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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  Pro and con list leans to con. - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Gloria Stein - December 25 - 2:15 pm

  Too bad this car is way below my expectations. Shifting is tricky. Controls on drivers side (to lock and unlock doors) not visible in the dark (black on black) and the "map lights" dont light much past center of cabin. The ride is choppy and I hoped a heavier car would ride better than the smaller one I traded in. The high sides of bucket seats make getting in a out a challenge and I opted for an SUV to make it easier. Im stuck - I own the car. Its too early to comment on reliability.

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  Shocks & Struts need replacing - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By redwards - November 12 - 2:00 am

  It is a value-priced auto.

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  Last Toyota - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By s_evans - October 3 - 1:28 pm

  Have a 2011 Rav 4 Limited, owned for close to 2 years now. Have had in shop 3 times for rough start and idle. First time they reprogrammed ECM. Last two times no error code registered and dealer cant replicate; so nothing they can do. Rear View camera only works intermittently. Dealer cant fix unless malfunctioning when car is in shop. Paint is poor quality too many chips to touchup. Engine on occasion has raced out of control, not a floor mat issue, but Toyota doesnt know what is wrong. Front cup holders are awful. Traded from a 2006 Hyundai Sonota and wish I had it back.

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  Back Problems - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick Paul - June 1 - 5:57 pm

  I have to get rid of this car because I cant drive it without being hobbled by back pain even for short distances. The front seat has a "lumbar support" that digs into my back just above my belt line. Ive adjusted the seat every which way possible. Ive tried after market seat cushions and pillows to no avail. I wanted to give this vehicle a chance because there are many things to like about it compared against the other cars Ive test driven. I will lose money when I rid myself of it after only 3 months. Otherwise, I like the smooth power delivery and most notably the quality of the interior. It comes without a lot of frills that come standard on some competitors, like adjustable speed intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, and push button start but it has a high quality feel. The interior switches and the fit and finish are top notch. This is why I bought it. IF YOU HAVE ANY BACK PROBLEMS, OR EVEN IF YOU DONT, TAKE A LONG TERM TEST DRIVE OR RENT ONE FIRST. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THIS, DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  ECM Died at 105M - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By saddened customer - April 23 - 6:56 pm

  I originally posted at Edmunds how I loved, loved, LOVED my Rav4 at time of purchase back in 2002. However, car started jerking last week, couldnt accelerate, so towed it to dealer, went online, and discovered the brain/transmission problem! Paid over $1300 to replace the brain, and have no faith in my car anymore. Dealer couldnt guarantee it wont start lurching again, so its time to switch from Toyota, sadly. A company that doesnt stand behind a problem that it knows exists at least when I trade it in, I can show I paid to fix the ECM, but I pray the car just gets retired rather than potentially hurting another soul!

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  COULD HAVE BEEN , the perfect vehicle for me!!!! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By ranger@columbus.rr.com - April 5 - 1:20 am

  for rear seat passengers it rides worse than my pick up truck. front seats not too bad. the intune radio is not user friendly. if you are a do it yourself person and want to change your own oil you can expect going to the dealer to get the special oil filter wrench. now for the the big one. mechanically its great. the navigation system system is so bad I may shop for a different brand next time. Toyota has bought a navigation system that is very hard to use ands the accuracy is terrible. if you are paying for the nav. system take it out in the country and try it first. the menue actually give you the coverage maps that you can look at (kinda like a cell phone coverage map) look at it before you waste your money. they must have thought the people in the south would buy the car. the navigation system is so bad that I use my OLD garmin instead. my thought is if I buy a $200 gps at a dept. store and dont like it I can return it. if you buy the $1500 Toyota nav system you are stuck with it and can do nothing. I seriously hope they get sued over this one.

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  20 years of RAV4s - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris K - January 31 - 2:47 pm

  I owned an original 1996 RAV4 as my first car and was curious to drive the newest version 20 years later. The original RAV4 was like all the other small SUVs of the day. Cute, compact, good mileage and a fair amount of utility. Mine was the forest green, but the hood paint was flaking off for whatever reason. The radio only worked in one speaker and I couldnt tune too high on the radio dial or I got static. If I floored it, not a whole lot happened and I had to carry around a can of WD40 in the winter, because the locks froze open. But it ran like a champ for the most part and was cheap to maintain. My wife and I got a 2015 Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE on loan from our local dealer thanks to a recall on my wifes 2008 Scion TC. So naturally, I was curious. How did 20 years of evolution measure up to the original? The new one is a lot bigger than the old one. I was impressed with the space in my RAV, but this car has to be twice as big. Its really wide too and the driving position is a lot higher. It almost feels like youre sitting on a milk crate, with a wide view of the road and your surroundings. The load floor in the back is still low and I imagine there isnt much you cant fit in the back. Theres some neat cubbie holes in the dashboard and console as well. The acceleration is definitely better than the original, thanks to about 50 more HP, but a bigger car carries more heft and you can feel it. From the numbers, its dropped about 1.5 seconds in 0-60, but it could use more oomph. The handling leaves something to be desired too. The new RAV4 is easy over bumps, stops well, is very quiet on the road and the wheel is light and easy. But man, is it boring. Sport mode just means a feeling of more power, but nothing else. My old RAV4 was mostly unremarkable. It had its flaws, but for the most part it got me where I needed to go with minimal issues. I put 145k miles on it and only traded in because the AC failed and would have cost more than the car was worth to fix it. I saw it a couple of weeks ago actually and has to be well over 200k in miles by now. Its great great grandson seems poised to do more of the same. Makes sense as thats what Toyotas are these days for the most part. If you want something to get you to where you need to go with minimal effort, this is the car for you. If you need something that moves the needle a little more and gives you some driving excitement, this may not be the best choice. Perhaps thats why I traded in the old RAV4 for a Subaru.

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  deffening noise when driving rear windows down - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By glen_r_mobley - January 26 - 12:50 pm

  I baught my 2013 rav 4 and everything was fine until I decided to open the back windows, while going down the highway. the noise hurt my ears. and I mean really hurt. I contacted the dealer. and he told me he new about the problem. and suggested that I shouldnt open my windows ??? I then contacted Toyota and explained the problem to them. they told me to go on a ride with the service manager, to show me that they all have that problem. But offered no remedy. I guess if thats the case! the windows arent meant to be opened while driving!!!

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  Vibrates on the Highway - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By BJ - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Base Rav4 in August, 2010. Everything is great, except it vibrates a lot and is very noticeable, especially at speeds greater than 50. The Dealership tried to help and rebalanced the wheels for me. It did not help. At the dealership, the service manager and I test drove another new Rav4 and it did the same thing. Called Customer Care at Toyota, and their expert said that they are just made that way and to get used to it. So, I am looking to trade it in soon. And our 2005 Camry vibrated if the wheels were not perfectly balance. This will be my last Toyota. They have gotten way too big and quality issues are popping up and they and really dont care.

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  My last Toyota - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By shyam - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought this RAV4, I have taken this to the dealer more than 10 times to fix problems. I took this to fix the rattle noise from dash and other places more than 5 times. Couple of times to fix the engine light. Now it is back with the dealer to fix the engine light and this time they have to replace the Cat converter and the transmission. It has only 23k miles. This is my first and last toyota.