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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  Meh - should have upgraded to the Limited. - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Michael Hoffman - February 28 - 10:29 am

  Heres the thing with Toyota. Its ALWAYS been their thing. Unless you upgrade to "Limited" (or in the old days LE, etc) - you get the cheapest stuff around as far as fit and finish of the interior. Time was, under the hood all things were equal. Not anymore. Anyone who owns the BASE MODEL 4cyl 4WD MUST know how much of a lag there is if you need quick acceleration. This thing is THE slowest responding dog Ive ever driven. Off the line, its okay but if you need a passing gear, wow, its bad. This is directly the result of Toyota keeping selling costs down but it completely sacrifices the performance not having at least a 5 speed transmission. I had a 2008 Corolla S before this which had better acceleration. Thankfully, if you switch the shifter to sport it downshifts more rapidly. Traction control and safety features are great on this car. The standard headlights are pathetic. No fog lights standard either. Ive upgraded to better lights and also have installed foggers. Makes a major difference. The wheels are simply painted steel which I was fine with until three years in, they are already rusting. Again - irritating. OEM tires (Kumho) were also pure junk. Finally, the stereo. Now, I didnt expect a massive sound system but again - always with Toyota - its not a Limited so they install something you would have found in an American car from 15 years ago. Piece of absolute junk. There are component speakers in the front doors and ONE WAY speakers in the back. The sound in the rear is just terrible. Ive upgraded the rears and it made a good improvement. A compass on the rearview mirror also would have been handy. Dont get me wrong, I DO like this SUV. Overall, Im picky but those are the things for me that stick out. It rides smooth, its ultra reliable, its quiet, very good in poor driving conditions, love the swinging rear door, plenty of room, AC blows SO COLD, lots of storage. For those complaining of the cup holders, take the rubber insert out. Simple. Those were only there so one COULD use a can if you wanted to. Also, like that it came standard with electronic fuel economy readings. We have been driving Toyotas in my family since we owned a 1979 Supra. Amazingly reliable.

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  Jiggle all the way - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By poggi - February 20 - 12:53 pm

  Purchased my Rav in June 06. At the time, I too was very excited about my new car as are many of the posters for the new 08 model. After almost a year and a half am ready to trade it in. The fit and finish are very good. Reliability has been excellent. My main problem is the ride. It seems that I can feel every crack in the road. Going over bumbs in the road is torture.The ride is harsh to put it mildly. I traded a Subaru Outback for the Rav, the Subies ride was much better than the Ravs.

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  Paint Problem - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Paint - February 18 - 4:36 pm

  Bought my RAV in Febuary 07, and recently noticed a variation in the Barcelona Red Panels on the rear door surrounding the spare tire cover. Informed dealer, regional service manager and the Corporate Customer Center in CA. Noted that same problem was on a vehicle from GA, and conversed with other dealers regarding same, noting from them it is common on all RAVs to have discoloration thru out the rear door. Advised corporate of problem by both myself and the district service rep. stating that it was a manufacturing/paint problem not a servicable problem. Other than that, I get 25 mpg on country roads and only moan when going up a hill with the cruise trying to find the right gear.

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  Terrible - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By k - January 16 - 10:16 pm

  2008 4 cyl rav 4 is the worst vehicle I have ever owned out of 15 toyotas. It rides like a tank especially in the rear. Why dont people tell the truth about this vehicle so some poor buyer wont be hurt? Cant wait to get rid of it. Ive been with Toyota for 30 years and have been treated very well but the ride of this vehicle makes me sick and I will rethink my next vehicle.

