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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  This is a fun SUV - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By CamaroRB - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Wanted small SUV and test drove most of them. None compared to the RAV4 - it handles like a car but drives like a SUV without the noise and it is awesome in heavy snow. The 2004 model is well designed and looks different to all those other "standard" SUV styles. At that price and with all the features, why would anyone want to spend $10 to $20 thousand more just to have a big monster. Get the L package and you have it all.

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  Great improvements, mostly - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By desiree - January 19 - 5:36 pm

  This my 4th Rav4. Ive owned 98, 01, 06 and this 07. This model has incredible power, which is why I traded back my 06 V6. The roominess is a great improvement to old models, as is quality of interior/exterior. The gas mileage is nowhere near advertised. The cup holders should have been kept the same as 01-05 versions, Im tired of spilt coffee and looking for places to put drinks on long drives. Overall, I just love this vehicle.

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  Call backs - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Nancy Hollwedel - January 19 - 12:49 am

  We have had a lot of call backs and never ending problems with the engine lights. Do not think I would buy another Rav4 The hood of the car blows up like it is loose. Not good

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  Oh, what a feeling - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By kc - January 18 - 3:26 am

  My first Rav4 was a 99 - a fun, economical, dependable car. Was considering a Highlander until the 06 V6 Rav4 came out. Im so glad I waited. Ive only had the vehicle a few weeks, but I love it. The powered drivers seat is outstanding- its so comfortable. It rides like an Avalon. Sound system is excellent. Its so spacious and classy thats its like driving a much more expensive vehicle. The color is Everglade and its gorgeous!

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  New RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Richard Bruce - January 12 - 7:07 pm

  Consumers Reports gives this car a "Recommended" and I totally agree. Although it is not on par with a $50k luxury SUV, it is a good, solid, comfortable car. For the money, I think you would have a hard time finding anything comparable. Ive only put 500 miles on the car since I bought it, but it seems to handle very well, and has plenty of pep for freeway driving and passing. If the long-term reliability meets Toyotas legendary standard, then it will be one heck of a great buy.500

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  Another Home Run - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By DrMike - January 8 - 10:20 pm

  My first SUV was narrowed down to Infiniti FX35, Nissan Murano and Subaru Tribeca. Although the other 3 were out of my league pricewise was settling down to going with Pontiac Torrent, but with poor GM reliabilty on 3.4 engine and huge Red flag on it now built in China and that companies lack of customer support was simply overwhelmed when I drove the new RAV4. A very pleasant surprise and although more expensive than in 2005, well worth the extra bucks. Build quality is exceptional as well as ride and a peppy 3.5 Ltr V6 that has ooomph. I felt however that options were very limited and to get a sunroof had to go with Limited, oh well cant have everything.

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  Our 2nd Rav 4, we take another! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Randy - January 8 - 9:30 pm

  We already own a 1998 Rav 4 with 168000 miles and not a single trip to the repair shop. We purchased the 2002 Rav 4 for a 2nd vehicle and would recommend the Rav4 to anyone interested in purchasing a small, economical and fun to drive vehicle. I hope Toyota makes this model for 20 more years. I drove our 1998 Rav4 through 11 inches of snow on unplowed roads last January and passed many vehicles that were larger and stuck.

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  RAV4 is Great! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Hampton - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my RAV4. I cannot say enough good about it. The fit and finish is excellent, performance is good and ride is good. I test drove the CRV and there is no comparison. The CRV felt and looked cheap and the controls were awkward.

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  7,000+ word review - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Markus Allen - December 17 - 1:14 pm

  I have owned (or leased) 5 RAV4s... This is (by far) the best RAV4 I have ever driven. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Went back to Toyota - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Brian N - December 17 - 2:00 am

  After a bad decision with buying American, I went back to Toyota. Had for 15 months now and all is well, no problems. My drivers seat is starting to fray, did not expect that problem. I dont have any complaints except for the low resale value caused by the recalls. Wish I would have waited a few months to buy and take advantage of the savings. Get about 25 mpg on average. A/C gets cold in the HOT AZ desert during the summers. Love it.