The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is one of the best slightly used SUVs you can buy. Though it’s not as exciting as rivals in terms of performance, and it’s a bit more costly on average, it’s reliable, and it comes standard with a lot of advanced safety tech.
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A Quick Overview of the 2017 Toyota RAV4
- Toyota’s RAV4 was launched in 1996 as a two-door before soon adding four-door and convertible versions.
- 2017 was a great year for RAV4, as it knocked Honda’s CR-V from the top sales spot.
- Selling over 400,000 units, the 2017 RAV4 was Toyota’s best-selling vehicle of the year.
- Used 2017 Toyota RAV4s are selling between $19,000 and $28,000.
2017 Toyota RAV4 Comes in 6 Unique Trims, Including Hybrid Variant
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 was the second to last of the fourth generation, and consisted of five different trim levels, optional hybrid powertrain, and many different standard safety features.
Each trim had its own unique attributes, catered to certain consumer needs, and featured a unique style. The entry-level trim is the LE, followed by the mass-market XLE (pictured above), the athletic SE, the previous top-trim Limited, and the new for 2017 Platinum.
The RAV4 Hybrid was available in four trims: LE Plus Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, SE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid.
RAV4 LE Comes Standard with Toyota Safety Sense P System
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 LE is the entry-level trim, meaning it is light on luxuries, but also easy on the budget. The LE trim treats buyers to halogen headlights, 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, power operated outside rearview mirrors, power windows with driver auto down, remote keyless entry, Toyota Safety Sense P, 4.2-inch driver information screen, and six-inch Entune infotainment screen with six-speaker stereo and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity for phone calls and music streaming.
RAV4 XLE Adds a Few Niceties & Aesthetic Upgrades
The XLE is the volume seller for consumers, building on the offerings of the LE with desirable features like 17-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors with built-in turn signals, power sunroof with express open/close, six-way adjustable driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone climate controls.
RAV4 SE Introduces a Touch of Luxury with SoftTex Synthetic Leather Seating
For buyers looking for more, the SE trim begins adding luxurious touches to the 2017 RAV4, such as heated front seats covered in Toyota’s SofTex synthetic leather. These seats are designed to be as easy to clean and maintain as genuine leather, but weigh half as much. SofTex is also a better, environmentally-friendly alternative to other synthetic seating surfaces, as the production produces 85% fewer CO2 emissions.
Another luxurious interior touch is the eight-way power driver’s seat with memory. Exterior differences can be spotted with the SE’s standard 18-inch alloy wheels and two-tone paint. Buyers can select from a Super White, Black, or Electric Storm Blue upper paint color, accented by a Silver Sky Metallic lower painted trim.
The SE is also the athlete of the 2017 RAV4 family, with a sport-tuned suspension (only on the gasoline-powered models) and paddle shifters to manually select any of the automatic’s six gears. Red-illuminated gauges further add to the sporty feel of the SE.
RAV4 Limited Offers Chrome Exterior Accents & Premium Sound System
Prior to the 2017 model year, the Limited (pictured above) was as luxurious as the RAV4 could be. Touches like a power liftgate with remote access, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, HomeLink garage door transmitter, passive entry with Toyota’s Smart Key access system, and push-button start all set the Limited above lesser models.
Infotainment duty is handled by a larger seven-inch Entune unit with Bluetooth connectivity, but there still is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Chrome door handles, roof rack, and upgraded wheel designs set the Limited apart on the road.
RAV4 Platinum Adds Unique Exterior Upgrades, a 7″ Infotainment Screen & a JBL Sound System
New for 2017, the Platinum raises the bar for what luxury means in Toyota’s best-selling SUV, as the full body color exterior makes it visually unique. Inside, buyers will appreciate the SofTex-trimmed dash, seats, and door panels, heated steering wheel, ambient footwell lighting, plush floormats, and proximity smart key access at all four doors with kick-to-open rear liftgate.
The seven-inch Entune infotainment system is aided by the addition of a JBL sound system that includes 11 GreenEdge speakers and subwoofer.
The seven-inch display also employs the bird’s eye view camera display that helps drivers navigate tight spots and miss nearby objects. This system also includes Toyota’s Perimeter Scan, a live, rotating, 360-degree view of the RAV4’s surroundings, a feature trickling down to Toyota from Lexus.
