2020 Toyota RAV4 review
Toyota RAV4 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Controls are easy to use in the comfortable, spacious cabin
- Hybrid offers superb mix of fuel economy and performance
Cons
- The front passenger seat is oddly uncomfortable
- Single engine offered in the non-hybrid model
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 33 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Standout looks mix with the 2020 RAV4's other strengths for broad appeal
Just a year after a redesign, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 offers a greater breadth of appeal in what's a hugely competitive space. Key for 2020 is a new TRD Off-Road trim spun off the Adventure model below it. It's the only gas-powered RAV4 to feature all-wheel drive as standard, but the TRD Off-Road doesn't stop there. Toyota also revised the suspension, and grip in the wilderness is improved with a set of all-terrain tires. With its more outdoorsy bent, the TRD Off-Road sports rugged-looking black trim highlights and other distinctive trim inside and out.
Power for all standard RAV4s comes via a 203-hp 2.5-liter gasoline engine. Its performance is capable and adequate rather than abundant. The Hybrid model is the peppier choice, thanks to the boost its two electric motors give it, helping it achieve impressive EPA-estimated fuel consumption. Trim levels cover LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road, and the all-wheel-drive Hybrid gets a slightly different trim selection of LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited. The midlevel trim choices in either offer a smart mix of desirable equipment levels and sensible pricing, and all RAV4s feature Toyota's driver aids as standard equipment. The 2020 RAV4 has a model to suit just about everyone, which is why it's such a huge hit.
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 2020 Toyota RAV4?
- The RAV4 is available in a new trim called the TRD Off Road.
- RAV4 trims have been upgraded with Android Auto and JBL Sound System as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Seat Heaters features are now available as options on select trims.
- The XLE trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The LE trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The Adventure trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The XLE Premium trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2020 Toyota RAV4 trims
LE: Includes 17-inch steel wheels; dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure warning; seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, SiriusXM™, and Amazon Alexa™ connectivity; and more.
XLE: Adds eight-inch infotainment display, LED headlights, power driver's seat, five USB ports, push-button start, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
XLE Premium: Adds 19-inch alloy wheels, Toyota SofTex® simulated leather interior, real leather-trimmed steering wheel, power moonroof and power liftgate, premium JBL® sound system, and more.
Adventure: Adds standard all-wheel drive, 19-inch alloy wheels, exclusive grille, 120-volt power outlet, power moonroof, roof rack, and more.
Limited: Adds 19-inch chrome wheels, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, Toyota SofTex seats, digital rearview mirror, available panoramic moonroof, and more.
TRD Off-Road: Adds matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, TRD-tuned suspension, black interior with red stitching, and multiple TRD logos.
Toyota RAV4 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Toyota RAV4
1. Big on cargo
Despite the compact exterior size, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 interior offers midsize crossover cargo space and utility. Behind the rear seats is 37.6 cu-ft of space—enough for camping gear for four people. Put down the rear seats, and cargo space jumps to 69.8 cu-ft. The RAV4 can haul even larger cargo, like kayaks and canoes, on the optional roof-mounted rails.
2. Six feature-filled trims
Many of the latest vehicles have connectivity features, but can yours connect with Amazon Alexa? The 2020 Toyota RAV4 can, and the huge list of features lets you find the used RAV4 that fits your life. Hauling friends and family? The XLE Premium has the people-centric features they'll love. Into camping? Look for the Adventure trim or the TRD Off-Road. If you transport people from the office or want to impress on date night, get the Limited for maximum comfort, tech, and visual appeal.
3. Standard driver aids
Toyota made headlines a few years back when they announced that their massive suite of driver-assistance features would be standard across their entire model lineup. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 includes updates on that already feature-rich offering, including lane departure alert with steering assist so you stay in your lane, auto high beams so you aren't blinding oncoming drivers, and dynamic radar cruise control to keep your distance from other vehicles.
4. Passenger comfort
Take a test drive and you'll immediately notice the 2020 Toyota RAV4's comfortable seats in the front and rear, with plenty of legroom, hip room, and headroom. The ride is quiet and composed for road trips or the daily grind, soaking up bumps and dampening road noise. The rear seats recline, and optional heated seats in both rows offer a reprieve from winter's chill.
5. Fuel-sipping powertrains
Your regular route might include heading to work and appointments, or even someplace more exciting. Wherever you need to go, you might as well drive something that can go farther between fill-ups, right? The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has a gas engine with AWD delivering an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Toyota RAV4, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
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
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 2020-present five-passenger Ford Escape is a stylish compact crossover with an optional hybrid powertrain. The base 2020 Escape engine is a turbo 1.5L with an eight-speed automatic transmission that gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined. Look to the 2021 Escape Hybrid for a 2.5L engine paired with a CVT for an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined. .
