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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  Nice - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Car Los - October 29 - 9:10 am

  I bought this SUV for my family last year (wife & 1 yr old son). The style played an important role in the decision. We took it in a few road trips and were very happy with the general performance. Nice handling, lots of power (even for a 4 cyl engine) great traction on snowy roads and good stereo system with iPod/MP3 capability. The cargo area is pretty generous with under floor storage. On the other side the throttle feels a little too sensitive, specially when taking off and the tranny tends to have a delayed reaction when slowing down and pulling into a driveway or parking lot (I am not sure but this could be an issue just with my car; I havent had it checked yet).

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  one of the best values - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By skipk2 - October 28 - 12:20 pm

  I now have 24,000 miles on my 2010 base RAV4 V6. Its been a terrific experience. its very powerful and the mileage is good for a vehicle of its size. I get 28 mpg on road trips. i love its handling. this is one of the best values around. I intend to keep it for at least 250,000 miles.

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  Great SUV. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Bright - October 23 - 9:10 am

  I have just been driving this RAV4 2007 for one months and I love it. It is fun to drive. Smooth and quick acceleration. Smooth ride though a bit more shake on flat roads than my Camry. Gas milage is lower than expected 21mpg. only 19MPG in my first 2 tanks (mostly city plus some highway). This make the small gas tank (only 15.9 gal) more inconvenient. I have to fill gas every 200 miles.

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  Wifes Car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By 5th Toyota Owner - October 21 - 2:50 am

  Bought this car for my wife who is just over 5 tall. She really likes the RAVs styling and visibility from sitting up high. We both like the point and go handling. Throttle is very responsive... I found the dealers internet sales program very positive. Straight-up sales person claimed price was $300 below invoice, but added approx $300 advertising fee, which put vehicle right at Edmunds listed invoice price (including dest charge). Other dealers wanted to play stupid games and need to get a clue... We tried to find a vehicle with leather AND side curtain airbags, but dealer said Toyota isnt building them (cloth was OK). Side curtain airbags should be standard not an option (hello Honda).

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  Are we talking about the same car? - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By ravenous - October 21 - 2:00 am

  No power? Come on, this thing is plenty peppy! Absolutely no problem on entrance ramps. (OK, so I dont exactly live in hill country.) As for the sound system, mines got bass to burn! And the controls are convenient and logical. The tweeters give it good presence. This car is a joy to drive, if a little bouncy in the ride. I suppose thats the tradeoff for its superior handling.

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  my RAV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By tavy - October 20 - 6:10 am

  i own the rav4..im 5 ft tall,and before this have never owned a truck at all...thought i would have a hard time adjusting to it...i love it...more roomier than my mazda i had and it feels like driving a car..more storage for larger grocery shopping trips.split seat fold downs are great since i have a 5 yr old that rides in the back

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  Great trade - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Sandy - October 20 - 3:22 am

  I traded in my Ford Escape because my lease was up for a 2016 Rav 4 SE. I had been with Ford for over 15 years. I drove the Rav 4 and instantly fell in love with the ride, the interior, the design...basically everything. For what I have in my 2016 Rav 4 SE and the price I got I couldnt touch a Ford Escape for that price. Great car!

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  Love at first site! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By linda - October 17 - 11:36 am

  I went from a 94 gas sucking explorer to my sleep red V6 rav4. I love this vehicle! I am getting over 29 miles a gallon with a bit of hyper-miling and not squealing the tires when I take off! I looked at Saturn vue, Ford escape, Ford edge, Mercury Mariner and I found this to be the best value! Its fun to drive, and I do not regret buying it a bit. 3rd row seat hold my daughters friends for combined mall trips, or lay em down and put all her softball stuff there! Its an awesome SUV

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  Most fun car to drive for the money! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By soccerguy2k - October 16 - 8:40 am

  I have driven previous Rav4s with 4 cyl engines. When I test drove the V6, I was sold instantly. This car is a dream, as if someone custom made it for you! Its everything you expect, and it flies! If you like a race car feel and performance and can handle the pick-up, this is for you. Conservative drivers will not like this car. This should be a major hit for the young and the young at heart who can afford a nice SUV.

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  My best car yet - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Terry Wisland - October 11 - 5:20 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned yet. Power is awesome, very comfortable, nice 22 MPG average fuel economy, Leather seats are comfortable. The cargo area is huge for a small SUV. I can fit a full size mountain bike in it in about 10 seconds. After 3,000 miles, Im averaging about 22 MPG, great for 269 HP and regular fuel. No complaints so far.