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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  Best of All Worlds - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Greg - February 17 - 5:13 pm

  Great Zippy Vehicle...It is so fun to drive. I have the Evergreen Metallic that looks so sharp and the sunroof that comes in handy for ventilation. The RAV meets all of my expectations, and I have only 5500 miles on it, so my fuel economy should increase soon. It averages about 24 mpg now, and I read other reviews that rate it slightly higher. All of the features seem to be well thought out, and I also have the side curtain air bags that adds to my confidence in case of an accident.

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  Defective Hood! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Art - February 13 - 3:58 am

  I didnt notice during the test drive because it was almost dark already. The hood is bouncing even at low speed and more on high speed. According to the technician from Toyota USA it is normal because they made the Rav4 body thinner than the previous for more mileage. Biggest mistake of my life but I learned a lot with this experience. Just waiting one more year coz still upside down. I will definitely trade this car.

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  Great quality what is fuss about - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Sam - February 11 - 12:10 pm

  I have been researching this segment for more than 6 month and reading owner reviews and it was down to the outlander GT and the Rav 4 v6 limited, well got the Rav two days earlier than I should have as the zero % started Tuesday and I bought mine on Saturday. Excellent ride comfortable but not mushy, corner very well, amazing steering for a Toyota, 4x4 like a dream, and great Transmission. I used to have Acura CAL type S and thought it was quick, this RAV drive like a sport car with the assurance of the all wheel drive. Excellent interior and seriously drives like a quality Lexus but with a sport feel and connection to the road. Would buy it again and again. Excellent quality.

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  Pretty Happy So Far - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Okay in KY - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall, we really like our Rav4. My wife is the main driver. She wanted something smaller than a van, but still wanted to sit higher than a car. Im still trying to get used to the arrangement of the dash. The speedometer is in a large circle to the left. ( I look for it in the middle.) The tach is smaller and in the middle. The fuel gauge and the temp gauge are in a large circle to the right. The front bumper/grill seems mostly plastic/vinyl. The rear bumper is almost nonexistant. There are two narrow "bumps" - one on each side. Nothing in the middle because of the spare tire. So far, the rattles have not been bad.

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  1998 Rav4 L - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By jackdave - February 5 - 8:16 pm

  Just needs Captn chair arms for both the Driver and Psgr.!

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  Maybe a CR-V would make me happier - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By juand1 - February 5 - 1:31 pm

  I bought this 3 weeks ago and have driven it 4000 miles. Here are my grips: My arms and hands hurt at the end of every day of driving, high steering effort. Three spoke steering wheel blocks the most convenient hand placement to rest hands. Car skidding (Slip or VSC off) and Trac Off warning lights occassionally illuminate when driving on dry, level pavement. Trac Off light stays on till the car is turned off. VSC turns on and off randomly. Seats not comfortable. Crap radio on base model. SUV handling. Swinging tailgate inconvenient. Fit&Finish not up to Toyota. A bit noisy. High brake pedal effort, i hope it to subsides w/ break-in.

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  Rav4 review - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By 3puttdoc - February 3 - 10:06 pm

  Went in to Toyota dealer during "Toyotathon" to look at limited edition Rav4. Was disappointed to find no V6 on lot, or at any nearby Toyota dealers. Had already decided that 4 cylinder/4 speed transmission would not do. Test drove Limited 4cyl/4spd transmission at dealers insistence and was blown away. Great pickup and gas mileage has been better than expected. Four speed is perfectly mated to engine and downshifts appropriately for steep hills. Cruises at 65mph with only 2200 RPMs. Perfect commuter vehicle for me. Car performed well in recent Virgina Blizzard/Ice storm. Waved bye bye to lots of pickups in the ditches and trees.

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  Base Rav4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By ctutty - February 1 - 10:30 am

  We decided on a vehicle that allows the wife to enter/exit a higher driving position car. She finds getting in and out of the smaller Rav4 easier on her hip (bursitis). We took the Rav4 for its first long vacation trip, putting a total of 1590 miles on the vehicle. We averaged over 28mpg. The Rav4 handled in a predictable and well mannered fashion, but when rolling over rough pavement, you know you are not riding in a sedan. Some road noise was also evident at slow speeds, possibly due to the larger 17" (steel) wheels that came with the Value Pkg. The wife found the Rav4 a bit better to her driving sense than the CRV we test drove. The only complaint so far is the audio system (muffled).

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By dwill - January 31 - 7:03 pm

  This is my first SUV and Im very happy with it. The V6 has more power than you will need, but I thought the 4 cylinder was underpowered. Very smooth transmission. There is plenty of room in the back and I like the levers that allow you to drop the rear seats from the cargo area. Doesnt feel "big" while driving and is very easy to park. Gas mileage with a V6 of this power is exceptional! Well worth the money.

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  Great Decision - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JB - January 30 - 6:40 am

  I have had the car for 6 weeks/1300mi now and am very pleased. The interior is very comfortable and it drives great. The gas mileage is a little lower than I had hoped. So far I have averaged 25-26mpg, 80percent hwy/20percent city. Its been a hot summer so I am hoping it will get better when I can turn the a/c off. Speaking of a/c, it has had trouble keeping up a couple of times when its 103 degrees out. I live in Texas. Works great most of the time though. I would say the RAV4 definitely looks and feels more expensive than it is. Ive seen several people checking it out on the road.