2018 Toyota RAV4 Review: Reliable Small SUV That’s Affordable To Own Long Term

Dec 14, 2022

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 lasts around 300,000 miles with minor paint chipping and brake wear issues. At $20,225 to $28,150, it’s more expensive than other small SUVs, yet worth the money since it offers outstanding reliability.

The Good

Cargo space is better than other SUVs, the suspension is very smooth and there are a lot of standard safety features.

The Bad

Fitting child seats is difficult in the rear seats, it’s slower than the competition and the dash has some cheap plastic buttons.

Is the 2018 Toyota RAV4 a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Toyota RAV4, excellent reliability paired with a decent interior gives it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the efficient engine, advanced safety features, as well as the low ownership costs.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for an SUV in its price range, the seats are comfortable on long trips, cargo space is also good for its size.
Reliability 10/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2018 RAV4. In general models from 2010 through 2022 are all dependable choices.
Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the 4-cylinder engine, however the RAV4 is not a very sporty SUV.
Safety 9/10 – The 2018 RAV4 is a very safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety tech includes a rearview camera, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, as well as parking sensors.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG giving 384 miles of range from the 14.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $47 cheaper than average at $195 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2018 Toyota RAV4 holds its value very well while having low ownership costs, giving it a high value score.

Positive Owner Reviews

Christina B

Rav4 adventure drives like a dream.

Rav4 adventure is amazing. The drive is very smooth and it handles wonderfully in bad weather. I also love the internal system and the back up camera. I also love the room in the back and the back seat is very comfortable. I also love the automatic high beam feature and the 120v plug in the back.

Brittany C

Perfect SUV for a family of 4.

It is amazing, I get to work everyday on time in a reliable warm vehicle in the cold Midwestern Minot North Dakota. Toyota is reliable, and efficient. I will not go to any other vehicle other than Toyota. It is a perfect family of four, vehicle! To go on road trips and such.

Nancy H

The safety features are great.

I like everything about this car. I like the hybrid system that saves on gas. I like the Audio system that integrates with my phone. I like the auto lights system. I like the lane crossing beep and the collision avoidance system with the radar.

Charlotte W

2018, aquatic blue rav4 with plenty of space and a beautiful interior.

Really love how the rav4 drives. It rides very smoothly and the added safety features are super helpful. The interior is nice, leather would have been nice but the cloth is not bad! There is plenty of room in the backseat and trunk space is great. Gas mileage was pretty key in my car search and the gas mileage on the rav4 was a lot better than any other SUV’s I looked at. Thoroughly enjoy my rav4!

Amanda G

It drives nicely and is very comfortable. It is reliable.

I like the space on the inside and the backseat is big enough for a car seat. The Bluetooth and navigation is easy to use.

j s

It has great safety features like lane departure, backup camera is superb, also applies brakes gently if too close to car in front of you

Safety features are great; good mileage as I have hybrid. Very comfortable riding and driving

Alex J

Great car! Safe, reliable, dependable!

I love my rav4! It drives so smooth and is very reliable. I always feel safe in it. I love the back up camera and the different features that it comes with. The lane monitor assist is super helpful as well. It is very spacious and gets great gas mileage.

Alexandria C

Great Car to Purchase from Toyota

Safety features are amazing. Love the front and back camera and also the automatic brakes. I also love that it tells you if there is a car in your blind spot.

Negative Owner Reviews

Paint Falling Off

My 2013 Rav 4 which I purchased brand new looks awful! After the 36 month warranty, the paint started falling off in large sheets. Now I have bare metal showing randomly all over my car. Toyota will not cover, but for $3300.00 they will be happy to repaint for me. Needless to say I did not hire them to correct their error. I cannot recommend Toyota at all.

M. Anderson

Braking

I have had problemd with my 2018 Rav4 surging forward on it's own when I try and put on the brakes. I have contacted Toyota Canada and they are claiming that it is my fault .. How I place my foot on the pedal. Another incident just happened last evening and now I am afraidto use car. The vehicle has been in at the dealership for 3 days and they advise they cannot find a problem. I find this extremely discouraging as the vehicle was bought brand new and in good faith. I would never buy another Toyota. I am now preparing to contact Transport Canada and advise them of this problem.

