2017 Toyota RAV4 review
Toyota RAV4 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- A quiet, enjoyable-to-drive commuter choice
- Efficient Hybrid model impresses with more than just EPA estimates
Cons
- Gas-engine RAV4 can't match performance of turbocharged rivals
- Hybrid model's brake pedal feels artificial under your foot
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 29 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2017 Toyota RAV4 adds driver aids and more luxury with Platinum trim
For most of its life, the Toyota RAV4 has been competent in all the key areas that buyers of compact crossover SUVs appreciate but didn't stand out in any particular one. That changed with the 2016 launch of the RAV4 Hybrid model. It offers top EPA fuel consumption estimates, along with better performance, thanks to a pair of electric motors supplementing the 2.5-liter gasoline engine's output. The fuel savings and the boost in performance are enough to make up for the typical price bump it has over the regular RAV4. That's not to say we don't recommend the standard RAV4. Its strengths all remain: It's spacious, comfortable, refined, and decently equipped, with a nice range of trim levels at competitive prices. And for 2017, the RAV4 gains a host of standard driver-assist features, including lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
The lineup starts with the LE, but we'd opt for the next step up, the XLE, because it adds desirable features like alloy wheels, better seats, and dual-zone climate control. The SE gains sport tuning, but its handling isn't much different, and the Limited above it adds larger alloy wheels, which do little to improve the ride quality. The new-for-2017 Platinum tops the lineup, adding distinctive trim inside and out as well as a few more luxury features. The Hybrid is offered in XLE, SE, and Limited trims, and equipment slightly varies. All RAVs except the Hybrid are standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic, but all-wheel drive is available if you need the extra traction. With the Hybrid model giving the entire range a bit of a boost, there's a lot to like about the RAV4 as a compact crossover SUV.
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 2017 Toyota RAV4?
- The RAV4 is available in a new trim called the Platinum.
- RAV4 trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel and JBL Sound System as standard equipment this year.
- The XLE trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and CD Audio as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and CD Audio as standard equipment.
- The LE trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The Limited trim now comes with CD Audio as standard equipment.
2017 Toyota RAV4 trims
LE
Includes roof rails, 17-inch steel wheels, automatic limited-slip differential, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver's seat, driver-assistance package, available all-wheel drive, and more.
XLE and Hybrid XLE
Adds power tilt and slide moonroof, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and more. This trim also opens up the optional Convenience Package, which adds integrated navigation, a height-adjustable power liftgate, and more.
SE and Hybrid SE
Adds 18-inch sport alloy wheels, Entune Audio Plus, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, SofTex® seat upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and more. This trim also unlocks the Advanced Technology Package.
Limited and Hybrid Limited
Adds front and rear parking sonar, 18-inch Superchrome alloy wheels, Entune subscription-free app suite, dynamic radar cruise control, driver's seat memory function, and more.
Platinum
Unlocks bird's-eye-view camera, heated steering wheel, ambient footwell lighting, Entune Premium JBL® Audio, sliding center armrest, and more.
Toyota RAV4 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Toyota RAV4
1. Hybrid powertrain option
If you're shopping for a crossover with fuel-sipping credentials, the 2017 RAV4 Hybrid model delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.
2. Engaging passenger cabin
Small details can mean so much. The 2017 RAV4 is very roomy, with thoughtful touches for all your passengers. From the XLE trim upward, dual-zone climate control, seat bolsters, and convenient bottle and cup holders are just some of the standard features that make journeys feel easier. You'll love how the RAV4 drives, and your passengers will be comfortable, too.
3. Versatile second row
You don't have to sacrifice cargo- and family-hauling capability with a compact SUV. The 2017 RAV4 seats five, and the second row offers good hip room and legroom (48.9 and 37.2 inches, respectively), a recline function, and a center armrest. Switching to cargo hauling? That same second row has a 60/40 split and fold-flat functionality. Whether you're moving friends into a new apartment or picking up large items from the home improvement store, the RAV4 is the helpful hauler you need.
4. Plenty of trims and packages
Finding your match in a used car is the fun part of vehicle shopping. The 2017 RAV4 offers two powertrain options, five trims, and two optional packages to suit your lifestyle. The mid-level SE trim has subtle sport-style touches like five-spoke sport alloy wheels and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The range-topping Platinum trim has every luxury and convenience you may want. Toyota also makes many of those features available via two optional packages: Convenience and Advanced Technology.
5. Eye-catching paint options
The Toyota RAV4 has a great set of exterior color options. Want to stick with a classic? The 2017 RAV4 serves up monochrome blacks and pearl whites with shades of gray or silver in between. Or, what about a joyful blue the color of a California sky, or a deep green that's reminiscent of a plush forest floor? Add a juicy red, and you'll see that the RAV4 color palette has something for everyone.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2017 Toyota RAV4, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Totally redesigned for 2018, the Chevrolet Equinox gained power through a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including a 1.6L diesel. The nine-speed automatic transmission is fast and smooth, sending power to the front with standard FWD, or all four wheels with optional AWD. You can get the 2016-present Equinox in the base L trim or step up to the high-end Premier trim. The huge choice of options includes bold colors, internet connectivity, driver-assistance technology, and a slick e-AWD system that disconnects the rear wheels for improved efficiency.
