The Toyota RAV4 kickstarted the compact SUV wars we see raging today. The venerable family hauler has been around for almost 30 years and continues to be a compelling and responsible vehicle choice today. In recent years, Toyota has updated the SUV with efficient plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains that deliver surprising performance while maintaining solid fuel economy.

The RAV4 is now offered in several configurations, including a rugged Adventure trim with decent trail capabilities. All trims feature more rugged styling than previous generations did, and Toyota sells the SUV in colors previously reserved for legitimate off-roaders like the 4Runner.

All of that said, the RAV4 is a practical choice, if not the most exciting option. It comes standard with a full suite of advanced driver aids, and the top trims offer near-luxury finishes. On top of that, Toyota has kept the RAV4’s MSRP reasonable, despite loading the vehicle down with equipment.

The RAV4 competes with the Subaru Forester, the Honda CR-V, the Hyundai Tucson, and the Nissan Rogue, among others. The new Toyota redesign brought the RAV4 into the modern age, as its tech and feature set was lagging a bit before. The list of standard and available safety tech now includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, a color driver information display, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and more. Toyota’s warranty is not the best, but it is reasonable, at three years/36,000 miles for basic coverage and five years/60,000 miles for powertrain.

Generations: Five

• Toyota RAV4 1st Generation
• Toyota RAV4 2nd Generation
• Toyota RAV4 3rd Generation
• Toyota RAV4 4th Generation
• Toyota RAV4 5th Generation

Pros: Good value, endlessly practical, generous standard safety features
Cons: Not exciting to drive, can be loud at times

Toyota RAV4 5th Generation (2019-Present)

The RAV4 model we see today got its start with the 2019 model year. The current model line includes a standard gas-powered version, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The base Toyota RAV4 LE gets a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. The RAV4 comes standard with a long list of desirable features, including keyless entry, Toyota Safety Sense, LED daytime running lights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more. Options include a JBL sound system, navigation, and alloy wheels. The Toyota RAV4 Limited gets many of these features as standard. An available RAV4 Adventure model acts as a pseudo Toyota RAV4 TRD model, bringing light off-roading capabilities to the SUV.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that combine for 219 horsepower. It gets standard all-wheel drive, thanks to the electrified powertrain, and it retains the desirable luxury and entertainment features of its gas-powered counterpart.

The new RAV4 Prime is the most expensive model in the catalog and carries impressive specs. It’s Toyota’s second quickest vehicle, behind the Supra, and it features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a combined 302 horsepower. The Prime is offered in two trims, both of which carry upscale equipment, tech, and capability. It also comes standard with AWD. This vehicle is so popular in 2022 that it’s hard to find one at a dealership without a significant markup.

Toyota RAV4 4th Generation (2013-2018)

Toyota ditched the previously available V6 for the fourth-generation RAV4, leaving only a 176-hp four-cylinder engine in its place. The SUV shrank in length by an inch, partially due to Toyota’s relocating the spare tire from the rear gate to under the cargo load floor. A power liftgate became optional. Where the previous RAV4 had a side-opening rear door, the fourth-generation model got a legitimate liftgate.

Styling became sharper and more aggressive with this generation, though the vehicle was more bark than bite. Inside, it got upgrades such as a touchscreen audio system, automatic climate control, available Softex upholstery, and more standard features. The RAV4 got an overhaul for the 2016 model year, which brought LED exterior lighting and a redesigned front end. The new models also got more sound insulation material and updated interior features.

The fourth-generation model ran through the 2018 model year, and near the end of its run, it gained a hybrid option. This variant got a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor. In 2017, Toyota added advanced driver aids to the list of features.

Toyota RAV4 3rd Generation (2007-2012)

When the third-generation RAV4 debuted in 2006 for the 2007 model year, the lineup expanded to include Base, Sport, and Limited trim levels. Again, all came with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. The RAV4 grew in length by more than half a foot (6.7 inches), so owners could squeeze in an optional third-row bench seat if needed, boosting seating capacity to seven. A new 3.5-liter V6 power plant, putting out 269 hp, joined the lineup, giving the RAV4 the performance many were seeking. In addition, the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder received a bump in power to 166 hp. Both engines linked to an automatic transmission only, as Toyota dropped the manual shifter from availability.