RAV4 Hybrid Uses Latest Eco Technology to Deliver an Impressive 34 MPG in the City
Available on four different trims of the 2017 RAV4, the Hybrid model (pictured above) maintains Toyota’s lead in the hybrid market. Powerful, quick, and safe, each Hybrid model employs electronic, on-demand, all-wheel drive, as a second independent electric motor powers the rear wheels when additional traction is needed.
Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive set the pace for hybrid vehicles when launched in the Prius, delivering high efficiency and exemplary dependability. Seamless in its operation, drivers love the way it works because they cannot feel it working.
The 2017 RAV4 Hybrid combines output from a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine and a small, high-torque electric motor through its unique transaxle. This system varies power between the internal combustion engine and electric motor or combines both as needed. Regenerative braking charges the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery pack when the brake is applied.
The RAV4 Hybrid driver can play an active role in conserving fuel by selecting one of several driving modes. Choosing ECO mode will optimize throttle response and air-conditioning output to help prioritize fuel economy. In EV mode, under certain conditions, the RAV4 will run solely on the electric motor for up to 0.6 miles at lower speeds (below approximately 25 mph). The 2017 RAV4 Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 34/30/32 mpg city/highway/combined.
How Much Does a Used 2018 RAV4 Cost? Expect to Spend Between $19,000 to $28,000
How much should you expect to pay for a new-to-you 2017 Toyota RAV4? Kelley Blue Book’s fair market range places this popular SUV as low as $19,000 for an entry-level LE trim, and climbing above $28,000 for a Limited Hybrid model. Below are the Kelley Blue Book fair market price ranges for each trim of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 lineup:
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 LE: $19,247 – $21,582
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 LE Plus Hybrid: $21,136 – $23,574
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE: $20,382 – $22,785
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid: $22,578 – $25,179
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 SE: $22,349 – $24,892
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid: $24,065 – $26,814
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 Limited: $23,016 – $25,683
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid: $25,199 – $28,082
- 2017 Toyota RAV4 Platinum: $22,488 – $25,221
RAV4 Has High Resale Value Due to Slower Depreciation
Toyota vehicles have a reputation of reliability that has translated into strong resale values, depreciating slower than most of their domestic competition. According to Car Edge, a Chevrolet Equinox will depreciate 48% over five years, while a RAV4 will only depreciate 36% within that same time. While this is good for selling a used RAV4, it also means buying a four-year-old Toyota RAV4 might save you $9,000 compared to buying a similarly spec’d brand-new model.
If you are looking at purchasing a certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 RAV4, Toyota offers CPO vehicles through its Certified Used Vehicle program; each must pass a multi-point inspection. A 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty, seven-year/100,000-mile roadside assistance coverage, and seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with new car financing rates, are all perks of purchasing CPO vehicles direct from Toyota.
When shopping outside the CPO program, always take the time to check the VIN of the potential car through Vehicle History to check for any potential red flags.
2017 Toyota RAV4: Three Powertrains Include 67 HP Electric Motor
Three different engine/powertrains were available in the 2017 Toyota RAV4. Base configuration is the 2.5L four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive was offered with this engine, but the most advanced AWD setup came in the Hybrid model.
Dubbed Electronic On-Demand AWD with intelligence (AWD-i), the Hybrid model contained a 67-horsepower electric motor for the rear wheels and could help maneuver the RAV4 out of tough situations or through inclement weather.
2.5L Gas Engine Offers a Reliable Option but Lacks the Oomp of Rivals
With the last V6-powered RAV4 bowing out in 2012 with the third generation, the fourth-generation RAV4 continued with Toyota’s 2.5L four-cylinder as the vehicle’s sole engine choice. Buyers could opt for front- or all-wheel drive, but the increased focus on fuel economy left the larger engine off the option list.
Producing 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm, the 2.5L is more than competent when moving the RAV4 around town; however, driving enthusiasts should most likely look elsewhere for an exhilarating driving experience.
Power is routed to the wheels via six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is the same for both FWD and AWD RAV4 models.
2.5L Hybrid Adds Two Electric Motors & a CVT to Boost Fuel Economy
Available only as an electronically controlled and powered all-wheel-drive system, the Hybrid uses the same 2.5L four-cylinder engine under the hood with a little help from electric motors.
