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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  Really Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Gym Mom - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely impressed with the Rav4s ability to hug the road in snow and ice conditions. If there was anything I could suggest to add, it would be an upgrade on creature comforts like climate control, heated seats and possibly a leather interior option. Handles great, plenty of pep and good fuel economy.

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  Love it! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynnette - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Rav4 with the sports package a week and a half ago. I traded in my 98 Corolla. The Rav is great for people with physical limitations. I have arthritis in my hips, back issues, shoulder problems and have not had as much pain since driving the Rav. There are two complaints, first is there is no get up and go which is dangerous in my opinion - my Corolla hauled a$$! Secondly the stereo system is horrible, I cannot get the local stations that I used to get in the Corolla. The sound of the stereo(CD player) is good. My dog loves having his own space in the back, and I love not having dog fur all over the vehicle. So far, all is well!

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  Awesome Sport Ute Rocket - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Colin - June 11 - 2:13 pm

  Checked out the CRV, the Sante Fe and the Mazda CX 7. After test drives and reviews, wound up with the Rav4 and have not been disappointed. Its an awesome little truck with tons of standard features and typical Toyota quality. Even at the base model you feel youre getting a lot for your hard-earned dollar. Oh, and this thing is fast, even the AWD.

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  RAV 4 LOVE - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ravela - June 10 - 2:30 am

  I love it and really enjoy the driving. Great turning radius. Toyota is meant for Quality.

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  AWD Rav4 XLE - An awesome vehicle! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Emily - June 8 - 2:01 pm

  Ive had my Rav4 about 3 months and am about to hit 5000 miles. For the most part I love everything about this SUV. I shopped around quite a bit until I found the perfect one for me and it was the Rav4. I love its road handling. Its breaking in particular is great. Acceleration is pretty good, not the best ever but I didnt buy a sports car. It is more than adequate and you can use the Sport mode for a little more oomph if you wish. Gas mileage is about what was advertised. Im getting probably 25 combined on average. Not the best, but about as I expected. If you want better gas mileage there is the hybrid option. The space in this vehicle is great! I had a large male friend (over 6 feet, and a bulkier individual as well) sit in the back, and he immediately remarked on how nice the vehicle was and had zero complaints about room. Cargo is a class leader for compact SUVs. The touchscreen is excellent. Ive heard some of them are glitchy or confusing in other vehicles. The tech interface is straightforward in the Rav and I barely have to hit something more than once with my finger to get the screen to react. The built-in Nav is much better than I expected. Ive used it several times and it works great for the most part. It has not directed me wrong thus far. I also like how when you input a destination, it will show up with multiple route options where you can pick the one you want. I did let the Sirius XM expire. If you drove by trees it would lose signal. Bluetooth is also pretty good. Ive taken phone calls easily and there are no major issues with hearing someone or them hearing me. Lastly I love the design and look of this SUV. I really like the exterior, but I love the interior. It definitely had stand out interior compared to all the other vehicles I tested. Overall I dont have much if anything to complain about. I still love my Rav after 3 months and am happy with my decision. You should put it onto your list if in the compact SUV market as it has a lot to offer.

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  A set of tires makes a big differance! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By James G. in Michigan - June 2 - 6:50 am

  I have owned this SUV for 7 months now. Its is winter in Michigan, and the Bridgestone tires that came with it are so-so in the snow. I purchased a set of Michelan All Terrain Tires. What a huge difference. It feels like I drive in 4x4 mode all the time. No matter how much snow we get, I just drive like there is none. I always use Michelin tires on my 4x4s. Plus no recall problems so far. My wife is the primary driver and I know she is safe driving this on the road.

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  Great Value and Reliability - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By kenbowls - June 1 - 5:00 pm

  I have had the RAV4 for about 18 months and no problems. A real value and very reliable. MPG, about 23 in town and 28-30 on the highway. Plenty of room and comfort, with plenty of headroom and very little wind and road noise. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power and did not need speeding tickets with the V6 engine. I have a new 2008 Highlander and I call the RAV4 my baby Highlander. Very hard to find fault with.

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  Love my RAV! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By lauren - June 1 - 3:53 pm

  I love my...I feel high up on the road, yet it is as easy to drive as any car. The car can hold many items that would never fit in a sedan, such as a washing machine, yet it has all the advantages of a sedan.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Dennis - May 30 - 8:43 pm

  Despite all the media hype on Toyotas, this Rav4 has got to be the best. I have always owned American made vehicles but none of them made now can beat this Rav4. I love everything about the vehicle except the remote start. The vehicle shuts down when you open the door.

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  The choice was fairly easy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By tony - May 27 - 2:33 pm

  Before we started shopping, we had our choice narrowed down to the Rav or the Honda CR-v. After driving each of them, the choice was simple. The Rav was quieter on the highway, less road and wind noise. Takes bumps great, and we hit 70 mph in no time. This is for our daughter in college, so we chose the base model, figuring her friends would probably borrow it, and it would be parked in lots where nicks would be inevitable. If you dont need a moonroof and auto climate control, the base model is fine. She uses the iPod hookup most of the time, so didnt need the 6 disc changer. The radio on the base is plenty good, and still has 6 speakers. 4 cylinder seems to be peppy and very responsive.