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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  Good car for the money - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Debbie - November 24 - 3:33 am

  Just leased a 2010 rav4 limited. Great car except it has not homelink system, no satellite radio, and no bluetooth, but it does have a nav system. If you can do without those items, great vehicle.

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  Could have been a lot better - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Kevin123 - November 23 - 6:03 am

  The RAV4 has some noteworthy strengths, including the peppiness of the 4-cylinder engine. I like the outside appearance and the look of the tan and black interior is nice. However, the interior build quality is severely inadequate. It doesn’t look like the interior is going to hold up very well, especially considering its POOR suspension. If you hit a good sized bump, like a pothole or railroad crossing, prepare to cringe! It feels like the car is falling apart.

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  Dreary, dreary dreary - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Honest Abe - November 22 - 4:30 am

  Owned for 6 mo; traded in and GLAD! Stripped appearance inside and out. No rubber cladding to protect lower part of car. Almost all other SUVs have this. Lousy sound system, mpg worse than stated; quirky transmission: car rolled backwards when in drive but going slow. Had to step on both break and gas to keep from going downhill. Service department in constant hissy fit and very unhelpful. Given recalls and safety issues, do not buy this car at any price.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By catrna - November 21 - 6:52 am

  I have owned a 2002 for 5 years and while it seemed like a good car at first it is not. At 89000 miles the transmission died and is no longer covered buy warranty. After doing more web serarching I found that Many 2001-2003 Rav 4s have presented with this problem Toyota is aware of this but has not recalled. So unless you have monney in your pocket to shell out for car repaires dont buy.

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  Reconsidering It - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Ray - November 20 - 3:46 pm

  My first complaint is the interior. Really cheap looking. Other comparable models like the CR-V have much nicer interior. Toyota really lacks technology in their interiors. Cargo area lighting is so terrible! Why put the light on the door which is going to be open? Furthermore, door opens to curbside! Why? Im only 57 and I sit with the seat all the way back, and that is already tight for me. if youre tall, definitely dont get a Toyota. They for some reason only have enough room for people my height. Radio antenna is cheap also. Unscrews easily which causes radio static. MPG not as good as advertised.

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  Loyal Costomer Lost - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By wov3129 - November 16 - 8:33 pm

  I will never gain buy a Rav 4 and I am doubting if I buy another Toyota. Bad Paint, broken rear-view mirror, pieces falling off my inside and outside my vehicle and no help from Toyota everything is a outside force they cant prove that its a factory defect. WOW Really, my car doesnt have a dent on it on the outside or inside it still smells new and just think my car just made a year old in June 2012 cant wait for another two years to see what else falls off. I have always stood up and preferred Toyota vehicles over any other brand but it seems to only be their older models. It doesnt matter how long the car runs if it has fallen apart before you can put the miles on it is worthleless

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  97 RAV 4 - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By weber - November 16 - 1:43 am

  One less thing to worry about with our daughter away from home at college. The RAV just does not fail. Other than standard brakes/oil/tires, no repairs in 84000 miles. Paint stays rust free, shines with a wax job. Not going to light em up at the raceway, but will always get there.

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  My Rav4 - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By GOTREALITY2 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car 1 year and have not had one big problem with it. Im very much pleased with its performance. I will buy another Toyota without hesitation.

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  07 Rav4 Sport V6 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Russ copping - November 13 - 5:13 pm

  Wife and I love the vehicle. To nit pick anyway: V6 offers fierce acceleration. Needing work... tranny has disconcerting habit of being "between gears" when braking to about 15 or 20 and then accelerating... races a bit before engaging proper gear. Pass gear engages too easily. No postings seen on this. May be adjustable by Toyota. Mildew smell from A/C vents at start up but dissipates quickly. Bit noisy at hwy speeds. White paint fairly fragile and nicks rather easily. Driving with one rear window down causes causes a 2 or 3 cycle "bup-bup- bup" pressure oscillation which is no fun on the ears. Dont push anything or front cap will crack. I still love the car and would buy another one.

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  Quality-built, Fun Car - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Mellie Mel - November 10 - 10:00 am

  A sure-footed, compact pseudo-SUV thats fun to drive. Consistently gets 26mpg and drives great in all weather. Feels nice sitting high but it cant corner without feeling tippy. Acceleration is poor (compared to my 98 corolla). Hate that the tailgate doesnt open down or up or have a window that opens. Theres no way to carry long items such as a ladder or PVC pipe. Cargo footprint really is no bigger than a Camry so "SUV" seems kind of a misnomer. Due to small cargo space, non-opening rear window & lack of power we are looking to replace our RAV4 with a Suburu Baja.