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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  CANT GO WRONG - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4 OWNER123 - October 22 - 10:46 am

  All in all, the 06 Rav4 cant be beat. When it came time to purchase a new car for the family, we actually looked at the new Camry and Highlander. In fact, we were walking in to purchase the Highlander when I saw the Rav4. I stopped our agent and said "I want that". My gas mileage is great. Im getting EPA estimates - and Im a teen so I drive it ruff. The quality is great and the look is awesome.

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  nice buy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Patrick - October 21 - 2:06 pm

  Very good manuverability, peppy, ride is very smooth, I get caught in Downtown Buffalo city traffic every morning with about 10 miles of highway miles and I consistantly get 23-25mpg. I paid $24000 and it was a GREAT BUY!!! I am completley satisfied with my purchase

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  Great.. until 2/2010 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By msquickwit - October 16 - 12:10 pm

  I have to say- other than oil changes and tire rotations- the usual stuff; I have never had any major expenses (5 years- second owner). BUT In Feb 2010 I did have to spend 1700 on a new brain and O2 sensor and battery. Now, it is in the shop again- sounding and feeling like a helicopter. So I have to give my old girl credit for 5 years (got her 2005) she has been an angel. Now she is being a bit greedy-but it is long over due. IF I have to buy a new car- I would get a RAV 4 again or maybe a highlander- little bit bigger and those are now HYBRID.

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  2006 Toyota Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By txbanshee - October 13 - 8:53 am

  Great small SUV with lots of power. We drove all the SUVs in this class and none seem to have the power or reliablity that the Rav4 offered. Switching from a honda accord exV6 my wife wanted something with some go. Most of the SUVs just seem to underpowered for long trips.

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  The number 1 SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By SuzyQt - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned other Ravs in the past, but this one is the best. The exterior styling is excellent, and the gas mileage is superb. The engine is fine for hauling people and even passing on the highway.Also, the handling is excellent, and it is very secure on the turns.

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  Raves for the Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Pam Tarpey - October 11 - 11:20 am

  My husband and I traded in our second mid-sized SUV for the Rav4 and are thrilled with the car. The 4 cylinder is peppy and the car looks and feels like a luxury automobile. The inside rear compartment is smartly layed out and easy to adjust with the touch of a button. The car was originally for my husband, but I like it so much that I am trading in my treasured convertible so that I can drive this gem. We tested all of the competition, but as far as value, looks and being fun to drive, none even came close. It is our first Toyota, but it wont be our last!

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  A company with class - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By d.garr - October 4 - 3:16 pm

  My wife has owned her rav 4 since 1998. Honestly water pump and timing only repairs. Those items are minor compared to other car if you know what I mean. I bought the 2010 rav4 4x4 for myself. They handle through any snow and comfort is a 10. Not only that they are roomy inside and the suv handles great on the road. If you want a vechicle that is going to last a long time then look no futher. Toyota workers have built you a high quality running machine with many years of service and safety to you and your family. I have been a long time customer of Toyota and a lot of people wont buy foriegn cars but stop and think for a moment - these cars are built by American workers with families too.

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  Thats My Baby!. - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By CeeCee - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is ideal for short person like me. I need to be up higher and closer to controls, which are same as Camry. Ride not as comfortable as Camry but fun. Concern about lack of rear bumper. Brakes not as responsive as Camry.Am happy with my choice.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By schotzie - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I was told by several friends who own a Rav4 that it is a fun car to drive. Little did I know that what they said was only half the truth. Not only is it fun to drive, it is easy to park, it handles the road effortlessly and its a Toyota. Need I say more?

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  RAV 4 - I Miss Mine - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By sthomas - September 26 - 10:00 am

  If youre thinking about getting a RAV 4; DO! I loved mine! Some stupid idiot totalled it.=(. Now Im shopping every where to find something that comes close to comparing. Havent found anything quite yet. Too bad the dealers around here cant sell me mine again.