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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  the suv of the suv - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By terri christian - December 8 - 10:00 am

  this is the first time that i have owned a toyota,and the first time for a suv, i love it, mines black with the grey on it and has a luggage rack. i was gonna get one with a spoiler on it but after i saw one without the spoiler, loved it better, the spoiler makes them look UGLY!!!! im having a blast with mine.

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  Old Friend - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Sara - December 7 - 2:48 am

  Original owner, 204K miles. Have a V-6, Limited -- which is the same engine they are putting in Highlanders now, I believe. I did have to replace the charcoal canister last year ($1200) but otherwise have only changed oil, tires, and battery. My mechanic thinks it will go another $100K miles. At almost 9 years old now, this car has exceeded every expectation I have for it, and probably will cause everything I own after it to not live up to expectations. I have done everything in this car. My kids have grown up in this car. If I had kids of driving age, I would make them drive this car. Best car purchase I have ever made.

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  Rav4-Toyota style - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Rustycab - December 6 - 11:16 am

  Love the car and it handles well. Enough room and height that you can see. Not so big that you cant park it and it is really fun to drive. Love it and I only have 3,000 miles on it.

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  ECM Killed the transmission - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4 the junk heap - December 2 - 11:20 pm

  A week ago I wouldve rated this car a 4 out of 5 stars. Yesterday driving home the transmission went out. I lost the Drive gears and made it home in Low 2nd. Went online and discovered it is a common problem with 2001-05 Rav4s and is actually caused by a bad ECM (Engine Control Module). I called the dealership in the morning and they said it would be nearly $5,000 to replace the ECM and transmission. This is really bad for a Toyota with only 72,000 miles. Found out later that Im covered by a Federal Emissions Warranty mandated by the government. Called Toyota back and yes, I am covered after all, but only for the ECM and not the transmission. How ridiculous is that?

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  Hard to beat deal - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Pete - December 2 - 10:03 am

  I just Leased a 2010 RAV4 AWD Limited with a V6 for $330 per month with zero down plus signing fees ($1,625). They bought out the lease on my 2008 WV Passat with 8 months to go with zero cost to me so I basically dropped off one car and drove home with a brand new more expensive vehicle, which to me is a hard to beat deal.

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  great vehicle - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By pmama - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my RAV4 a year ago and have not a single honest complaint about this vehicle. I traded in a corolla for this one and I am so glad I did, it is quieter, roomier and perfect for a small family like mine with young children.

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  Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By bb - November 29 - 6:43 am

  Nice car for what you are going to pay. Reliable with plenty of stg and so far I am getting 26 mpg on all city driving. Excellent pick up with the four cylinder and good power steering.

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  One Cute Ute! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By PhredFan - November 28 - 9:30 pm

  Love the style! Of all the cars Ive owned (7) this one is the most FUN to drive. Remote no longer opens the drivers door - a pain. The ride is surely not as smooth as my Camry, but I love this Cute Ute! Im looking to buy one for my mom because its a great size, has great visibility, and its FUN.

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  Im home again! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota man since 77 - November 28 - 8:06 pm

  I ventured from Toyota in 2006 to a Kia Sportage EX V6 AWD w/leather. Nice, but just not the overall quality/style of Toyota, not good mpg, strange shifting pattern in AT. I asked myself what Id want to see in the driveway 5 years down the road. So, I got my RAV4. When I get behind the wheel, Im at peace. Its more solid, handles better, and Im getting about 24-25 mpg combined so far. The quality and value will always be there, and the RAV4 will far outlast any 10 yr. 100k warranty others offer, and without problems. I opted for the 4 cyl., but see the V6 is rated higher MPG??? Ill believe it when I see it. The 4 cyl. has ample power without gulping down your paycheck in gas.

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  All around one car to have - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mkedcd - November 26 - 3:13 am

  The one vehicle to have for practicality. Lots of interior room, fairly economical, and more refinement than CRV. Performance of the Toyota four puts my old Chrysler six to shame.