Best and Worst Years for the Toyota RAV4

Austin Kinney
Mar 4, 2021

In 2020, the Toyota RAV4 was Toyota’s best-selling SUV, let’s find out why it’s so popular.

2016 Toyota RAV4 - Photo by Toyota

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.

2004 Toyota RAV4 - Photo by Toyota

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.

2012 Toyota RAV4 - Photo by Toyota

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.

2017 Toyota RAV4 - Photo by Toyota

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.

2020 Toyota RAV4 - Photo by Toyota

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.

2018 Toyota RAV4 - Photo by Toyota

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.

2002 Toyota RAV4 - Photo by Toyota

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.

2015 Toyota RAV4 - Photo by Toyota

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

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Daniel Garnesu on December 20, 2021
Happy owner of the last 3rd gen series Rav4.
I own a third generation 2012 V6 AWD Rav4, puchased new when the 2013 began rolling out. I preferred purchasing the outgoing model because I wanted the V6 towing capacity of 3500 pounds even with the 2012 base model. At first I was not sure my wife and I would appreciate the side opening rear door, but this is a feature that we actually do like quite a lot. There was one recall, fixed free of charge. Nothing ever required our attention by way of mechanical failure. Maintenance items were all that was required sa far. We use it as our tow vehicle every summer for the last 9 years, and it deals very well with that task. We also took it to very bad mountain roads in British Columbia, and it felt safe and sturdy. And I do appreciate the fact that I own one of the very few vehicle of its category to be equipped with a regular tire as a spare. This means I wont have to leave my camper somewhere if I have a flat as I am towing.
accountCircle Joe Blackdog on April 24, 2023
2010 Gen3 V6- Darned Good
I started with a used 2009 V6 Sport. Never liked having no spare and run flat tires are expensive and hard to find so nobody bought them after the OEM tires were worn. Drive shaft to the rear diff ) Toyota calls it propeller shaft) u-joints failed. You cannot replace u-joints so entire shaft must be replaced. Expensive job. Other than that, no isues. Ultimately totalled after hi speed encounter with deer. Replaced with 2010 LTD V6. That 2GR-FE engine is fantastic.270 horse but mileage is 19/23. At 186K .y propeller shaft u-joints are failing again on this car. The JBL stereo on the LTD sucks. Worse than the standard system....ultimately unusable. AC failed... Mystery refrigerant leak. Other than that, all is good. Comfortable, fast and reliable up here in New England snow country. 2010 was the last year where you could avoid the darned touchscreen. I hate them.
accountCircle Bobman on December 7, 2021
1998 Soft Top
I find myself in agreement with the author about the RAV4 generations— first generation was best and always looked the best! Bought ‘98 2-door soft top in 1998 and gave it to our granddaughter about 6 months ago! Before doing we had it painted super bright yellow a la the Previa. Has been super reliable and always fun to drive. Only downside to the car is that it’s made in Japan for Japanese-sized people (sumo wrestlers excepted). Cup holders are amusing— suitable for small sippy cups! But look at it this way— would you normally give your 23 year old car to a grandkid if it weren’t super reliable?
accountCircle B on October 14, 2021
Love my 2005 L Package 5 Speed
I have a 2005 (last model year of the second gen) and absolutely love it. The combination of the 5 speed with the 2.4 liter engine makes it zippy and fun to drive! It's also the perfect size with it being a step larger than the 1st Gen but not as big as the 3rd Gen. Also the rear adjustable/fold/tumble/removable seats are perfect for cargo versatility and comfort. Lastly, I like the looks. It has a wider looking stance than the first gen and all the curves in the right places. Overall a very capable utility/people mover that's reliable and most of all...Fun to drive!
accountCircle Gary Ellis on August 8, 2021
Owner 2016 RAV4 AWD Diesel
We brought this at Turners in 2020.It was an ex lease vehicle used in forestry and had 119,000km on it for $16g. It is now 11,000km and 16 months later, and it performs beautifully. Great economy of 7. 6 litres per 100km. Handling is great, (and we have the base model with the steel wheels), and it is surprisingly fast in all regards, thanks to the torque of the diesel engine. Best car we have ever had. And the seats are really comfortable too.
accountCircle Tom Anderson on May 11, 2023
2009 v6 Super reliable and powerful
270 hp 5sp auto 4wd base. 175000 miles. Only repairs front struts one free recall rear noise, (plus tires, batteries, wiperblades.) Tows 3500 lb. 0-60 4.2 seconds 1/4 mile 14.6. Faster than my C4 Vette. Only complaint is the tip in, how it reacts to start from stop, you have to be gentle as a little bit of throttle means a jackrabbit start. Does everything well, towing, cargo room, comfort. I did put in a radio/navigator/wifi from the bay at
accountCircle Nicolaas Smith on January 17, 2023
2005 Gen2 RAV4 AWV 2L engine, Manual 5 speed gearbox
