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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  Toyota meesed it up - Hood Vibrates - Watch it. - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By and44 - September 10 - 12:17 pm

  Toyota with the RAV created this segment. Instead of improving with every iteration they are down grating on quality, workmanship, reliability and customer satisfaction. I own the 2013 Limited version since April 2013. It has 9,000 kilometers, the main issue is that the hood vibrates while driving on uneven pavement in the city and on smooth pavement on the highway. This is a design issue that Toyota needs to address. Toyota chose to have a flimsy hood for less weight. Two trips at the dealership could not resolve the problem. Toyota is referring me to the dealer, even though the dealer stated clearly there is nothing they can do to address this issue. Toyota is behaving arrogantly.

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  former Ford owner - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - September 5 - 9:40 pm

  engine is great, mpg is fantastic for an suv on the highway. Ride is better than any suv Ive been in. Plenty of storage for gear. Very quiet for an suv and scoots up steep hills as well as a sedan and small sports car. Will wait till winter to see what it does in snow. Only problem is that there is no satellite connectivity - have to wait for aftermarket dash fit kit to swap out for NAV/CD/SAT radio.

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  Recently purchased, but... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By rav4 - September 1 - 9:40 pm

  Recently purchased, but...so far so good!!!! I have never been happier with purchasing a new vehicle.The Rav4 is great on gas for an SUV, I have the 4cyl but it still has good "get-up-and- go" on the interstate. I couldnt be happier with my new Toyota!

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  I FEEL SAFE - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By GWEN - August 29 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA PURCHASE. I AM VERY PLEASED. I FEEL SAFE. EVERYONE ON MY STREET ARE TOYOTA DRIVERS, I FINALLY BECAME ONE OF THE FAMILY. ITS A GREAT FEELING. I GET ALOT OF ATTENTION ON THE HIGHWAYS AND IVE HAD PEOPLE STOP ME IN PARKING LOTS TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND IS VERY PLEASED THAT I CHOOOSE THIS VEHICLE, HE EVEN ENJOYS DRIVING IT. VERY SMOOTH, COMFORTABLE AND ENJOYABLE. THANKS TOYOTA FOR SUCH A NICE VEHICLE.

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  Nav lockout disappointing - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By jacksonholerski - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle after months of researching it and other vehicles. I cant believe I never came across anyone talking about the navigation system which does not allow you to use it when the vehicle is moving! I couldnt understand why the nav would only work sometimes and then on a road trip 2 days ago I finally stopped at an out of state dealer that told me why. It is so dangerous to stop to use the navigation system! I never would have bought either the car or the car with nav already in it. I feel cheated and betrayed and likely sell this car and demand a rebate from Toyota.

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  Its Ravulous! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By My Rav4 - August 24 - 4:33 am

  I love my Rav4. Its got plenty of room and great gas mileage. Since mine has a manual transmission it seems to have that extra pick up and it responds well. I still think its a cool car to look at. It has some inexplicible dings and a little problem with the tire cover wearing out at the seams, and problems with the computer chips caused me to go back to the dealership a few times, but I still love my car.

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  Nice nimble car but it has problems - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Walter - August 22 - 12:16 pm

  The brakes are awful. Pedal sinks to floor while coming to slow stops. Requires pumping to bring pedal up. Dealer says everything in spec.. Next issue is steering. The electric steering is very nimble but car wanders around lanes at highway speed. You can hold the steering wheel rock steady and still drift in and out of you lane, Dealer says everything in spec. Last issue is the radio. It changes modes, volume goes up and down by itself and, on the way home from the last service at Toyota, it turned itself on with high volume. Less than 5000 miles since new. Its a cute, nimble car around town and the best snow vehicle we ever owned (traded in a Jeep). If someone would address these issues it could be a real winner. 06/2017 Rear camera is great at night. Completely worthless during the daylight hours or in rain The angle of the srceen is great for back seat people but worthless for driver or passengers up front. Cannot safely be used. Constant chimes and alerts are way overdone. Many times, the alerts point to no cause and we give up and walk away with the beeping or chimes. Sometimes not possible since doors wont lock. Crazy. Windshield is leaking some clear polymer. Strangest thing evet. First thought it was tree sap but it only appears in the exact same places. This legendary Toyota quality is a fraud. So many simple things gone so wrong. Last Toyota in our household. Update 12.28.17 Still runs well and mileage is improving. Some other things you should be aware of include: FEW BACKLIT SWITCHES. Very dangerous at night since placement of switches is downright silly at times. Not knowing what a switch does make it dangerous. EXTREMELY POOR INTERIOR LIGHTING No lighting would be a better description. Now that days are short you realize that there are virtually no lights throughout the interior - but especially in the rear areas.LACK OF A TRUE ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL It moves about 4 inches up/down and theup lift height is a joke. INFORMATION PANEL IS A JOKE Utterly worthless due to small size. INTERIOR PANELS LIGHTS DIM TOO MUCH If your put your headlights on with your wipers (a law in our state) display lights like the clock are invisible.. CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW POOR THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN IS Because it does not adjust it is only useful at night. And even then you must lean over the center console to see it. Dumb, dumb. WATCH YOUR HEAD WITH THE POWER TAILGATE LIFT TUBES. Unique propblem here. They are positionned perfectly to smash your head. I also have a Dodge Grand Caravan that does not cause brain damage.

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  PERFECT CAR FOR A CHICK - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By dman81 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this is my mothers car, but i tend to drive this a lot in the winter when it snows. it handles very well in the snow much to my suprise. i feel very safe with the control and traction i get from the 4 wheel drive. trunk space is excellent...i fit a lot of stuff in the back that i thought would never fit. Needs more interior leg room.I tend to be cramped up especially when theres people in the back seat (im 61"). There is also a lot of wind noise, cheap dash. I kinda feel funny driving it because its not really my style...This car is definitely a "chick car" but it get does the job done

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  excellent handling, safe and fun - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By frank sentra - August 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent handling, safe and fun

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  Transmission, Brakes, power port location, and rear door - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By mary1958 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I too think the transmission feels wrong. It seems to slip and jerk more than any car Ive owned before. Brakes sound as if they are dragging especially as I first drive down the driveway. The power port is inaccessible if drinks are in the drink holder. I like having a full sized tire and one which you neednt unload the storage space to access. Be sure to check the pressure in it if having low pressure readings. I dislike that you can not put longer items in to haul as I could with my old Ford that had a rear door that lifted up instead of to the side. I have yet to figure out how to put the baby anchor back in the roof compartment.