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 2017 Rav4 SE AWD review - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike Dallmeier - June 7 - 1:03 am

  First let me say I owned a 2013 Ford Escape SEL before buying this vehicle. That being said, my Escape had more options on it for the price point. I have never owned a Toyota before and I found the appearance of the RAV4 inviting. The 2017 RAV4s only offer a 4 cylinder engine, the 2016s offered a 6 cylinder. The SE comes with the ECO/Sport modes. ECO Im getting about 29mpg, Sport mode close to the same, although engine is more peppy in sport mode. There is plenty of power for merging onto highways and for passing in my opinion. Interior is quiet and road/engine noise into the cabin is minimal. The SEs suspension is more stiff, a little more rough than Id like but ok. Almost no vehicle lean going around corners, electric steering feels fine also. Stereo is great! Cabin speakers more than adequate, better than my Escapes. The seats are not as comfortable as I would have expected, a bit disappointing! The headlights and tail lights have the LED trim which looks very nice. Great visibility at night with just low beams on! Back seat is spacious, cargo area fine. The only thing I wish I had is memory button for drivers seat and a power passenger seat. Other than that its a nice vehicle, but I only have a little over 550 miles on it so far.

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  Great SUV/CUV, with a few caveats - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By tradedcmax - June 6 - 12:14 pm

  Updated 2 years later: I enjoyed the RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid for just over 2 years, but didnt realize the negative effect the front seat was having with my leg, and how I would develop a problem that could have caused or helped to contribute to neuropathy, something that developed during my RAV4 ownership. I had come to believe the RAV4 was the only car I could drive, without hurting my feet more. By chance I recently drove a Buick Encore, and while the seats were slightly more narrow, the bottom cushion side bolsters pushed up and provided support in a place that needed to be supported. I could not believe how much difference this made. I thought it was a fluke, and tried again and even again. Same thing, less problems with my feet hurting. Now, 4 weeks into this new relationship and Ive been able to do more than before. I have reduced the pain meds a bit, and I can go longer without the pain. I dont know if the condition is fully reversible or not, it came on during a 2 year period, so maybe it will take awhile. Maybe never. And maybe nothing to do with it? I dont know. But I do know Im getting better support with a different cars front seat. And I can get around without as much trouble - the need to limp from the pain is going away. As for repairs, I had the rear tailgate door switch that had to be replaced, and the problem of hitting the switch more than once was still present after the repair. In addition, the left front fog light burned out and was also covered under warranty. The last thing I noticed and didnt have serviced, was an intermittent issue with the brakes acting a bit odd, and without any consistency. It would feel like the left front caliper was grabbing or something. It was too intermittent to take in for service, and had recently passed the state inspection without issue. Is the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid a great car? Yes...and a great value. The paint on the RAV4 Hybrid, made in Japan, was way better. And the 30mpg average was just incredible. I miss the extra space, and the fact I was saving more gas. What I wish was that the seats were more comfortable, and that Toyota realized that not everyone is a certain shape and size, and plan accordingly with the seats. UPDATE: At about the one year anniversary of owning this great SUV, I traded it in with 18,000 miles on the odometer. Why? I traded it for a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid XLE. I enjoyed it so much that I took a small loss to get into the hybrid version. The gas mileage is anywhere from 31mpg around town and higher speed commutes, to 37.5mpg on a trip from Phila to Baltimore and back - going just about the speed limit using the adaptive radar cruise control. While I gave up the faux leather heated memory seats, I gained a significantly better technology equipped hybrid version. The tech package includes front collision avoidance with cars and pedestrians, lane departure, front and rear parking assist sensors, and of course blind spot monitoring. My wife misses her heated seats for her back issues, but agreed the cloth seats were more amiable to not sweating when hot, and not feeling as cold when it is cold outside. The RAV4 limited (non-hybrid) model did GRRRRREEEAAAAATTTT in the snow, it did a really good job in fact. The hybrid AWD is different, and havent had a chance to try it in the snow. But the limited non-hybrid was perfect in the snow - hoping for the same with this one. The only thing I found I didnt like on the non-hybrid version, which is made in Canada, was that the paint was as thin a layer as you could imagine and I got alot of chips from driving on the highway. The hybrid is made in Japan and so far, not a single chip. I did have to replace the windshield as a stone must have hit the windshield, and then it spread, but no chips on the hood.....so if you like a good paint job, get the hybrid because they seem like they are better painted as they are made in Japan. I would highly recommend the RAV4 to anyone......from the cargo size, to the quality, to the MPG, to the lack of problems, etc. Id say the RAV4 is a homerun! All in all, Im pleased with this vehicle. I upgraded from another smaller wagon cuv with all wheel drive, because it could not handle the speed of I95 in the Philly metro area. I was pleased with the handling of this RAV4, at those highway/rush hour speeds. I havent tried out the AWD as I bought this in the spring season when there was no snow. But so far, it is doing well. Ive had this for about a month and have just over 2,000 miles on it. But this is getting anywhere from 24 mpg on my suburbia trips, up to 28 mpg on the highway (higher speed) drives. I realize Id get more MPG if Id be able to go 45-50 mph, but that is not possible.

