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:

• 

  Fun Reliability - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By RoninNC66 - August 27 - 4:06 pm

  Waited over a year to FINALLY locate my RED AWD RAV4. It was sooo worth it. They just dont have any of these in the Southeast US. It drives like a sedan, looks great, handles well,and decent mpg for an SUV. Recently had FOB installed and considering other accessories. Planning to keep for a while. Liked so much bought a black RAV4 for the wife. His-n-Hers Rav4s...very happy couple. Looking forward to winter driving to see how AWD performs. Takes the sting out of giving up my faithful 4Runner. Toyota build quality and resale value make this a real peace-of-mind purchase.

• 

  Small but rugged - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By pgwhite - August 21 - 10:00 am

  85k miles and no mechanical problems so far. Had one instance where engine would not turn over. Towed it to the dealer (100k warranty) and it started up for them. Never a problem since. Cant believe the power of this 2 litre engine, even with the auto transmission!! Traction is excellent, 8 inches of snow was no problem during a bad storm. My wife wants a van now that we are a foursome. She thinks Im going to sell my full size truck...HA...the sad truth is, I hate to part with the RAV4. I just might give up the GMC, especially with todays gas prices.

• 

  Great small SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By NorthernMD - August 17 - 3:23 pm

  Not a lot of miles yet. Very tight car. V6 has excessive power, very quick. Have had 5 people in the car with no lack of pep. Last tank 23 mpg, 65% city, 35% highway. Sport trim has the best look. Road noise, wind, etc is as I expected for this type of car but still very quiet (I dont usually turn on the stereo for short trips). So far it matches up to my pre-purchase research.

• 

  Just purchased - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By mobiledan - August 15 - 3:12 pm

  I just purchased, or leased, my Rav4, so I can only give my initial impressions. I had narrowed my search to Equinox, Outback, and Rav4 - they are similar in size, price, and features. My choice ended up being based on the deal; my Toyota dealership was willing to deal. My Rav4 is base model, with upgrades of moonroof, leather seats, tinted glass, 17" mags, mult-disc cd. My impression is that it performs well, and is the peppiest of the three (I only tested 4 cylinder models). The Chevy and Subaru have enough power, too, but they feel and sound like 4 bangers winding out the rpms. The Toyota felt like a 6, with no straining or revving out. I also think the Rav is by far the quietest o

• 

  Great Run About - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By MP - August 12 - 6:23 pm

  Get the Sport model

• 

  Love it for the Most Part - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynn - August 8 - 6:03 am

  I have owned my car for over a year now. Overall, I like it a lot. I had to have an SUV, but it is just too large for me. Anyhow, I love the pick up and speed. It is excellent in the rain - absolutely sticks to the ground! Also, very good in snow, unless you try and go through the UP of MI - forget it - it felt like the car went into rear wheel drive mode. Scary, but for every day IL driving with some snow, it is fine. I hate the amber lights. With sunglasses on, I cannot read the console. I will never get a car with amber lights again.

• 

  A new Rav - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Kirk L. - July 31 - 3:39 pm

  I was already an owner of a 2010 Rav 4, the service and sales people at Toyota made all the difference in purchasing a new model. Mr.Y. Lee my sales associate was knowledgeable and efficient in the sales process. I brought two vehicles in for trade and was very satisfied with the trade in value. The service department including Rob Foley give the after the sale care I am looking for. Buy this for the brand but remember its the staff that make it worthwhile!!

• 

  Rav4 06 3.5L 2WD after 3.5k miles - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Calin - July 25 - 5:06 pm

  We bought it for brand reliability, utility and looks. We use to take 10-15 hrs drive roadtrips. Mileage is 16-22 city and 26-30 freeway. It completely depends on how you drive it. If you tend to rev over 2400 rpm when accelerating and over 2000 rpm normal driving you will get low mpg, otherwise you can get the 22/30 mpg. We love it as it is fun to drive at decent mileage and has plenty of space for how it looks from outside. The antenna does not bother you too much. We found the seat cushion ergonomics not so pleasant after 10 hr driving. Seat cushion is too hard and not long enough. A long drive can be uncomfortable.

• 

  Excellent Small SUV! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By joe - July 22 - 4:03 am

  Bought this Rav4 in March 2009. Has been a great vehicle. No problems so far. 4 cylinder engine has plenty of power for around town. Great ease of use for my wife. We transport 2 toddlers with their stuff, plenty of room. Road noise can be evident on rougher surfaced roads. Has lived up to my expectations relating to previous Toyota I owned. Seems like this Rav4 will be the same way. Would recommend purchase to anyone looking for a smaller SUV that is well designed and very dependable.

• 

  You Go Rav! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By bob franks - July 22 - 2:06 am

  Agile handling, good gas economy with the inline 4-cyl engine but has plenty of power. Took five hour trip to bring daughter and her new baby home for a visit. Had my mom in front with me, my daughter and wife sat in the back with the baby/carseat in backseat center. Carseat installed easily. Fit our luggage in the well under the rear cargo floor, and filled the cargo area with all the baby paraphenlia with no problem whatsoever. Even with this full load, the 4-cyl had plenty of power for highway driving and it still handled like a dream. Son-in-law loved its rugged look; and we the interior dash is awesome looking - looked at the competitors and RAV beat them all