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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  new transmission,etc. and a rental car for free! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By amigo4 - June 16 - 4:01 pm

  My transmission compleley died a week ago. I have some good news. It was towed to Precision Toyota, Tucson AZ; immediately I was told that there will be no charge for anything. And I was told just that way. I also was told that the repair can take up to 16 weeks. I called Toyota customer sercvice requesting a rental car for whatever time is takes for the repair. Received a call back the next day; I was advised to pick out the 2011 Toytoa car or van that I wanted to use from the rental department. I am now driving a 2011 Rav4 for free-and my car insurance covers the insurance. I am very happy!

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  Surprisingly Large Compact SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By juhoney76 - June 15 - 3:10 pm

  06 RAV4 is selling really fast! five RAV4 were available when I went to the dealer. It has sufficient low end torque. Also, getting to 80mph is a breeze. The newly designed interior is beautifully modern. I never considered buying a RAV4 because of its small size. But, 06 RAV4 is definitely worth a look for its car-like handling, peppy engine, beautiful interior, larger space and gas mileage.

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  Great concept but weak execution. - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By PGS031 - June 15 - 1:03 pm

  Failed on some basics: seats: too short, feels like stadium bench; angle of headrest horrible. Dash controls: paid designer too much; should hire an ergonomics engineer. Dash lighting and visibility - poorly lit & cant see some displays when wearing polarized sunglasses. Center and door arm rests too low. Throttle: peppy after lag, way too touchy, use more of the travel. 4x4 lock: this is an SUV, I want to control when it is 4x4 not have it automatically switch out at 25 mph. Rear bumper: add textures top for "stepping surface". "Premium" radio: whine w/ MP3; sound quality not very impressive. Window lock: driver cant open windows when lock is engaged. Strange clunk in back end.

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  im getting another one!!!!...its that good!!!! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By lori webster - June 13 - 2:34 pm

  best car you could get...money wise...safety wise....mpg wise......

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  Great City vehicle - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeffrey J - June 7 - 7:53 pm

  Very good city vehicle. I bought the car used with 76,000 miles. I researched before I bought a used car, and the RAV4 came very well recommended. It has not let me down so far. AC works great, noise on the highway is minimal, and no one can complain about the gas mileage. Only complaints are a rear door that rattles a bit over bumps, and a drivers seat that I wish would go back one click further (I am 61).

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  Sweet Vehicle - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By buerkletucson - June 6 - 10:59 pm

  Im one of those people that need to research everything to the nth degree before I purchase. I researched and test drove many small SUVs....... For the price, features, ride quality, performance, and overall bang for the buck you cant beat the newly designed 2013 RAV4. I honestly could not be happier with my purchase and absolutely enjoy driving this vehicle. The XLE trim level has the most bang for the buck with many standard features youd have to either pay more for or purchase the top trim level to get it in other SUVs. Completely happy with purchase.....you cant go wrong with the 2013 RAV4!"

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  Rav4 4x4 Limited: the BEST QUALITY SUV 4 THE MONEY - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By ncreviewer - June 3 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned at least 6 or 7 Toyotas. Land Cruiser, Camry, T100, 4Runner (3), Rav4s. The first Rav4 we bought was in late 2010: a Base Rav4 4x4 2011 model. We love it and still own it. We decided to trade in our Honda in on a 2012 Rav4 4x4 Limited. What a great vehicle! Comfort, power, all the 4x4 traction a business SUV could want. Sure, youre not going to pull stumps. But for an architect & real estate broker, it works great. We can take clients out to undeveloped lots in the winter and get back out again. The Rav4 4x4 Limited also has the way cool hands-free door entry system & 1-button exterior locking. Leather, power sunroof, bluetooth & more.

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  Back Problems - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick Paul - June 1 - 5:57 pm

  I have to get rid of this car because I cant drive it without being hobbled by back pain even for short distances. The front seat has a "lumbar support" that digs into my back just above my belt line. Ive adjusted the seat every which way possible. Ive tried after market seat cushions and pillows to no avail. I wanted to give this vehicle a chance because there are many things to like about it compared against the other cars Ive test driven. I will lose money when I rid myself of it after only 3 months. Otherwise, I like the smooth power delivery and most notably the quality of the interior. It comes without a lot of frills that come standard on some competitors, like adjustable speed intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, and push button start but it has a high quality feel. The interior switches and the fit and finish are top notch. This is why I bought it. IF YOU HAVE ANY BACK PROBLEMS, OR EVEN IF YOU DONT, TAKE A LONG TERM TEST DRIVE OR RENT ONE FIRST. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THIS, DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  A Surprise Package!!!! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By adityas - June 1 - 5:13 pm

  I was very keen on getting the Audi Q5, as i was completely floored by the interiors it had. However, Due to delivery issues with the Q5, I settled for the Toyota RAV4 as it was one of the few SUVs available readily and in a powerful engine. I was definitely surprised by the number of options and packages offered in the Limited version which can easily compare this car to any luxury model out there. It also is very quick off the blocks and handles very well on curves. The sound system is excellent and the controls are very neatly placed. There is loads of interior space and room for passengers. My disappointment with the car has however been the quality of the leather used,fuel economy

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  A Sweet SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Karen Loebel - June 1 - 2:03 pm

  The SUV has fantastic power and a smooth ride; nice interior and a sleek exterior. It has lots of cargo space (I hauled two big arm chairs, an ottoman, a microwave and three boxes in one trip).