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  Honeymoon was over after 19500 miles - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By la_rav4 - January 15 - 7:43 am

  I got mine Dec. 2008 after long research and traveling for a deal. Got one (2Grands under invoice $). Cars great to go uphills and snow, MPG(25+ hwy after 1year) and fun to drive, big cargo space. Many features like luxury equals. As someone said, Road noise is terrible AND rolling on the road, just as a boat on the sea. Dash design and cup holder locationre stupid. i.e, you have to move the cup to push Emergency button or 4wheel lock button, audio power, & engine start button are all together with similar look so you have to be careful to push one of them, etc. Battery died w/o any reason. Been at the dealer 3 times this month. I lost one roof rail w/o using it(hwy? dealer?)

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  Rattles, Squeaks, Noises, Nonstop - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By halfpast6 - January 14 - 1:06 am

  This could have been a great car, but some issues keep it from even coming close. For one, this is the loudest car Ive ever owned. It rattles, creaks, and squeaks like no other. On a typical drive Ill hear rattles from the sunroof, dashboard, some random panels on the drivers side, and the cargo area. The brakes make a grinding noise every morning when I depress the pedal. Some of the noises are so loud it makes the driving experience miserable, especially for a 2011 model. If youre considering one of these, I highly suggest driving with the stereo off so you can hear for yourself. Ill likely never buy a Toyota again after this experience. Ive driven 15 year old cars quieter than this.

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  Fuel economy sucks! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By John C. - December 2 - 1:07 pm

  First and foremost, you will NEVER EVER see anything close to 30mpg. If the wind is pushing you from behind and you are going down a large mountain slope you may get 27. But I average close to 23 mpg highway. Maybe 24 mpg on a good day if the wind is just right. However 50-60 mph seems to be its sweetspot, you will average 35 or better, but for whatever reason once you hit the highway doing 70+ its all over. So on that end you are better off buying something with a V-8. Power is adequate but if you want to pass somebody it takes a while. The brakes are noisey especially if it sits outside for more than 12 hours, the rotors rust up very fast, but the noise goes away after 10 minutes of driving. Had an issue with a window leak the first day of my lease. Interior is roomy, very easy to get in and out of. Older friends getting in and out of the back seat sing praises. Back seats recline which is nice and also fold down for much needed room when moving large items. Dirt and road salt seem to find its way easily under the door trim which tells me in a few years you can count on rust issues. The 4wd is nice. It does what its supposed to. Gives you the confidence to drive in almost any driving conditon. Overall, the LE model is basic transportation. Nothing flashy. Nothing to brag about, it just gets you to your destination and back. If it truly got 30mpg, I would like it much more and Id probably keep it, but the fuel economy is what kills it for me.

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  10k miles in 3 months: reliable but uncomfortable - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By tunisjs - November 20 - 12:55 pm

  I bought 2010 Rav4 base 4x4 at Carmax on my return from overseas. I needed a reliable, roomy SUV quickly for a long road trip. I love to drive. Fully loaded with stuff, using a/c, 28mpg highway (despite only 4 gears, a happy surprise). Totally reliable, lots of storage room, side swinging rear door ok, full size spare tire a godsend. Grossly uncomfortable driving position for this 62" 210lb male, no lumbar support, my knees rubbed against console and window controls. The worst was the loud, arthritic creaking from all the RAV4s body joints on launches, turns and stops! It sounded like a Yugo. Whats up with Toyota? I traded it in on a used GLK.

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  Irritating issues make this a 6.0 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Kevin - November 10 - 2:50 am

  This is my first Toyota, after years of Ford ownership. Ill be going back to Ford as their build quality and value for money are better. I like the fuel economy, load capacity and power, but the body styling is awful, the radio is tinny and cheap, the tires didnt last and the traction control is absolutely awful - when all four wheels are spinning (like when youre stuck in snow), the TC cuts power to the engine meaning you cant "bully" your way out of the snow. I need chains to get out of my own driveway! My Ford Escape had no problems at all in the snow. Overall this gets a 6.0 and Ill not look at Toyota again.

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  Reliable but dull - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By SeanM - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Its like a lifted corolla. Safe, reliable but dull. Looks OK but has the power of a hair dryer.