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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  08 RAV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By dennism - June 2 - 3:36 pm

  After one month Im fairly happy with the RAV. There are a lot of little touches like the lighted vanity mirrors, hidden storage etc. Im totally impressed with the performance of the 4 cylinder engine! CD player and sound system are great.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By MSB - June 2 - 12:56 pm

  Absolutely great vehicle. Bought with 112,000 miles- have driven for 1 1/2 years with no problems. Runs like a champ. Plan on giving to daughter to drive 5 years from now. Should easily get another 150,000 on this vehicle.

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  steeringwheel clunking - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By mayson - May 30 - 2:50 am

  I have enjoyed the vehicle for 4 years. We take it to the Eastern Sierras for trout fishing and can take the steep grades with ease with the V6. The only problem that I have encountered is the steering wheel clunking on slow turns. The steering knuckle was replaced under warranty at approximately 15,000 miles. Now at 29,000 miles it is clunking again on the replaced unit. There is definitely a design flaw by Toyota and they need to own up to it. I will be taking it in for servicing and demand a replacement even if it is over 36 months warranty time limit.

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  Perfect small SUV - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Zustman - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My family and I love this car! It is much more versatile than it looks. You name it and Ive fit it in to this car. From a double bed mattress and box spring to christmas trees to childrens play houses. And it is a joy to drive. Who needs big SUVs?

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  One of the best in class - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Jon - May 25 - 6:21 pm

  Thought it was only fair that I write one on these since, I have read so many. I bought my rav4 pre owned and certified. It has been a very good suv. It has surprisingly good pick up for a 4cyl. I have no problems with the family in the car passing others on the road when needed. I have had knock on wood no problems in over a year of ownership. The back seats are comfortable and recline. The front seats are comfortable as well. It is ok in the snow not a 4 wheel drive jeep but it gets the job done like most awd vehicles.

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  Great Snowmobile! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By New England - May 24 - 7:16 pm

  After relocating to New England, I decided to buy a 4-wheel drive and purchased the Rav4 Sport model. After the first major snowfall, I was convinced that I had made the right decision. This terrific car cut through the snow like it was not even there! Its beautiful, responsive, and fun to drive. Also, I like the Toyota reliability. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a car that is reliable and will take on any type of weather!

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  RAV4 Limited Is a Gas Hog - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By srubida - May 24 - 8:28 am

  Purchased my RAV4 on 5-27-2011 and already wish I could afford to trade it in on something else. Its awful gas mileage is affecting my lifestyle because now I dont go anywhere that I dont have to, at an average 16mpg (and I drive "lightly" and carefully). The vehicle itself is fine; I am glad it is a little larger than previous editions. The fittings, cup holders, etc., are all fine (Im not picky, I just want transportation). At 16mpg, I might as well be driving a monster truck rather than a smallish SUV. This will be my second and last Toyota, because it replaces a well-tended Highlander that needed $3000 in repairs and failed its legendary durability reputation. Bye bye, Toyota.

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  Be careful with the spare tire cover - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By TS3787 - May 21 - 11:26 pm

  We got our RAV4 in 7/2007 and since then we havent have any problem at all. There are two areas where the 2007 design failed: 1) The rear bumper upper part is too exposed to scratches during loading/unloading. 3) At winter ice forms between the spare tire and the rear bumper. That ice eventually tends to damage the rear bumper. 2) the spare tire cover was removed during a car wash and totally ruined. Someone mentioned that TOYOTA said only they know of one case... that is simply not true, it is pretty common and a big design flaw. After 2007 they changed the design of the car cover.

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  rav 4 thumbs up! - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By chicken - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a college student and I have owned my Rav-4 for 4 years now. I have had no problems with it whatsoever! It gets great gas mileage, is the perfect size, and drives really well. At 6.5 years old, my rav-4 has never broken down nor had any mechanical problems. It is a good buy!

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  rav4 gal - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By movie - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I waited years to finally get this SUV and i did and i love it. It got me thru horrible winters this years. I just love this fun car. I will probably get another rav4 when i am done making the payments on this one. I really love it.