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier delivers these standard features:
Heated front seats
Lane-departure and forward-collision warning
Leather upholstery
The Honda CR-V feels like a compact hatchback with extra cargo and ground clearance. The 2017-present Honda CR-V features easy handling that creates confidence on-road, while the optional AWD lets you power through tough weather conditions and muddy trails. The 2017-2019 CR-V packs a 2.4L four-cylinder engine under the hood, with an optional turbo 1.5L engine available for more power and torque. For 2020-present, the 1.5L is the sole engine choice.
Standard features on the 2020 Honda CR-V LX include:
17-inch alloy wheels
Automatic climate control
Bluetooth® connectivity
Featuring a classically Volkswagen exterior style and some impressive driver-focused features, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a crossover SUV that's refined and confident as a daily driver. The 2016–2017 models are part of the Tiguan's first-generation and feature a single engine option. The peppy, turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine delivers 200-hp via a six-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is available).
The 2018 and 2019 Tiguans are second-generation models that can boast of 10-inches of extra overall length and, should you need it, an optional third row of seating. All 2018–2019 Tiguans are motivated by a turbocharged 2.0L engine that pumps out 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.
Standard features of the 2016–2019 Volkswagen Tiguan model include:
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
USB port
Roof rails
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (from 2017)
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.9 out of 5
41 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 37 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 3 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 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
Platinum 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Entune
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- JBL Sound System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
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
183.5"
Width
72.6"
Height
67.1"
Leg room
F 42.6"/R 37.2"
Head room
F 38.9"/R 38.9"
Front tires
P235/55HR18
Rear tires
P235/55HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Toyota RAV4 FAQ
RAV4 stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive."
The 2017 gas-powered Toyota RAV4 has an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The 2017 Hybrid RAV4 has a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Toyota RAV4 handles snow well. The 2017 base trim has 6.1 inches of ground clearance (seven inches on hybrid models), steering assist functionality, available dynamic torque-control AWD, and standard automatic limited-slip differential.
A power liftgate is available as a package option for the 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE trim and is standard on the 2017 RAV4 SE, Limited, and Platinum trims.
More about the 2017 Toyota RAV4
Exterior:
Barcelona Red Metallic
Black
Black Currant Metallic
Black Sand Pearl (Hybrid models only)
Black/Silver Sky Metallic (SE trim exclusive, additional cost)
Blizzard Pearl (additional cost)
Electric Storm Blue
Electric Storm Blue/Silver Sky Metallic (SE trim exclusive, additional cost)
Galactic Aqua Mica
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver Sky Metallic
Super White
Super White/Silver Sky Metallic (SE trim exclusive, additional cost)
Interior:
Ash
Black
Cinnamon (XLE trim and higher)
Nutmeg
Interior details
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a capable SUV with a comfortable cabin, offering either fabric or SofTex synthetic leather upholstery. There are plenty of cup holders, deep door cubbies for bottles, and seat back pockets for travel essentials. Move up the trim levels for heated front seats, as well as a leather-trimmed dash, steering wheel, and shift lever. Adjustable front-row seating and a recline function for the rear row ensure everyone can get comfortable for the journey. Whether you want to turn up the Entune Audio system or enjoy the otherwise hushed cabin, the 2017 RAV4 is a peaceful and comfortable place to while away the miles.
Child seat details
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has two full sets of LATCH restraints (upper tether and lower anchors) in the second-row outboard seats. The slim-fit middle seat also has an upper tether restraint. With the outboard seats offering the full LATCH fixtures, it is suggested that no more than two child seats be installed in the RAV4. The second row is spacious, however, and can handle booster, convertible, and front- and rear-facing seats.
Performance
All 2017 Toyota RAV4 gasoline-only models are powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering a total output of 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque to the standard FWD or optional AWD. According to the manufacturer, the base trim RAV4 LE has a zero-to-60-mph time of 8.3 seconds, when new.
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is driven by on-demand AWD and derives power from the 2.5L gas engine. With the added benefits of two onboard electric motors, the RAV4 Hybrid delivers a combined output of 194 horsepower. All hybrid models get an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.
Year comparisons
2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 (Fourth Generation)
Heralding the start of its fourth generation, the 2013 RAV4 had a complete redesign that brought in a new lifting tailgate and a four-cylinder engine to replace the outgoing V6.
A mid-generation refresh in 2016 added more features, including additional Entune infotainment system options and a sport-styled trim (SE). The RAV4 Hybrid was also introduced.
2017 highlights include the range-topping Platinum trim and the addition of Toyota's suite of driver aids as standard. There were no significant changes for 2018 except the introduction of the Adventure trim.
2019-Present Toyota RAV4 (Fifth Generation)
For its fifth generation, the RAV4 gained a more athletic exterior appearance and additional standard driver aids. In 2020 more connectivity features were added as standard, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity. An off-road trim was also introduced. The 2021 model year brings no significant changes.
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