Lisa Hansen

Gas Tank Cannot Be Filled

Today my daughter who purchased her 2018 Rav Adventure brand new from the lot was told she overfilled her tank and caused $980 worth of damage. Gas used was Chevron and car was and has been filled to the click of the pump since purchased. Warranty and Extended Warranty will not cover damages. There is a tube in the gas tank that goes to a charcoal filter that is a strange design that will cause your Dealership to accuse you of overfilling when you didn’t. Waiting to see if anyone else who owns a 2018 Rav has had the same issue? I own a 1999 Landcruiser and never had this issue.

Marisabel G

I would say that, in my opinion, everyone should steer clear of Toyota's in general. There are much better cars out there for the same price and from better and more professional dealers.

I liked the fact that the vehicle has blind spot detection and it is more comfortable than my 2015 Rav4. However, Toyota Financial has soured my experience with Toyota and the vehicle and now I cannot wait for the lease to be done.

Matt S

Toyota rav4 is not a great ride.

It is an uncomfortable ride that does not have a lot of the modern things to offer. I leased it right before the new model came out which had great features on the basic models. It does not drive smooth like other models of cars do I have driven before. It was a mistake to lease it the only ideal thing about it is it was cheap.

Scott E

Go with something different

Night time Visibility not very good. Water seeps inside on front floors. Engine whine. Interior is cheap. Sun Visors hard plastic and feel cheap. Dashboard on front passenger side makes it difficult to get in as knees hit it. Back rear window is short and narrow make it hard to back up. Entune Premium Audio System 3.0 is par. The 7 inch Touchscreen works but the screen is made of cheap material. Only 1 USB port. Pay a lot of money and don't get the the accessories as pay extra for them. Imitation Leather Fabric is soft but mars and wrinkles. Skip the RAV4 line up and go with a Honda CR-V.

Emma M

It's a small suv that doesn't get good gas mileage.

It's small for an suv. I do like having the hatchback because it's convenient but other than that, it's just a car. The gas mileage isn't good for a small suv

Luigi L

There’s better midsize SUVs in the market with better interior designs!

The rav4 is too loud, the windshields wipers you cannot control speed on low setting, the windshield wipers are too slow when it storms bad, the interior looks way too cheap for even a base trim, the style of the LCD is way too old. The mat on the passengers side moves too much. The location of the windows control on the driver's side is not in a good place. The front cup holders location is bad because you cannot fit a big cup in it.

What Do Critics Say About the Toyota RAV4?

Consumer Reports says the 2018 Toyota RAV4 is consistently one of the best compact SUVs on the market, with high owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the RAV4 at 4.4/5, praising the spacious cabin, but doesn’t like the relatively slow engine.
Kelley Blue Book users give the RAV4 a 4.4/5, enjoying the standard advanced safety technology, but owners don’t like the poor off-road performance.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Toyota RAV4 include paint chipping, brake noise, as well as some rare stalling engines. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs, leading to average repair bills as it ages as well.

Paint chipping is the most widespread complaint from owners at around 25,000 miles. The paint on the front bumper and hood is thinner than in some other SUVs, leading to it chipping easily when hit with rocks. The only way to fix the problem is by repainting the affected areas, which costs around $1,000 per panel.

Brake noise has also been reported by 2018 RAV4 owners at around 35,000 miles. Hard braking causes the pads and rotors to wear down quickly. Replacing the brake pads costs around $350, while a new set of rotors is over $500 if there are wear issues with them as well.

Stalling engines have also been reported by some owners at roughly 30,000 miles. The main source of the problem is the charcoal canister for the EVAP system getting clogged. Replacing the canister costs around $600, depending on local labor rates.

There are 2 minor recalls on the 2018 Toyota RAV4, which is better than most other compact SUVs. Both of the recalls cover incorrect load carrying labels, which are not mechanically serious. Toyota will install new labels on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Toyota RAV4 can last around 300,000 miles, which is about 50,000 more than the popular Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $424 per year.