The power of the gasoline engine is detuned from its non-hybrid counterpart, registering 150 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 152 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Additional power is provided by two electric motors. One drives the front wheels and helps recapture energy during braking and is rated at 141 horsepower. Another electric motor drives the rear wheels and is rated at 67 horsepower.
While the primary function of the hybrid is fuel economy, there is some added power for more driving fun. The total combined power rating for this entire hybrid system is 194 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque.
Transmission duty is handed off to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).
How Fuel Efficient is a 2017 Toyota RAV4?
The fuel economy numbers will vary based on which drivetrain is selected. Toyota actually released EPA results not only by powertrain configuration, but also by trim level. Higher-end SE, Limited, and Platinum trims all received slightly lower overall economy numbers than the LE and XLE trims, detracting only one mpg from highway and combined numbers in front-wheel-drive configuration, and only one mpg from the combined rating in all-wheel-drive configuration.
Other than those trim-specific oddities, the fuel economy of the 2017 RAV4 is rather simple: 23/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined in front-wheel drive, and 22/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined in all-wheel drive.
Step into the Hybrid model, and you will see better fuel-sipping results. Rated at 34/30/32 mpg city/highway/combined, the Hybrid gets better city numbers, as it is most efficient in stop-and-go traffic. As with most hybrid vehicles, the electric motors can be the sole propulsion method for the RAV4 Hybrid at low speeds.
2017 RAV4 Driving Performance Is Certified ‘Fun’ by Critics
Performance-minded RAV4 shoppers should look no further than the SE trim. While the only powertrain options are gas, hybrid, and which wheels receive the power, the SE trim has a sport-tuned suspension and the looks to match.
While similar in almost every conceivable way, Motor Trend compared their 2017 SE with FWD to the 2016 SE AWD they tested the year prior. The extra traction of the AWD setup makes a noticeable difference in the vehicle’s ability to accelerate, clocking an 8.7 second 0-60 mph run in the 2016 AWD, versus the 9.3 seconds of the 2017 FWD model.
Over the longer quarter-mile race, the FWD managed to close the gap at 17 seconds flat versus the 16.7 seconds of the AWD model. Handling and breaking both measured the same, pulling .57g on the figure-eight handling maneuver and stopping from 60 mph in 126 feet.
If you are looking for acceleration performance, we suggest looking at the Kia Sportage or Ford Escape, as both posted faster acceleration and maneuverability times, though Motor Trend noted that the SE trim was “pretty fun to drive” with its stiffened springs and firmer damping. The result is better turn-in and reduced body roll in corners.
All told, there are better and more fun crossovers on the market, but the SE trim is the best you can find in the RAV4.
2017 Toyota RAV4: Cargo Space & Dimensions
As a compact SUV, the 2017 RAV4 sat in the heart of the most desired segment of vehicles at the time it was manufactured. The RAV4 was built for families and for hauling people and gear. Built with standard seating for five, the fourth-generation RAV4 stepped away from the previous generation’s third row. However, the RAV4 does have plenty of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, able to accommodate 38.4 cubic feet of cargo, which is more than larger midsize offerings like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Fold the rear 60/40 split bench seat down, and discover 73.4 cubic feet.
Front passengers were treated to 42.6 inches of legroom, 39.8 inches of headroom, and 54.3 inches of hip room. Shoulder room topped out at 57.3 inches.
Rear seat passengers were treated to seats with plenty of comfort and enough room for the compact class. Legroom measured 37.2 inches, while shoulder room measured 58 inches, and hip room was 56.2 inches.
2017 RAV4 Receives Top Safety Scores in Crash Tests from Both the IIHS & NHTSA
The 2017 model year Toyota RAV4 SUVs scored an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+, identifying it as the best vehicle within its segment for the 2017 model year. Interestingly, the RAV4 scored top marks with the IIHS in all crashworthiness testing, with only the small overlap front: passenger side scoring a rating of Poor.
Headlights, which vary by trim level, were scored Marginal to Average, but the crash avoidance safety technology with the standard Toyota Safety Sense P helped the RAV4 score a superior score. Toyota Safety Sense P combines the pre-collision benefits from the Star Safety System with pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2017 RAV4 an overall four-star safety rating, with five-star ratings for side impacts, and four-star ratings given to the front driver and passenger side crash tests, as well as its 17.4% risk of rollover.