The 2020 Ford Escape SEL has these features as standard:
Heated steering wheel
Reverse sensing system
Foot-activated liftgate
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
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
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Entune
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
203
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
14.5
Wheelbase
105.9"
Overall length
180.9"
Width
73"
Height
67"
Leg room
F 41"/R 37.8"
Head room
F 39.5"/R 39.5"
Front tires
P225/65HR17
Rear tires
P225/65HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Toyota RAV4 FAQ
The 2020 and 2021 RAV4 are extremely similar, as they are models from the same generation (2019-present), but there are a few key differences. 2021 models have the Blizzard Pearl color in place of Super White, and the Hybrid gains an XLE Premium trim level. The hot news for 2021 is the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, offering an EPA-estimated 42 miles of electric-only range. EPA-estimated 42-mile range based on 94 MPGe combined estimate. Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge and full tank of gas (if applicable). Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
The brand-new-for-2021 Toyota Venza is a midsize crossover, slightly larger than the 2020 RAV4. While they have the same 105.9-inch wheelbase and 73-inch width, the Venza is nearly six inches longer. Since the Venza has an aggressively sloped rear, that extra length doesn't translate to the interior, with the 2020 RAV4's 98.9 cu-ft of passenger room slightly ahead of the 2021 Venza's 98.3 cu-ft, and an even more dramatic difference with the cargo volume at 69.8 cu-ft versus 55.1 cu-ft.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE and XLE offer many of the same options, including a choice of FWD or AWD. However, the XLE builds on the impressive standard feature list. For example, the LE has 17-inch steel wheels, while the XLE has lighter-weight aluminum wheels, and while the LE has a six-way power driver's seat, the XLE offers an eight-way seat with lumbar support. Other XLE additions include a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated power exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Yes, the 2020 RAV4 has an available sunroof. To get a sunroof in your 2020 RAV4, look for the Convenience Package, which also adds the useful power rear liftgate—perfect for large grocery runs and hauling gear.
More about the 2020 Toyota RAV4
Color options
Exterior:
Blizzard Pearl (Limited)
Blue Flame
Blueprint (XLE and XLE Premium)
Lunar Rock (XLE and XLE Premium)
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver Sky Metallic
Super White
Interior:
Black
Light gray (XLE and higher)
Mocha (Adventure)
Nutmeg
Interior details
While the 2020 RAV4's exterior is rugged, the interior is modern with upscale materials. The bright and responsive infotainment screen and lower center stack form an attractive integration with the dash, while bright metal accents and stitched elements show how Toyota carefully considers the interior details. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE and XLE have a fabric interior, while XLE models and higher gain the option of SofTex simulated leather for easy cleaning. Sitting on the SofTex seats, you'll notice the cabin is comfortable as well as attractive, with excellent outward visibility thanks to the boxy design and upright seating position.
The Adventure trim's orange accents add a touch of uniqueness, while the Limited trim's ambient lighting enhances the feeling of luxury. The RAV4 is a good choice if accessibility is a priority, with wide opening doors and an even step-into height. Your passengers will love the legroom and headroom, and you'll find plenty of use for the 37.6 cu-ft cargo area that can hold five suitcases with the rear seats up and a massive 69.8 cu-ft with the seats down.
Child seat details
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 can fit up to three car seats in the rear row, with the center seat limited to a booster seat in this configuration. The 2020 RAV4 can fit LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. The LATCH points are easily identified and reached on the back of the rear seats. Seat belt buckles are much more flexible compared to the previous RAV4 generation and with less overlap, making installing child seats an easy task.
Performance
The standard engine in the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5L four-cylinder with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup will do the zero-to-60 sprint in eight seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid uses a similar 2.5L four-cylinder engine but with a continuously variable transmission. The additional output from the electric motors brings total horsepower to 219, making for a quicker 7.4-second zero-to-60 run (according to the manufacturer, when new). If fuel economy is a priority, the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid has an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined..
Year comparisons
2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 (Fourth Generation)
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 was a complete break from the previous generation. With advanced new aerodynamic styling and a liftgate replacing the previous rear side-opening door, the fourth generation RAV4 set a new standard. The sole drivetrain choice was the familiar 2.5L four-cylinder connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
2019-Present Toyota RAV4 (Fifth Generation)
Taking a different path, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 eschews the modern crossover styling of excess curves in favor of standing out with a blocky, retro-inspired design. All RAV4 trim levels from 2019 have Toyota's suite of driver-assistance technology as standard equipment, along with updated infotainment features. 2020 saw the arrival of the TRD Off-Road package for weekend warriors, while 2021 debuted the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime. 2022 models received minor updates to the headlights and fog lights and gained a new Calvary Blue exterior color.
Research other vehicles
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.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.