In 2020, the Toyota RAV4 was Toyota’s best-selling SUV, let’s find out why it’s so popular.
Believe it or not, the RAV4 is actually somewhat of a trailblazer (though not in the Chevy sense) because it was the first compact crossover SUV (CUV) ever.
Compact crossover SUVs offer the best parts of an SUV such as cargo space, visibility, and four-wheel drive. As well as the handling and fuel economy of a compact car. The first RAV4 was a rugged off-road vehicle instead of a grocery-getter like the fourth and fifth generations, but we’ll get into that later.
RAV4 stands for Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4 Wheel Drive. It used to stand for Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4-wheel drive. That was until one day when a bored Toyota marketing department got ahold of it.
Another brilliant marketing tactic Toyota used was that the RAV4 was a “cute ute”, implying that it was an attractive utility vehicle. Although the RAV4 was released in North America for the 1996 model year, it started much earlier as a phenomenal concept in 1989. There have been five generations of RAV4 with the most recent being the XA50
First Generation (1996-2000)
The first-generation RAV4 was released in 1995 and would end up in showrooms for the 1996 model year. The original RAV4 was very customizable.
When buying a RAV4, buyers would have the choice between two- or four-door versions, FWD or AWD, as well as the option of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
However, all RAV4s shared the same 2.0l I4 engine which produced 120 hp. It received the honors of being named the 1997 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine.
In an effort to comply with California’s zero-emission requirements, Toyota released an all-electric RAV4 in 1997. There were only 1,500 produced at an MSRP of about $42,000. The all-electric RAV4 boasted a top speed of 80 mph and a range of 100 miles.
Today, this would not be considered all that impressive with Tesla’s going much further, however, for the times it was truly an accomplishment. If you still don’t think the all-electric RAV4 was anything special, you can ask Tom Hanks what he thinks about it as he was one of the few owners.
Trims
- For 1997, new upholstery for the two-door RAV4 and the four-door RAV4 arrived and the RAV received the option of a sunroof. All RAVs have had noise reduction increased by insulating the front dash to keep the sounds from the noisy engine out.
- For 1998, Toyota added a modest seven horsepower to the RAV4 and introduced yet another version. Now, buyers had to choose between having a roof or no roof as a convertible was offered. Also, there were minor styling changes and a new seat fabric for the four-door RAV.
- For 1999, a new L Special Edition package with leather seats and color-keyed body cladding was offered. More importantly, Toyota added a steel full-size spare tire to the RAV. On a more dismal note, Toyota decided to drop the two-door hardtop, leaving owners to choose between the two-door soft-top or the four-door hardtop.
- For 2000, not much had changed, Toyota nixed the convertible design and completely redesigned the cupholder.
First-generation RAV4: Problem Areas
Although the first-generation RAV4 had rugged looks, it turned out to not have the safety to back it up. When the IIHS tested the RAV it got an overall marginal score. This was because the occupant moved around too much in a crash and in the moderate front overlap the dummy suffered serious injuries.
Another problem for the original RAV4 was underinflating airbags, which it would later be recalled for in 2000. All in all, the first-generation RAV4 is reliable, reporting about 60 or fewer complaints on NHTSA for each year.
It’s safe to say as long as the first-generation RAV4 is regularly maintained it will not give you any extraordinary problems.
Second Generation (2001-2005)
The second-generation RAV4 arrived for the 2001 model year. Similar to the last generation it shared components with the Corolla and Carina.
However, it came with some significant changes, the most obvious being that it was longer, taller, and wider. The increase in cabin space was fantastic, however, to compensate for the weight gain Toyota fit the RAV with a new 2.0l I4 engine, this one producing 148 hp.
Another glaring difference for the new RAV was that it was only offered in the four-door variant, ditching the previous sporty-looking two-door. Similar to the last one, it offered drivers a five-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmission as well as FWD or AWD.
Standard equipment for the RAV included antilock brakes (ABS), aluminum wheels, and air conditioning. For those who wanted remote keyless entry or a power sunroof, it was provided, optional of course.
There were several options and packages available for those who wanted the finer things in life like power windows, doors and locks with A/C, cruise control, a six-speaker sound system with a cassette and CD player, heated exterior mirrors, floor mats, privacy glass, fog lights, and a leather interior.