Tech includes Standard Backup Camera & Top Trim’s JBL Sound System
The 2017 RAV4 was an affordable family vehicle, but that did not mean it was completely void of technology. Base-trim LE models offered such standard features as a backup camera with projected path, 6.1-inch Entune Audio color touchscreen infotainment with USB connectivity, 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen in the gauge cluster, remote keyless entry, power windows with driver auto down, lane departure warning with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control.
Stepping into higher trims found additional technological features such as the SE’s smart key passive entry system with remote start and power liftgate, or the Limited trim’s frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, memory seats and upgraded seven-inch Entune Premium audio and infotainment screen. This seven-inch unit also touted integrated navigation.
The new Platinum trim added technology like the bird’s eye view camera with perimeter scan, which visually scans the surroundings of the vehicle while in park, and displays the sweeping image on the high-resolution, seven-inch infotainment screen. Platinum trim RAV4 models also were equipped with smart key access on all four doors and the rear liftgate, which featured a kick-to-open function as well.
Platinum trim also equipped 2017 RAV4 models with a premium JBL Audio system that includes 11 JBL GreenEdge speakers, an improvement over the other trims’ standard six-speaker setup, and a subwoofer.
2017 Toyota RAV4 Offers 9 Exterior & 4 Interior Colors
The 2017 RAV4 models came in a choice of nine different hues, from the subtle Super White, to the in-your-face Electric Storm Blue. Other colors include: tri-coat Blizzard Pearl, Silver Sky Metallic, the darker Magnetic Gray Metallic, standard Black, Galactic Aqua Mica, Barcelona Red Metallic (seen above), and Black Currant Metallic.
The 2017 models offered four interior color choices with availability depending on trim level: Black, Ash, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg. Ash, a light gray interior with black accents, only could be had on XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims. Cinnamon, a caramel-colored shade of tan, was only available on SE (seen above) and Limited in the upgraded SofTex seats. Nutmeg, a lighter shade of tan, was only available on Limited and XLE.
Current Reviews: Owners Rave About the RAV4
What Critics Say
It is not always easy to find current reviews of an aging vehicle, especially after newer generations are released. But, at Vehicle History, we have a large pool of verified owner reviews. With over 1,200 owner reviews to date, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 holds an owner satisfaction score of 4.62 out of five total stars. With zero one-star reviews and 94% four- and five-star reviews, owners really appreciate their RAV4s.
Toyota RAV4 SE owner Megan P. states that her RAV4 is her favorite car she has ever owned. There is “plenty of space” inside the vehicle, “but it is still compact enough that it is easy to drive.” The seats are easy to clean, but do get hot in summer months; they are also heated for the cold winter months.
“I have absolutely no complaints,” raves Lauri C. about her XLE trim. “It is a smaller SUV, but very roomy.”
Living with a vehicle can help assess further quirks about the design. Debra B. laments of her 2017 XLE that it has “the worst blind spot of any vehicle” she has ever driven. LE and XLE trims did not receive power-operated liftgates, an issue for 5’ 4” Debra, who also says the manual liftgate’s opening is high and the resistance is very heavy, making it hard to shut after buying groceries.
Diving further into her two-star review, Debra says almost everything else on her XLE is very likable. The ease of loading children in the back is high, with plenty of legroom and plenty of plugs for charging electronic devices.
2017 Toyota RAV4: Maintenance & Reliability
The 2017 RAV4 is right in line with the long-held public perception of Toyota’s impeccable build quality and dependability.
The Toyota RAV4 scores an above average four out of five in the Repair Pal reliability score, landing it third out of its 26 compact SUV competitors. The site goes on to estimate the average annual repair cost to be $429, excellent by their calculations, noting you should expect infrequent trips to the mechanic, with a 10% chance the issue will be severe.
Meanwhile, the team at U.S. News & World Report ranked the RAV4 12th out of 18 vehicles in their affordable compact SUV classification, but called out its lower than average expected five-year cost of ownership of $4,450 per year. The ratings at J.D. Power give the 2017 RAV4 a great quality and reliability score at 87/100.