As a used 2018 Toyota RAV4 reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the oil pan for $480, windshield wiper motor costing $150, as well as the power seta motor which costs $575.

Debora W

The only problem we noticed is there are no air conditioning vents in the back seat area. Anyone sitting back there gets very little air so the front vents need to be adjusted.

Jason M

Very reliable vehicle. Great gas mileage and great on highway. Does great in all weather conditions especially snow.

karin L

The rav 4 is very reliable. I have had my vehicle for 2 years and I have had no issues. I love Toyotas but I prefer something more roomy. I may buy the 4 runner when my lease is up.

Kayla S

Yes it is very reliable. I have had no problems with it since I have bought it and I have driven a significant amount of miles so far.

Shannon W

Its reliable for the most part; I have only noticed a few small kinks. For instance, sometimes when moving from park to drive the vehicle rolls backwards.

Beth A

No problems, and I love that my Toyota dealership is on top of recalls to check for. Toyota's are known for reliability.

Eileen B

It is been very reliable so far. We haven't encountered any problems or 'glitches'. This is our second rav4 so we are definitely satisfied with this line.

And G

Very reliable, I haven't had many issues with it. I will say the brakes are a little iffy but that could just be mine.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is good in the 2018 Toyota RAV4. There’s a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen while a larger 7-inch touchscreen is available as an upgrade with Toyota’s entune infotainment system. Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not offered on the RAV4

Safety technology is excellent for an SUV in its price range. Every Toyota RAV4 comes with Toyota Safety Sense. Standard safety tech includes a rearview camera, forward collision warning with brake assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, as well as lane keep assist.

Is the 2018 Toyota RAV4 a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 is a great value since it’s an extremely reliable compact SUV. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,175 to $28,400, making it more expensive than a Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson. When new, the price range was $24,660 to $36,440. Depreciation is better than other small SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Toyota RAV4?

There are six models of the Toyota RAV4 offered in 2018, from the base LE all the way up to the luxurious Platinum. The 2018 RAV4 also comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

LE is the entry-level model with:

17-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats
1-Inch Touchscreen
USB Port
Bluetooth Connectivity
Six-Speaker Sound System

XLE is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Sunroof
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

Adventure has more features including:

18-Inch Black Alloy Wheels
Raised Suspension
Fender Flares
All-Weather Floor Mats
120-Volt Household Outlet

SE offers upgrades such as:

18-Inch silver Alloy Wheels
SofTex Simulated Leather Upholstery
Paddle Shifters
Power Driver Seat
Heated Front Seats
Sport Suspension
Upgraded Rearview Camera

Limited is next in the lineup with:

Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Trim
Power Liftgate
Keyless Ignition and Entry
Navigation System
7-Inch High Resolution Touchscreen

Platinum is the flagship model which adds:

Hand-Free Liftgate
Premium Leather Seating
Heated Steering Wheel
360-Degree Parking Camera
11-Speaker JBL Sound System

176 HP 25 MPG

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XLE

176 HP 25 MPG

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Hybrid LE

194 HP 32 MPG

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Hybrid LE Plus

194 HP 32 MPG

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Adventure

176 HP 25 MPG

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Hybrid XLE

194 HP 32 MPG

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176 HP 24 MPG

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Hybrid SE

194 HP 32 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Toyota RAV4?

The engine found in the 2018 Toyota RAV4 is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 176 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is similar to other small SUVs, taking 8.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Toyota RAV4 Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Toyota RAV4?

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is a comfortable compact SUV with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice, offering cushions which hold up well over time while still giving great support for longer drives.

The RAV4 also has a roomy interior for a small SUV, there’s plenty of legroom for taller adults in the back seats.

How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota RAV4 Have?

Cargo space is excellent, offering one of the largest cargo areas of any compact SUV. There’s enough space for 7-8 suitcases behind the rear seats, and over 13 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Toyota RAV4 came out in 2013, and was replaced by the fifth generation in 2019.

2015: No major changes aside from some new exterior color options.

2016: Minor exterior styling changes, LED headlights added.

2017: More driver assistance features included on all models, new Platinum model added.

2018: New Adventure model added, ride height increased on SE model.

