Fifth generation Toyota RAV4
An upgraded engine that's more efficient and powerful than ever and standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ make the latest RAV4 more compelling than ever.
The fifth generation of the Toyota RAV4 debuted a new, 2.5-liter engine that's more powerful and more efficient than previous versions. The EPA estimates[1] the RAV4 gets 30 mpg in combined driving, which is good for a vehicle of its size.
Tech enhancements also came with the latest generation, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard features. Toyota's Safety Sense Suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, is also standard. That's great because some competitors require you to upgrade to a higher trim to get these driver assist features.
The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims add style and light off-road benefit and are available from 2019-2024. Some of the desirable features, like hill-descent control, are available on the Limited trim in 2025.
Note for content admin: Please make sure to include the EPA disclaimer at the bottom of the page.
Model highlights
Standard Apple CarPlay®
Standard Android Auto™ added in 2020
More powerful and efficient engine
Lots of desirable standard driver aids
Roomy interior and cargo area
New infotainment system added in 2023
Larger touchscreens added in 2022 and again in 2023
Fourth generation Toyota RAV4
A new transmission made the RAV4 more efficient than before, but Toyota nixed both the available V6 engine and third row.
The fourth generation of the Toyota RAV4 made the crossover more recognizable to modern eyes. Toyota moved the spare tire from the cargo door to underneath the RAV4 and replaced the side-swinging cargo door with one that hinges from the top of the vehicle. The optional V6 engine also went by the wayside, as did the very cramped third row.
But Toyota did bring a new transmission to the party, which made the RAV4 more fuel-efficient than before. Its styling is also more modern, both inside and out. Cargo space remains about the same as its predecessor, meaning the fourth generation of the RAV4 is as roomy as ever.
You won't find Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ on this generation of RAV4, but Toyota offered a smartphone integration package that allows you to play your tunes while plugged in via USB.
Model highlights
New transmission helps fuel economy
Many desirable driver aids added in 2017
Those driver aids are available on SE and Limited trims in 2016
Cargo hatch now hinged at top of vehicle
Adventure trim added in 2018
Similar vehicles
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Changes by year
Latest generation from 2019 - 2025
2025 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims discontinued
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2024 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
No significant changes
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2023 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
Larger available 10.5-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster
New infotainment software
Added Woodland Edition on Hybrid models
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2022 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
Nine-inch touchscreen becomes available upgrade
Midrange SE trim available for RAV4 Hybrid adds sportier appearance and suspension
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2021 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
No significant changes
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2020 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
Android Auto™ smartphone integration added as standard equipment (previously Apple CarPlay® only)
TRD Off-Road trim available, adds off-road suspension and tires along with a few other convenience features
Power-adjustable driver’s seat now standard on XLE trim
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2019 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
RAV4 is all-new for 2019
New standard engine
Apple CarPlay® standard
Host of standard driver aids
Slightly less total cargo space
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Previous generation from 2013 - 2018
2018 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
Off-roadish Adventure trim added
SE trim gets increased ride height
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2017 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
Many driver aids become standard features
Top-of-the-line Platinum trim is added
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2016 Toyota RAV4
2015 Toyota RAV4
2014 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
Technology package adds lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring
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2013 Toyota RAV4
Highlights
RAV4 is all-new for 2013
V6 engine discontinued
Available third row discontinued
New transmission improves fuel economy
More modern styling
Cargo door is now top-hinged
Spare tire moved underneath body of RAV4
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Looking for 2012 models or older?
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota RAV4 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota RAV4 4th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota RAV4 is $367, compared to an average of $473 for Compact SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Toyota RAV4 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.7 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Compact SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 7% for the Toyota RAV4, compared to an average of 13% for Compact SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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