2014 Toyota RAV4 review
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
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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.
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.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.6 out of 5
39 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 24 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 14 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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
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
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LE : 24 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- Limited : 24 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- XLE : 24 MPG City and 31 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 2014 Toyota RAV4 has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2014 Toyota RAV4, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2014 Toyota RAV4 Reviews.
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 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 2014 Toyota RAV4:
- Entune
- Navigation System
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Entertainment System
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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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