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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  UNRELIABLE - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By MIKE - July 25 - 6:43 pm

  Unreliable for the long run. Had several warranty repairs, rear shock absorbers, water pump, steering shaft. Then after 60000 kms no support from Toyota Canada. Try and do repairs through the dealers and end up paying 2 times the price on parts alone.

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  Toyota isnt what it is in Japan - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Tim - July 25 - 4:29 pm

  Worked for 8 years in Japan (Okinawa) and had three "used" Toyotas (fantastic vehicles - only thing I had to do was replace battery - tires - brakes ... AC on my Noah Lite Ace Van (8 years old when I bought it) didnt even require maintenance in 8 years of use in a the tropical environment of Okinawa)!!! Alternatively this vehicle has disappointed, to say the least. Acceleration is dangerous (in that you must wait 1 - 2 seconds for the computer to figure out what pressing on the accelerator means). Here in Denver when you change lanes you need to make your move upon turning on your signal - have had close calls when other drivers (whose vehicles accelerate crisply) shot into a lane I was trying to get into. Also, worse yet, this vehicle rolls backwards if youre on a steep upward grade when you put it in drive!!! Very dangerous if anyone is behind you (dealer told me to increase revs when Im in this situation ... if this was a manual thatd be a given ... but this is an automatic)! So if you live somewhere like San Francisco this is the last vehicle you want to buy. Im very disappointed in Toyota ... perhaps its because its made here (as stated, the Toyotas I had in Japan were head-and-shoulders better than this Toyota-Japan-wanna-be).

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  Great - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By slk - July 16 - 11:43 am

  I love my RAV. It has great get up and go. I have had little problems on the recent snow and ice ( usually when I floor it on the ice ) The step kids friends think it is cool. No problems whatsoever. I reset the maintence light myself. The owners manual tells you how to do it. Backseat is a little crowded with a carseat in it.

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  Fun, Safe Little SUV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob Alkov - July 10 - 3:36 pm

  The 2005 Toyota automatic 4 dr AWD RAV- 4 is a fun, safe little SUV. It replaced a 1996 Toyota RAV-4 with manual that we drove to 90000 miles. We need it in the winter as we live on the side of a mountain at the 7000 ft level that gets lots of snow in winter. It has a lot of safety features such as side air bags for driver and all passengers, side impact door beams, stability control with traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist and EBD. Also gets 25 mp gallon.

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By CrazyGirl - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Very easy to drive, great fuel economy compared to other SUVs, and the fact that its a Toyota says a lot. Engine is quiet and heats up quickly in cold conditions.

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  the best - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By cepi - July 4 - 10:00 am

  excellent in everything,great headroom,good power,I dont why people complaint about hp,plus I have a friend that has had 3 previous rav4 and he has put over 200,000 miles in every one,that tells you about the quality and reliability.

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  Happy with my purchase! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By lindseym1 - July 1 - 2:26 am

  I got my 2010 RAV4 this September so its only been 3 months but so far, so good. I traded in my 2004 RAV4, which I did enjoy driving as well. The 2010 is much roomier. I love how the backseat folds down so easily (I had to take the seats out in the 04), there is a lot of room in the back, and the drive itself is great- smooth and not a lot of road noise. My main complaints are the cupholders and lack of change drawer! I drive 50/50 highway/city and get ~22mpg. I wish this could be higher but I have the V6, 4 wheel drive so I guess that comes with the territory!

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Sandee - June 26 - 5:13 pm

  Big but small I dont ever think I will buy a sports car again. Nice car lots of windows and no blind spots.

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  A real value, and fun to boot - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Doug B - June 26 - 2:36 pm

  Finally picked up my new base 2006 RAV4, 4x4 with the 4 cylinder engine. Very happy with the gorgeous modern interior, nice exterior lines. The 4 cylinder is very strong. I traded in a 98 Ford Explorer with the 4 liter 6, and the RAV4 has nothing to be embarassed about. I took a lot of guff from the ladies at work about choosing a "cute" SUV, but I have to admit that its a very pretty car. Couldnt be happier. Ill supplement if possible after about a month.

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  Nice car - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By jeff in ky - June 20 - 10:00 am

  just a great car, I got the v6 which enables it to tow a 16 foot camper.