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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  RAVoulus - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Tony - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  This suv is incredible! The performace of 269hp v6 is awesome. Comfort is great - I am 63 250lb - still have lots of room.The fuel mileage is 25mpg. I look forward to driving this suv. I love the new look of the rav it is bolder than old model. Build quality is typical toyota (excellent) This suv is very quiet around town or on the highway. Ride quality is excellent. Gearing of the v6 rav is great with cruise on 1900rpm at 70mph the 4cyl is about 2500- 2600 at 70mph. Stop looking take one for a test drive!

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  I love my new rav4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By tcane1 - September 28 - 2:06 pm

  The gas mileage is good, and it is fun to drive and I have gotten lots of compliments.

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  Wont Look Back - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mr Jolly - September 27 - 3:36 am

  After trading in My Chevy Tahoe I thought I would miss the luxury of a big car. The new RAV4 is luxury, ability, agility and so much more. The car rides smooth, steering is tight and it commands power when needed. I am blown away by its sheer acceleration power. Lots of room to make up for its smaller size.

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  Geart SUV added info - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By DC CALIF - September 21 - 6:10 pm

  Hi folks... I wanted to update you since my last report. We just got back from 2350 mile trip, Calif, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada. The 4 cyl climbed up 8700 ft mountains no sweat. 29.1 MPG 75-80mph. Yes I did down shift a couple of times but no prob. Oh, my brakes got better as they were mushy before. Dealer checked breaks (OK) before trip. I really enjoyed the trip and the car.

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  Excellent value - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Camille - September 17 - 1:13 am

  Ive had my Rav4 for nearly 8 years and the only issue I ever had was with the engine light coming on within the first 2 or 3 years. Since the car was still under warranty, the O2 sensor that was causing the light to go on was replaced/repaired, and Ive had no problems at all since then. With a standard transmission, it not only gets over 25 MPG even in city traffic, it also has great pick-up. I like having plenty of room. It came in handy when I moved. Removing and replacing the rear seats is challenging (but doable) for me, but for someone who isnt petite it might not be too difficult. I still think its a good looking car, too. Its one of the wisest purchases Ive ever made.

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  I like it - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By DC Calif - September 16 - 11:43 pm

  Great car. I have only had it 3 weeks but I am impressed (good). My other vehicle is F-150 V-8, but this little 4 banger (4 cyl) really has the power, I cant imagine a V-6 in this thing. It only has about 870 miles so far but it really goes fast, I have to watch my speed to keep it under 70 mph. We took the car over to the coast to break in the engine. Up hill and down around sharp curves it was great, power was right there better than my F-150 V-8. Gas mileage is outstanding... on our road trip to the coast and back, freeways at 70-80... my average is 28.1 mpg. I could not believe it. The only bad thing is the brakes. You really have to push the brake pedal hard when coming to a stop sign.

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  New RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim and Noriko Rose - September 1 - 8:20 am

  Just bought our new RAV4. We are happy with our decision, but would recommend that people wait for the initial demand for these cars to die down before buying. It is a well made car that is well worth the money we paid. Didnt give the car 10s because we believe that no car is perfect, and it is a compact SUV after all. There are cars on the market that are superior, just not for the type of car and not for the price range.

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  2001 RAV4 AWD Automatic - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Blondebear1 - August 31 - 1:03 am

  I have gotten 25 mpg consistently with my RAV4 using synthetic motor, transfer case and differential oils. Acceleration is adequate for me. Do not listen to the automotive review writers when they tell you this car is underpowered. I can easily go 90 mph. I love the easily removable rear seats and the large cargo area removing them provides. I dont bump my head when entering. Good storage in the dash for stuff. Antilock brakes work great.

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  Worth the wait ....so far - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Larry S. - August 30 - 10:56 pm

  Had a very hard time getting a loaded 4x4 Limited V6. Only have it a few weeks but so far it was worth the wait. There is no other vehicle in its class that compares. The fit and finish, ride, look and everything about the car is great. The dealer experience was horrible. The car has electric steering, a great turning radius and most of the bells and whistles one could want. I originally was against having the spare mounted on the tailgate (which opens like a door instead of like a hatchback) but it isnt heavy opening the door and it affords internal storage space. Havent had an opportunity to verify the MPG but it seems good so far. Love the big 6 but settled on color due to availability.

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  CaNt Go wrong - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By megan olsen - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i bought my rav4 in oct...the best thing i could have done. not only is it roomy ,comfortable,and reliable but for a surfer like myself u can def.enoy this car