2017 Toyota RAV4: Known Issues, Safety Recalls & Problems
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has only two minor recalls and one open investigation, according to the NHTSA.
Affecting only 409 units, Gulf States Toyota issued a recall concerning the tire pressure in the spare tire being too low, which could lead to a crash. Owners can and should inspect all tires regularly for proper air pressure to ensure safe operating conditions.
The second recall was issued in mid-2019 and impacted less than 2,000 Toyotas. The recall claims that improper load carrying labels on models with factory-installed floor mats listed an incorrect load carrying capacity. This could lead operators to overload a vehicle and potentially crash as a result. Impacted owners may contact Toyota customer service for an updated label.
The open investigation is listed from February of 2021, and centers around a fire originating from the vehicle’s 12V battery area. As this is an open investigation, no results have been found yet.
It is always worth a free VIN report at Vehicle History to ensure the model you are considering is free of any outstanding recalls or repetitious service issues.
2017 Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape & Mazda CX-5
For 2017, the RAV4 took the top spot in units sold over its biggest competitors: the Honda CR-V, the 2016 sales leader, and the Nissan Rogue, which came in a very close second, according to Good Car Bad Car. Just over 4,000 units were all that separated the top two contenders in the compact SUV segment. While most SUV shoppers are looking for three rows of seating, this class traditionally sticks with two rows and seating for five. However, the Rogue’s optional third row may have made the difference in helping surpass the strong-selling Honda CR-V. We will look at five different vehicles that may be compared when looking at the 2017 Toyota RAV4.
2017 Nissan Rogue Offers Seating for Up to 7 Where RAV4 Only Seats 5
Not to be confused with the smaller Rogue Sport, Nissan’s Rogue SUV is quite the competitor in the compact SUV class, and the 2017 model year was near the end of the second-generation’s production. For 2017, buyers could find a Rogue in five trim levels: S, SV, SV Hybrid, SL, and SL Hybrid.
Engine offerings included two versions of Nissan’s 2.5L I4, rated at either 170 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque in non-hybrid, or 176 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the electric motor as a hybrid. It has an EPA-estimated 26/33 mpg city/highway rating (non-hybrid FWD) and 33/35 mpg city/highway (hybrid). The Rogue could be purchased in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and AWD usually sacrificed 1 mpg from the mileage ratings of the FWD counterpart.
The Rogue has nearly identical overall length and width, with longer overall wheelbase versus the RAV4 for 2017. However, the Rogue has an ace up its sleeve in the form of an optional seven-passenger configuration.
Cargo space is a shortcoming when comparing the Rogue to the RAV4. The Rogue has a max cargo space of 70 cubic feet with all seats folded, which is smaller than the RAV4’s 73.4 cubic feet. Towing capacity for the Rogue is lower at 1,000 lbs. compared to the RAV4’s 1,500 lbs.
Pricing ranges from $23,820 to $31,710 for the 2017 Nissan Rogue. You can compare these two popular SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
2017 Honda CR-V Offers 1.5L Turbo Engine for Those Wanting More Performance
All new for 2017, the Honda CR-V lost some momentum in the sales race to the RAV4 and Rogue, but was still a strong contender. The 2017 model year CR-V was available in four trim levels: base LX, mainstream EX, EX-L with a couple of convenience features as standard, and top-trim Touring.
Engine offerings included the LX’s carryover 2.4L four-cylinder rated at 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. It has an EPA-estimated 26/32 mpg city/highway rating. EX trims and higher received the smaller, more powerful and efficient 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It is rated at 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque, and estimated to get 28/34 mpg city/highway in FWD configurations, and 27/33 mpg city/highway in AWD. Both engines were paired to a CVT with sport mode.
The CR-V is nearly identical in size to the RAV4 for 2017. Cargo space is also nearly identical. The CR-V has a max cargo space of 75.8 cubic feet with the second row folded, larger than the RAV4’s 73.4 cubic feet by a small 2.4 cubic feet. Towing capacity is an identical 1,500 lbs. for both.
Pricing ranges from $19,728 to $26,670 for the 2017 Honda CR-V. You can compare these two popular SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox has More Cargo Space than RAV4 & Offers Up to 301 HP
Creeping up the sales charts was the competent Chevrolet Equinox. The 2017 model year was the last for the outgoing generation of Equinox. Chevy offered the Equinox in four trim levels: fleet vehicle L trim, consumer base-model LS, mainstream LT, and top-trim Premier.