Sport trims came with a sport-tuned suspension, while V6 trims included hill ascent and descent control as a standard feature. The second-row seat continued to slide and fold forward, while the optional third-row bench seat folded into the floor. Owners of the Limited trim could add such options as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a DVD entertainment system. In 2007, front-seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags joined the standard equipment list for all trims, while in 2009, a mid-generation refresh included updated front and rear ends, a new front grille, and a larger spoiler for the Sport trim, as well as a number of new standard and optional features, including push-button start, a rear-view camera, and a navigation system.

Toyota RAV4 2nd Generation (2002-2006)

For its second generation, which debuted with the 2001 model year, the RAV4 grew in length by about 1.3 inches and in width by about 2.4 inches, resulting in more interior space. Exterior styling updates ensured a more muscular appearance, while a more rigid body and a retuned suspension resulted in an improved, more comfortable ride with minimal flexing. The RAV4 also received a new all-aluminum, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, which helped to improve fuel efficiency. Horsepower jumped by 21 hp, up to 148, and the RAV4 was designated as a low-emissions vehicle for sale in California.

Inside, front-seat legroom grew by about 3 inches, and headroom increased as well in the front, although both headroom and legroom decreased by about half an inch for rear-seat passengers. The rear seat could be reclined and split 50/50, or slid and folded forward to increase cargo space. Owners again could choose front- or four-wheel-drive configurations, as well as such options as antilock brakes and a power moonroof.

In 2004, the RAV4 received a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced 161 hp. Toyota also made a few minor exterior styling updates, which included new circular fog lights integrated into the front bumper. Toyota added air conditioning, power exterior mirrors, and its electronic stability control system, called Vehicle Stability Control, to the RAV4's standard equipment list, while options included front-seat side and side-curtain airbags. An optional L package added such features as power door locks and an upgraded six-speaker AM/FM audio system with both CD and cassette players. Leather upholstery was also available as a separate option.

Toyota RAV4 1st Generation (1996-2001)

Loosely based on the Corolla platform, the Toyota RAV4 debuted in the US with the 1996 model year, although it first appeared in Japanese showrooms in 1994 after an eight-year-long gestation period. During that development time, a concept version of the RAV4 was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1989, and a close-to-production version was displayed at the same show in 1993. The final production version was shown at the Geneva (Switzerland) Auto Show in 1994. The long development period was perhaps necessary, since the RAV4 was fairly cutting-edge for its time and helped define a new automotive segment, the crossover SUV, combining elements of a full-sized, truck-based SUV with those of a smaller, easy-to-handle sedan or wagon.

In its initial incarnation, the RAV4 was powered by a 120-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which was mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The RAV4 rode on a car-like fully independent suspension with unibody construction, resulting in good handling. Performance lagged, however, as it took a full 10 seconds for the RAV4 to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mpg.

With its short (compared to larger SUVs) yet wide body, the RAV4 exhibited good stability and maneuverability. It was available with either front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. Although not designed specifically for off-roading, the vehicle could be equipped with manual-shift four-wheel-drive trims with a center differential lock, which improved off-road performance. Two- and four-door versions were available, with a side-opening tailgate at the rear. Front airbags were standard, and owners could add antilock brakes as an option.

The RAV4 received a minor facelift in 1998, with a new grille, front end, headlights, and taillights. In addition, the four-cylinder engine received a boost in power, to 127 hp, although owners and reviewers alike still complained about sluggish acceleration. Minor revisions inside included a new three-spoke steering wheel and updated audio systems. Toyota also introduced a new two-door soft-top convertible trim, as well as a four-door RAV4L Special Edition with leather upholstery and unique exterior colors. The two-door hardtop trim disappeared from the lineup in 1999, leaving only the four-door and two-door soft-top trims.