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 it - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Snraek - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Love it. We were prepared to buy another product until we happened across the re- designed RAV 2001. Great in the snow.

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  2007 Rav4 $1700.00 Water eva System - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By kkb3130 - October 9 - 5:00 am

  Original owner 66949 miles. Symptom Check Engine lite/ Swerve tires lite & VSC lite. Advised "cracked" Canister (77740-0R010) $1000.00 no ryme or reason given. Repair done in 2hrs, very unhappy & will be trading in for another brand near future. I feel this was design flaw in system & toyota not taking resposibility. My next car wont be Toyota. kkb3130

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  RAV4 reveiw - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By steve mclain - October 8 - 3:07 am

  So far car is all it is advertised

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  Beware of Rough Ride - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Mark - October 6 - 12:33 pm

  Test drive the Sport Version with Run Flat Tires before you buy. The sport suspension with the run flat tires gives a very rough ride. Every bump in the road is felt. Everything else is great.

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  Best ever - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jueregn - October 5 - 12:50 am

  This vehicle is by far better than the Honda crv I had before. Gas mileage even with a 6 cyl is by far better than the Honda. Interior in the Honda was a little better. The main point against the Honda for me it has not the same power and the gas mileage is not as good. The seating and all the little bells and whistles are great. Handling and driving comfort are exceptional. Off road driving, attributed to great ground clearance and power, is great !

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  I love it! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By The Kanzigs - October 4 - 4:43 pm

  My husband and I were looking for an SUV without the SUV gas prices. We also live in Alaska so we wanted something that had 4X4 but was fun to drive, would be safe for when we start a family, and could handle the snow and ice. We could not be more pleased with what we got with the Rav-4. The AK weather tested the Rav-4 yesterday and as my husband was driving he looked at me and said, "I love this car." The Rav-4 handled beautifly. Also, having had Toyotas since I was 16 I had high expectations for the Rav-4 and it met every one of them.

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  ITS WONDERFUL. - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By PAM RAV4 - October 3 - 2:06 pm

  This SUV has everything I need. Its nimble and good for small ladies (Im 52). It is good for small parking lots, too.

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  Great buy under $30,000 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By NErealtor - October 1 - 4:53 pm

  Previously owned a 98 olds bravada then an 03 chevy trail blazer. Liked both of them a lot. Both drove a little rough like a truck but served me well. I still wanted an SUV or crossover, one under $30,000, but with a little better gas mileage and handling. I test drove the Santa Fe, Tucson, Rogue, Escape, Edge, Outback, Forester, and Equinox. All had nice features, but non left me wanting to drive one home that day. Finally decided to drive the Rav4 and fell in love with it. Husband really likes it too and he doesnt care for suvs. Love the blue color and the V6. Its early, but think I will really like the Rav4. Got it for a good price according to Edmunds. Hope its great in the snow.

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  Rave about RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By William Chapman - October 1 - 4:30 pm

  For a 62" 250 pound male this vehicle amazes me. This is a gift for my wife but the more I ride and drive the RAV4 the more I like it. I can actually get in and adjust the very comfortable seats (front or rear) and have plenty of room to drive or ride quite comfortably. This little buggy is a gas to drive and easy to park - you can turn around on a 2 lane street with one turn. The 17" wheels and tires provide a stable ride and the 4 speed automatic shifts smooth as silk. Third row seating would be a criminal option for this car because the rear compartment configuration is excellent and well designed. Getting in & out was the biggest plus for my wife and me - absolutely the perfect height.

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  Great small SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Juli - September 30 - 12:10 am

  I got this car as a birthday present from my parents. I am very happy with it most of the time, but there are a few annoying things. My car vibrates constantly, especially in the morning when I am stopped. The gas mileage is a little rough and I have to fill up my tank often. The engine is also very small; not too much power. The back set has minimal leg room. On the up side, the car is easy to drive and I love how roomy it is in the front (I dont feel claustrophobic when I drive). I also love the stereo system and how easy it is to park my car. It it nice that the car is comfortable because I do a lot of driving.