2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new interior, exterior, and technology.

2020: New TRD Off-Road Model, Android Auto added across the lineup.

2021: No major changes.

How Does the Toyota RAV4 Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota RAV4 is a fantastic compact SUV since it has excellent reliability ratings paired with some of the latest safety technology on the market.

The Honda CR-V is another compact SUV which is about $1,000 less. Where the Honda CR-V stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Toyota RAV4 offers more standard safety technology. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it has slightly higher reliability ratings, yet both are very good SUVs worth a test drive.

The Subaru Forester is a competitor which costs around $2,000 less. The standard all-wheel drive system found in the Subaru Forester is great, while there’s more passenger room in the Toyota RAV4. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s cheaper to own long-term, although both are great choices for a compact SUV.

Ranks #4 Compact SUV by Owners

2018 Kia Niro

4.71

Tie

2018 Subaru Forester

4.69

Tie

2018 Toyota RAV4

4.62

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota RAV4?

Debora W

Yes. It gets very good gas mileage and is easy to handle. It also gives a very nice ride. The inside is very roomy and the trunk area has a great capacity for large items.

Jason M

Yes. All wheel drive and compact perfect family car. Came with XM satellite radio which we love as well as able to haul our pop up camper.

karin L

Yes, it is a great vehicle. It is AWD so it is good in the snow. It is very roomy and it fits 3 kids comfortably in the backseat. The hatch back is very roomy and it fits a lot of groceries. It is very reliable and dependable. The only con is the gas mileage. It is a 6 cylinder so it uses up a lot of gas in the city. Highway driving has better mileage.

Kayla S

Yes, I love the size, how it rides, the interior, and the price, I feel it is the perfect car for me.

Shannon W

Yes, but the backseat is a tad bit small to comfortably fit multiple car seats. The only other thing I dislike is the how the middle seat belt extends from the room.

Beth A

Yes! The safety features are top of the line and my gas mileage is great. It has more space than my Mazda cx 5 and feels much more open. I love how easy it is to drive-turning is not difficult and it handles well for a High profile Style car.

Eileen B

Yes! No complaints. It is good on gas but big enough to handle whatever we need., and it is a nice looking vehicle too.

And G

Yes it is. It is very dependable and gets me from point a to point b, with great gas mileage and everything.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Natalya C on June 25, 2021

It is a reliable car and the gas mileage is pretty good.

It makes a lot of noise and it is behind on all the technology that cars in that heat have. For example the car does not have apple play and older cars from different brands does. The stereo is also old looking. The rav4 is just like the older ones.

Arif H on June 25, 2021

People taking about my vehicle.

Tell people about my vehicle: it is a very good vehicle. It is ran faster. It is very nice to looking. This vehicle reaches us in many different places in a short time. And it is easy to driving. The vehicle is goes very well. It consumes very little fuel. Almost it gives me much pleasure.

Yane G on June 25, 2021

Toyota rav4 cons and pros.

The cons about the rav4 is that the gas tank is the same size as the corolla. The car is 4 cylinder; but it is a bigger car. It is economic and comfortable. However, the chairs are manual which it would have been better if they were electric, since the car has sunroof, automatic trunk door and touchscreen radio.

Mary B on June 25, 2021

Reliable and perfect running Toyota rav4!

My vehicle gets about 22 mpg, it is comfortable and convenient for our lifestyle. It runs excellent, and it has all the features we need. We would like a radio that got better reception or Sirius FM, but we couldn't afford it. We would also have liked an automatic lift on the back gate, but that was also something we didn't want to pay for.

Haley H on June 25, 2021

I hate the cup holder situation.

I cannot stand the cup holder situation and wish there was a coin storage space. There is only two cup holders in the front and one is almost under the dash so it makes it hard to get cups in and out. It is a pain. Then, the cup holders in the back are only in the middle seat when you fold it down and they're not very wide, so kids cups do not fit in them.

Tim K on June 25, 2021

The model is a lot more sporty in person. I b like the look.

I love my car. No complaints on my end. Gas is great and very affordable. My Toyota rav4 is very dependable and works very well for me. The make and model is great for my family as I have kids. It is great with plenty of space for cardio and groceries in the back.

shiela R on June 23, 2021

Comfort and quality great vehicle.

