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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  My first Car - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mary kate smith - February 24 - 5:05 pm

  2007 RAV4 was the first car I ever owned! And I loved it, Im sad to say that I totaled it after three years. I never had any problems with it at all, I put one set of new tires on it and had oil changes and that was it. Comfortable, spacious, good turn radius, decent gas milage and cute. Just dont t-bone a blue mustang and it should last you a really long time like most toyotas.

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  Exactly as Described! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave T. - February 24 - 11:33 am

  Everything on this vehicle works, fits & functions perfectly. No rattles wind noises etc. etc. The vehicle is the perfect suv in its class IMHO. I couldnt be happier in my choice to select this vehicle!

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  Rav 4 AWD - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Adel - February 24 - 2:00 am

  NOT BAD , POOR ON GAS BUT FUN TO DRIVE

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  Still loving it! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Sandra - February 23 - 11:36 pm

  This has been the most enjoyable auto Ive owned. I love everything about it. I bought this RAV4 2010 in Oct. 09 after much anguish, having just bought a brand new Honda CR-V-EX. As soon as I drove the Honda off the lot, I knew I made the wrong decision. 6 weeks later and taking (an obvious) loss, I traded it for the RAV and have never regretted this costly mistake. Its a fun, comfortable vehicle to drive, has a lot of power (4 cyl.), handles beautifully and most of all, being single, feel extremely safe with any Toyota but especially the RAV 4. Ive had it now for 7 months and I still have that new-owner-cant-wait-to- drive-it excitement about it.

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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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  7 1/2 years and still going - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By SuMac - February 20 - 4:53 am

  Bought my RAV4L in Nov 2000. She has over 110,000 miles now and still going strong. I have only done regular maintenance. The only thing that has failed is the passenger power lock is not working (which could be related to the add-on car starter/door opener package I had put on). Called today to see about a "timing belt" change (since Ive never done that and everyone said I should) -- only to find out that once again, Toyota has outdone themselves and the timing CHAIN never needs replacing. So shes getting a tuneup next week. Ive had her detailed 2 times and both times she looks like a brand new car afterward. I hope to see 300,000 miles on this one! Gas mileage: 27 / 29.

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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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  A FIRST CHOICE FOR SUV ENTRY - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By vchheda - February 16 - 4:03 pm

  This vehicle was a dream come true with all the proper bells and whistles. Long have I dreamed of getting an compact SUV that does not drink gas like the regular SUVs. Toyota has made the right call by redesigning it into a competitive compact crossover, not only in design, but in features and personalization.

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  Wifes Rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Armond - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We just turned in my wifes Honda Civic and got her this car. So far, its nice...it feels so much "lighter" than the Civic which is strange...perhaps because its new? Its rather noisy. Toyota should have done a better job smoothing out this car. For the money, it should be more comfortable and quieter...but as with other SUV makers, the consumer is dumb enough to pay premium for a primitive vehicle (SUVs are trucks that are hugely overpriced). The dealer took us for a ride on the alarm system but screw it, our time and sanity is more important than a few hundred dollars here and there. Time will tell how the car holds up...so well see.

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  Toyota Got It Right with the RAV-4! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Roy from Alaska - February 10 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased my RAV-4 new in Anchorage. It is the basic model, 4WD, V6, with 3,500 lbs towing package and 17" wheels. I owned a 1988 Jeep Cherokee for 21 years and thought that nothing could be better in the ice and snow. Wrong! This baby is like a cat on a curtain in the snow. Awesome! And the heater will run you out of the rig at -20 degrees. Just drove it 2,500 miles down the Alcan and Cassiar Hwys from Alaska through the Yukon Territory and BC to Eastern Washington. Got 22 mpg pulling a 5X8 U-Haul! One pass was 4,000 and it never complained. Now I am in the desert and today it was 104 degrees and the AC keeps it comfortable. I get 30 mpg on trips. Love it! Best rig ever.