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:

• 

  Carve up the backroads - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By matt_in_motion - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Nice engine. Quiet. Excellent stereo. Superb handling. I drive 30 miles each way to work (27mpg). Back roads and 2 lane highway. I bought this SUV for the FT4WD and the stickshift. I didnt want a computer deciding when to engage the 4WD. I also test drove CRV, Saturn, Forester, Imprezza, others... I was really excited when I first purchased it. My wife likes it. Now after 3 months, I am very satisfied. I cant wait for a lot of snow this winter to test the FT4WD. With a rear-facing car seat, my 56" wife has 1" of kneeroom between the glovebox. Forward facing car-seat provides adequate room in front seat.

• 

  My Second Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Xiam - May 19 - 10:00 am

  My 2007 RAV4 had zero issues in 40K+ miles. Even the original brakes and tires were still serviceable. The 2010 has a few welcome pluses - More power on less gas [well see]; a scuff plate on the rear bumper and a nice mpg readout. Sure, the rides a little jiggly and the drivers seat not too comfy after an hour or two, and the idles rough with the A/C on, and that weird tailgate doesnt open like all the others - BUT - Theres plenty of space for 4/5 adults OR a lot of cargo with the seats down. About 25 mpg average; over 30 on the road. Plenty of zip, even with the I4/4 speed power train.

• 

  Beats Honda Crv - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Chuck DeLaney - May 16 - 8:31 am

  Had been driving large crossovers for many years. Kids and grandkids grown or moved away. Knew that Toyota and Honda both have great reliability ratings, so drove both. For my wife and I, Toyota beat Honda in most all categories, except possibly gas mileage. Honda seats very uncomfortable, lots of wind noise and a very rough ride. Settled on Toyota Rav4 over Honda CRV. Little worried about new softex seating material in Toyota, did some research and everything was positive. Found that Mercedes us almost same (Different named) material in their cars. So far, everything is going great, my wife has more high tech equipment on this car than in her much higher dollar crossover. Havent had the car long enough yet to comment on mileage, etc. Will update after 6 mos. Seriously doubt if there will be anything negative to report.

• 

  The RAV 4 is one of the Best! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Pauldo - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The RAV 4L is well built and very reliable. It is a lot of fun to drive since it can corner on a dime with minimum body roll. The Toyota quality is apparent through out the exterior and interior of the mini suv. Gas mileage is excellent all around on regular unleaded gas.

• 

  GreatMiniToyota SUV - Rava4 - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Phyl - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my new RAVA4- Sporty, good looking, comfortable, safe, cool, and all you could want in a SUV. Love the nice storage in the Cargo area.

• 

  Teeth rattling ride - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By pfw1 - May 7 - 7:51 am

  I bought the 2012 V6 4x4 sport a couple of months ago. I got the sport because of the lack of the tire on the tailgate. I guess I was not paying enough attention on the test drive. This is the most bouncy jouncy bumpy car I have ever driven. every tiny bump/crack in the pavement is transferred right to your kidneys. Im not sure if its because of the sport suspension or the 18" run flats. It is better on the freeway.The V6 is also a bit too powerful for this car, if such a thing can be possible. A tinny box like this should not be able to go so fast. the throttle is also super touchy which can be unpleasant if you are too heavy with your foot. The mileage is mediocre at 18 combined driving.

• 

  Bad paint - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By lorav - May 6 - 6:06 am

  In April 2012 I bought a Toyota Rav 4 2011. It is July 3 2012 and already there is a penny size paint chip that came off the hood. The dealer will not even report it let alone have it fixed. There are lots of reports of bad paint being used on Rav4s for years. And Toyota ignores it.

• 

  Well see - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By FlyerFan - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Had a 96 Grand Cherokee but got sick of all the problems. I wanted to get a new car with: price tag at or below $20K, 4WD, extremely reliable, able to fit large cargo when needed, mostly a commuter car for work....only found 2 that met criteria...RAV4 & CRV. Didnt test drive CRV because to me it just looks tin-canny, and the wheels look too small to be stable. Advice to you would be to drive both and see. If youre looking for a family car, check out the Highlander ($5K more than RAV4). I bought a RAV4 and now have 1000 miles on it.

• 

  Watch out at 50,000 mi - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By chash - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Rav 4 untill 50,mi watch out anyone who owns one. at 50,000mi it falls apart. water pump, timing belt, shocks,valves, I dont know if my rav was built on a monday or a friday but I am positive that it was one of those days dont get me wrong I love my car but do yourself a favor and buy the extended warranty Toyotas dont run forever!!!

• 

  no problems, great for my wife - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By BrianJ - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall a good "cute SUV". Havent had any problems with it. Only getting 20mpg. Kind of weak accelerating, but its not supposed to be a sports car. The rear seats remove easily for hauling medium size stuff (bikes, etc.). Body design is a major improvement over previous models.