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:

• 

  Gotta love my Rav4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By William Rosa - September 30 - 11:05 am

  Ive been a 3x RAV4 owner and wouldnt trade for any other SUV. The RAV4 has the power, speed and comfort and in my opinion the best mid-size SUV. It can take you anywhere.

• 

  Great road-trip and family car - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By pinheadh78 - September 17 - 6:56 pm

  We started our car shopping with about 30 cars of various van, sedan, hatchback, and SUVs on our list. We tracked everything in spreadsheet from safety, mileage, price, everything. After several test drives and reviews the 2013 Rav4 was the winner with the most features, cargo capacity, mileage, safety, and driving performance. The Honda CRV 2013 was our 2nd choice but it wasnt fun to drive, felt sluggish with no "go" feeling. The Rav4 has the acceleration, handling, and styling that the Honda does not.

• 

  Love my RAV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Ifti - September 9 - 3:40 pm

  After months of due diligence I decided to go for RAV4. I am pleased with the decision I made and my friends and collegues are impressed too. Its zippy, good on mileage (22mpg city/30mpg highway), compact and good pick (better than my previous v6 dodge intrepid). Its great value for the price. Great looks and great performance backed by Toyotas reputation, I think its the best compact SUV in the market. Safety features, especially side curtain air bags, helped me get good insurance rates and peace of mind, of course.

• 

  A fun and sporty ride! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Nancy - September 6 - 3:23 pm

  This little SUV has quite a kick to it. Its a fun, sporty, reliable ride. At times, its a little bumpy...sort of a Jeepy feeling but I like that. The quality seems good and like it will hold up for years. The seats are easily removed or repositioned to create a surprising amount of space. And, even riding in the back seat is comfortable. My one complaint is that it is difficult to have the windows down--it seems much more noisy than usual and that probably has something to do with the design . . .

• 

  Fun driving this powerful monster... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By AJ - September 3 - 9:23 am

  I am still driving this 07 RAV4 V6 2WD. Have no problems except the stereo needed to be replaced once due to manufacturing defect. This is a sweet buy for a 3.5L engine and its HP. I wish the braking system was a little better given the cars engine power, but not of big concern. I love it every time I jump in for a drive. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for power and reliability in affordable price. Agree, looks could have been made a little better, hope Toyota comes up with new looks for this powerful monster in future.

• 

  The best SUV I have ever had! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Arny - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been a lover of SUVs since 1988. I have tested almost the best of the most renown automobile manufacturers in the world. I have never had such a great feeling of stability and control while driving one. When behind the wheel, it give you the feeling that you and your RAV 4, are part of the same moving body, and you can actually feel the extension of your senses out of your body and around the vehicle. The first time I took the car for a test drive, it was so handy and easy, it gave the dealer the idea this is going to be my second RAV 4 in the garage! I have loved this model, and congratulate Toyota for such great success!

• 

  Smooth - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Lisa Thomas - August 24 - 11:16 pm

  I have had my car for more than four months yet I get the same feelings I had initially when I first test drove it. It is a comfortable and smooth ride. I have no regrets and look forward to a long and rich driving experience.

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Kelly - August 24 - 12:36 pm

  I did extensive research prior to purchasing this car. I was wise in my decision to buy the RAV4. 1st, it gets great gas mileage. Very important when youre paying $3 a gallon. I get 20 mpg. 2nd, Its a smaller SUV, but, it is very spacious. I managed to carry an 8 ft. treadmill in it. 3rd, its sporty and SO much fun to drive. And its really CUTE! It really doesnt look like the SUVs out there. Youre higher up than in a car without being in a hulking, gas guzzling SUV. Last, Its a Toyota. Its got a great warranty, and I expect I will be driving it when its 10 years old or older with more than 100,000 miles on it. I highly recommend this car.

• 

  Love my ride!! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By luv2laff - August 23 - 2:03 am

  I absolutely love my RAV4. I have the most basic model, but I love it. I traded in an aging Camry -- this is my third Toyota and they continue to be my favorite. Kids gone, so this is my 50th birthday present to me, and I dont regret the purchase at all. Handles well, love the interior, does have a transmission clunk when put into drive in the morning, but otherwise its great. I did a lot of research before purchasing this SUV, and I definitely do not regret it. Getting older, so I love being able to "throw my hip" up into the seat instead of squatting down to get into a sedan (smile). No effort getting in or out for my elderly Mom.

• 

  Awesome! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By EK - August 14 - 4:13 pm

  Absolutely awesome little SUV - well maybe not so little anymore. V6 power is impressive,even coming from a V8 pickup. Nice size and handling. The only thing I would change is the climate control readout - very hard to see in the sunlight.