2015 Toyota RAV4 review
Toyota RAV4 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Good passenger and luggage space
- EPA-estimated fuel economy is good for a compact SUV
Cons
- Only one engine choice
- Capable and comfortable, but others are more interesting to drive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 29 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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A family favorite, 2015 Toyota RAV4 stays strong in appeal
Compact crossover SUVs are huge sellers, which means they must have broad appeal, which is why the 2015 Toyota RAV4 is so popular. Sharp but inoffensive styling inside and out, a spacious cabin for five passengers, a usefully shaped roomy trunk with easy access, and an engine that mixes fine EPA-estimated fuel economy with acceptable performance and refinement. It's not as exciting to drive as some rivals like the Ford Edge and Mazda CX-5, but the RAV4 is capable enough to engage all but the most demanding drivers. Offered in front- or all-wheel drive, the RAV4 comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine choice is a sole 2.5-liter with 176 hp, while some RAV4 rivals offer a more powerful V6 option.
Trim choices start with the entry-level LE, which covers basics like air conditioning, cruise control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth® phone and audio streaming, a six-speaker sound system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and keyless entry. Step up to the XLE and you gain 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and an upgraded audio system that incorporates satellite radio, HD radio traffic, and weather. The range-topping Limited has 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, premium synthetic leather, and an optional premium JBL audio system with navigation. A Technology package, available only on the Limited trim, features blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning. A fine all-rounder, the RAV4 is a big seller for a reason. If you're looking at compact crossover SUVs, it should be on your list.
All Toyota RAV4 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota RAV4 generation from 2011 to 2025
What is new for the 2015 Toyota RAV4?
- The Limited trim now comes with Entune as standard equipment.
2015 Toyota RAV4 trims
LE
Includes 17-inch steel wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors, daytime running lights, front active headrests, steering wheel controls, a 60/40 split-bench seat, and more.
XLE
Adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, premium cloth seats, heated exterior mirrors, fog and driving lights, SiriusXM® satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, power slide/tilt sunroof, and more.
Limited
Adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, leatherette seats, heated front seats, driver lumbar support, navigation system, smart key with push-button start, height-adjustable power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more.
5 reasons to buy the 2015 Toyota RAV4
1. Big on storage
Seemingly bigger on the inside than the outside, the 2015 RAV4 interior boasts 38.4 cu-ft of space behind the rear row seats. Running 40 inches in length, that's plenty of room for your game-day cooler since it's more cu-ft than the average refrigerator. If it's just you and another passenger on the drive, put those rear seats down for 73.4 cu-ft of cargo space. That's enough to haul a kayak, cot, tent, fishing gear, and much more.
2. Available AWD
While front-wheel drive is standard on the 2015 Toyota RAV4 LE, all-wheel drive is available on the LE and standard on the XLE and Limited trims. The RAV4 uses an electronically controlled AWD system called Dynamic Torque Control to continually monitor the wheels for slip. When a loss of traction is detected, the system sends engine torque to the other wheels, resulting in improved traction and stability in all weather conditions. This is great news when you're driving in rain, sleet, or snow.
3. Ready to play
With 6.3 inches of ground clearance, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 is ready for off-road adventures. The available AWD system can get you through muddy roads, gravel, and sand, as well as light creek fording, scrambling up mountain roads, and perhaps even beginner rock crawling. The great thing about the RAV4's suspension is that the off-road mud-loving nature doesn't compromise the car-like on-road ride.
4. Smart options
Standard 2015 Toyota RAV4 features include eight airbags, vehicle stability control, and engine start/stop technology. Even better is the mid-range XLE and top-tier Limited trims, adding features like dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, satellite radio, Entune™ Audio, and push-button start. These are great features that can make a world of difference.
