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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  Everglade Metallic RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By crue - February 6 - 10:33 pm

  I upgraded from a well-loved Matrix, mainly because I needed the extra space for dogs and teenage nieces/nephews. Ive only had the car 2 weeks but so far it is wonderful! Aside from mpg, it definitely is living up to expectations! The vehicle stability control makes it more controllable in a crosswind than my Matrix.

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  beach car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By beach buggy - January 29 - 9:00 am

  This is a right hand drive driven in Australia. Ive driven the rav in the rain, on the beach, dirt roads and from short trips to over 6 hrs at any time. It will go just about anywhere with great comfort. It has more than enough room and power from the 4 cyl. I can get about 500k from a tank of petrol.

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  Cute and Sporty - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Janet - January 20 - 4:20 pm

  I test drove the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Saturn Vue, and the Hyundai Tucson. I decided on the RAV because of Toyota reliability and the fact that its so cute! I have the light blue metallic. Sharp! I am coming from driving a Ford Explorer for 10 years, and loved it. It had all the bells and whistles, but fuel economy prevailed and I finally traded it in with 125,000 miles on it. The RAV is fun to drive and my big teenage boys say the back seat is roomier and more comfy than the Explorer. Love the MP3 hookup and the rear door doesnt bother me. I really wish the driver seat had more adjustment features. We are getting about 23 mpg. Not bad. Have to break it in more.

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  Great little SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By SA174 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  So far it has been a great little SUV. Some have said the finish was not as good as other toyotas? We find it comparable to our Sequoia which is excellent.

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  Nice Ride - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Grace - January 18 - 8:36 am

  When I began looking for a new vehicle, I knew I wanted a small SUV. After researching, I put the RAV4 towards the bottom of my list because I wasnt a fan of the spare tire on the back. Once I test drove it, it went straight to the top of my list. I love all the storage room and how easy the back seats fold down flat. After a month, I still love the ride. I dont do a whole lot of driving but so far the gas mileage is what I expected. The tire on the back doesnt even bother me and I figure that if Im by myself and get a flat, itll be easier getting the tire off the back than trying to dig it out from under the car.

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  R little secret. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Johhny M. - January 16 - 6:46 am

  Wow! Everytime I drive this thing I cant help but get this big grin on my face. I wanted four doors and more cargo space than just a trunk could provide. I looked at quite a few cars and other small SUVs but kept coming back to the Toyota. I drove the 4 cylinder Base and Limited and found them quite adequate as I was looking for something with good mileage. Then I drove a 6 Cyl. Sport. The shopping was over! Those of you who have one know the truth. This is a sports car disguised as an SUV! The power is exceptional and never ceases to impress and the handling better than most cars. I cant imagine a better compromise between practicality and fun. RAV4 Sport drivers tend to smile a lot.

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  I have been converted - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4lover - January 13 - 10:43 am

  My wife and I had been test driving cars for months. The entire time I was shying away from Toyota becase of thier vanilla reputation. You know reliable but kind of bland. Once I drove the V6 4wd sport, WOW! I count myself as one of the converted. You can feel each and every one of the 269 horses. The suspension on the sport model is stiff and sporty but comfortable. Fit and finish is very solid. We drove the competition, Mazda CX-7 and Honda CR-V. I liked both but neither combined the functionality and fun factor better than the RAV4. Now that I have now driven this vehicle in varying Wisconsin weather conditions and I havent driven anything more stable in poor road conditions either.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By yanksgrl2446 - January 11 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this car new from the dealership last year (jan. 07), and I was looking for a slight upgrade from a small sedan, and for a car with better reliability in the snow, considering I live in the Northeast. Last year didnt really snow but this year weve gotten a few big storms one with snow falling 3-4" per hour and I had absolutely no problems! the anti skid is fantastic and the 4WD kicks on automatically so I didnt have to do anything but drive! Ive driven the car down to Florida and to DC and had no problems got good gas mileage (26 MPG), I love the car and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. Its very spacious and comfortable... and it drives just like a car!

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  Excellent SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By SLucy - January 11 - 6:53 am

  This is a great SUV. My first small SUV as previously owned Dodge truck and Durangos. Bought new 18 months ago for V6 w/ tow package. I tow a 19 boat (~3,500 towed weight) and all sorts of stuff in my cargo trailer. I have been very impressed with the towing! I dont miss my full size truck (trailer is easier to load) or the gas mileage. I included trailer brakes on the boat trailer and am glad I did as brakes are the only weak point of the RAV4. Roomy, reliable, fun to drive and competent towing makes me very happy.

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  NewRAV4 - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Erina Bista - January 10 - 10:27 pm

  Arlington Toyota, Jacksonville FL- Great place to buy a veichle.. I took my sister to buy corolla 16 and we loved dealing with Danny. I went there again because of that and Danny and Richie helped me this time. They both were great! Even though there was a confusion and almost returned my new RAV4 but they worked it all out.. overall happy so thank you..