Which rav4 to buy

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 third-generation RAV4 because of the excellent safety score, V6 engine, and improved reliability.

I would have to recommend the fourth generation. If I were to choose the fourth-generation I would choose a model year to enjoy the new styling as well as upgraded safety features. 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 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 complaints. This indicates that it may have some serious reliability issues in the long run. 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.

If you want something a little more interesting check out one of the first-generation RAVs. First Generation The first-generation RAV4 was released in and would end up in showrooms for the model year.

All RAVs have had noise reduction increased by insulating the front dash to keep the sounds from the noisy engine out. For , 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 , 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 , not much had changed, Toyota nixed the convertible design and completely redesigned the cupholder.

Fourth Generation The fourth-generation came with some significant changes. Photos: Toyota. Owner Reviews accountCircle B on October 14, Love my L Package 5 Speed. I have a last model year of the second gen and absolutely love it. The combination of the 5 speed with the 2. It's also the perfect size with it being a step larger than the 1st Gen but not as big as the 3rd Gen. Lastly, I like the looks.

It has a wider looking stance than the first gen and all the curves in the right places. Fun to drive! We brought this at Turners in It is now 11,km and 16 months later, and it performs beautifully.

Great economy of 7. 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.

This is a biased review. Author of this article does know that rav4 has excessove oil consumption issue and had recall in coolant pump less then 30k Miles. Rear seat accommodations are roomy and the cargo area is generous. Don't expect crash safety to be as up to snuff as more recent RAV4s, but stability control is standard. Responsive handling and a fairly comfortable ride made it easy to drive.

Controls are also very user friendly, including the ability to pair a phone via Bluetooth. Avoid buying a RAV4 older than the model year, as they lack electronic stability control. Otherwise, the RAV4s of that vintage have nimble handling and compact dimensions that made them fun to drive and very maneuverable. Ride comfort and noise isolation were ok for the time but not a match for newer versions.

A side swinging door makes loading and unloading rather cumbersome and doesn't shelter from rain. Rear seat room and cargo volume are modest. Available in both two- and four-door versions, it delivers carlike driving manners and a comfortable ride, though noise from the driveline can be intrusive.

On the down side, the engine isn't very strong, the rear seat is tight, and cargo room is scant. Show Older Toyotas. Smart SUV Alternatives. Finding your dream SUV can be tough now, but there are other vehicles that may deliver the functionality you need. The Toyota RAV4 first went on sale in and is now in its fifth generation.

Check out the latest model in our RAV4 review. At launch, there was a choice of a 2. Buyers could pick between Active, Icon and Invincible trims, but from January , there was a Business Edition, too, based on the Active. Initially, the 2. At the same time, the Icon and Invincible got extra kit and more optional driver assistance systems. A facelift in December brought a new 2. A month later, the RAV4 Hybrid arrived, combining a 2. All petrol-engined models are four-wheel-drive automatics, while the 2.

All Hybrids are autos and the 2. The Icon also has a powered tailgate, inch wheels, touchscreen multimedia, folding door mirrors, cruise control, sports seats and automatic wipers. If you have one of these medical devices, please talk to your doctor to see if you should deactivate this system.

Apps and services are subject to change at any time without notice. Stolen vehicle police report required to use Stolen Vehicle Locator. Some features may require the Toyota app. Registration required. Service subject to change at any time without notice. See usage precautions and service limitations in Owner's Manual and at toyota.

Automatic High Beams operate at speeds above 25 mph. Factors such as a dirty windshield, weather, lighting and terrain limit effectiveness, requiring the driver to manually operate the high beams. After the trial period expires, enrollment in paid subscription is required to access the service. Paid subscription required after trial to access the service. For Toyota hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell and battery electric vehicles beginning with model year , the hybrid HV battery is covered for 10 years from original date of first use or , miles, whichever comes first.

Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See Owner's Warranty and Maintenance Guide for details.

Do not rely exclusively on the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection and range of the system.

