The Toyota RAV4 was designed to be the best of both worlds, offering the utility of an SUV and the fuel economy of a compact car. If you’re in the market for a used one, there are some things that you need to know before you buy. We’ll break down how the generations differ and the changes that come with those.
Key Takeaways:
- The RAV4 comes with a ton of safety features, with even more being added in the most recent generation, making it the perfect family vehicle.
- Starting in the third generation, you can look for optional third-row seating.
- If you like a manual transmission, you’ll need something older.
First Generation (1994-1999)
While this generation hit other markets in 1994, the US didn't see it until 1996. When it debuted in the US, it came in a 5-door model that came standard with dual airbags.
In this generation, the RAV4 can be found in either FWD or 4WD configurations. It also had a choice between a 4-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic.
In 1997, the RAV4 was named Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine. When 1998 came around, Toyota introduced a soft-top three-door. The 1999 model dropped the two-door hardtop.
Second Generation (2000-2004)
Unlike the previous generation, this one was only available in a five-door configuration. Being a rather short generation, it didn’t see too much change. The biggest changes are for safety. It comes with a better safety structure, and Vehicle Stability Control is made standard.
Third Generation (2005-2011)
Toyota has continued to improve the feel and build of the RAV4, and with this generation, you now gain 21% interior volume, thanks to a longer wheelbase. Due to this, you can now opt for 3rd row seating.
Much like the first gen, you can find these in either FWD or 4WD. You can also look for a few different engines. These are the 2.4L I4 and the 3.5L V6. The V6 could produce 270 horsepower, while the first I4 could produce 166 horsepower. Later, it was replaced by a more powerful 178-horsepower. These changes made the RAV4 the best-selling SUV for the first time.
Fourth Generation (2012-2017)
The RAV4 went through a bit of an identity change for this generation. Dropping the side-opening rear door, as well as the spare wheel that was mounted to it, and replacing it with a rear liftgate. The V6 was also dropped this generation, leaving the I4 engines as the only available options.
This year also saw the production of the EV variant of the RAV4. This came with a 154-horsepower engine powered by a 41.8 kWh battery pack. This can get you an estimated range of 92 miles in the standard mode, and you can go 113 miles in extended charge mode. Limited to 2,600 units across 3 years.
During this generation, the IIHS tested the vehicle rigorously. While 2013 and 2014 saw “good” ratings for some tests, it received “poor” ratings in others. This caused Toyota to go back to focusing on those areas, and in the 2015 tests, it received the IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Fifth Generation (2018- Present)
With the RAV4 finding a new personality in the last generation, this generation aims to make it more comfortable. This new chassis is 57% more rigid and comes with a new suspension that is claimed to provide better damping, have less interior noise, and better ride comfort.
When this generation hit the market, it came with 5 trims. The LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, and Limited. The hybrid hit the market a year later, coming with the LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited trims.
The standard RAV4 comes with a 2.5L engine that can produce 202 horsepower, giving the RAV4 some get-up-and-go. You can also find a 7-inch touch screen and Toyota Safety Sense.
2019 added another trim level to the lineup, the TRD off-road trim. The 2021 model saw the XLE Premium Hybrid added, while the SE Hybrid was added in 2022. The Woodland edition is being added in 2023. This came with a standard hybrid powertrain, TRD bronze-coloured wheels, and roof rails.
In 2023, all RAV4 models came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. TSS 2.5 comes with a Pre-collision warning system, lane departure alert, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
For the most recent model year, Toyota has decided to trim the fat and start removing some trims. These trims are the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, making this a bad year for off-road enthusiasts.
With so many options to choose from, the RAV4 can do it all. If you’re looking for the best places to buy a used Toyota RAV4 near you that doesn't have hidden costs, while still giving you the best deals, come see one of our Alan Jay locations!