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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  I like it - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By DC Calif - September 16 - 11:43 pm

  Great car. I have only had it 3 weeks but I am impressed (good). My other vehicle is F-150 V-8, but this little 4 banger (4 cyl) really has the power, I cant imagine a V-6 in this thing. It only has about 870 miles so far but it really goes fast, I have to watch my speed to keep it under 70 mph. We took the car over to the coast to break in the engine. Up hill and down around sharp curves it was great, power was right there better than my F-150 V-8. Gas mileage is outstanding... on our road trip to the coast and back, freeways at 70-80... my average is 28.1 mpg. I could not believe it. The only bad thing is the brakes. You really have to push the brake pedal hard when coming to a stop sign.

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  A fun car - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By ToyRaver - September 12 - 11:23 am

  I have the AWD L edition. Ive had this car for 5 yrs already and have 52k mi. Its a nimble car, pretty good ride and pretty good looking. The only problems I find are the low 17 mpg avg in NYC, very noisy in fast traffic and the brakes. It has very good handling. Worked great in the snow, but then again we rarely get snow here. Weve been using Amsoil synthetic in the engine and the gears. Overall its a great car to have w/ the main exception of the poor mileage. Ive already had the 02 check engine light and the charcoal canister engine light too. For now, I had the comp upgrade, still waiting on my 02/cata conver disaster known for 01s.

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  Excellent value and utility - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By medina607 - September 6 - 12:46 pm

  Traded in an Explorer for the RAV4 and havent regretted it. Amazing cargo space with the back seat down, and pretty good with it up too. The 4 cylinder engine is very peppy, although with my lead foot and in-town driving I average 21mpg. No mechanical or electrical problems at 33,000 miles. For a single person, couple, or small family its great.

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  not my best purchase - 2018 Toyota RAV4
  By JCB - September 2 - 7:58 am

  1 The rear window, offers limited visibility and is constantly cover=ed with either dust, dirt or snow because of the dumb airfoil operation in the rear. 2 The front grille offers poor air flow especially in the winter, the grille clogs up with snow and ice thereby blocking the air flow and causing the engine water temperature to rise unless you manually remove the accumulated snow and ice. 3 The front doors have a poor bottom design that accumulates snow and ice that if now removed freezes the door closed or packs mud or dust that seeps into the vehicle interior. 4 The swept back design of the front doors is a safety hazard as it sweeps backward and smacks a person in the head because of its design not permitting proper clearance when opening the doors. 5 The antiquated technology of a push start/stop button is terrible, a normal key ignition is far superior to this Model T technology. 6. The dash electronics are absurd and useless not to mention very distracting, ever hear of “distractive driving” that describes your electronics. 7. Heat rotary switch are ridiculous, you are in one confined car interior do you really think that one side of the interior is going to be a different temperature, must be a millennium design person to think that is true. 8. Floor mats do not cover the floor except when the seats are fully in the forward position. 9 The wheel wells do not provide enough clearance in the snow, ice or mud, use of 17 and 18 inch wheels are the major cause. 10 The 17 and 18 inch wheels are absolutely useless, they accumulate snow and ice so fast and hold it that you constantly can feel the vibration in the vehicle, unless ever time you stop driving you remove all four wheels off the care and scape the snow, ice or dirt off the inside of these wheels. 11. Rear suspension is terrible, the angled direction of the shock do not offer proper operation of the shocks and therefore the rear wheel drop with a bang when driving. 12 The rear hatch door is impossible, in the cold and and snow the outside switch to operate this door freezes and is then useless, In normal weather the door electric opening and closing is absurd, useless and very slow, better to have a manual opening door opening left to right of right to left over vertically opening door. 13 Swashed roof line is useless and absurd not to mention ugly. 14 Rood rack useless unless extreme caution is used otherwise the rear hatch open up into what ever is on the roof making the design very poor and thoughtless. 15 Mileage, I get better mileage from my 1967 Land Rover 109 than with is electronic ignition, injections etc 16 Old saying: do not change things that work, the old er design and technology was better and in this case very much better than your new design and technology

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  New RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim and Noriko Rose - September 1 - 8:20 am

  Just bought our new RAV4. We are happy with our decision, but would recommend that people wait for the initial demand for these cars to die down before buying. It is a well made car that is well worth the money we paid. Didnt give the car 10s because we believe that no car is perfect, and it is a compact SUV after all. There are cars on the market that are superior, just not for the type of car and not for the price range.

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  2 Years with the Rav - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyotanot - August 31 - 1:46 pm

  Noticed that many have only had their cars for 2 months and are extremely pleased. Had mine for 2 years so heres a real review. Fit and finish, build are very good. I have the base 4WD. Handles great in the snow. The only thing I would improve on is the mileage. I get 22 city/hgwy. After 2 years am bored looking at it. Am waiting for something a little more sporty, that gets better mileage. Am sure Ill plenty to choose from, then Ill say bye bye Rav.

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  2001 RAV4 AWD Automatic - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Blondebear1 - August 31 - 1:03 am

  I have gotten 25 mpg consistently with my RAV4 using synthetic motor, transfer case and differential oils. Acceleration is adequate for me. Do not listen to the automotive review writers when they tell you this car is underpowered. I can easily go 90 mph. I love the easily removable rear seats and the large cargo area removing them provides. I dont bump my head when entering. Good storage in the dash for stuff. Antilock brakes work great.

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  Worth the wait ....so far - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Larry S. - August 30 - 10:56 pm

  Had a very hard time getting a loaded 4x4 Limited V6. Only have it a few weeks but so far it was worth the wait. There is no other vehicle in its class that compares. The fit and finish, ride, look and everything about the car is great. The dealer experience was horrible. The car has electric steering, a great turning radius and most of the bells and whistles one could want. I originally was against having the spare mounted on the tailgate (which opens like a door instead of like a hatchback) but it isnt heavy opening the door and it affords internal storage space. Havent had an opportunity to verify the MPG but it seems good so far. Love the big 6 but settled on color due to availability.

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  Was wanting a little more - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By amy - August 29 - 8:10 pm

  Dont get me wrong I love my Rav. I went from a nissan to this and it is a definite step up. The gas mileage isnt as high as the sticker said. There is a need for mud guards or you will have chips on the sides. I wanted a dark interior so had to "settle" for the sport model but really wanted the limited. But TOYOTA is still number 1 in my book. We had an 89 toyota pick up and I loved it. It is still on the road and going strong. My cousin has it now - not a family vehicle after the kids got taller. I bought the extended warranty so I am good for 10 years bumper to bumper and I know the Rav will hold up for those 10 years.

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  Love my Rav - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By daisy1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Toyotas, this being my first Rav. I love it. The ride is great, the dependability being a toyota was a major selling point. It is cute and sporty and is perfect for my family. I have a hitch in the back for a great bike rack. I would recommend it to anyone. I just wished the seats in the back could go back a bit farther for a little more leg room for the kids.