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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Rav 4 Review - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By Jackie 2 - September 26 - 10:00 amSo far the experience has been great! I would bye another one.
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Love it! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By pbgile - September 26 - 10:00 amI have just purchased this vehicle and I love it. It is comfortable, reliable, and sporty.
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Love my rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
By palmettosweettea - September 24 - 10:00 amI just purchased a 2003 pre-owned RAV4 after owning a 4Runner Sport V8 for over 8 years. I loved my 4Runner and hated to sell it, but it was time to "downsize" to something smaller with better gas mileage. I couldnt be happier!! After one week, I still cant wait to drive it the next day. Its the perfect size for me and fun to drive. I love the large front windshield visibility, tight steering, and turning radius. I look forward to owning this RAV4 for a long long time!! Im a Toyota fan forever!
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Havent gotten stuck in the snow! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By mwitkes - September 20 - 2:00 amI have had my Rav-4 for 2 months and put on 5500 miles so far. The 4-cyl is peppier with the improved 2004 engine and the 4 wheel drive has already proven itself in 2 New England smowstorms. The cargo area fits more than I expected with out having to put down the seats, but the legroom in the the front and back are tight. I used to have a loaded V-6 Accord and I dont miss it, I just wish the Rav had a optional V-6. I absloutely love it... only issues are a rattle in the dash and I had to replace a tire that was damaged and nobody had the Bridgestone tire I needed.
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I would never give up my Rav - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By Roxy82 - September 20 - 2:00 amI love my car, thats all there is to it, its the best car or SUV Ive ever owned.
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GetaRav - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By getarav - September 9 - 7:33 amThis is the best vehicle Ive owned hands down. After owning Jeep, Dodge, and Ford vehicles, I opted for this Rav4 and couldnt be happier. It handles well and after careful examination of the engine components, it is clearly better built than Jeep Liberty. Plus the Rav isnt nearly as thirsty at the pump as the Liberty.
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I had swore Never to buy an SUV!!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
By Driving Enthusiast. - September 6 - 12:26 pmIve always disliked SUVs from the big tub-o-lard land whales to the mini cute-utes. The RAV 4.3 (3rd generation) V6 Sport 2WD has exceeded my expectations for a fuel efficient, versatile, roomy, sporty, and cost effective vehicle.
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Love it - 2004 Toyota RAV4
By Teresa - September 5 - 9:50 pmIve owned other small SUVs and this one is the best yet. Great handling, good gas mileage and Toyota is great when it comes to customer service. Ill purchase another when the time comes.
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Outstanding Vehicle - 2000 Toyota RAV4
By kefla22 - August 31 - 5:06 amWe have had our Rav4 for over 3 years. Never needed any service, besides regular maintenance. It would have been nice if Toyota put an extra 1 to 2 feet in length as the back seat hardly has any legroom. We drove across country to San Diego, was there for 6 months and drove back and it performed perfect. If you dont need a lot of room, buy this vehicle. Reliability - Committment to excellence
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07 RAV4 Ltd V6 4wd is sweet - 2007 Toyota RAV4
By Philly Rav4 - August 29 - 1:30 pmThe V6 RAV4 is outrageous. Power is addictive. Size is perfect. Safety features of a Lexus. Good mileage for an SUV 24+.
