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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  Great engine - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Glen - August 9 - 2:53 pm

  Very impressed with my new RAV4 limited V6 AWD. The 269 hp engine is superb, far more impressive than my previous car (Audi A4 quattro 2.0 turbo). The interior is well designed, perfect for a solo driver that often brings along the wife and kids.

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  Rav4 review - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Ho Y - August 9 - 9:33 am

  Long brake distance, feel every bump compare with sedan and minivan.

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  2 WD Limited 4 CYL - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By David - August 8 - 6:00 am

  This car has been getting 28 MPG with mixed city and highway driving. The power is fine even with the 4 cyl engine. My last vehicle was a 2005 4Runner and the interior head room even with the moon roof is much better than the 4Runner. The Bluetooth hands free stereo is a must. The backup camera is a waste (too small). A back up beeping sensor is much more useful. The only quality issue I have found is a clunking sound shifting from reverse when the engine is cold. This appears to be a common problem with the Rav4. The interior room with the seats flat also rivals the 4Runner. The only thing the 4Runner does better is off road. By the way a 6 cyl 4Runner with 4 wheel drive averaged 20 MPG.

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  2010 Toyota RAV-4 AWD - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By chucko420 - August 3 - 9:30 am

  Pros: handles surprisingly well with good acceleration and steering, decent gas mileage, good JBL sound system, interior foot lights are sweet, 4WD mode is great since it is superior to AWD, heated seats, very little serice work needed except re-torquing the drive shat every 15,000 miles, interior design is good especially the fold flat rear seats, lots of cargo space with easy access. Cons: very noisy-cant even talk on the phone due to noise level, small steering wheel, poor visability out the rear but all cars are like that now, front license plate gets damaged in car wash.

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  RAV4 at 2,000 miles - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Kevin - August 1 - 11:50 pm

  I traded in my 1999 Sienna since the kids are older and dont need the van with mediocre mileage and performance. I test drove the RAV4 with a 4 cylinder and was unimpressed, very noisy during acceleration and not much power. Then I tried the 6 cylinder and it is awesomely powerful off the line. I have put on 2,000 miles in about 6 weeks and I have gotten 23-24 mpg. Im sure I would do better if I could keep it under 75. So far, the RAV4 has been fun to drive and performs more like a car then other SUVs I have driven. Took the kids skiing in the Catskills and it took the mountains effortlessly. Cant wait to try the 4X4 in the snow.

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  Excellent Quality - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By VEP - August 1 - 3:50 am

  Im a tough critic but this car is as reliable as a Toyota gets. I have had over 20 cars and Toyotas have been the most reliable. Over 100,000 on it and I put on the last 50,000. Have done nothing but normal maintenance. Drive belt, tires, brakes, etc. No repairs at all for me other than maintenance. Like the standard features of the "L" version. Very sound quality parts. Feels solid and well put together for a small car.

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  Zippy and reliable - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick Burns - July 29 - 12:38 am

  Great around town and short trips. Very easy entry/exit due to low height and large doors. Very low maintenance costs...just normal service required. Very versitle cargo area.

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  Love my Rav4! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jackie - July 28 - 7:10 pm

  I spent 6 months researching and looking for a 4wd, fuel efficient vehicle. I previously drove a Subaru Outback, which did well in snow, but was too small. When I finally purchased my RAV4, I loved it. As the days and weeks went by, I love it more! Its comfortable, quiet, sporty and just plain fun to drive. I love how it looks. Ive stuffed it full of antiques with roon to spare. On the down side, I agree with another reviewer that the cup holders dont hold any cup I own (no room for handles). I miss my heated mirrors and seats. And I wish I had fog lights. All that being said, have I mentioned I love my Rav4?

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By fcs - July 28 - 3:56 pm

  This has been a great vehicle in the 8 months that I have owned it! The V6 really moves and the fuel economy is great for the power that you get. Its hard to keep your foot out of the gas. :-) The handling in the Sport model is also impressive. Everyone who rides in it likes it. I would buy another one in a second.

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  Good small SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By mln - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Great handling and manuverability. Excellent in the city. Power is certainly adequate. You can maintain 80 to 85 mph on the interstate easily. Gas mileage averages about 24 mpg. Easily pulls a small (4x6) trailer with a good load on it.