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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  Just what I needed - thanks Toyota - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Susie - July 10 - 5:33 am

  Love my Rav4! Needed ease of entry for Mother and it is the lowest SUV seat to slide into and not climb down into a car. Love uplift hatch when loading cargo, more available space and easy on back (selling point for me). Easy to attach car seats and load the grandkids. Occasional hesitation on acceleration. Wish it had rear A/C vents. Good handling and easy parking. Good mirrors, but I added convex for side blind spots. Slightly noisy, but expected for SUV. Gas mileage not bad for SUV, but I drive 44 miles roundtrip to work on highway, and should be better than it is (about 20mpg). All said, I dont think I could find anything to fit my needs any better. This was a God blessing!

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  Cant Say Enough - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By DPH - July 9 - 6:50 am

  This has been just a great little car - I still have fun driving it. Even on trips it has provided plenty of comfort, partly because there is so much leg and head room. I cant complain that it lacks power; what would one expect from a 4-cylinder SUV? Snow and up-hill driveway is an issue where we live, and with studded snow tires, this is a little army tank!

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  Good Value For The Price - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By bgbowers - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I have owned this car for 2.3 years putting approximately 23,000 miles per year on it. I bought the Base model. Wanted to get the Limited but my head would hit the roof line occasionally when going over bumps because of the sun roof intrusion into the cabin. The car has given me no mechanical problems and Ive never taken it back to the dealer for any issue. I wanted a vehicle with both all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive capability. However, recognize that this vehicle is not designed for off-road use. No rattles or squeaks have developed. Car handles very well, but OEM tires wear out quickly, lasted 1 year. Actually this is good so you can replace them with ones of good quality.

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  Worth the wait! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Larry in NY - July 5 - 6:53 pm

  This SUV was worth the wait! We have 1000 miles on it so far and its everything we expected and more relative to ride, comfort, build quality, cornering and performance. The roll over test which was not previously available came out very positive. Our Limited is fully loaded and the options were well worth it! It rides very smooth, has great acceleration and is noise free in the cabin. For styling, value and performance there is no competitor on the market today. You must drive this SUV!

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  Freeway Access Is No Longer Suicidal! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Stellarink - July 4 - 4:00 am

  Throughout 25,000 miles in 1 year, 24 mpg w/V6 in a metro city is great while my 4-cyl 06 PT Cruiser gets less than 18. The V6 and a comparable large rear window is the reason Toyota got my green. The turning radius surpasses my smaller Cruisers. As you can tell, my practical focus is on safety, function, and economy. My wifes preference is style and speed. With the Rav, we get both. Researching options and reports, Toyota seems to exceed American auto-makers for trouble-free longevity. My wife (53") and I (62") both ride in stable comfort whether driving or riding. Leg and cargo room are ample and head room abounds in front & rear seats. Acceleration? Pray and fly with angelic speed.

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  Till death do we part - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By duncan16 - July 3 - 6:28 am

  Full-time 4x4 gives you traction all the time and you get a combined mpg of 25, that is amazing. I actually am a car moder (that means I modify my cars so they arent stock). I suggest that if you want to change anything about this car it would be; get Yokohama AT/S tires for the best all around traction no matter the surface and the tires will last you forever, get performance intakes and filters to help with higher rpm performance. Those are very basic, if you are looking for anything better I suggest you go to RAV4world.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By pattyboy20 - July 1 - 6:00 am

  Zipps right along, great pickup and go, comfortabile ride, stops immediatly, feul milage is awsome, turns on a dime, stability and comfortability is unmatched! My brother is Pro buy America (as I am), but even he is suprized at the comfort and ride. Very satisfied!!!

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  A great SUV for the price and size - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By blinker - June 29 - 11:33 pm

  We compared CRV, RDX and RAV4. The styling and performance of the CRV was less than stellar. The RDX was really cramped feeling in both head and legroom with just OK performance. The RAV4 has much more room and comfort (Im 62"). The V6 is quick and smooth and we are getting around 20+ mpg city. I have seen comments of the RAV being noisy or the seats not comfortable. Dont find that at all. This Sport with appearance pkg. and leather seats is quiet and comfortable--almost making you forget its a SUV and I am a nitpicker.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Dawnette - June 26 - 9:23 am

  I enjoy driving this car, I get in and out of traffic very well in this car.

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  I love my RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - June 23 - 10:36 pm

  Once I decide to trade in my car I wanted something with more cargo than my Nissan Altima. My first choice was the new Mazda 3 5 doors. While doing my research I came across the Toyota Rav4. It rates the same MPG but has more cargo space, about the same price and looks way better. Reading reviews and comparing all the competitors I chose the 2009 Toyota RAV4. It has the power (4 cyl), it has the looks (no cheap black plastic going around the bumper) and the Toyota Reputation. It rides nice, quiet and firm. Driving in the city so far I got 26.2 mpg and still going up. I cant wait to see how much I get at our road trip to the north.