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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  Not perfect, but close enough - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rogier van Bakel - January 2 - 12:00 am

  The four-cylinder engine, which I tested in a RAV4 Sport, is pretty peppy, but the V6 boasts about a hundred extra horses, for an eat-my-dust total of 269. That six-cylinder is a sinful delight, as it turn the RAV4 into a veritable pocket rocket by pushing it from zero to 60 in under seven seconds. Driving the RAV4 is a pleasure. The view is excellent. Steering is precise and responsive, and the brake seems to read your mind. Cabin noise, even at 75-plus mph, is well under control. All the gauges and knobs are pretty much where you’d expect to find them. The cargo space is impressive — bigger than that of a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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  Is RAV4 really made by Toyota? - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By everliv - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Rattle, Squeak, Rattle, Creak... That pretty much sums up my experience with my RAV4...not to mention the "Check Engine Light" syndrome... I have only owned Hondas and this was my first Toyota...and I have to admit, this is the worst car I have ever owned. Dont buy this car.

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  A big NO to Toyota again - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Phyllis - December 27 - 12:50 pm

  The car is ok apart from the check engine light that keeps coming on. Had the ECM reprogrammed but so far nothing has changed. I wonder if Toyota still stands by their product if they cant take the responsibility of acknowledging their mistakes. I will never buy a Toyota car again.

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  Fun to drive! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Teri - December 26 - 12:33 pm

  Bought this car for a teen daughter because of its safety. She needed a car that could haul her equestrian gear (saddles etc.) which it does with ease. She loves to drive it because it is so fun plus it has great looks. Everyone wants to know what it is. There are no other cars like it in our small town. We also took it on a trip yesterday through a very curvy canyon and it handled great. Super gas mileage. To tell you the truth, I like it every bit as much as my Lexus sedan. Plus, the added side impact airbags will give me alot less to worry about when my daughter leaves for college!

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  A REAL VALUE, 4 CYLINDER - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By KEN - December 25 - 4:26 pm

  A real value, great ride, comfort,econony. Had only problem with radio and fixed at dealership, first time.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By AZ - December 25 - 2:16 pm

  I am totally and completely satisfied with my V6 2WD RAV4 Limited. It has an amazing pickup that will put many sports cars/coupes to shame. Although it is a compact SUV it is very comfortable and very spacious and has an excellent ride quality. I would highly recommend to buy the V6 because there is a difference of only 2 MPG between the V4 and V6. My RAV4 easily gives 21 mpg in city and around 28 mpg on highway.

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  Gas Pedal Recall Unsettling - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By froggie - December 24 - 11:23 pm

  PRO- Goes in the Snow! This vehicle was great this winter. Handles good. Back seat reclines and folds flat. Pick-up very good. Gas mileage OK. Fabulous visibility when backing up etc., CON- Very upset about the gas pedal recall. Purchased vehicle mid January 2010 and recall happened shortly afterward. Ouch! Do not like the front cup holder positions. Cups block power plug. Would like air/heater controls for rear seats. Would prefer the rear door to hinge upward instead of opening to the side. Really needs some basic lumbar controls. Overall would have given a much higher rating if it never had the gas pedal recall but it has caused so much anxiety that I dont think as highly of Toyota now

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  Compact, Economical, Great on Gas - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Ken - December 22 - 5:06 pm

  It helps the environment and my wallet to drive an SUV that utilizes fewer resources than most other compact SUV out there. The RAV4 is reliable, fuel efficient and economical to own (parts are fairly reasonable). I recommend this to anyone who cares about reliability, the environment and the price of gas today. Keep more cash in your wallet... drive a Toyota RAV4 people! Some may say it is not a cool car for guys to drive. I have heard it described as a "females" car. Well, if this is the case, then those "females" are some very smart people on this planet. They happened to stumble on a money saver!!

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  RAV - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By FRED DURST - December 22 - 10:00 am

  HARD RIDE NO FUN TO DRIVE SEVERAL TRIPS BACK FOR NOSIE IN CAR

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  It does it all in FWD, AWD, 4WD & tight as a drum - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Tim - December 19 - 11:01 pm

  So a daughter totaled my awesome 2004 Camry XLE. (She was ok just minor concussion) I research everything even to replace a toaster oven! Decided to replace my old car with a loaded used Rav4 as my wifes car is another sedan (2009 Camry Hybrid) Bought this cream-puff Jan 2016 which oddly was traded in on a new Caddy. One owner, no accidents, well maintained etc with 22k and excellent condition. Have had it for 4 months now and its everything I had hoped. Got a chance to drive in snow including up a steep hill and it was almost boring how well it gripped even on original OEM tires. Overall just a far smoother ride and better built than a new 2015 and 2016 I had tried. The power is more than adequate and smooth with good handling. A highway trip in heavy rain <>70 mph gave 28 mpg. Running errands in suburbia and commute yields 23-24 mpg. Not bad for what this thing can haul inside and yet still be easy to drive and park. The JBL system sounds decent with FM but awesome with CD or iPod playing. Its not an exciting vehicle to drive but it is very comfortable and pleasant. Im surprised to read of others with squeaks/rattles as mine has none thankfully as I cant stand that. One negative is the cup holders are poorly placed but hey if thats all I have to complain about Im a happy camper.