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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  1999 Rav AWD - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By John Capp - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellant car for the young and small family. Only problem was that it lacked some needed power. In 3-1/2 years I only had to change the oil. Never a mechanical failure of any kind. Additionally, the resale value actually decreased the year to year expenditures relative to like vehicles.

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  Fun Car - Comfortable ride & good cargo - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By deitiphobia - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. It rides smooth, performs ok offroad, is fairly quiet on Higways. Great fuel efficiency.

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  rav 4 brakes - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By minky - September 28 - 12:40 am

  Vehicle drives well, better that expected, mileage around 19-20 MPG in city, 24-26 on the highway. The brakes are very spongy and low, if you have a big foot, gas/brake peddle combination possible. Scary on icy roads. The brakes take too long to engage unless pumped up. First time back to the dealers for problem NTF. I am back for a more comprehensive analysis and am awaiting the out come. I am told it is the nature of the beast with disc brakes all around, Not Happy...

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  For The Dog - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By For The Dog - September 15 - 12:33 pm

  Traded in a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS for a 2005 RAV4. Got one in Evergreen Metallic with everything except leather. Paid $23700, which was $100 over invoice, which was fair since they had to go 150 miles to get the one I wanted. Needed something bigger for our dog (Akita). The fact that the rear seats come out easily and it gets the best MPG in the SUV market (sorry not buying an Escape Hybrid) make it the perfect vehicle.

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  Problems already - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By melanie creadore - September 11 - 11:15 am

  After owning 2 weeks I found that no one can hear me using the phone inside vehicle. There seems to be water intrusion when washing vehicle. Acceleration is poor on highway and left me add what a gas guzzler. I expected more quality coming from Toyota, as I had the Lexus suv. The handling is poor. The technology is llacking, it doesnt understand my voice control at all. Already bringing it in to get fixed. If the alignment isnt off then the car absolutely handles horribly on the roads and highways. I put my hand down to pick up a candy and pulled out a plastic cover.

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  2002 bad valve guides -- expensive! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By KERRY - September 9 - 3:03 pm

  The car is leased. Traded in a 2002 Buick Rendezvous with 100,000 miles on it. Only have 2,500 on the Rav4 sofar. It is a fun car to drive. The V6 is powerful and the steering very responsive. Im a little larger in size than some and the on drivers door the ridge that extends out gives me some trouble. Wouldnt mind it being flatter for more leg room. If I put the seat all the way down it works better for me. MPG has averaged out at 23.4 all around on the gauge. Best MPG so far 27 MPG going from Illinois to Mackinac, MI; averaging 65 -70 MPH. I would say the A/C definitely holds the MPG down about 2 MPG with constant use during the recent 90+ weather here. JBL speakers are great.

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  Great mini 4x4 SUV with Power - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Geoff H - September 8 - 1:33 am

  After owning the Lexus and Infinity SUVs I though the Rav4 was going to be a definite "downgrade". Well it was in price but not in functionality. The 4wd system is great. With 50/50 lock and downhill assist control it works great in the Utah "crawl" down busy ski resort canyons. The V6 performance is also a great benefit with plenty of passing accelleration power. The drive is light and nimble - great for in town driving but not as stable as the heavier full size SUVs. But the storage rocks - hidden bins under the fold flat floor, lots of nooks and crannys for sunglasses, etc. Drink holders for taller bottles. And the seating comfort is quite good too - I regularly drive it on 6 hour trip

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  The Safety Factor - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By gnikgnik - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 RAV4. Last Wednesday night, my brother had an accident on the freeway - he ran headfirst into the center divider doing 70 MPH and walked away without a scratch. If you are looking for a reliable, safe car that gets good gas mileage then the RAV4 is a great vehicle.

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  poor service - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By mike harper - September 2 - 10:00 am

  cannot determine if car is of poor quality or dealership is the problem. rattle in dash took 6 months to fix leather seats were flawed and could not get replacement for 7 months. brakes pulled to right after rain. squeaking noise in rear.

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  Who need a Huge SUV? - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By New Toyota Owner - September 1 - 11:13 pm

  This has been a great purchase. There is plenty of room inside. Shortly after purchasing the car, I loaded up my wife, two kids, a cocker spaniel, a llasa apso and a rabbit and set off on a 750 mile trip for Christmas at Grandmas. The RAV4 handled the roof top carrier much better than the Olds Bravada I had had before. I never felt as though the RAV4 was unstable. Even loaded down I managed 27 mpg.