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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  Overall Very Good Experiance - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Nyer - June 14 - 2:23 am

  Almost up to 36,0000 miles. I took it to the dealer since I had the thunking in the steering column. They are fixing under warranty. They noticed the water pump was leaking and fixing under warranty as well. The front brakes needed replacement too. The tires are showing their wear and need to be replaced, these were the Geolander OEM. So all that being said, I would buy again. Love the handling and I feel safe in it.

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  WATER PUMP Failures - Majorly Expensive - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By amyb6 - June 12 - 5:20 pm

  I am on my third, very expensive, water pump replacement. Toyota recalls for everything and they should certainly cover this one!!!! It is a design flaw for sure.

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  BYE BYE Honda - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris - June 9 - 2:00 pm

  I have to admit, the V6 is a powerhouse. I opted for the 6 over the 4 and will sacrifice 2 miles per gallon any day. Outside of the truck is a beauty, I didnt like the wheel in the back on the standard model and went right to the Sport edition. The ride is a little hard, but its ok with me. I am usually a Honda guy, but the truck was too good to pass up. The stereo is pretty good, though I will add a sub woofer. Overall, this was a great purchase and can not wait for snow for the 4 x 4! Trust me folks, its a winner!

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  Great ride! Cheap interior - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By stephen aronson - June 7 - 12:02 pm

  I bought my rav 4 base model in 2012. Its an upgraded 4wd base model with a sun roof. It has great acceleration but am very disappointed with the gas mileage for this vehicle. It seems to be on the low end of 22mpg and with a small gas tank seem to be at the gas station twice a week for a fill up. What is even more depressing is the floor carpet in the interior. On the drivers side the carpet is already torn by the left foot rest. I never expected that for an owner who takes the best care of a vehicle. It will cost lots of money to repair it.

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  TERRIFIC COMMUTER SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By SUDSY - June 3 - 2:00 am

  THIS SUV IS EXCELLENT FOR COMMUTING AND SNOW AND WET PAVEMENT. IT RIDES LIKE A CAR BUT PROVIDES 4WD AND THE TOYOTA DEPENDABILITY. I HAVE OWNED MY RAV4 FOR 5 MONTHS AND I HAVE ONLY HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR THE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE AND A RATTLING IN THE GLOVE BOX.

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  Fun Vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ronnie Butts - June 1 - 7:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The front seats are larger and very comfortable. The back is very spacious and very nice. We really love this car. We had a 2002 before this Rav and this one is a complete turn around. LOVE IT

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  Great car for the price - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Yueting Walker - May 30 - 9:11 pm

  gas tank is small

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  Great Choice!! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Mary Petrocchi - May 29 - 10:27 pm

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  Great car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Orange - May 29 - 1:19 pm

  I have driven a new RAV4 Limited AWD for 3 weeks. It is a great car and Im loving it. Only a thing I dont like is GPS. Very complex to operate. Hope its operation were as easy as my old GERMIN.

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  After 2 1/2 years but only 14000 miles.. - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jerber - May 29 - 10:00 am

  It is very sporty and handles like a sports car. After 2 1/2 years, but only 14000 miles, I know why we drive the 98 Expedition everywhere. The ride is not very comfortable, and on the open highway, the kids in the back seat were scared for the first month because they felt like they were riding in the back of an old pickup. It is loud and has lots of wheel and highway noise. Also, there are 3 loud and irritating trim or structural rattles and noises that are relentless in all driving conditions. It is great for around town, but after 2 1/2 years, its not for me.