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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  Acceleration problem - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynn - March 21 - 6:36 pm

  Theres a problem in acceleration delay/throttle lag that Toyota should be aware of by now. Since taking delivery JAN06, weve experienced continual erratic acceleration problems. These are significant delays - from 3-6 seconds - in delivering forward speed from either rolling starts or dead stops and is most evident when turning corners or going up hills. The delay is followed by a sudden delivery of power, then the car lurches forward with no change in pressure on the accelerator. When attempting to pass at highway speeds, after the delay it goes into passing gear and immediately drops back out. All conditions when this happens can be dangerous. I have reported to NHTSA. Dealer is no help.

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  I hate it - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Courtney - March 21 - 6:40 am

  This is car is horrible. I get it free through work-otherwise, I would never voluntarily purchase one. Its uncomfortable, poorly designed and has a rough ride. The interior looks cheap and has asinine places for cup holders. The fact that this car has a keyless ignition is, in my opinion, a nightmare. I find myself losing the keys like crazy because theres no specific spot for them. The rav also has a very jerky ride to it-not so great when riding with passengers who suffer from car sickness. The back door opens outward as opposed to upward-another stupid feature for obvious reasons. I could go on and on but to sum it up: its awful!!

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  Trans axle noise 35 mph to 55 mph - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By eugene riotte - March 21 - 12:33 am

  Vehicle did not make transaxle noise when purchased! After 1500 miles it started a howling noise at light throttle, 35-55 mph it is getting worse, Toyota Tech is supposed to be checking on the reason for it, it has been 21 days and I have heard nothing, I am very dissatisfied with this car! I was told there was a production change, I think I got one of the bad ones. The service dept. replaced an axle at about 5 thousand miles and the axle bearing, but this did not correct the noise I am hearing.

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  Engine Whine Noise - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Les - March 16 - 4:50 pm

  RAV4 has good features but the engine whine noise starting at 40 mph detracts from all of the positive features. Of course the service department has indicated that there is no technical notice from Toyota regarding this problem. I prefer the quality of our 1994 Highlander.

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  "Sport" is not just a name - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By George - March 16 - 6:23 am

  Bought Sport version because I wanted a black interior - Limited not available in cloth. Dealer Salesperson indicated slightly tighter and slightly harsher ride. Also indicated that suspension was somewhat programmable if really needed. Term "harsher" was understated. Cant keep coffee from spilling on local access roads and cant "program" suspension according to dealers service dept. Took on trip to NYC - ride on highway OK - not fatiguing. Ride in NYC would have been smoother in a horse & buggy. Noise, Handling, and overall Fuel MPG are really better than I expected. Only clear fault is the Spare Tire Carrier. Quality of fit is unsatisfactory and this quirk will haunt you forever.

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  1 month and loving it. - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By joe holmes - March 12 - 2:03 pm

  There is very little I would change about this vehicle. I love the look, color, handling, and comfort. My only complaints are very few and should not be a deal killer for anyone thinking about getting one. No coin holder, left arm rest should be padded, built in blind spot mirrors should be adjustable, speakers are so so, cabin noise is a little on the loud side when driving over 80, and the Bluetooth does not do text messages. Again these are all very minor but are items That would have been icing on the cake.

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  First new Toyota - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Unk - March 11 - 1:56 pm

  This review is a a small payback for ALL the good info I found here when looking. Basic V6, tow pkg only...replacement for my wifes high mileage V8 truck...she is happy in every respect. Plenty of power, decent mileage..all in all, a better vehicle than I expected.

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  Big Disappointment - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By amy - March 8 - 11:30 pm

  My Rav 4 has 67000 miles and needs a new short block. The car is using too much oil. Estimated cost of repair is over $5000.00. In addition, the the light on the HV/AC controls need to be replaced. While under warranty we had to have the steering shaft and water pump replaced. I have had great experience with Toyotas in the past. But, this is not acceptable.

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  WOW - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By katethegreat - March 8 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for an SUV thats not a gas guzzler, a monster truck, and is just awesome to drive, this is it! I got one for my 15th b-day (yes, i know im lucky), and i have never been happier in my life! Its been one year, and i cant drive her enough! I highly reccomend this for anyone and everyone! 10!

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  my "toy"ota - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Harm - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle new and have been driving it for three years. My "toy"ota has been totally reliable. I have not had problems at all with any part of the vehicle. It is both fun and easy to drive because of its size. I have documented an average of 28 mpg/gas on trips. I keep the vehicle clean and shiny and have had numerous comments on its beauty. AND, its a big hit with teenagers.