Its have a good engine and it's definitely worth the drive,it's clearly a great vehicle for its class. Great on muddy roads, comfortable and gets really good mileage for an SUV. Plenty of room and capable of going off road. And it works good, great car!

LEO H on June 21, 2021

2018 Toyota rav4 is a reliable vehicle.

Thank god so far we haven't had any problems except for the alarm system going off. It is a comfortable vehicle that has folding back seats for. Transporting long items. It also give us a higher ride than most cars so it helps to see the road ahead better. The mpg is good as well.

Caleb H on June 19, 2021

Rav4 good SUV for the money you spend.

The brakes seem to go out fairly quickly but overall quality of the car is very good. Great on gas and amazing for long drives. Tons of storage space I use it for a lot of camping trips with the family. Lots of extra cups space amazing adjustable seats.

Danielle N on June 17, 2021

Great value mid-priced SUV.

I love this car, it has tons of seating and leg space. There's a little shelf in the passenger seat and an extra space for items around the cup holders. The trunk space is large and the back seats fold flat down to extend that space. The back door does not, unfortunately, have a self closing feature but the car does have lane assist and the backup camera which comes in handy a lot.

William A on June 17, 2021

The Toyota rav4 le is reliable and great for road trips.

I enjoy riding in my Toyota rav4 le. This car was used for a road trip across the country twice. I like that it is spacious except it can barely fit 3 car seats. I believe if you are a single person or are married with 2 children this is the car for you. This vehicle is definitely reliable and it gets great gas mileage on the highway.

Kiki Q on June 12, 2021

Toyota rav4 the crossover CUV for all.

When you get a little older you need a car you can step up into and not to high either. The Toyota rav4 is that car for me. Not too big that it is overpowering and hard on gas. Just the right size for me. A mid size SUV.The call it a CUV which is a crossover. I like the look and think everyone should go and check out the Toyota rav4.

Janice L on June 12, 2021

Comfort and affordable and saves on gas.

I really enjoy my vehicle because it is really good on gas. Also it gives me enough space and comfort when I pick up my family and friends for long road trips. If you are looking for a safe that is safe for building a family or even for money saving purposes, this is the vehicle for you. I think of this car as a blessing. I do not spend a lot of money for a car that treats me so well!

Juanita F on June 8, 2021

Excellent vehicle. All terrain driving.

Dependable, great features, easy to drive, great gas mileage, several safety features,clean coating dirt resistant, floor mats sturdy. Material good, easy to clean. Good driving views, able to see safely out of all windows. Seats easily to adjust. Controls on steering wheel easy to operate radio, phone, cruise control, wipers,seats heats and cools. Several vents.

Lisa T on June 7, 2021

Great safe vehicle for a small family or a couple to be safe in.

The rav4 is a quality vehicle. It is all wheel drive and handles very well in The winter months. I have never been stuck and live in a snow belt. The rav4 has many safety features that are very good such as airbags everywhere and alerts when driving over road lines also backing up alert If anything is behind or coming. The interior is made to hold up well and the moon roof is a nice added feature.

Dia N on May 30, 2021

Lane departure and cruise control are my most useful functions.

The rav4 that I have is very comfortable to drive, the ride is smoothly, it is very spacious and affordable to maintain. I enjoy the multiple functions, the economy and sport modes, the auto 4wd function, notifications for lane departure are also very useful. Toyota also provides a great service.

Savannah W on May 29, 2021

I love my car for a small family college girl.

Very reliable 33 mpg highway 26 mpg in town. Very comfortable and feels like it is built for small families. No rear air or plugs are my only complaint. Customer service is exquisite! Smooth ride and more comfortable for smaller people. The car is the perfect mix of manual and automatic accessories ie manual seat adjustments and automatic opening hatch. The sunroof is an amazing addition as well as the touch to lock/unlock feature has been super helpful. Fits passengers comfortably. A lot of space in the rear portion of the car to fit things like groceries or shopping bags and if the rear seats are down can comfortably fit a bike or two.