For those who cared more about functionality than comfort, a limited-slip differential was an option on the 4WD versions. Similar to the last, it was met with high praise from reviewers, receiving the Motor Trend 2001 SUV of the year.
Not only did the RAV4 prove to be successful with auto enthusiasts but it also proved to be successful with the ladies. A 2003-2004 survey found that it had the highest proportion of female drivers at its time.
For 2002, buyers who opted for the Quick Order package received gray-painted bumpers and fenders. Toyota offered several improvements to the L package such as color-keyed bumpers fenders as well as offering new exterior colors.
For 2003, a new sport package is offered, bringing with it a new black mesh grille, a hood scoop, color-keyed door handles, heated exterior mirrors, tubular roof rack, new seats, and gray-painted bumpers and fenders.
For 2004, Toyota gave the RAV4 a much-needed larger engine, a 2.4l I4 producing 160 hp. Toyota also gave the RAV a gentle restyling providing a more aggressive appearance, new steering wheel, and instrument panel.
Toyota increased the standard equipment on the RAV, now coming with stability and traction control, ABS, air conditioning, and a six-speaker sound system. In an effort to increase safety, multistage front airbags, side airbags in the front, and full-length head curtain airbags are now optional.
Second-generation RAV4: Problem Areas
The second generation had a tough act to follow with the reliability of the first generation. It seemed to follow suit with the safety rating, except the new RAV was failing a different test. The new RAV received an acceptable mark in the moderate front overlap, which was better than the previous marginal mark.
However, it now received the worst grade offered by the IIHS in the side crash test, a grade of poor. However, for those who chose the optional side airbags in 2004, that mark would improve from the bottom of the class to the top with a grade of good.
In an effort to prevent crashes, Toyota made their vehicle stability control standard in 2004.
As for reliability, the RAV4 could simply not achieve the greatness of its predecessor. It received over 500 complaints for each model year as opposed to the previous 60, according to the NHTSA.
It seemed that the Achilles heel of the second-generation RAV4 was the automatic transmission that accounted for over 60% of the complaints.
Also, the RAV 2.0l I4 engine struggled with improper acceleration and had powertrain problems. All in all, it just didn’t have the reliability of the old RAV nor the safety of its successor.
Third Generation (2006-2012)
The third-generation RAV4 came with several firsts. It was the first RAV4 to not be built on a platform that shared elements with the Corolla and the Carina.
Also, it was the first RAV4 equipped with an electronic power steering system (EPS). Third-row seating and a new 269 hp V6 engine would now be optional on the RAV4. This would also be the first RAV4 without an optional manual transmission, the four-cylinder engine received a four-speed transmission and the six-cylinder was mated to a five-speed transmission.
However, Toyota kept the 166 hp 2.4l I4 as the standard engine for the RAV. Similar to the last generation RAV4, it grew again offering a 21% larger cabin.
The new RAV was offered in three trim levels: Base, Sport, and Limited. Standard features for the Base trim include 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, a CD stereo with MP3 capability, and power windows, mirrors, and locks.
The Sport trim provides 18-inch alloy wheels, wider tires, a sport-tuned suspension, color-keyed fenders, a roof rack, and an optional moonroof. The Limited trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, an upgraded audio system with a six-disc CD changer.
The Limited trim also allows drivers to opt for a moonroof, leather seating, and a rear entertainment system.
For 2007, front-seat side airbags and full-side curtain airbags are standard on every RAV4. Also, the JBL audio system will come with steering wheel-mounted controls as well as Bluetooth.
For 2009, the RAV4 got a midcycle refresh bringing with it an all-new 178 hp 2.5l I4 engine and styling changes. New options include a backup camera, navigation, smart keyless entry, and a push-button starter.
For 2012, Toyota decided to try its hand again at an EV RAV4. This time they worked with Tesla to develop the new EV. Similar to the last RAV4 EV, this one had a limited production (2,600 units), was sold only in Calif., and had a range near 100 miles.
Since the powertrain was developed by Tesla, the RAV4 EV shares many components with the Tesla Model S.