Do not overload your vehicle. See Owner's Manual for weight limits and restrictions. When the system is on, Automatic Electric Parking Brake is designed to automatically engage the Electric Parking Brake under limited conditions. It may not hold the vehicle under all conditions and does not function when the vehicle is in Reverse. When engaged, the system will reduce power to help the brakes bring the vehicle to a stop.

Factors including speed, road conditions and driver input can all impact stopping distance. System effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and traffic conditions. The Wi-Fi Connect trial begins at the time of activation and expires when 2GB of data is used or when the 3-month period ends.

Terms and conditions apply. Destination Assist depends on factors outside of Toyota's control, including an operative telematics device, a cellular connection, GPS signal, and the availability of a compatible wireless network, without which system functionality and availability may be limited or precluded.

See Owner's Manual and toyota. Phone performance depends on software, coverage and carrier. When using the wireless charging system, avoid placing metal objects between the wireless charger and the mobile device when charging is active. Doing so may cause metal objects to become hot and could cause burns. Emission coverages vary under Federal and California regulations.

Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always properly secure cargo and cargo area. This device is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving practices. It is the driver's responsibility to maintain a lookout for pedestrians, cyclists, other cars and objects, and to drive the vehicle in a safe and attentive manner to avoid making contact. Date and mileage limitations refer to whichever occurs first from the date of purchase. Warranty coverage is subject to other terms and conditions.

Refer to applicable Warranty and Maintenance Guide for full details. Payload Capacity is the calculation of GVWR minus curb weight and should be used for comparison purposes only. The maximum amount of passenger and cargo weight your vehicle can carry is the Load Carrying Capacity indicated on the label s on the driver's doorjamb.

Vehicles with manual transmission have regular DRCC. For additional assistance contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at The Toyota Remote Connect trial period is at no extra cost and begins on the original date of purchase or lease of a new vehicle. The backup camera does not provide a comprehensive view of the rear area of the vehicle and you should also look around the vehicle, using mirrors to confirm rearward clearance.

Environmental conditions may limit effectiveness and view may become obscured. Downhill Assist Control is designed to help driver maintain vehicle control and speed on steep, downhill descents and is not a substitute for safe driving judgment and practices.

Factors including speed, grade, surface conditions and driver input can affect the DAC's ability to prevent loss of control. Effectiveness is dependent on road, weather, vehicle and sign conditions. Use common sense when using RSA and do not drive distracted. The Wi-Fi Connect trial period is at no extra cost and begins on the date of activation. After the trial period expires, enrollment in a paid subscription is required to access the service. ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25, miles, whichever comes first.

The Pre-Collision System PCS with Pedestrian Detection PD is designed to determine if impact is imminent and help reduce impact speed and damage in certain frontal collisions involving a vehicle or a pedestrian. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as speed, size and position of pedestrian and weather, light and road conditions. Eligible vehicle and wireless service required.

Wi-Fi Connect depends on factors outside of Toyota's control, including an operative telematics device, a cellular connection, GPS signal, and the availability of a compatible wireless network, without which system functionality and availability may be limited or precluded. Wi-Fi Connect coverage and service not available everywhere.

Valid in the contiguous U. Do not drive distracted. Go to att. Data usage and charges apply. Up to 5 devices can be supported using in-vehicle connectivity. Always look around outside the vehicle and use mirrors to confirm clearance.

Certain vehicle and environmental factors, including an object or vehicle's shape, size and composition, may affect the system's effectiveness.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to read visible lane markers under certain conditions. It provides a visual and audible alert, and slight steering force when lane departure is detected. It is not a collision-avoidance system or a substitute for safe and attentive driving. Effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. Lane Tracing Assist LTA is designed to read visible lane markers and detect other vehicles under certain conditions.

It is only operational when DRCC is engaged. Vehicle Stability Control is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions, weather and driver steering input can all affect whether VSC will be effective in preventing a loss of control.