. If you looking for power and space then the RAV 4 is not for you.