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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  Rav4 - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By ndrav - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The rav tends to be a ok car for what you pay for. Very loud on the road and has developed a lot of sqeakes and rattles. Underpowered and anemic when trying to pass. Gas mileage varys between 18 to 25. Car has a tendency to eat windshilds 1 per 15k miles avg. Mechanical reliablility has not been particularly good averageing between 1500 and 2k dollars a year in maint. Car currently has 170k miles on it and it will not be makeing 200k without a major engine overhaul. Decent offroad capability and hard to beat on snow and ice.

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  Never Again! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By donor - June 11 - 8:46 am

  I would never buy a RAV4 again. I had problems with the steering that took 2 dealerships to repair. I also hate the cup holders which allow everything to flip out of them. The lights automatically shutoff after 30 when you are unloading it, especially annoying in the winter! The tires have not lasted 20,000 miles! There are 3 bad blindspots. The car has slid since day one in rain, snow, sleet, doesnt matter!

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  The uncomfortable seats have ruined the RAV4 for me :-( - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By tnaubie - June 3 - 4:00 pm

  Warning for potential RAV4 buyers.....Most uncomfortable seats in a car....EVER! I like almost everything about this vehicle but if it is uncomfortable to sit in then what use is it. Just took a 1000+ mile trip in our new 2012 RAV4 over 7 days and had a miserable experience in the passenger front seat (driver seat and back seats are just as bad). When test driving the car, I noticed the seats were firm, but did not know just how bad they were going to be until this trip. Too bad it took paying a gazillion dollars to find out how uncomfortable a ride this car is. If I had it to do over again, I would not purchase this vehicle based on the seats. I have owned 2 Corollas (1992 & 2006)and a Camry (2002) and loved all of them including the seats (that is why we returned to Toyota for another vehicle). What happened Toyota? Why change a good thing that has been working for many years? Not only are the seats beyond pitiful, but the upholstery is made of a hard feeling material. Cutting corners to save a dollar, I assume. The dark charcoal-colored material in the door panels and the dashboard show dirt and dust easily. I would prefer a one-tone lighter color like the gray that is used as the complementary color in my vehicle. I also do not care for the orange glow that Toyota has incorporated into the instrument panel on the dashboard. My 2006 Corolla has all white colored lights which is easy on the eyes, but the orange in the 2012 RAV4 is very distracting at night. The leg room and storage in the RAV4 is good. I especially like the storage bin under the back floorboard. I would like a couple more cubby hole type storage compartments in the front for the driver. My cell phone does not fit in the cell phone holder so I have to put it in the cup holder. The headrests are not adjustable. They can go only up or down and not in between. The back seat adjustment handles are VERY inconvenient....located on the top side of the seat back. Would prefer them to be located on the bottom side of the seat like most all car seats I have sat in. If you are already sitting in the seat and need to adjust the back up or down, then it is impossible to reach the handle without getting out of the seat. There are no adjustment handles for the seat height like in my Corolla. Wish there were. We got good gas mileage on our trip....27-28 mpg. The RAV4 handles easily and rides pretty smooth. But, like I said before, the uncomfortable seats outweigh any positive characteristics in this vehicle. Going on a long trip at the end of the summer in our RAV4 and not looking forward to it.

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  Shame on Toyota - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By KC Cookie - May 17 - 2:00 pm

  Our Toyota 2003 Rav4 was very nice. My husband did all the oil changes, rotating tires, brakes and any other kind of maintenance on car. It was fine until about a week ago and our transmission started acting up. We took it to a transmssion shop and they said to replace transmission at $5000. We decided to check out reviews on the internet and found out we werent the only ones with this problem. I use to trust toyota, but now I feel betrayed. They knew about it and didnt tell the consumer. Besides their Gas pedal problems now they are recalling not the RAV4s, but 2003 Sequoilas. This is for that cars transmission. Go figure ! Im going to Honda now!