Third-generation RAV4: Problem Areas
The third-generation RAV proved to be the safest RAV yet. It received top marks in both the moderate front overlap and side test. Neither of the previous two had received a good in both of those categories.
Also, if you pick up a RAV4 that was released after the 2009 model year it received active headrest restraints. This brought the third-generation RAV4s head restraints and seats from a marginal to a good, jumping two levels. Not only did the RAV receive good in three of the four categories, but it also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2009.
The only real weakness where the third-generation RAV4 was involved was the roof strength. This can be explained by the new larger dimension of the RAV making it harder to keep rigid in a crash.
As for the reliability of the new RAV, it was greatly improved from the last generation.
However, it had a rocky start, from 2006-2008 it received about 600 complaints per model year, reminiscent of the previous generation. The big problems for these RAVs were the steering and the engine.
The steering shafts on most RAVs were defective, accounting for nearly half of the complaints. The engine complaints made up about 15% of the total and were due to the RAV burning excessive amounts of oil.
However, Toyota turned it around and cut the complaints in half for the 2009-2012 model years making them more reliable. The only problem they seemed to have was unwanted acceleration. Several drivers reported that they had their foot on the brake and the RAV would still accelerate causing accidents.
Fourth Generation (2013-2018)
The fourth generation came with some significant changes. It was the first RAV4 with a lift gate instead of a side-opening rear, as well as the first generation to lose the signature rear-mounted spare tire. They took away the 3.5l V6 and replaced it with a 2.5l I4 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
In this grand “improvement”, they lost nearly 100 hp and only found four more mpg. Going back to the first and second-generation roots this RAV shrinks down in size.
The fourth-generation RAV was offered in three trims; LE, XLE, and Limited. The base model LE comes standard with a host of equipment including 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, power-folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split and reclining second-row seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with a 6-inch touchscreen, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, and USB connectivity.
The XLE trim brings with it alloy wheels, foglights, heated side mirrors, roof rails, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and sportier seats. The XLE also has an optional package that adds a navigation system, Toyota’s Entune, satellite radio, HD radio, and voice controls.
The top-of-the-line Limited trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a height-adjustable power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory settings, heated front seats, and synthetic leather upholstery.
The navigation system with Entune is also available on the Limited trim and can be bundled with an 11-speaker JBL audio system.
For 2014, a new technology package was offered for the Limited trim which brings with it a blind-spot monitoring system with a lane departure warning system and automatic high-beam control.
For 2016, it received a facelift which made the exterior look a lot better, offered a Sport Edition (SE) trim, offered new driver assists, and most crucially a cupholder upgrade! This was also the first generation to offer a hybrid RAV4.
For 2018, an Adventure trim is added to the RAV lineup. This adds 18-inch black alloy wheels, an extra .3-inches of ground clearance, fender flares, all-weather floor mats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and an outlet in the cargo area that is similar to what you would find in your house.
Fourth-generation RAV4: Problem Areas
The RAV4 earned IIHS Top Safety Picks for the 2013, 2015, and 2018 model years. For 2016 and 2017 it received even higher marks from the IIHS with a Top Safety Pick+.
For the 2013-2014 model years, the RAV struggled with the small overlap front tests on both the drivers and passenger side. This tests the vehicle on how it would protect the occupants if it hit something head-on but slightly to the driver or passenger side. Toyota fixed this in 2015 making the RAV jump from a poor to a good mark in the small overlap test for the driver.
However, they never cared to strengthen the passenger side so all model years received a poor score for the small overlap front test on the passenger side.
The fourth-generation RAV4 managed to get even more reliable than the previous generation with an average of about 140 complaints per model year. It seems that the only complaint that showed up repeatedly for this RAV was that the radio would shut off and reset randomly or constantly.
Luckily this is a relatively cheap fix as compared to the problems of previous generations, so when it comes to reliability this RAV assumes the same posture as the original first-gen.
Fifth Generation (2019-Present)
The fifth-generation RAV4 was released for the 2019 model year and shared its platform with the Camry and Avalon. The new RAV got a 2.5l I4 engine that produces 203 hp. This new engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Couple these upgrades with a lighter curb weight and the RAV got more economical with a combined mpg of 30. The RAV comes with FWD standard on all trim levels not including the Adventure which gets standard AWD. The RAV has two different AWD systems, the LE and the XLE get a standard AWD system.