5. Luxurious Limited Trim
Looking for a little more class in your crossover? Shop the 2015 Toyota RAV4 Limited and its exclusive list of features. Outside, you'll notice larger 18-inch wheels, standard fog lamps, a power liftgate, and heated mirrors with integrated turn signals. Inside, check out the leather seating, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, and heated power-adjustable front seats. The Limited trim also opens up optional packages like the Technology Package full of driver-assistance features.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2015 Toyota RAV4, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The first-generation Volkswagen Tiguan spans 2009-2017, delivering a stylish interior and a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with either a six-speed automatic or manual (2009-2015) transmission. The Tiguan has unique standard features like rain-sensing wipers and available upgrades that include a premium Fender® sound system on the SEL trim. The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan (2018-present) gains more power, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and third-row seating.
Standard equipment on the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Sport includes:
Body-color side sills and rear bumper
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Sport suspension
Leather seats
The Hyundai Tucson is ready for adventure—and not just in Arizona, as the name implies. Winter-capable AWD is available on any Tucson trim. The third-generation Tucson (2016-2021) has three four-cylinder engine options available and an unusual-for-crossovers seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2018 Hyundai Tucson has driver-assistance features standard on all trims, along with a revised suspension that glides over bumps, and a stylish interior filled with high-quality materials.
The 2018 Hyundai Tuscon Limited offers:
Panoramic sunroof
Hands-free liftgate
Heated steering wheel
Optional ventilated front seats and heated rear seats
The Mazda CX-5 earns street cred for its attractive exterior, refined interior, and high-caliber steering and handling dynamics. The second-generation CX-5 (2017-present) debuted with two wildly different 2.5L four-cylinder engines. The base engine generates 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, while the optional turbocharged engine thinks it's a V6 and makes 250 hp and 310 lb-ft. FWD is standard, but AWD is available on all CX-5 trims. Audiophiles will be happy to learn that Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity have been standard since 2017.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve trim includes:
Heated/ventilated front seats
Power-folding exterior mirrors
Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
Heated rear seats
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.7 out of 5
50 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 42 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
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
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Entertainment System
- Remote Start
- 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
2015 Toyota RAV4 FAQ
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is a great crossover with lots of features. You might also consider a used 2016 RAV4, which features a redesign, Sport Edition trim, and a hybrid option.
This depends on your needs, but perhaps look at a mid-range trim for a good mix of features. The 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE with AWD is a great choice.
RAV4 is an acronym that stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive."
More about the 2015 Toyota RAV4
Exterior colors:
Barcelona Red
Black
Blizzard Pearl (Premium Package on Limited trim)
Blue Crush Metallic
Classic Silver Metallic
Hot Lava
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Pyrite Mica
Super White
Interior colors:
Ash Gray
Black
Interior details
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 interior offers room for up to five people with the flexible utility of the 60/40 split rear bench that handles passengers in comfort or outsize cargo with ease. To carry extra-long cargo, lower the fold-flat rear seats and you can stow an adult's mountain bike in the back without removing the front wheel.
Base LE models have basic cloth seats, with the XLE gaining premium cloth and the Limited receiving leatherette on the seats, door panels, and dash. Metal trim highlights accents on the steering wheel and doors and runs the length of the dash, giving the interior a contemporary aesthetic. The Limited model adds a real leather steering wheel and shifter trim for an upscale interior you'll love.
Child seat details
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 offers seating for five and can fit up to two car seats in the second row. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. The anchor points are clearly marked on the back of the rear seats, the center seat shoulder belt connects easily from the headliner, and the rear headrests are adjustable for whiplash prevention. The 2015 Toyota RAV4 can easily accommodate a couple of small children on everyday travels.
Performance
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. It sends power through a six-speed automatic transmission with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Zero to 60 takes 8.7 seconds for the FWD model, while the AWD RAV4 has superior grip from stopped and only needs 8.3 seconds (both according to the manufacturer, when new).
Models with FWD return an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined, while AWD RAV4s get up to 24 mpg combined.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions for the 2015 Toyota RAV4 are 344 grams per mile for FWD models, 357 grams per mile for AWD models, and 362 grams per mile for all Limited trim models.
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