Carmen T on May 27, 2021

Toyota rav4 XLE - good gas, great brake system & compact car.

I love how smooth my car drives. It is efficient on gas on both highway and city. I have taken my car on multiple roadtrips and it is just the perfect size to fit all my trip needs and still have enough room for my family to travel in comfort. The AWD has come in handy as in my city it tends to rain a lot and the roads get very slippery. My absolute favorite feature is their brake & sensor system. It has saved me from multiple incidents. It will notify you when a car is changing lanes and it is to close to you or if there is something on the road or vehicle and you need to brake. I love my car and will definitely purchase it again.

Cara G on May 26, 2021

Comfortable vehicle with great features.

This vehicle is great on gas, gets about 30mpg. The trunk is huge and fits a lot. Comes with a privacy shield. Great for long road trips. Comfortable seating with large back seat. Fits five people comfortably. Great safety features that can be turned on or off.

Jaithra N on May 26, 2021

Overall good vehicle, has good movement and is perfect as a family car.

Pretty good overall, gas takes a while. Good comfortable car, great for long drives but can be better by having more features that help you drive safer. Can't connect your phone to Bluetooth while driving which is good and decreases distracted driving.

Jon R on May 26, 2021

I love the safety features.

I have not had a single problem with this vehicle. I have almost owned it for 2 years and have not had to do any work and because of its features, you do not have to change the oil as often which saves money. I have also saved a lot of money on gas because of the fuel efficiency. The safety features make me feel confident and safe while I drive even with other drivers around. It is a very spacious vehicle and comfortably fits both of my dogs in the backseat. The truck is huge and fits more than most.

Metra M on May 25, 2021

The favorite car I have ever owned; my 2018 rav4.

I love my rav4! It is comfortable, reliable, safe, and roomy. It is easy to clean and offers plenty of space. The seats in the back fold completely down so to give you more storage room in the trunk. I also love the lane assist and cruise control features. The headlights are also very illuminating. I have the rav4 in white and I have the protective coating near the door edges and the inside of the handles. I have found these to be very useful, however, on a white car the dirt can build up around the coating creating an outline. Not a big deal, it is still my favorite vehicle I have owned. ToyotaCare is also a great perk and I have maintained my car easily because of it.

Tecina H on May 24, 2021

Excellent vehicle to have for small family. It is. Wry affordable also.

My vehicle is great. I love the size. And all its features. It drives smoothly in all weather conditions. It is big enough for my 6ft son but still small and cozy. It is great on gas and mileage. I am 2 year they I have had my rav4 the only problem I have had is a flat tire.

Jessica Z on May 24, 2021

Amazing air conditioning for beating Texas heat!

Super powerful air conditioning is perfect for beating Texas summer heat! The Bluetooth and aux capabilities are super awesome making it easy to answer calls and play music quickly. Easy to clean and has cruise control/self driving capabilities. Drives smoothly and long mileage. Honestly a great car overall!

Theresa M on May 24, 2021

Great car with up to date features.

Comfortable smooth ride. No problems experienced with car. Has its own GPS system included with the car. Backseat is roomy. Perfect size trunk. Does not have a trunk that automatically opens. Rear backup camera very clear. Side mirrors with the indicator for objects in the blind spots. Very helpful.

Alexa P on May 21, 2021

Great starter car for a family.

I love the car because it does not feel too big to drive but it has ample space in the inside. The only thing I would have a complain about is that the air conditioning does not going to the passengers in the back. I have to crank it on the highest level so it can travel to the back. There are no vents in the back.

Jean D on May 19, 2021

Toyota rav4 just right for me and family.

Have no problems with the vehicle since I obtained it. Its performance has been up to what I expect from a 4 cylinder vehicle. It has been one the most reliable cars I have ever owned. Since there are only 2 people using the car or riding it at any given time comfort is not a problem. I do not have any extras features that might make the driving experience better.

Carmen B on May 17, 2021

The best part of it all are the features inside of it.

My vehicle is very comfy sporty and the color is vibrant it rides smooth I recommend to anyone I have had it for two years and my experience is well worth it whomever chooses it will not regret it at all my whole entire family fits comfortably in it to.

