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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  Great Mom Who Looks Single SUV - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Former Camry Lover - March 31 - 10:00 am

  It was a shock after I bought it because I was used to the comfort of a Camry; however, after driving it for a weekend, I fell in love with it. Now my daughter looks forward to riding in it and it is just too much fun to drive!

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  Jay Z - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Jay Z - March 31 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure to drive albeit it has the L upgrade package.

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  Very poor mileage - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By ledaebel - March 29 - 11:20 pm

  I have had a problem with poor gas mileage since I first bought the car. I am not happy having to get out of a warm car to put gas in the tank so frequently. I have brought this problem to the dealer, the service dept, the regioal rep, (BTY was very difficult to locate) and finally to phone "caseworker." The best mileage I got was 18.2 MG on the toll road. Now, in the middle of winter 14.2. Toyota says there is nothing wrong with the car. Their reasoning is that I must use bad gas, its winter, its a 6 cyl, the EPA ratings are done under ultimate conditions and I should not expect that yype of mileage Im dumping this gas guzzler. I had better mileage with my2007 6cyl Camry.

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  Best Little SUV in Texas - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By CAT - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my RAV4 L all over Texas and have taken two trips out to Las Vegas from Houston and I enjoyed every mile. The little Rav was more than I expected and the 30mpg was great. It handled the hills in New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada with ease. Even in the southwest wend it held its ground. In Northern Arizona I encountered snow and it did very well. The only problem Ive ever had is with the rear wheel cover in a car wash that has automated brushes. The brushes tend to pull the cover off so I started using the type of car wash that doesn’t have spinning brushes and now the rear wheel cover is not a problem any more.

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  This is FUN to drive!! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Klein - March 25 - 12:56 pm

  This is my 1st SUV in many years, but it wont be my last. Previous vehicle was a 2000 Avalon that easily moved past the 100,000 mile mark. The 3rd generation RAV is actually pretty good sized. This vehicle is so much fun to drive. The V-6 sounds great and is really "hot", but fairly economical. A great sound system is enhanced by the access to XM Satellite radio. The solid safety rating (including being surrounded by airbags) is comforting. The Smart Key system has you lamenting the fact that you have to use a key to open your front door in just a few days! I live in a hilly area, but the AWD got around in 7" of fresh snow like it was July.

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  Good responsive vehicle. - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Henchcliffe - March 21 - 6:53 pm

  When backing up on a rainy evening it is difficult to see what is behind the vehicle because the camera lens gets wet. The tires that came with the vehicle when purchased are extremely noisy and appear to get louder as the mileage increases. This is a well built vehicle that handles well." I am very happy with it.

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  If you need it, it has it! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave Krell - March 21 - 5:27 am

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  Greatly Recommend this vehicle - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By George C. - March 19 - 9:17 pm

  After driving for more than 21,000 miles I believe that it is a good vehicle. It is powerful enough on hills. It is comfortable to drive. My complaints: poor driver mirror design, you need to be careful when changing left lanes. Do not trust the mirror. Radio Preset station hard to change. Cannot check transmission oil level. It is a closed system. You need special tools to check.

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  Not happy with drivers seat - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Roshan - March 14 - 7:48 am

  Before buying this car, pay attention to drivers seat. I bought this vehicle and it was ok for couple of weeks and after that I noticed having back pain, Found out there are couple of springs in the back seat that are pushing against middle of back and that make it a very uncomfortable ride for driver. I contacted dealer and they advised me that use some kind of cushion as thats how seat is designed and nothing can be done to fix this problem. I had 2012 Rav4 and never had any problems with seat. Also I have a sienna at home and no problems. Its only this vehicle that is causing me back pain. I tried different positions on seat but no success. Thanks

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  Ravioli Returns - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Tab - March 12 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 2nd Rav, first was 5 speed, I sold it and regretted so I bought an auto. Stick shift needs another gear for sure, tachs at about 3k at 60 mph, but hey it never let me down the 3 years I owned it. Now the auto is better but for a 4 cylinder and its get up it should do better ( 23 city ). I love it, awesome in the snow, rain any weather. Would buy another, I am a Honda lover also. Auto shifts so smooth you almost dont feel it.