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:

• 

  I love my 2009 Rav4 with V6 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Nelson Conroy - November 1 - 3:46 pm

  I leased a red Canadian built RAV 4 with the V6. This vehicle provides phenomenal power, styling, comfort and economy. On the highway the RAV is ultra smooth, especially between 65 and 70mph (110 to120k/hr). The interior is extremely spacious with plenty of headroom and lots of storage. I recommend the 270 horsepower V6. Amazing acceleration, however great fuel economy. I chose the flashy red exterior for a sporty look. This is the best crossover SUV in its class. I highly recommend this vehicle. Thank you.

• 

  My 1st Toyota - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By walt - November 1 - 3:03 pm

  Typical Toyota quality. Great engine, looks, handling. The mechanical AWD system is amazing for Canadian winters (esp. with M/S tires). Had it for 5 years & expect to keep it for another 10 or more.

• 

  Better than before - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Todd1 - November 1 - 2:20 pm

  I upgraded from a 2002 RAV4 that was totaled in an accident, and the 2006 model is an improvement in nearly every area. I was impressed with how the 02 RAV held up in the accident, so there was no hesitation to get another RAV to replace it. The 06 model has plenty of cargo room. I love that the seats dont have to come out to make room for large items. The 4 cylinder 4WD model has plenty of power, whereas I thought the 02 model felt underpowered. I am very happy with the safety additions of anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags. This car is great, and you cant go wrong with Toyota quality.

• 

  Almost the perfect vehicle - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeff - October 31 - 12:50 pm

  Cant argue with gobs of V6 power and 27 mpg. Ive driven from FL to CO and back 2 times - no problems pulling 16-20 hours at a time in the saddle. JBL sound w/ subwoofer is awesome. Back seat is cavernous and comfortable. Love the reclining seats. The full size spare allowed me to get off a mountain pass after ruining a tire on a rock hidden in the snow. Try doing that with a donut spare. Downhill assist is a lifesaver on snowy, steep grades. I dont like the lousy 4WD system. Above 25 mph you have 2WD. If you lose traction you are on your own, even though there is a 4WD system that could help you out. I also hate the Sports ridiculous harsh ride. Get the Limited for the softer suspension

• 

  My First Toyota (always had Honda Accord - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the new body style... for the money it the best thing on the road. It has more room inside than you would think. The gas mileage is Great! Perhaps a V-6 is in order. New wider tires,make the ride even better.

• 

  Great all-around truck - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jerre - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The new 2004 version is a nice upgrade over 2003 and includes standard ABS and steering wheel controls. Well designed interior for practicality and convenience. The new engine is quicker and quieter which is a long overdue improvement. The manual trans. is smooth and easy to operate...unlike the poorly engineered CRV clutch. Major flaw- an oversized, ridiculously heavy rear door with a window that wont open. Puzzling why Toyota failed to re- design such an obvious flaw?! Also, the RAV4 could be a little longer for more cargo room. Overall though, this is a very well constructed vehicle and rates the best out of all small SUVs I test drove.

• 

  after a 2000 mile test drive...well... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave Stein - October 5 - 9:23 am

  I took it down to Santa Barbara from Newport, Or. Finally, I started getting the good gas mileage at about 1400 miles, averaging about 70 mph with a stiff headwind. I think this is a great car! Love it, from the power to the JBL stereo, etc.

• 

  Everything I need - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By t0yotfan - October 4 - 6:48 am

  After having both a 2002 and 2004 CRV, I bought a 2007 RAV4 with the V6. It had greater usable cargo space and the V6 got 22mpg when the 2 CRVs never got over 21mpg with a 4 cyl. The 2007 RAV4 got totaled in an accident, so since I was very happy with it, I bought another identical V6 4x4 base model. I bought it with a Toyota trailer hitch and I have no problem towing a 8x5 Big Tex trailer loaded with a John Deere 2320 tractor plus 3 Labs in the back cargo area in 3 large dog kennels every week 80 miles to a farm I own in the next county over. The total weight of the trailer and Tractor is 2850lbs. I still get 16 mpg with that load and the power and braking are more than adequate.

• 

  Wonderful SUV! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Julie - October 1 - 7:40 am

  This is such a great vehicle! I was tempted to get the Limited model, but realized the Base model had everything I needed. (Everyone who has seen it cant believe its the Base model.) It handles like a car and gets great gas mileage. Although it only has a 4- cylinder engine, it has great pick-up. I love all of the little touches, like the quick release pulls in the cargo area that allow you to lower the rear seats without going around to the back doors. This car is truly a wonderful value.

• 

  2001 RAV4L 2WD - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeff Adkins - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive had with a Toyota. Perfect vehicle for active D.I.N.K.s (dual income no kids) with dogs, and weekend home projects. Put new All Terrain tires on it. Now we are really going to have fun.