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  Vibrates on the highway - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By BJ - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I almost did not buy a Rav4 due to concerns of Quality going down at Toyota. We had a 2005 Camry that vibrated of the highway if the wheels were not perfectly balanced. Well, I took a chance and got burned big time by Toyota. My 2010 Rav4 vibrates at speeds greater than 50. Other 2010 Rav4s tested at the dealership (after I bought it to compare) also vibrate and Toyota officially told me that they were just built that way. I have come across a couple of nearly identical complaints on the internet. Now I am looking to trade for a SUV that does not vibrate. Toyota could care less, but I would never buy another Toyota.

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  PLASTIC JUNK! BAD BLUETOOTH! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Hugh - January 29 - 11:05 pm

  I love this SUV. Only two problems is the seat belt plastic mount on the drivers door pillar has a constant rattle! Right in my left ear. Been to dearler twice still no fix! Guess I could drive a stick in to this $29,000 car to get it to stop, cant go far like this! Like the voodoo rattle torcher. Worst bluetooh on the market! 02/06/16 Up date Still the worst bluetooth on the market! Nissan has Toyota beat 10 to 1 on theirs.You Can get in the car and take off and if the does not pair right you cant even use your cell phone. Have to stop and shut it down get out of the car to make a phone call! Not just the rav4 my wifes 2013 camry does the same thing on her bluetooth! come on toyota your letting Nissan beat you on this bluetooth deal! Your better than that!

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  No Start Problem ! - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By animaladvocate - January 11 - 4:08 am

  I have a brand new - 3 weeks old 2012 Toyota RAV4 V6 4WD. It didnt start yesterday morning, it didnt start today at lunch. After reading all the directions and trying everything, it started on the 5th try. I contacted dealer and will be bringing it in tomorrow. Read another review that another customer was told to "live with it". I wont. This needs to be fixed or should be considered a lemon. Will update after my service appointment tomorrow !

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  fuel Economy - 2018 Toyota RAV4
  By Janga Rai - November 6 - 12:37 pm

  I have great concern about fuel economy . I have been observing the fuel economy since 2013 . The fuel economy of 2013 toyota rav4 was 22 in city and 28 on the high way . when I checked the fuel economy of 2018 toyota rav4 , I found still same . we being the reliable customers , the fuel economy of 2019 toyota rav4 will be 26 in the city and 35 on the highway as same as honda crv. thanks.

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  Test drive for a long time - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By amy - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I am 57" and have a long torso - seat is so uncomfortable I am going to physical therapy. Neck and shoulder pain while driving is horrible. Bumpy ride felt more so on newly paved roads for some reason. It feels like the wheels are not balanced or aligned properly or something. Online research regarding same showed numerous people have same problems with seat being uncomfortable and bumpy ride. Dont limit yourself to the 5 mile or so test drive that the sales rep "allows" you. I regretted buying this car after about a week. Also, stereo is bland and low end.

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  Well keep our superior 2011 Rav4 Limited - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Tim - October 28 - 3:56 am

  Try before you buy! When we needed more cargo room to take daughter and dorm stuff back to school 100 miles away we killed 2 birds with one stone. Were considering a new Rav but a 10 minute test drive IS NOT enough so we rented a 2016 Rav4 Limited which was hard to find for rent and seemed to ride the same as a 2015 we had driven prior. The car served its purpose in 2 ways: 1: It got the job done. 2: It convinced us to keep our 2011. Why? Ok so if you drive mostly smooth highways its ok. When tooling around/commuting on anything else it rides like a brick (yes tire psi correct) You feel every imperfection on the road.The other annoyance is the 6 speed which in theory makes sense but its annoying as it constantly hunts for gears. The 15/16 just have an overall cheap feel inside and out including fake leather. Our 2011 by comparison feels solid, no gear hunting, not a squeak or rattle, nice ride and real perforated leather. We have owned many fine Toyotas including our current Rav and 2009 Camry Hybrid but I think corporate greed has caused their quality to decline in recent years including far too many recalls some of which years later STILL dont have a fix which speaks volumes right there.