Two engines were offered: Chevy’s 2.4L four-cylinder, rated at 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, and the 3.6L V6, rated at 301 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque. Equinox has an EPA-estimated 21/31 mpg city/highway rating for the FWD version of the 2.4L engine (20/28 mpg city/highway for AWD) and 17/24 mpg city/highway for the FWD V6 (16/23 mpg city/highway for AWD). Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic with selectable gears.
The Equinox varies in size to the RAV4 for 2017, coming in with a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length. Cargo space does not live up to the Chevy’s larger size. The Equinox’s longer wheelbase benefits passenger comfort more than cargo, and has a max of 63.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, compared to the RAV4’s 73.4 cubic feet.
Pricing makes the Equinox a steal over the RAV4, and ranges from $14,753 to $24,536 for the 2017 model. You can compare these two popular SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
2017 Ford Escape is a Less-costly Alternative to RAV4 but Lacks Interior Cargo Space
With more power and towing capability, the 2017 Ford Escape was another compelling option for consumers. The 2017 model year was nearing the end for the outgoing third-generation Escape; however, buyers could find an Escape in three trim levels: S, SE, and Titanium.
Engine offerings included two four-cylinder options from Ford: A 2.5L I4 rated at 168 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 1.5L turbocharged EcoBoost rated at 245 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. It has an EPA-estimated 21/29 mpg city/highway rating (2.5L FWD) and 23/30 mpg city/highway (EcoBoost). The Escape could be purchased in either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. The 4WD usually sacrificed 1 mpg from the mileage ratings of the FWD counterpart.
The 2017 Escape is close in size to the RAV4. Cargo space falls short of the RAV4 at 67.8 cubic feet with the second row folded, which is smaller than the RAV4’s 73.4 cubic feet. Towing capacity is identical to the RAV4 at 1,500 lbs. for the 2.5L-powered Escapes, but EcoBoost models can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
Pricing undercuts used RAV4 models, ranging from $13,529 to $23,426 for the 2017 Ford Escape. You can compare these two popular SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
2017 Mazda CX-5 is All-new for 2017 but Falls Shy on Tow Capacity by 1,500 Pounds
Perhaps the sportiest option in the segment is the 2017 Mazda CX-5, with its “Zoom Zoom” persona. The CX-5 was all new for the 2017 model year, its second generation. For the 2017, buyers could find a CX-5 in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Select, and Grand Touring.
The new model CX-5 was limited to one engine choice: Mazda’s 2.5L SKYACTIV I4, rated at 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. It has an EPA-estimated 25/31 mpg city/highway rating (FWD) and 24/30 mpg city/highway (AWD).
The CX-5 differs slightly in size to the RAV4 for 2017, as it is slightly smaller with a larger wheelbase. Cargo space falls well short of the RAV4. The CX-5 has a max cargo space of 59.6 cubic feet with the second row folded, which is massively smaller than the RAV4’s 73.4 cubic feet. Towing capacity is rated at 2,000 lbs. for the CX-5, compared to the 1,500 lbs. for RAV4.
Pricing ranges from $18,829 to $23,408 for the 2017 Mazda CX-5. You can compare these two popular SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
A Very Capable & Practical SUV with a Pedigree of Reliability
People buy Toyota vehicles because they last, and they buy compact crossovers for their space and higher seating position, so it is only natural that the 2017 RAV4 became the best-selling non-pickup in the United States for the model year.
While there are certainly more fun and engaging competitors in the class, shoppers are drawn to the long-standing notion that a Toyota will last forever. Expert reliability and quality studies prove this to be true, and with no significant recalls or known issues, it is easy to see why owners rave about their RAV4 SUVs.
If you are in the market for a competent SUV with room for five and plenty of cargo space, and want to steer clear of repair bills, the RAV4 is for you. While not the sportiest overall, the SE trim should satisfy most SUV buyers’ needs for handling fun.
There are more athletic, luxurious, and exciting SUVs on the market, but none is a better all-around package than the RAV4.
Photos: Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Nissan, Ford, Mazda