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  Rav 4 sucks - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By rav4_sucks - June 6 - 1:27 am

  I have had this car for a year and a half. Toyota is the worst company to deal with. After 7,000 miles the brakes made a garggiling sound and would not come to a complete stop. I have my wife and kids in the car up in the mountains on a sunday afternoon. Called Toyota and they wanted to charge me $500.00 to tow the car to a dealership. Towing NOT covered under bumper to bumper. Also the tires on the car only lasted 22,000 miles. The radio will turn its self off for no reason. All the dash lites go on and off then the car dies. BIGGEST PIECE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would not [non-permissible content removed] with a Toyota driver manual. (it wont get the job done) MAJOR FAIL TOYOTA

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  I like everything but the gas mileage - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Stan - June 2 - 7:06 pm

  The 6 cyl is awesome and the handling is nice. But there is a lot of air noise and it is not a quiet ride. We now drive the sedan on long trips because of the interior noise. With gas at $4 a gallon, and going up, it may become too expensive to drive. I barely get 24 MPG on the interstate, driving 320 miles round trip, and barely 23 MPG, driving to work, and thats a 40 mile trip on the highway. My dealer told me, there is nothing he can do about the gas mileage if the check engine light is not "on". The ride is "OK" but not great.

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  A set of tires makes a big differance! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By James G. in Michigan - June 2 - 6:50 am

  I have owned this SUV for 7 months now. Its is winter in Michigan, and the Bridgestone tires that came with it are so-so in the snow. I purchased a set of Michelan All Terrain Tires. What a huge difference. It feels like I drive in 4x4 mode all the time. No matter how much snow we get, I just drive like there is none. I always use Michelin tires on my 4x4s. Plus no recall problems so far. My wife is the primary driver and I know she is safe driving this on the road.

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  Great Value and Reliability - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By kenbowls - June 1 - 5:00 pm

  I have had the RAV4 for about 18 months and no problems. A real value and very reliable. MPG, about 23 in town and 28-30 on the highway. Plenty of room and comfort, with plenty of headroom and very little wind and road noise. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power and did not need speeding tickets with the V6 engine. I have a new 2008 Highlander and I call the RAV4 my baby Highlander. Very hard to find fault with.

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  Love my RAV! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By lauren - June 1 - 3:53 pm

  I love my...I feel high up on the road, yet it is as easy to drive as any car. The car can hold many items that would never fit in a sedan, such as a washing machine, yet it has all the advantages of a sedan.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Dennis - May 30 - 8:43 pm

  Despite all the media hype on Toyotas, this Rav4 has got to be the best. I have always owned American made vehicles but none of them made now can beat this Rav4. I love everything about the vehicle except the remote start. The vehicle shuts down when you open the door.

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  The choice was fairly easy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By tony - May 27 - 2:33 pm

  Before we started shopping, we had our choice narrowed down to the Rav or the Honda CR-v. After driving each of them, the choice was simple. The Rav was quieter on the highway, less road and wind noise. Takes bumps great, and we hit 70 mph in no time. This is for our daughter in college, so we chose the base model, figuring her friends would probably borrow it, and it would be parked in lots where nicks would be inevitable. If you dont need a moonroof and auto climate control, the base model is fine. She uses the iPod hookup most of the time, so didnt need the 6 disc changer. The radio on the base is plenty good, and still has 6 speakers. 4 cylinder seems to be peppy and very responsive.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By asamford - May 24 - 5:28 am

  Bought this 2012 Rav4 in october. I really regret the choice. should have tried to rent one first. Firstly this is totatlly a girls car. Not a real suv because it only holds 5 people and theres not much room for luggage inside. Gas Mileage sucks. Car downshifts/4000rpm on some overpasses and ALL small hills at 70-80 mph. Wind blows it all over the road. Steering is too tight and erratic. ride is rough and transmission shifts funny like it cant decide which gear to stay in at certain speeds. Cheap radio speakers, sounds really cheap. No room for mens legs knees hit on both sides while driving. Hate it, but thank God its my wifes car.