Living in South Africa, I bought it new in 2005 (right hand drive). Still using it every day to commute to work and back. Currently the odometer is at 365000 km. I toured Namibia and Botswana with it (terrible road conditions). Only major maintenance was a clutch replacement at approximately 280000 km. Except for this, only normal servicing done on the vehicle. Everything on this vehicle is still in 100% working condition.
accountCircle Janie Ballesteros on December 29, 2021
Rav 4 2015 Toyota
My car has 196,000 and the transmission started hesitating and jerking. Then a grinding noise. Took it to get fixed only replaced needed parts for transmission. Took it 3 times to same mechanic. Part is defective that is why it keeps breaking down. But he didn't charge me to replace part. Otherwise car runs good. I am taking a chance driving it since part might break again and problem will return.
accountCircle Jim Page on March 23, 2022
Rockin 1997 V6 Rav
It took a little while to get use to the touchy gas pedal. Also, the trans kicks down to quickly for my taste. Those two issues along with the aux plug for the stereo being in a stupid place are my only complaints. The fun part is it hauls butt. It seems almost as fast as my C5 Vette. Unless it is 2011 or newer, I eat Mustang GTs for lunch all day long!
accountCircle Mike Mc Clenan on May 21, 2023
2018 Toyota's best Rav4
Purchased a 2018 Toyota Rav4 XLE w/12k mi and enjoyed an amazing smooth highway driving experience up and down the suburban hilly roads of upstate NY with peppy acceleration and excellent steering. Ride quality: 8 of 10 Comfortable: 8 of 10 Handling: 8 of 10 Cargo space: 9 of 10 Front & Rear seat space: 8 of 10
accountCircle Scottie on June 28, 2022
Any Toyota from 2019 to 2022 is junk
The RAV4 5th generation from 2019 to 2022 are not worth talking about other than they are junk plus have a horrific body style. Toyota forgot about Quality, Honda is following in Toyota's footprints going from good to bad. If you want a real car, buy an American Classic with rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine.
accountCircle Kari Laaksonen on February 3, 2022
Kariltapostia@gmail.com
Rav4 -04 2.0 automatic with 370,000km. Nornal maintenance, that is all. No electrics issues, no gearbox, no engine, no leaks. Some cars just work. Previous car with same level of reliability I had, was 1984 Mercedes 123 model with 2.0 diesel and manual gearbox. Man was it slow but no issues at all.
accountCircle Early Bird on December 14, 2021
Tough 04
Got an 04 base fwd automatic. Thing is a rocket for such a small motor, handles well, an has lots of room. Rear seats recline, sack of seat cab sit flat on bottoms and seats are easy to remove completely, 88000 on her now never had a problem and I’m a lead foot !!!!! Great vehicle, period
accountCircle KenL on December 13, 2021
Does author mean Third Gen?
I think the author meant Third Gen here: "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." Also a bit disappointed he didn't talk about the popular Hybrids as much as the extremely rare electrics.
accountCircle Paresh Patel on August 23, 2021
Paresh463@gmail.com
This is a biased review. Author of this article does know that 2008 rav4 has excessove oil consumption issue and had recall in coolant pump less then 30k Miles. Besides car had many recalls. He needs to talk to customer who own the vehicles instead of fake media reports.
accountCircle Robert on March 22, 2022
Owner 2006 RAV4 V6
We have a 2006 RAV4 V6 we purchased new. Has been an excellent vehicle 270 HP V6 can tow our vintage Trillium travel trailer with ease and still gets good fuel economy so a great all around vehicle.
accountCircle Bettymccoyjomail.com on December 14, 2021
Bettymccoyjomail.com
It is a good idea to make sure that people live are safe and sound like you are working on this project and I am very excited about this opportunity to work with you
accountCircle Linda Hirbour on June 15, 2021
Owner Toyota Rav 4 2015
I am having wet rugs on the driver side front and bac.I can'tfigure how it is getting wet. Anyone elsehave any issues with wet floor rugs? I love my Rav 4
accountCircle Charles on July 11, 2021
Teacher
The second generation does not have ABS as standard option, rather you have to pay extra go higher version such as Plus, Limited to get ABS.
accountCircle C on July 22, 2021
2004 RAV4S owner
If you have a sunroof, the drain lines get clogged up and rainwater redirects into the car and can cause wet rugs etc
accountCircle Fred A. Brown on June 4, 2021
Fabrown11002@earthlink.net
I have 2006 RAV4, all that have need to replace are batteries, tires and windshield wipers. Best buy yet.
accountCircle Vic Dem on December 12, 2021
2011 Rav 4
Why change it just runs and runs Owned 9 years never let me down now 100k miles So cheap to run
accountCircle Ed on March 17, 2022
2018
Love the car smooth ride. Great satellite radio. Went on a trip Smokie mountains ran great
accountCircle Juanito on May 23, 2022
Price
The price is so low, i can buy it, i wait for my pay 15615615615613
accountCircle Tami on January 20, 2022
2019 Rav
I have no complaints about my RAV4. I love it!
accountCircle king rav4 on March 29, 2022
Hi
2014 le rav4 4 gen
avatar Austin Kinney
Austin M. Kinney’s auto coverage can be found on popular sites like DriveTribe and Vehicle History. When he’s not busy writing about cars, he can be found hosting videos on his popular automotive YouTube channel, Kinney’s Reviews, which has grown to garner over 4,000 monthly views, and his writings have been viewed over 200,000 times.
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