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:

• 

  REDESIGNED 2006 RAV4 ROCKS - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By doodledn - November 12 - 11:36 pm

  Owned 99 4Runner which I loved - wanted something smaller that was roomy enough for surfboards that had better gas mileage. I COULDNT BE HAPPIER WITH MY PURCHASE!!! Better mileage, smoother ride (camry chasis), more HP... quality of vehicle is top shelf! Back seats come down easily, storage and access throughout vehicle grade A. Hats off to Toyota... I get compliments on the vehicle all the time...

• 

  Good and not good points - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By DonH - November 11 - 5:26 pm

  First of all the bad. Road noise on this car is excessive and the ride is not good. I wasted money by putting the premium sound system in it. Unless its parked you cant hear it very well. Ive had trucks made in the 80s that had a comparable ride. You feel and hear every bump. I see that the 2009 reviews noted similar issues. Its a car thats used by my wife and the interior carpet looks like its 5 years old. There is no reason for it except for very poor quality. The seats are not very comfortable. The good is that mechanically its a very good vehicle. Thats mainly why we bought it. Just make sure you can live with the other issues. Maybe the Limited version has better sound proofing.

• 

  Irritating issues make this a 6.0 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Kevin - November 10 - 2:50 am

  This is my first Toyota, after years of Ford ownership. Ill be going back to Ford as their build quality and value for money are better. I like the fuel economy, load capacity and power, but the body styling is awful, the radio is tinny and cheap, the tires didnt last and the traction control is absolutely awful - when all four wheels are spinning (like when youre stuck in snow), the TC cuts power to the engine meaning you cant "bully" your way out of the snow. I need chains to get out of my own driveway! My Ford Escape had no problems at all in the snow. Overall this gets a 6.0 and Ill not look at Toyota again.

• 

  Love this SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By pingel - November 8 - 7:47 pm

  I bought the 2009 base model about a month ago and love this vehicle. I traded in my 2006 Kia Sorento EX 4WD vehile that had only 71k on it but was a gas hog and very bad in the snow & slick roads. So far I am averaging 24-25MPG and love the ride. It looks good and feels good. We are going to take a 5 hour trip in a few weeks so well see how comfy it is on long trip. It is a little slow on the take off but if that is its only draw back its fine.

• 

  Loving my Toyota - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By lovemytoyota - November 4 - 5:40 pm

  I love everything about my RAV4 I bought it in Feb. I find myself driving for no reason these days just to be in my car. I got the barcellonic red so when I am out I notice people looking at my RAV. It is also roomy and comfy my backseats are even bigger then that of a friends grand cherokee.

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By tundyguy - November 3 - 8:36 pm

  Excellent vehicle, extreme reliability is what Toyota is known for and the 04 Rav4 does not disappoint. 109,000 miles so far and the vehicle is just as sturdy and tight as the day I brought it home with 12 miles on the odo. I changed the Fan belt at , 52,000 and the brakes at 100,000 miles and thats it , still has the factory headlight bulbs, Toyotas durability really shines through in these vehicles. Its amazing, no rattles and little noises etc. after 109.000 miles. The seats have just been broken in , feel a lot more comfy now than when they were new. The styling is all Toyota, laid back and not flashy.

• 

  A Disappointing First Toyota - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Dennis B - November 3 - 2:41 pm

  We had driven Subaru Legacies for a few years and after test driving several small SUVs we bought a 2016 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD in March 2016. However after a year of driving it we have noticed the following shortcomings: • Gas mileage is not that good-sticker says 22/29 and we have never come close. We are lucky to get 25 mpg on a highway trip. • The hood is so rounded that you cannot see the front of the car and thus never know if you are far enough into a parking space and it is difficult to keep centered in your lane. • The roof is so rounded that snow falls on the seat every time you open the door. • The back window is tiny and so rounded in every direction that you cannot clean it with a squeegee. • The gas gauge is highly inaccurate-says empty when you have more than a quarter of a tank. (Both analog and digital readout) • The huge emergency brake takes up so much of the center console which is probably the reason there are so few inside storage compartments • The radio fades in and out (toyota keeps saying they can fix it, but never do) • Lots of road noise It does handle as well as the Subaru in the snow but the bottom line is that we will probably go back to Subaru very soon.

• 

  greatest value for the money - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Stan - November 3 - 10:20 am

  Very pleased with the handling, ride andpower. The build quality is excellent. Very good fit and finish. For a small vehicle has great power and acceleration. Engine can be a little noisy at times, and garage door opener receptacle is kind of chintzy. Headlamps could be a little brighter. Other than that, its a joy to own and drive. Id buy another one in a heartbeat.

• 

  Good First Impression - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By OMc - November 1 - 8:23 am

  I just bought this vehicle a week ago and so far I like it. Low road noise compared to my old Civic and the seats are MUCH more comfortable - I cant feel the springs beneath the fabric like I could with the Civic even when it was new. Steering not as tight as Id like. I like that it has the height of a truck with the feel of a car. My elderly father can get in with minimal "step-up" and can get out very easily.

• 

  Too new to tell - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Skip - October 31 - 4:30 am

  I am very impressed with vehicles performance to economy ratio, although I only have driven it 500 miles. Would like to re-review in about 6 months.