← All vehicles

Toyota RAV4 (4th Gen)

13-18 · Toyota RAV4

85out of 100

The 4th gen RAV4 improved interior quality and fuel economy while keeping the proven 2AR-FE, making it the top compact SUV pick at the $12k–$18k price point.

Score breakdown

90/ 100Reliability×2.579/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×2.565/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A fully updated RAV4 on a new platform with better interior quality, more cargo space, and slightly improved fuel economy. The 2AR-FE continues unchanged. Toyota dropped the V6 option, the 2.5L is the only engine. AWD engagement is more intelligent than the 3rd gen. A well-sorted package with very few weaknesses.

Why it's on this list

The benchmark used compact SUV. At $12k–$18k, a 4th gen RAV4 with good service history is among the safest investments in the used car market. Toyota parts are everywhere and independent mechanics know the 2AR-FE cold.

The honest trade-offs

Not the most exciting vehicle to drive. Fuel economy acceptable but not class-leading. Infotainment system dates quickly. Some reports of brake wear above average. No turbo engine available for buyers wanting more power.

What to buy and what to avoid

16-18 XLE or Limited AWD. Verify Toyota safety recall status (Takata airbag was on some RAV4s). Avoid the Adventure trim (it's the same mechanicals but costs more). Clean second owner examples are plentiful.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,430 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$429 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$187 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,900 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,460 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,746 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,306 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
28[5]
MPG city / hwy
25 / 31[5]
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl (2AR-FE)
Horsepower
176 hp
Torque
172 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
73.4 cu ft
Stock tires
225/65R17
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
18%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$429 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.3[1]
Severe issue probability
9%[1]
250k-mile survival
60%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$22 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Toyota RAV4?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

View options

If you like the Toyota RAV4 (4th Gen), also consider

Picked by segment, score, and ownership cost.

Similar score in the same segment
Toyota Highlander (3rd Gen)
91
Cheaper to own
Honda Element
81
Also in this segment
Toyota Sienna 3rd Gen
91
Also in this segment
Honda Odyssey 4th Gen
91
Also in this segment
Toyota Highlander (2nd Gen)
89

Owner ratings

Owner stories

Real owners. Real mileage. Not a press release.

No stories yet. Be the first.

Community comments

Sign in to leave a comment.