Aryanna M on May 17, 2021

Safe, stylish, and reliable!

I love my car! The car is spacious enough for a young family with a toddler and a dog. It has enough trunk room for a stroller and other baggage. I have felt my car has been reliable. I have moved across the country twice in the past few years and I have yet to have issues with the vehicle. I cannot recommend the car enough!

Alba N on May 14, 2021

Helpful. Fantastic. Amazing.

I did not have any problems with my 2018 Toyota rav4. This vehicle has been really good and helpful for me. I like everything of the vehicle and is really nice to driving it. The performance, reliability, comfort and features everything it all right.

Karen F on May 12, 2021

Just right for me, love my SUV.

Has all the features I need-eco, sport modes, lane keep assist, adaptive speed control, etc. Still has a CD player. Cargo space is great. Seems reliable, fun to drive. I like sitting up higher in the SUV than in a passenger car. Back seats recline.

Clare M on May 10, 2021

Great vehicle for anyone!

The rav4 is a great car. It is easy to drive and it seems it is high performance vehicle. I have the charcoal color and it does seem to get very hard when it sits in the sun for a while. I think the inside is very nice looking. I find the seats very comfortable. I back seat is fairly spacious except for the middle seat. The middle seat really only fits a small child and it does not have any air vents. It gets very hot in the back. The radio and music system is great. It is loud in the back and in the front. The car is extremely fast and moves very well. I just took it off roaring and though I would not recommend it for everyone, I was able to handle the car and it did really well over some very tough terrain. Get the rav4 if you want a very reliable ordinary yet speedy car.

Kathy B on May 7, 2021

We like the color which is blue but from a distance looks black. Very deceiving.

We like the rav4 for it is safety features. It alerts us if we swerve into the other lane, light on side mirrors let us know if there is a car in the other lane if we want to switch lanes, backup camera. It is comfortable riding, good on fuel consumption, large cargo to hold the many items we sometimes have to move.

Carla L on May 7, 2021

Very reliable and great on gas mileage.

Toyota rav4 is a very popular car for a reason. Pretty reliable, fun and easy to drive, great gas mileage. The breaks seem to malfunction often after only a few years. But overall great brand and very reliable over time. Also very comfortable interior with lots of room.

Jan H on May 6, 2021

Comfortable ride with added safety features.

My rav is almost two years old, still not a single issue with it. Drives very smooth. The AWD is wonderful as I drive is snowy conditions. By far the safest feeling car I have owned. The comfort of the leather and heated seats is superb. Great lumbar support for long trips.

Jasmine P on May 2, 2021

2018 Toyota rav4, the most reliable car I have ever owned.

I love my car. I have not had any issues with it whatsoever. It is reliable, and it gets great gas mileage. My specific car includes a backup camera and a sunroof, which are both great perks. I for one am not amazing at parking, so having a camera is really nice. There is a feature on the door handle which allows you to touch it and lock your car without pulling out your keys, they must just be in range of your vehicle. This car also does not lock if keys are left inside of the car, so it is impossible to lock yourself out. 10/10 would recommend.

Janet B on May 2, 2021

Debating the value of leasing another SUV.

Good no notable problems so far. Good mileage, ride is smooth and not much noise. Has a CD player which is good. Looks stylish and aerodynamic. We may lease again depending on what kind of a deal they give us and what other SUV options are available.

Alexis D on May 1, 2021

Definition of comfort, practicality and safety!!

Haven't had many issues with the car itself, only had to purchase new wheels but that's not really the car itself. It's very comfortable, I love that the seats in the back go completely flat as it helps when traveling or hauling! I like the features the car offers like the automatic cruise control, where it matches the driver in front of you so you don't have to turn it on and off again when passing them. I like that it does lane correction if you move outside the lines a little bit it will automatically get you back to center!

Cheyenne G on April 29, 2021

Great vehicle for anyone from families to adventurers!

