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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  The GTO of SUVs - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Don - July 6 - 7:40 pm

  The sport package with the V-6 was the clincher. The i-4 is more than adequate but the 6 is in a different league; quiet, smooth and very quick. The Rav looks better in "sports wear" as opposed to the Limiteds "formal attire". No spare tire on the back of the Sport V-6, is a big plus (run flat tires maybe not so much; well see). Ive never been crazy about the dash and theyre a little stingy w/options. Fit and finish are great and Toyota reliability is tough to beat.

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  RAV4 3 years and running..... - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Darci S - July 3 - 8:25 pm

  I decided on a RAV4 after having owned Tercels, Camrys, and 4 runners....I did test a Honda CRV (do much noise and sloppy steering). Three years running and NOT a single problem!! I think its a great price for what you are getting. I personally dont like the 18 inch tires on my limited but there was no option for 17 at the time which works better for me in Montana on the snow and dirt roads. Much better ride. Not as much clearance as I would like but that 4 runner spoiled me..:) Other than that, I have been very happy with the great cargo space and the sound system rocks!!

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  Poor Toyota quality and service - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By sandy - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I experienced a windshield tick soon as I purchased the vehicle. Toyota service attempted a fix and it got worse. The tick was intermittent and after several trips to the dealer, and test drives, the dealer resealed the windscreen. The problem resurfaced recently. The dealers are unable to diagnose and fix it. My 36,000 mile warranty is expiring. There is also a rattle around the dash on the passenger side. Toyota is unable to diagnose that problem as well. I occasionally hear other noises and vibrations as well in the interior from the sun roof area and around the passenger door. Toyota replaced defective sun visors, and the glove compartments. The radio display mysteriously would go blank.

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  The Practical One - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob in Ohio - June 27 - 3:30 pm

  One of the more practical vehicles on the road the 2009 Rav4 offers efficient packaging, two competent engines and enough safety and convenience to satisfy just about everyone. If you had to choose only one vehicle to transport a family, haul furniture and find its way through inclement weather this compact to mid-size SUV is tough to beat. There is some comfort loss in exchange for space, especially in the rear seat. The cushions are rather flat and dont provide much support so make sure those that will inhabit the space take a test ride. Road and wind noise isnt in the luxury class but it is livable especially when you consider the relatively light weight of the vehicle vs. the size.

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  cute suv - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Rich Satter - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it I have a loaded L pearl white and it is not the only toyota I have I also have a 2003 Corolla le and a 2000 corolla le love them all

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  RAV4 L - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By SandyT - June 26 - 10:00 am

  We shopped around at several dealers. We found the best price at the larger "city" dealer. The car runs very well and is just the right size for commuting to work in all seasons. The L upgrade offers some nice extras such as moonroof and cd/tape/stereo radio. Our dealer lowered the MSR by $2,500 and provided a fair value for our 1995 Nissan Altima trade-in. The only problem we had was that the radio was defective. The dealer replaced it the next day

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  One Week and Great! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By EdF - June 23 - 6:13 pm

  Ive had my Limited V6 for a week and about 600 miles. Its been smooth and agile on the two trips Ive taken. Plenty of power to get around trucks and slower vehicles.

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  I love it! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By BamaEskie - June 22 - 9:23 pm

  Ive had my RAV for two months now and absolutely love it! I have three dogs and am easily able to fit three 36" long and 21" wide crates in the back (two side by side in the cargo area and one placed sideways behind the passenger seat). My husband has a 2006 CRV and is so jealous of my RAV!!

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  New RV4 - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Stephen Urgenson - June 22 - 12:15 pm

  I have owned the car over a year and it has performed as advertised.

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  Would Buy it Again - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By MC - June 18 - 7:50 am

  I fell in love with this car before I even bought it. It just looked like it was fun to drive. I live in Florida but have driven it to Texas and New York. The drives were very comfortable and I didnt feel like I was driving a small vehicle. Even drove it during a snow storm and it handled great. Since its raised a little you have good visibility all around. Mine is a manual 4-speed. Ive never had any mechanical problems with it - I do have regular maintenance from a trusted Toyota mechanic (not the dealership) Ive already decided that if I ever need any major work done Ill pay to have it done before I buy another car.