Whereas, the Adventure and the Limited receive an upgraded system with a torque-vectoring system. This can enhance traction on slippy surfaces such as dirt or snow.
The base model LE comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, rear privacy glass, low-profile roof rails, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a backup camera, a 60/40-split folding and reclining second-row seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a seven-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay compatibility, one USB port, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system.
Trim-dependent options include a hands-free liftgate, a 360-degree parking aid, a parking sensor system with automatic braking, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.
The XLE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, push-button start, keyless entry, upgraded interior trim, a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, four USB ports, and extending sun visors.
Then, the XLE Premium adds 19-inch wheels, .2-inches of ground clearance, a power liftgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, faux leather upholstery, and soft-touch dashboard materials.
In addition to changes in styling cues, the Adventure adds lots of equipment. Equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, fender flares, all-weather floor mats, taller roof rails, a backup camera with guidelines, an eight-inch touchscreen, and satellite radio. The Adventure trim also can tow a ton more than the other RAVs. The Adventure has a max towing capacity of 3,500 lbs compared to 1,500 lbs.
The top-of-the-line Limited trim comes with chrome exterior trim, driver-seat memory functions, an auto-dimming mirror, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a Toyota navigation system.
Fifth-generation RAV4: Problem Areas
The new RAV does come with some problems, the 2019 model had over 350 complaints. While most of the problems are varying by user experience there are two common problems.
The biggest problem was that the fuel tank did not fill up all the way, leaving space for an extra three gallons.
However, Toyota recalled the RAV for this problem and fixed it. Another common problem is that owners say the battery drains while the car is parked. So far, the new RAV has had seven recalls so most of these common problems should be fixed.
The new RAV is by far the safest RAV thus far. It received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2019 and an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2020. Although it scored top marks nearly across the board the RAV struggled with its headlights.
Ironically, the Hybrid XLE, XSE, and Limited trims headlights scored the lowest mark by the IIHS. Whereas, the gas-only trims headlights all scored one better with a score of marginal. Perhaps the strangest result is that the Hybrid LE trim, the cheapest of all hybrid trims scored better than the higher-level hybrid trims.
Best RAV4 to Buy
If I were to buy a RAV4 I would opt for the first generation. I would choose the first-generation RAV for many reasons, the first being its reliability. As I said it had few complaints on the NHTSA. This is an impressive feat for a car that is about 25 years old.
Also, it was the closest thing to the original 1989 concept RAV, which looked amazing. I like the rugged looks, options, and reliability of the first-generation RAV. It seems like a vehicle that would be fun to take on a day trip to the beach and would be a good daily driver.
A close second for me would be a 2009-2012 third-generation RAV4 because of the excellent safety score, V6 engine, and improved reliability.
However, for those who don’t care too much about the rugged looks or the “cool factor” of the car. I would have to recommend the fourth generation. The fourth-generation RAV4 received minimal complaints to the NHTSA showing its reliability.
Also, it was one of the safest RAVs if you don’t consider that small overlap front test on the passenger side. If I were to choose the fourth generation I would choose a 2016-2018 model year to enjoy the new styling as well as upgraded safety features.
Worst RAV4 to Buy
The worst RAV4 would have to be the second generation. Although it had some of the excellent and rugged styling cues of the first-generation RAV4, its reliability and safety were enough to make it a poor choice.
It averaged over 500 complaints per model year this generation is best avoided. Also, with time it will become more and more unreliable with more things failing.
Although the new RAV looks fantastic, I would also avoid it with seven recalls and near 400 complaints. This indicates that it may have some serious reliability issues in the long run.
Should You Buy a RAV4?
The RAV4 has had an excellent history of both safety and reliability. So long as you chose the right one (using the guide above) I can say it will not disappoint.
However, I can say as time went on the RAV got more and more boring. I say this not only because it strayed from its roots, but because even with competitive technology on higher trims, it never seems more than a means of transportation.
However, for the 90% of people who buy a car for nothing more than a means of transportation, it’ll get the job done. If you want something a little more interesting check out one of the first-generation RAVs.
Photos: Toyota