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:

• 

  Very Let down! - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By chrisg48 - January 25 - 5:46 pm

  We are a Toyota family having owned 6 cars and a truck but this car has really let us down. The gas milage is terrible. We average 22 and the best we have gotten is 24 on a trip to Florida. The seats are uncomfortable and the back seats have no cup holders or a power outlet. 4 adults fill this thing to the brim. There is no button inside or on the key fob to open the lift gate. It is an option that must be paid for extra. One would think this would be standard on the XLE edition. The touch screen is hard to use and the navigation will not let you make any changes unless the car is in Park. The car does ride and drive smooth but that doesnt make up for the other downfalls.

• 

  RAV4=Rocket - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Alberto - January 25 - 10:23 am

  Great engine, same used in some Lexus vehicles. Very fast acceleration great handleding for an SUV. Nice fuel economy, mine still breaking in so Im not getting sticker yet. It does 0-60 6.3s which pretty much leaves most cars in the dust. It has lots of room, even with a child seat in the middle of the rear seats. I Like the tints. Nice sport rims. Nice ride, not rough.

• 

  2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Claudette Longest - January 24 - 12:56 pm

  The noise level is really annoying to me on the interstate. I enjoy listening to the radio and just have to turn it off because of road noise. Also it rides like a truck. I expected more comfort. I guess I was spoiled by my last Camry.

• 

  RVA 4 all wheel.. - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By jlhood - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I always purchas a T! After putting al least 250,000 miles on each one! My first Rav4 with all wheel drive...IT IS GREAT!!!! Love it...all little bit of it!! Haul dogs and birds and fun for around town commute as well!! Lots of room for a small SUV!! Comfy on long trips as well!

• 

  An SUV that rides and acts like a car! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Shonta - January 19 - 4:53 am

  I absolutely looooove my Rav. The ride is so very comfortable that you just dont get tired of sitting for a long period of time. Its feels like more pep than 4cyl, the gas mileage is pretty good, and its a cutie! This is truly an SUV that rides as the most comfortable care you can imagine. I have a bad back, and I no longer have backaches from driving or from lifting things in and out of the car. Its a perfect height for a lady like me who is 55". I am so glad I got this cute little jewel.

• 

  Researched Choice - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Joe - January 16 - 8:46 am

  I researched a great deal to find a decent SUV that was reliable, appealing, and attained decent gas mileage. Boy was I thrilled to find the V6 Rav 4. Not only is it a much bigger vehicle than previous models, the performance of the V6 is phenomenal! I average 27 mpg on the interstate driving to work... incredible! The ride quality is wonderful and the increased amount of interior space makes trips so comfortable. Im so happy with my Rav4 V6 and I havent looked back. Do the research yourself, you wont be sorry... besides... its a Toyota.

• 

  Best car Ive owned (knock on wood!) - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim Nipe - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Well...Ive only had this car for 2000 miles, but its an extremely fun car to drive. Premium sound system was poor. I replaced it with four Infinity speakers and an Excelon Kenwood deck because I couldnt get the top of the line system Toyota offered. After about 1000 miles, the engine loosened up and now runs super smooth. Averaging about 28 mph.

• 

  The Best Vehicle Ive Owned!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By jckgian - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota RAV4 is the best and most fun vehicle I have owned and I have been driving for over 30 years. It a sturdy truck and it drives like a car.I think this car, not only rides well, but it also is a good looking vehicle. I also had a wonderful experience, with everyone at the dealership.

• 

  I Love My RAV4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Mary Jo Peterson - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I first fell in love with the RAV4 in 1996, but it has taken me this long to convince my husband to buy one (hes a Corvette guy). The interior is very spacious and comfortable, especially considering its small overall size. Its fun to drive, has great pickup and lots of room to carry everything from a large TV to our two big dogs. Its fun to take to the beach and very easy to clean out the sand.

• 

  Toyota has a winner with the new RAV4 - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By FormerJeepOwner - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a Jeep Grand Cherokee on this vehicle & I am happy with the additional interior room on the RAV4 as well as the performance. I use my RAV4 for commuting and mainly city driving. The RAV4 has more head room than the Jeep and is more nimble to park and to drive in traffic. Add to that approx. 24-29 MPG vs. the Jeeps 16-20 MPG and the fuel saving start to add up. I recommend this car for reliability, resale value, quality of the engine/transmission & for 1-2 passengers especially. Great vehicle.