2012 Toyota RAV4 review
Toyota RAV4 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- V6 engine choice delivers decent performance mixed with good economy
- Responsive to drive and comfortable, too
Cons
- Interior quality feels and looks dated
- Four-cylinder engine is underwhelming
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 26 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2012 Toyota RAV4, a family-favorite crossover, ends generation strong
Toyota was a pioneer in the compact crossover SUV marketplace, introducing the RAV4 to the U.S. back in 1995. The 2012 model is Toyota's third generation of RAV4, and it bows out for an all-new 2013 model. That the 2012 RAV4 remains competitive even in its final year underlines just how right Toyota got the formula. It successfully mixes car-like dynamics, good EPA-estimated fuel economy, plenty of space, and the looks and upright driving position of a crossover. Inevitably, it's showing its age—the interior looks dated compared with newer rivals, while the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and its four-speed automatic also betray its advanced years. It's still a capable family car, though.
The lineup comprises a base entry-level model, the Sport, and the Limited at the top of the range. The base model makes do with steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a six-speaker stereo. You can upgrade the looks with the Value package that adds alloy wheels, a roof rack, rear privacy glass, a sunroof, and upgraded upholstery. But then you might as well go for the Sport, which gets all that as well as sport-tuned suspension for a sharper drive. The Limited reverts back to the regular suspension but gains convenience equipment including keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, and automatic headlights. And for 2012, the Limited adds Entune™ electronics that allow access to some popular sites like Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Open Table. If you want leather upholstery, you'll need the Premium package on either the Sport or Limited model. We'd recommend getting the V6 for the extra power it brings, but you might want to look at the all-new and improved 2013 model.
All Toyota RAV4 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota RAV4 generation from 2011 to 2024
What is new for the 2012 Toyota RAV4?
- RAV4 trims have been upgraded with Bluetooth Technology and DVD Video System as standard equipment this year.
- Run Flat Tires and Entune features are now available as options on select trims.
5 reasons to buy the 2012 Toyota RAV4
1. Space to stretch out
As a compact crossover, the 2012 RAV4 offers a more spacious cabin than what you'd find in a standard sedan. There's plenty of room for front- and back-seat passengers to stretch out—and the rear seats recline for added comfort. The driver's seat also comes with standard height-adjustment, which can come in handy for taller drivers who want to optimize headroom.
2. Available V6 power
While the standard engine on the 2012 RAV4 is a 2.5L four-cylinder at 179 hp, this crossover SUV is also available with an upgraded V6 engine. The 3.5L V6 engine produces 269 hp and is a great option for those who prefer a little extra power behind the wheel.
3. Plenty of storage
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 boasts storage solutions galore, starting with a whopping 36.4 cu-ft of dedicated cargo space behind the rear row. Meanwhile, the second row of seats on this crossover can fold completely flat, extending cargo space up to a full 73 cu-ft. Loading and unloading from the cargo area is a breeze, thanks to the lower load floor. Throughout the cabin, the 2012 RAV4 is equipped with plenty of clever storage for small items, including spacious door pockets and a generously sized glove box.
4. Great fuel economy
Thanks to its compact size, the 2012 RAV4 is a great option for drivers looking to cut down on stops at the fuel pump. The 2012 RAV4 base trim with 2.5L four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined.
5. Available third row
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 was among the only vehicles in its class to offer an optional third row. This third row was available as an option on the Limited trim and bumps seating capacity from five to seven passengers, if only for small kids. This can be a great seating solution for larger families.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota RAV4Toyota RAV4 features and specs
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Entertainment System
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Full Roof Rack
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Entertainment System
- Sunroof(s)
- Third Row Seat
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
179
Torque (ft-lbs)
172
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.9
Wheelbase
104.7"
Overall length
181.9"
Width
71.5"
Height
66.3"
Leg room
F 41.8"/R 38.3"
Head room
F 40.8"/R 39.7"
Front tires
P215/70R16
Rear tires
P215/70R16
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2012 Toyota RAV4 FAQ
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base : 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Limited : 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Sport : 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Toyota RAV4 received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Toyota RAV4 as 3 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2012 Toyota RAV4, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2012 Toyota RAV4 Reviews.
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of between 1500 and 2000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2012 Toyota RAV4:
- Leather Seats
- Bluetooth Technology
- Rear Entertainment System
- Entune
- Run Flat Tires
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
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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