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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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By ravnmad - July 12 - 9:05 pm

  My 2007 RAV4 ran dry on oil at 96,000 miles. Always maintained in a reasonable manner. Dealer and manufacturer refused to help offset repair cost that included replacing the 2.4 AZ-FE engine. There is a technical service bulletin addressing the design flaw of the 2AZ-FE engine, specifically related to the piston and ring assembly (TSB-0094-11). Reall list for this RAV4 includes intermediate shaft in steering column, Faulty air bag sensor, Rear lower control arm failure, unexpected acceleration and power widow switch fire hazzard to name a few. This list doesnt include the many TSBs affecting quality, namely the excesive oil consumption bulletin.

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  Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By wisernow1 - July 11 - 7:28 am

  Before the final stroke of the pen, I decided to buy the Toyota extended warranty - which actually seemed ridiculous that a Toyota wouldnt go 100K without a major problem. That was the only redeeming feature of my purchase: by 80K miles they replaced the alternator, air conditioning condensor, all valve stems and the COMPLETE ENGINE. When I informed Toyota of this total disaster they produced, the best response I got was that it was a good thing I bought the warranty. It is now gone and Ill never deal with a Toyota product again.

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  Not so reliable as they say - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Jacko - July 1 - 6:20 am

  I dont know what the fuss is all about. Its nice for the first few months, then you start seeing all the negative aspects of the car. Yes, it looks nice, it has lots of room, but there are issues. Overall, very overrated car. In reality, as an owner - Id say its terrible.

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  Could Be Better - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JRG - June 21 - 1:46 am

  Ride is too rough and bumpy/ Highway noise very loud on most pavements..have to raise volume on radio/ Paint job inadequate...peels off very easily especially around bumper and fenders/ Gas mileage: 16mpg all city driving... alot of stop and go and between 24 and 27 on highway at 65 to 70mph/ Problems with steering column (Replaced)/ Hard to handle when passing another vehicle on highway...wants to go out of control/ I am just waiting to build some equity on this vehicle to buy something else.

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  not what i expected - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Not at all what i expected .. car is a company car so i have no say in it but i wouldnt buy one dosent have pep not much room for people unless your 5" im 59 and i cant drive with my son sitting behind me his legs hit the seat

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  Poor design - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron - June 10 - 1:23 am

  Ive now owned three Ravs and every one has developed a creeky noise in the windshield and this one has a leak at the top of the windshield. The rear compartment has a light in the door which points away from the interior when it is opened. The compartment is dark. The rear door opens sideways which offers no cover from the elements and rear visibility is poor. The ABS works poorly on ice and snow. It pumped my foot off the brake pedal. The all wheel drive doesnt work well to get me out of my driveway. No way would I buy another. The dealer has been very helpful and pleasant to work with. But they havent been able to fix the windshield problems. Think I may switch to Subaru.

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  Rav 4 sucks - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By rav4_sucks - June 6 - 1:27 am

  I have had this car for a year and a half. Toyota is the worst company to deal with. After 7,000 miles the brakes made a garggiling sound and would not come to a complete stop. I have my wife and kids in the car up in the mountains on a sunday afternoon. Called Toyota and they wanted to charge me $500.00 to tow the car to a dealership. Towing NOT covered under bumper to bumper. Also the tires on the car only lasted 22,000 miles. The radio will turn its self off for no reason. All the dash lites go on and off then the car dies. BIGGEST PIECE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would not [non-permissible content removed] with a Toyota driver manual. (it wont get the job done) MAJOR FAIL TOYOTA

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  Poor gas mileage - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By asamford - May 24 - 5:28 am

  Bought this 2012 Rav4 in october. I really regret the choice. should have tried to rent one first. Firstly this is totatlly a girls car. Not a real suv because it only holds 5 people and theres not much room for luggage inside. Gas Mileage sucks. Car downshifts/4000rpm on some overpasses and ALL small hills at 70-80 mph. Wind blows it all over the road. Steering is too tight and erratic. ride is rough and transmission shifts funny like it cant decide which gear to stay in at certain speeds. Cheap radio speakers, sounds really cheap. No room for mens legs knees hit on both sides while driving. Hate it, but thank God its my wifes car.

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  Problematic 2006 RAV4 V6 Limited - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By squarebomb - November 2 - 2:30 am

  We were so excited to hear that Toyota was building a V6 RAV4. After owning a 1999 RAV4 L for many years, we were ready for a bigger and more powerful RAV4. But because we couldnt get a good trade-in value for our 1999 RAV4, we decided to keep it. That was probably the best thing we ever did. While this RAV4 with the V6 engine si fun to drive, owning it is not fun at all. From whining sound coming from the fuel pump, to grumbling sound caused by the AWDs ECU, to prematurely failed wheel bearings, to knocking steering wheel column, to rusted through "Stainless steel" muffler, to failing ignition coils, and leaking oil lines that almost bursted. Now we have to replace the water pump. Sigh

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  Rav-4 09 Limited -Poor Paint - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Stew-16 - October 28 - 6:16 pm

  Leather interior is nice, gas mileage is not as good as they make it out to be, Toyota has put company profits above safety and apparently quality and control. The recalls issued has not mentioned the exterior paint my vehicle is 9 months old and has over 40 chips and counting in the black metallic paint, Im not alone with this complaint but Toyota, will not stand behind the quality of their paint work, they are blaming the new Chipped paint on the road environment. My other non-Toyota products did not have this issue. By time its paid off I will have more touch-up paint than factory paint on my New Rav-4.