This is an amazing all around car. I live in an area where we get all 4 seasons, including long winters. We get a moderate to intense amount of snow, and I have never felt insecure in this vehicle in winter driving conditions. The option to switch to manual shifting is very handy on icy roads. It is great in all other seasons as well. My only regret is not getting a model with a sunroof! I do mostly city driving and take several cross country trips a year. The gas mileage is stellar no matter what I am doing. I have had zero mechanical problems thus far. This vehicle would be great for just about anybody. Plenty of room for car seats for families, plenty of trunk space for adventurers, and the reliability to take you just about anywhere in between.

Mallissa Y on April 26, 2021

Toyota rav4 XLE - fun features.

The car runs great. The backspace is big enough for groceries or a mini road trip. The gas is also great and lasts long. I love the rooftop window as well. The car has a button to start with so it's really helpful. Also, there are lights on the side mirrors to help indicate if there are cars next to you if you want to switch lanes. You can also switch options on the car to help you identify if you have overstepped or crossed a lane and it'll make a beeping sound for you and readjust your wheel. It also has an awesome backup camera and notifies you if there is someone behind you.

Marjorie S on April 26, 2021

I love my rav4 and I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who asked.

I haven’t had any problems with my rav4. This is actually the second rav4 that I have owned, and I love these vehicles. My Toyota is perfect for my needs. I am a shopper, and there is plenty of room. The only option that I wish my car had is a button inside to open my trunk. This way if I pick up groceries I can pop the trunk at a push of a button.

Makenzi W on April 20, 2021

Toyota rav4 XLE, the affordable, stylish, spacious, mom car of the decade.

My vehicle, the Toyota rav4, is extremely spacious and allows enough room for 1 large car seat and still allows plenty of legroom for other passengers. The reliability is amazing, I have never had any issues whatsoever. It drives beautifully and with all of the safety features included like lane assist, auto brakes, and automatic bright lights, are a huge reasoning that went into my overall purchase.

Cynthia B on April 19, 2021

The ecosport lets me know when I am in the saving gas mode.

Quiet and efficient. I have model that lets me choose eco or sport mode. The eco mode helps me save on gas. It's also very comfortable and reliable. This is my 3rd rav4. And I will choose same next time. In Florida its hot and the cloth seats keep cool and clean easily. I really love and depend on my rav4.

Deb C on April 18, 2021

Raging Toyota rav4 XLE 2018.

This is a very spacious yet compact vehicle with lots of cargo storage and options. It drives like a charm and very economical. The main design has 3 available trim packages to suit your style as well as color choices. The vehicle is rugged enough to handle lots of different terrain while still affording a comfortable, reliable, affordable ride.

Gia K on April 16, 2021

Review of base model rav4 - brown.

The car is relatively new to me so no issues as of yet. I really like the feeling of driving it but also the looks of it both inside and outside. I feel safe in the car especially being up high. I really like the size too, especially compared to older rav4 models.

Richi P on April 14, 2021

Beautifully reliable. Good family size car with kind of sports SUV look.

Pros: good mileage, low repair cost, easy maintenance, good safety features, easy acceleration. Cons: moderately noisy, if your height is less than 5’3” get the trim line which has automated trunk door vs manual trunk door, fair temperature content.

Ryan E on April 10, 2021

Backup camera makes it easy to park.

Very comfortable, reliable and high performing vehicle. Also comes with great features like sport mode and backup camera. The interior is also very modern and comfortable. I have only ever had to take it into the shop for regular maintenance as it is never had any real problems.

Megan F on April 10, 2021

Ol’ reliable and then some.

The rav4 is a comfortable mid-size crossover vehicle that seats 5 people. I have never had any problems with my vehicle. It is reliable, and it has two driving modes—eco and sport. I get approximately 27 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. The blind spot monitoring, lane assist, and forward collision sensors all make cruise control simple.

Braelyn P on April 6, 2021

Toyota rav4 XLE personal review!

Tend to get back aches after long car rides, the car is decent on mpg, good size, good in all weather types. I enjoy the safety features such as the mirror alerts for cars in the side, in lane driving monitors to not go over the lane lines, and the backup reverse camera.

Hadley D on April 4, 2021

It is a great small SUV that serves that purpose very well.

I like the size - easy to drive but big enough to transport what I need. It is clean and modern looking. It is dependable.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.