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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  sadness - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By katie - May 14 - 7:33 pm

  I bought my 2002 Rav4 as a certified used car from a Toyota dealership 3.5 years ago. In the first few months I took it in several times for minor bits here and there, no big deal. In the last year I have had to have the window edges re-wrapped due to premature? rusting (500.00) a new speed sensor (500.00), and found out the drivers side door was missing over 10 screws and that was why the lock mechanism was able to be pulled out and back window could not be rolled down. Now I find out the transmission computer is broken, and the transmission is probably ruined to the tune of 5,000.00, which after reading reports online is very common. Really disappointed, I thought this car would last.

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  Almost a Lexus! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ernst Bakerquist - May 14 - 1:06 am

  I researched the 2007 RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Mazda CX7 before selecting the RAV4. The ride is very comfortable. Steering is precise and effortless, although being FWD, theres always a slight tendency for oversteer. Still, its far less than the 2002 Mazda Tribute it replaced. Wind/road noise is nicely muted, even with the sunroof in tilt-up mode. Fully open, and with no deflector, its still not so loud as to bother me. The controls and gauges are easy to reach and see. The daytime running lights...a $40 option...are a joy. Fit and finish are generally very good to excellent; nothing feels "cheap". I got a "Champagne" colored vehicle with the ersatz wood grain trim; it looks great.

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  Roomy inside - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Lorraine Tipton - May 9 - 4:00 am

  I love having head and leg room. The seat of my Jeep was more comfortable for me than the RAV, but my husband likes it better. I slip a pillow behind me so it feels like heaven. The room is great over our Jeep Liberty. Drove it 2,500 miles the first week and it just floated down the road. We seemed to get about 28 miles to mpg from our calculations. We love RAV4s.

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  Toyota will pay for transmission repairs - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By bbeek - April 30 - 7:55 pm

  I just found a link to an article that documents that Toyota will pay for ECM failures/transmission rebuilds. Here is the link:http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/toyota-extends-warranty-on-troubled-2001-3-rav4/. You can call the center in Torrance, Calif at 800-468-7814 for more info. I am going to get back my repair costs of $4300 for a rebuilt transmission and ECM module replacement.

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  Worst quality & service experience for RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Aj - April 29 - 2:13 pm

  Just 3 months old with 3000 miles. Already repaired twice, once for rubbery brakes and for tailgate being jammed. Worst service experience in Avenel, NJ. Highly disappointed with Toyota quality and experience about which I had heard a lot. Even with 90% highway driving, giving only 23

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  problem fixed - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By krealtors - April 26 - 3:30 pm

  I also had a transmission problem, but because of toyota they have extended the warranty until 10 yrs or 150,000 on 2002s not sure about other years. toyota dealer just replaced my computer and if problem comes back they will replace the transmission for FREE, I also didnt pay anything for the ECU (computer). I also believe service lady said they will also cover TCU as sell. so check with your local dealer.

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  Toyota Hits a Homerun - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Frank G. - April 24 - 10:20 am

  Initially, the new rear window pillar area seemed a bit "mod". After looking at the competition, we quickly came back to buy the new RAV4 because it simply has the very best to offer. RAV4 has an attractive interior design, a pleasant and logical dashboard, good seating and a large well planned cargo area. We just LOVE everything about this RAV4. The impressive road handling, fuel milage, great visability and of course, Toyota quality, make this vehicle the one to beat. RAV4 gave us the best of both worlds - a pleasant carlike interior AND an undercarriage and exterior body that is a rugged 4WD truck, when needed. We just turned 3500 miles and so far, this is our very best vehicle yet.

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  One of the Best Cars Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By David Chase - April 23 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased this car new and except for routine maintenance have never had a problem. My daughter was taking the car to college so I called a local Mechanic to see have the car checked out - I was concerned that the car had a serpentine belt that might need to be replaced. They informed me that the engine had a timing chain (lasts longer) and that the car wasnt scheduled for its first tune up until 120,000 miles! I purchased this car at the same time I bought a 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser - I made sure to purchase Toyotas that were made in Japan, not the U.S. (both were). I have had zero problems with both cars.

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  ECM Died at 105M - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By saddened customer - April 23 - 6:56 pm

  I originally posted at Edmunds how I loved, loved, LOVED my Rav4 at time of purchase back in 2002. However, car started jerking last week, couldnt accelerate, so towed it to dealer, went online, and discovered the brain/transmission problem! Paid over $1300 to replace the brain, and have no faith in my car anymore. Dealer couldnt guarantee it wont start lurching again, so its time to switch from Toyota, sadly. A company that doesnt stand behind a problem that it knows exists at least when I trade it in, I can show I paid to fix the ECM, but I pray the car just gets retired rather than potentially hurting another soul!

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  Tough to beat - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By montzterman - April 17 - 12:33 am

  When I bought this vehicle I knew that the V6 gave it a lot of power. Wow, was I surprised the first time I passed another car on the highway! The Rav4 has scary fast power! With the sport suspension the Rav4 handles great also. Dont even think about buying the under-powered competitors.