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2014 Toyota RAV4 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Toyota RAV4 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Plenty of space for passengers and luggage
  • Good EPA-estimated fuel economy

Cons

  • Only one engine choice
  • Six-speed automatic can be slow to downshift and sometimes bounces between two gears on inclines

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 29 highway, 25 combined

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2014 Toyota RAV4 is an admirable all-rounder

Comfort, space, and fuel economy. Let's face it, that's what most buyers want in a compact crossover SUV, and that's exactly what Toyota provides with the 2014 RAV4. It's not exciting, but the RAV4's well-rounded ability is on a par with family-friendly rivals like the Honda CR-V. There's something very satisfying about a car that can do everything you ask of it so well, and the RAV4 falls into that category. The 2.4-liter engine is brisk enough, and the standard six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, though in the pursuit of efficiency, it will occasionally hunt for gears on a long incline. That's a small complaint because its EPA-estimated fuel economy is good, especially in the front-wheel-drive model. If you're prepared to sacrifice some efficiency for the added traction of all-wheel drive, you can option it on the RAV4.

There's plenty of comfort in the spacious, refined cabin, and, with the exception of the optional Entune™ smartphone integration, the controls are easy to use. Trim levels encompass the LE, XLE, and Limited at the top of the range. The LE covers the basics, but if you want alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and sportier front seats, the XLE is worth the extra cost. The Limited adds larger alloy wheels, keyless ignition and entry, a power tailgate, and power-adjustable driver’s seat, as well as heated front seats and simulated leather upholstery. Options on the Limited include premium audio from JBL, and a Technology package that bundles blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam control for the headlights. A competent all-rounder, the RAV4 pins its success on being everything to everybody, even if that means it doesn't really excel in any one area.

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 2014 Toyota RAV4?

  • RAV4 trims have been upgraded with Navigation System, Satellite Radio Ready, and Entune as standard equipment this year.
  • Lane Departure Warning and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The LE trim now comes with Alloy Wheels as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2014 Toyota RAV4

1. Updated design

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 was the second year of an updated generation introduced for the 2013 model year. Along with the redesign came many enhancements, including a roof-mounted liftgate. The available remote opener makes this a very handy feature if you regularly need to load up cargo and want to keep your hands free.

2. Thrifty four-cylinder engine

2014 RAV4 models feature a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, allowing you to go further on a full tank. With this engine, the 2014 Toyota RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

 This is great if you're looking for something that's practical for the commute or can handle daily errands and weekend excursions.

3. Premium audio

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with some great tech features, too. This includes a great Entune® infotainment system, a standard backup camera, a 6.1-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth® phone connectivity, a USB 2.0 port, and six standard speakers. If music is important to you, look out for the Limited model, which has a premium JBL® sound system—your ears will be treated to 11 speakers and a subwoofer with a 576-watt amplifier.

4. Spacious interior

Toyota designers made the most of every inch of interior space on the 2014 RAV4. With its asymmetrical dash design and clever storage cubbies, you and your passengers can find a spot for anything you wish to take with you on an epic road trip. The standard six-way (and the optional eight-way) power-adjustable front seats are slim, which creates more room for your rear occupants. The back seat is split 60/40 and reclines for increased rear passenger comfort. If you need to load up cargo, the seats fold flat to open the area up from 38.4 cu-ft to an impressive 73.4 cu-ft.

5. All-wheel drive for improved traction

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 comes with standard front-wheel drive, but if you seek adventures in areas that require additional traction you may want to check out the Dynamic Torque Control on the AWD-equipped models. This system uses sensors throughout the vehicle to monitor wheel slip to provide traction to the wheels with the most grip. So whether you're driving through inclement weather or down your favorite trail, the RAV4 with AWD does its best to keep you moving.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is a great car with a powerful engine, good mileage, and a comfortable ride. Customers like the car's design, comfort, and great fuel economy.
4
1
2
Excellent

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 RAV4

Toyota RAV4 features and specs

LE 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Entune
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

176

Torque (ft-lbs)

172

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

15.9

Wheelbase

104.7"

Overall length

179.9"

Width

72.6"

Height

65.4"

Leg room

F 42.6"/R 37.2"

Head room

F 39.8"/R 38.9"

Front tires

P225/65HR17

Rear tires

P225/65HR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2014 Toyota RAV4 FAQ

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