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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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By ravnmad - July 12 - 9:05 pm

  My 2007 RAV4 ran dry on oil at 96,000 miles. Always maintained in a reasonable manner. Dealer and manufacturer refused to help offset repair cost that included replacing the 2.4 AZ-FE engine. There is a technical service bulletin addressing the design flaw of the 2AZ-FE engine, specifically related to the piston and ring assembly (TSB-0094-11). Reall list for this RAV4 includes intermediate shaft in steering column, Faulty air bag sensor, Rear lower control arm failure, unexpected acceleration and power widow switch fire hazzard to name a few. This list doesnt include the many TSBs affecting quality, namely the excesive oil consumption bulletin.

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  Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By wisernow1 - July 11 - 7:28 am

  Before the final stroke of the pen, I decided to buy the Toyota extended warranty - which actually seemed ridiculous that a Toyota wouldnt go 100K without a major problem. That was the only redeeming feature of my purchase: by 80K miles they replaced the alternator, air conditioning condensor, all valve stems and the COMPLETE ENGINE. When I informed Toyota of this total disaster they produced, the best response I got was that it was a good thing I bought the warranty. It is now gone and Ill never deal with a Toyota product again.

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  Wow - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By sean20202020 - July 10 - 6:23 am

  After considering CR-V, Tucson, Sportage. I got 4 cyl, AWD, Base, a couple od days ago in Canada. Its so rock solid and precise. Nice quality. Everything is tighten. Big enough for 2 kids and 2 adults. Engine room looks well organized. I can see what quality means. I recommend to anybody who wants this size and quality SUV. If youre a Honda fan, you may wait until all new CR-V come out this summer and see. But I wont regret.

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  Very Happy with RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By johnh - July 2 - 7:06 am

  I needed more room than my 4 door sedan provided, but I didnt want a large gas sucking SUV. The RAV4 is perfect for my familys needs (we already have a minivan). The ride is very nice, reasonably quiet, and it holds the road well. The power of the 3.5 liter V6 is great, and Ive been averaging 23.5 mpg in mixed driving over the 3000 miles Ive driven the car. It seems to get between 25 and 28 mpg on the highway and between 17 and 19 around town. The third seat fits our 5 year old well, and since its a 50-50 split, the dog can sit next to him in the back while the 2-year-old twins are quite happy in the middle row. Highly recommend! Great car!

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  Love my RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Nelson - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my RAV4. Comfortable to drive on long trips, loads of room, 45,000 miles and no problems. This is my 2nd RAV4. First one was a 1999,loved it too. When it came time for a new vehicle, I got the new car bug, couldnt wait to buy the newer model, 2007, much quieter ride and larger. Plenty of room for the kids.

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  Not so reliable as they say - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Jacko - July 1 - 6:20 am

  I dont know what the fuss is all about. Its nice for the first few months, then you start seeing all the negative aspects of the car. Yes, it looks nice, it has lots of room, but there are issues. Overall, very overrated car. In reality, as an owner - Id say its terrible.

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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Emily - June 30 - 3:46 pm

  My car has a lot of pick up, the quality is awesome for the price. There is NO better turning radius.

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  Satisfied owner - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By albino52 - June 30 - 4:16 am

  Vehicle has far exceeded our expectations. I have found this fun to drive and it has excellent cargo space and the side opening makes loading less stressful. I find the drivers seat not deep enough thus doesnt provide adequate leg support.

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  I dont know... - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JOMEN - June 24 - 6:50 pm

  After a long hard decision making, I picked the RAV4 believing that Ill get good gas mileage as advertised and overall good quality, hey its a toyota. After a month of using it mostly on highways the most I got was 19 mpg. The suspension is very disappointing, very stiff, the clock placement, the kick you feel as you shift from reverse to drive, engine noise, tire noise, idle noise, the small knobs for the stereo are all negative factors. Ill just finish the lease and say bye-bye.

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  Simply Spectacular! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Hunch - June 24 - 5:43 am

  I also own a 2006 BMW 325i, and I have to say that the new RAV4 V-6 is every bit as much fun to drive! The 269 hp engine delivers phenomenal torque, extending a challenge to my 325i for a race! Thumping the gas pedal is exhilarating and I cant recommend doing so highly enough! I leased this vehicle but will likely buy it at the end of the lease and just get leather seats installed. Itll be like a new vehicle and will probably only have about 30,000 miles by that time. And since its a Toyota, I figure Ill get another 270,000 miles out of it! If you havent driven the V-6 yet, get out there and run one! Youll love it!