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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  Totally Uninjured Personally When Car Was Totaled - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom Harney - November 16 - 6:09 am

  I was driving at highway speed when a car ran a stop sign and stopped right in front of me. The anti-locked brakes worked perfectly, allowing a great reduction in speed before impact. The collapsible front end did what it was supposed to do. The air bag deployed with no problem. Car is totaled but Im untouched. I loved the car: it had great pickup, was comfortable and roomy and drove well. I have replaced it with a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid.

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  I own an XLE AWD hybrid, just rented this one - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By stevefromtheburbs - November 15 - 2:29 am

  Faced with the TSA backlogs and nonsense at the airport, I decided to drive back from Atlanta, to Philly, using a one way rental. It was a 2016 RAV4, FWD, XLE. I own an XLE hybrid version, so I knew it would be comfortable as I love my owned one. Well, what was supposed to be a 13 hour drive, turned into an 18 hour drive. All in one day, leaving the airport rental lot at 5am, arriving at Philly airport at 11pm. We stopped by our house to drop off our bags before going to the airport, adding 1 hour. But, the point of the story is that after 18 hours on the road with this car, I will tell you I have never been more comfortable on a long car ride - and this was the longest Ive been on in a one day trip. Yes, the paint on the hood does chip easily, my rental had lots of them from lots of highway miles. On my own car, I added a bug/stone deflector, and it helps. But the hybrid is made in Japan, and the paint is a higher quality. I know, I had the 2015 LIMITED that I traded in on the XLE hybrid. The 2015 had lots of chips on the hood and around the door frames. The 2016 hybrid does not. So, a great car, love it alot, and if the paint chips bother you, get the hybrid while they are still made in Japan. Nothing bad to say about my rental, and would highly recommend for anyone who wants a great SUV/CUV without any drama/problems/etc. The paint thing was frustrating, but the bug deflector seemed to help alot.

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  Great Car but horrible seats - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Kristin S - November 11 - 3:23 pm

  I love my Rav4 with the exception of the seats. Toyota really skimped on the comfort factor. The seats are not supportive and feel like they are made out of foam. Other than that I have never had ANY problems with my RAV4. It is the most reliable car I have ever had. Great storage, especially with the large pack "trunk". Handles great, has a great turn radius. Easy to drive but it could definitely use more torque going on hill and passing cars on the freeway. In the next couple of months I am looking to sell my RAV4 and I am looking at Lexus and Acura. The number one feature I am looking for are ergonomic seats and dash board placement which the RAV4 certainly does not have.

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  What are people thinking?? - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Wingsfan - November 11 - 2:13 am

  Ok... I am here to tell the truth about the gas milage on this car. I have 7000 miles on my V6 4x4. I get the exact mileage posted. In order to get the milage that Toyota says... you cant "gun it" at every light and you cant speed!! I promis you on this. I love the car. If you ride mountain bikes... its perfect. The levers on both sides make the rear seats go down in no time. Dont get the 4cyl. It was quite a bit louder than the 6. Spend the money to get the 6. Its pretty much the same mpg but 100 more horses. All in all... Very much worth it!

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  Can embarras some coupes. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Winston Ferolin - November 10 - 5:50 am

  The RAV 4 V6 is a pocket rocket. Its power is so tempting to use everytime. I can stand my own even against some coupes.

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  A Great Little SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Christine - November 9 - 1:26 am

  I bought the RAV4 because I was looking for a SUV that could fit my dogs, carry stuff for the house, have 4WD for the snow and still get great gas mileage and my little coupe just wasnt cutting it anymore. I was looking at the CR-V and Highlander at first and wound up test-driving the RAV4. I was sold! It has all the room I could possibly need, handles like my little sporty coupe, has great pick-up for a 4 cylinder, gets mileage similar to a 4 cyl car and lots of awesome little extras like dual-zone climate control, storage space under the trunk, moonroof and alarm system. The dealership was a pleasure to deal with and I was glad to give them my business.

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  Mediocrity - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By peter - November 8 - 4:20 pm

  I have owned multiple RAV4s; and my family has purchased 6 Toyota cars/SUVS in the past nine years. Our feeling is that the management is profiting by diluting the quality of the brand. The 2012 RAV4 is a relatively competent vehicle, in that it handles all kinds of weather with little drama. It also has large and flexible capacities to move people and goods and very good visibility. The platform has not evolved over a decade of changing oil prices and it remains highly inefficient at 23 miles per gallon in combined driving over 36000 miles for the 4 cylinder model. The 4 speed transmission belongs in the stone age. The brand dilution is most notable in some of the interior materials and the quality of the electronic interfaces. The seat materials in the base and sport models are poor. The seats have relatively good padding but they will stain if water is poured on them inadvertently. Either the company did not test the materials or is profiting from the sale of Scotchguard. The arm rests on the doors are akin to sand paper in the summer; make sure when you test drive this car you do not have on heavy coats as this flaw will become apparent in the warmer months. Most of the interior is lower quality harder plastics, which scratch with ease. The stereo options are uninspired. In our case we experienced electrical problems just after the warranty expired and the dealership had little sympathy. As mediocre as the ownership experience was for this car, it appears the newer models are even less desirable. I look for Toyota to refocus on solid engineering platforms and the highest quality customer experience and to eschew their search for marketing gimmickry and the bottom line that keeps their cars in a constant state of recalls.

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  rav4 s model - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By benny68 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  The rav4 is a great suv for the driver whos looking for fuel economy and car like handling. I bought the sports model and love the way it looks.

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  Teenage Driver - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Trent - October 28 - 10:38 pm

  I love this car. My uncle gave it to me after he no longer needed it. I drive it to school and basketball games and everything. I love the commanding view and it is relatively easy to park. Its a stylish and fun SUV and my friends always complement the interior (dashboard). I This car is very very dependable and I will use it in college and probably forever!

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  Unsurpassed Quality - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By coda1970 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well optioned 4x4, L package, power door locks/windows/moonroof. Looks very sporty, recieved several compliments. I bought it for the wife, I wasnt fond of cute-utes. Fell in love with it after first 100 miles. Unbelievably stable, even in 35 mile cross winds.