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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Top Pick - 2006 Toyota RAV4
By Rav - August 15 - 4:33 amThis is the best compact SUV on the market; I have read a couple of reviews that complain about the ride and noise. You want a car get a car, you want a great SUV get a RAV4. Apples to apples this is the best all round SUV on the market, and YES it does ride rougher than a Camry, thatÂ’s why I like it. Lots of options, great power, excellent gas mileage, wish it came in a manual transmission. Some of the plastics inside can scar a little easily. Look at the others and you come back, they may be a little cheaper however, with Toyotas resale this car will cost you much less.
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get it youll love it - 2016 Toyota RAV4
By Sean Shin - August 11 - 6:19 amGreat visibility excellent gas mileage good ride comfort all control within reach spacious back seat large cargo area all safety feature(adaptive cruise control blind spot monitoring rear cross traffic alert) available like most competitor only available on high trim highly recommended
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ease on down the road - 2003 Toyota RAV4
By teen driver - August 10 - 10:00 amA few months ago my dad bought the RAV4 L for me to learn how to drive on After looking at other vehicles we decided on the RAV4. It has great visability and handels very well. I feel very comfortable driving this car.
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All wheel drive taxi - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By john richards - August 2 - 6:03 amThis was purchased for my wife and she positively loves it. Shes owned two Chevy blazers and this one wins hands down. Handling, fun good looking vehicle. The only thing I can think of that she does mention is she wishes the back window would open for better convenience. A little louder but you give up a little quiteness for an suv. (road noise)
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Amazing Vehicle - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By EricaK - July 28 - 2:00 amThe toyota Rav 4 is a very reliable SUV. Not only is it fun to drive, but it handles extremely well in all weather. The RAV4 is my favorite SUV on the market because it is not a large vehicle, the inside has the same amount of room as a car, but the outside is big and off the ground. Being a college student, this is the perfect car for me because of its size and performance.
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Great - 2006 Toyota RAV4
By slk - July 16 - 11:43 amI love my RAV. It has great get up and go. I have had little problems on the recent snow and ice ( usually when I floor it on the ice ) The step kids friends think it is cool. No problems whatsoever. I reset the maintence light myself. The owners manual tells you how to do it. Backseat is a little crowded with a carseat in it.
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Fun, Safe Little SUV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
By Bob Alkov - July 10 - 3:36 pmThe 2005 Toyota automatic 4 dr AWD RAV- 4 is a fun, safe little SUV. It replaced a 1996 Toyota RAV-4 with manual that we drove to 90000 miles. We need it in the winter as we live on the side of a mountain at the 7000 ft level that gets lots of snow in winter. It has a lot of safety features such as side air bags for driver and all passengers, side impact door beams, stability control with traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist and EBD. Also gets 25 mp gallon.
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Love this SUV!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
By CrazyGirl - July 9 - 2:00 amVery easy to drive, great fuel economy compared to other SUVs, and the fact that its a Toyota says a lot. Engine is quiet and heats up quickly in cold conditions.
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the best - 2003 Toyota RAV4
By cepi - July 4 - 10:00 amexcellent in everything,great headroom,good power,I dont why people complaint about hp,plus I have a friend that has had 3 previous rav4 and he has put over 200,000 miles in every one,that tells you about the quality and reliability.
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Happy with my purchase! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
By lindseym1 - July 1 - 2:26 amI got my 2010 RAV4 this September so its only been 3 months but so far, so good. I traded in my 2004 RAV4, which I did enjoy driving as well. The 2010 is much roomier. I love how the backseat folds down so easily (I had to take the seats out in the 04), there is a lot of room in the back, and the drive itself is great- smooth and not a lot of road noise. My main complaints are the cupholders and lack of change drawer! I drive 50/50 highway/city and get ~22mpg. I wish this could be higher but I have the V6, 4 wheel drive so I guess that comes with the territory!
