Toyota RAV4

Overview: Is the Toyota RAV4 a Good Compact SUV?

Few vehicles have impacted the motoring world more than the Toyota RAV4, which helped launch the crossover craze three decades ago. Part SUV, part car, the RAV4 meets many consumers’ automotive needs and remains one of the most popular vehicles on the road. Toyota offers numerous powerplant and trim options, ensuring a RAV4 for just about everyone. This overview covers the third (2006-2012), fourth (2013-2018), and fifth (2019-current) generations. Strong resale value is a core element of the Toyota RAV4. The Toyota RAV4 competes against the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Nissan Rogue.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Toyota RAV4 cars for sale.

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Related: Toyota RAV4 Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Key Features

The Toyota RAV4 offers:

• Five-door crossover SUV body style
• Four-cylinder, V6 (third-generation only), hybrid (2016+), and plug-in hybrid/PHEV (2021+) powerplants
• Two-row seating (a third-row option was available for the third generation)
• Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
• Automatic transmission
• Fuel economy: 40 mpg or better with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Trims

RAV4 trim choices were simple in the earlier years (Sport or Limited) but expanded to the LE, XLE, and Limited with the arrival of the fourth generation. The Toyota RAV4 Adventure also joined the lineup, and more recently, a TRD Off-Road edition became part of the RAV4's offerings. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has its own trim range, including the SE and XSE. Similarly, the Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is sold as the SE or XSE.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The RAV4 provides a good balance of space between the two rows (the third-generation-only third row is best left to younger passengers). Technology depends on year and trim, with older, lower trims focusing on the basics, while newer, premium editions are outfitted with touchscreen infotainment, navigation, and advanced driver-assist features (Toyota Safety Sense). Cargo space is ample and made more abundant with the folding back seats.

Review: 7 Great Toyota RAV4 Competitors: Which Alternatives Stack Up

How It Drives

Base RAV4 engines deliver reasonable acceleration and good fuel economy, while the RAV4 hybrid is slightly quicker and more fuel efficient. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the fastest vehicles in the automaker’s lineup, with zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds—the GR Supra and GR Corolla have better 0-60 mph times. RAV4 handling, regardless of the powertrain, is confident and secure but focused more on comfort than precision.

Safety

Most Toyota RAV4 model years received a four- or five-star (good to great) overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2011 model year dipped to a three-star rating due to a change in testing standards.

Reviews

Toyota RAV4 reviews via Kelley Blue Book average a solid 4.4 (out of 5.0) for the third and fourth generations. Reliability, quality, and value are cited as strong points. However, the ratings dropped substantially for the fifth generation. Owners rate these RAV4s 3.6, with the same characteristics (reliability, quality, and value) being areas of concern.

Learn More: Here Are The Toyota RAV4 Years To Avoid

FAQs

What is the disadvantage of the RAV4?

The main downsides of the RAV4 include the lack of an optional turbocharged engine, slightly less cargo room compared to rivals, no hybrid availability with AWD before 2019, and high resale prices.

Which is more reliable, the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4?

According to Consumer Reports, the latest models of the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 have similar predicted reliability scores (4 out of 5).

How much would a RAV4 cost?

The starting price for a new Toyota RAV4 is around $29,000 but can rise to about $48,000 for a top-tier Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV. A review of CoPilot’s nationwide listings shows that used Toyota RAV4 prices range from $5,000 to over $45,000, depending on age, trim, condition, and mileage.

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