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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  Sorry - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Nannook - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1998 Rav4 , I am sorry I did, The 2003 has play in the front end, I feel the road bounce more. I had the dealer check the car out and they told me that nothing was wrond with it, and that I have to get used to the new style. The 1998 Rav4 handeled better, and was more fun to drive, wish I had it back. The Tonneau Cover is an inconveniece, and falls on my head. Way to many options to choose from and too much after market stuff. Radio does suck. The center arm rest is to hard.

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike Catlin - February 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is awesome. From the first time riding in it, I fell in love. Styling is great, it steers like it is on air. Im 6 foot tall, and it is more comfortable than my dads full size car. So many little things they have done to make you feel great about your purchase.

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  Best Buy! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By MSL - February 6 - 10:56 pm

  Couldnt be happier with our purchase. Third row seating available while avoiding a minivan is great! Gets along great in the winter - a real bonus when wife and two children are commuting in Omaha winters! Gas mileage is so far better than sticker estimates (25.75 highway - 24.5 city)!!!

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  Steering shaft problem - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav in NC - February 5 - 4:00 am

  Beware of intermediate steering shaft problem with not only Rav4s but apparently other Toyotas as well. Do your research before buying. My rav4 is not 3 years old and mostly highway mileage but over 36k. Told by Toyota servicing dealer that the intermediate steering should be replaced at a cost of $1600. There is a tsb "Toyota service bulletin" for this problem but apparently since Im over the 36k mileage (even tho car is less than 3 years old), Im on my own. If Toyota steps up to cover this, Im a customer for life. If not, this is my last Toyota. So much for quality.

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  Comfort, Reliable, Safe and low maint - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By djay - February 4 - 2:10 am

  I was researching for more than 2 months for buying a nice preowned car. My search ended with finding this gem at a good price. First priority was safety of my family and myself. Full marks to this car for the curtain airbags, anti-skid and all wheel drive. In deep-snow,icy conditions this car feel very safe and secure to drive. Highly configurable interior. the second row of seats comes off giving you a lot of hauling area. Was able to get furniture for an entire bedroom from ikea due to this and saved a lot of $$. Overall fun to drive on weekends with the family. Seats are well supported and interior is luxurious

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  Research paid off - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Robert - February 3 - 11:50 pm

  I put in a lot of time and researched all the available makes and models, both hybrid and gas, that would satisfy my current needs. Based on the MPG, reliability, looks and price the RAV4 edged out the Honda CR-V. Now that I have had the car for several weeks I am thrilled that I decided on the RAV4. The V6 is surprisingly powerful and quick for the MPG that you actually get. We are averaging 25.3 MPG so far. The sport model has larger rims and tires with fender well moldings that really make a difference in the overall look of the vehicle. The interior is very well thought out and convenient. As I drive around and look at the other new cars on the road Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  after 20K - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By fraczekp - February 2 - 11:40 pm

  Very nice design inside and outside. The engine is a joke but one can get used to it. The AWD is useless - the car is more uncontrollable than FWD and it is very poor on gas mileage (average 19mpg!). Consolation prize - the value seems to be holding well compared to other cars.

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  Saved My Life - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Maria C - February 2 - 7:36 pm

  On Dec 16th 2005 I T-boned a 2004 Ford Explorer truck and both vehicles were totaled. Im black and blue, no broken bones and lucky to be alive. It didnt buckle around me, roll over, or spin out of control - what it did was save my life. My significant other always teased me and my putter-mobile because of its slow pick up but is now grateful that I was able to walk away from the accident w/just bruises. Im sold on the Rav4 and if the price is right will purchase another one. Maria

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  A Terrible SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Sally - January 31 - 4:30 pm

  I didnt have much time to cross-shop, so I just followed public opinion before I picked my RAV4. It was completely a disaster. Fuel economy is nowhere close to the EPA number. The engine made so bothering noise and finally stalled. I just put this car on sale and hope somebody just buys it quickly.

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  Unusual Engine Noise - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By papaz - January 27 - 11:23 pm

  This is our first SUV, we like it very much. But we are having an unusual noise coming from the engine compartment coasting at 32-28 mph. (similar to posting on 5/26/10). I brought the car to the dealer and had a tech ride along with me and he heard the noise but was unable to pin point where it was coming from. They have the car now and will do more testing to locate the problem(s). Is there any more of you that is having this problem? Let Toyota know.Thanks. Vehicle is great but the noise is disturbing, dont want my wife to get stranded somewhere.