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:
Showing 451 through 460 of 2,041.00-
MR HS - 2005 Toyota RAV4
By JIM H. - April 4 - 6:40 amSNAPPY LITTEL SUV, DRIVES AND HANDELS WELL, WE LOVE THE IDEA OF SHOPPING BAG HOOKS IN REAR COMPARTMENT, JUST ONE PROBLEM NOTED MOST PLASTIC BAGS ARE TOO LONG AND DRAG ON FLOOR. NOT ENOUGH UP FRONT SMALL STORAGE AREAS (NOOKS)GOOD IDEA FOR PLACEMENT OF POWER OUTLETS. GRATE INOVATION FOLDING REAR SEATS WORKS PERFECT. SHOULD HAVE ELECTRIC ADJUSTABLE SEATS
-
Best small SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By Fabb - March 22 - 12:33 amBest small SUV, Rav4 is easy to park, fun to drive, nice interior I loved the trunk space.
-
1 month and loving it. - 2016 Toyota RAV4
By joe holmes - March 12 - 2:03 pmThere is very little I would change about this vehicle. I love the look, color, handling, and comfort. My only complaints are very few and should not be a deal killer for anyone thinking about getting one. No coin holder, left arm rest should be padded, built in blind spot mirrors should be adjustable, speakers are so so, cabin noise is a little on the loud side when driving over 80, and the Bluetooth does not do text messages. Again these are all very minor but are items That would have been icing on the cake.
-
WOW - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By katethegreat - March 8 - 2:00 amIf youre looking for an SUV thats not a gas guzzler, a monster truck, and is just awesome to drive, this is it! I got one for my 15th b-day (yes, i know im lucky), and i have never been happier in my life! Its been one year, and i cant drive her enough! I highly reccomend this for anyone and everyone! 10!
-
I love the RAV4!! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
By Michele - March 7 - 6:26 pmIve only had this car for less than a month and I have to say that I just love to drive it! For a 4 cyl. this car can move through traffic and has great acceleration onto the freeway ramps. It looks beautiful from the inside and out with lots of room in the cargo.
-
Best Test Drive Ever - 2007 Toyota RAV4
By tcy079 - March 7 - 3:23 amOne hour + test drive was the best after 3 months of looking. 07 Rav 4 Sport has good power and performance. Interior and cargo space great! Like being able to lock in 4WD in low speed. 18 inch wheels cool. Easy to get in and out of.
-
Big dog lover - 2015 Toyota RAV4
By Bill Dorflinger - March 7 - 12:12 amWe have three large dogs and needed more room in the back. Rear seats fold down flat and they have lots of head room. Took out lots of SUVs for test rides and the RAV4 was the most comfortable. Great pick up and handling.
-
First Birthday - 2002 Toyota RAV4
By Carol1460 - March 2 - 10:00 amMy silver Auto 2WD 2002 RAV4 is celebrating its first birthday next week with 19K miles. About 3 weeks after I purchased this SUV, it developed the infamous rattle in the dash. Ive had it to the dealer twice, but it was never fixed. I was told to turn up the radio. After about six months, the rattle had become less annoying (perhaps Im getting used to turning up the radio) and intermittent - seems to be worse in the cooler weather, but disappears when its hot or when the heater is on in the winter. Other than this annoyance, Im happy with the RAV4.
-
An excellent vehicle - 2003 Toyota RAV4
By David Scott - February 26 - 9:41 amWe owned this car for 12 years and it was as trouble-free as a vehicle could be. Basically, you never had to worry about something going wrong. Driver vision was excellent and seating was comfortable. We took it on four around-the-country trips and never had a problem other than a flat tire.
-
Not a vega - 2008 Toyota RAV4
By jack - February 24 - 5:46 pmTotally surprised with the snap that this 4 cylinder engine has. Wife feels very safe in this car; have been in pickups the past 10 yrs and ready to downsize. Toyota quality and reliability brought me to the car; retiring next year and this is the sensible solution to fuel economy for a non hybrid. Plenty of nooks and crannies to put things, net assembly and cargo cover have out of the way place for storing. This car gets there now, no problem getting up to and over speed limits; runs so quite and handles so well you can be up to 80 mph before you realize it. Im a big guy and the driver side is roomy and comfortable, selected the liqui-cell leather seats for my disabled lower back.
