Best Toyota RAV4 Years to Buy Used

 Quick Facts About Buying a Used Toyota RAV4

• The sweet spot for the best pre-owned Toyota RAV4 SUVs is the fourth generation (2013-2018).
• As with nearly any vehicle model, the more recent the RAV4 model year is, the more advanced the technology and the better the reliability becomes.
• Used RAV4 models tend to be a little pricey because they do an above-average job of holding their value.

Often credited with launching the compact SUV craze, the Toyota RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive) first appeared on United States showrooms as a 1996 model. Actually, AMC beat Toyota to the punch by 16 years with its small Eagle SUV. Therefore, rather than initiating what would become the compact SUV segment, the RAV4 was instead the first small SUV to demonstrate the viability of such a vehicle while triggering a groundswell of demand. Consequently, when the second-generation RAV4 rolled onto the scene in 2001, the stage was crowded with would-be challengers like the Honda CR-V and others. Let’s take a look at the RAV4 through the years and its generations. 

• What Are the Best Years to Buy a Used Toyota RAV4?
• Toyota RAV4 by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Toyota RAV4 EV
• Is the Toyota RAV4 Reliable?
• Is the Toyota RAV4 Fuel Economy Good?
• Should You Buy a Used Toyota RAV4?
• Which Is Better, the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V?

What Are the Best Years to Buy a Used Toyota RAV4?

If we were shopping for a used Toyota RAV4, we would look for something from model year 2008 and later. In fact, unless it was a matter of not being able to lay out more than $10,000, we’d look at model years 2013-2024. The sweet spot for the RAV4 is the fourth generation (2013-2018). You can score a Toyota RAV4 in good shape for $20,000 or less. Moreover, during the last couple of model years of that generation, the Toyota Safety Sense bundle of advanced safety technology became standard on all trim levels.

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Toyota RAV4 By Generation: Which Should You Buy?

Fifth Generation: 2019-Current

Toyota completely redesigned the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid for 2019. A 203-horsepower 4-cylinder powered the internal combustion engine (ICE) models, while a 219-hp hybrid powertrain provided thrust for the hybrid (HEV) models. An 8-speed automatic transmission in the 4-cylinder and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in the hybrid distributed output to the wheels. The standard feature list highlighted more advanced safety tech, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, LED headlights, and high-beam assist. Toyota made a TRD Off-Road trim available in 2020, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with 42 miles of electric range, joined the family in 2021. Toyota changed the name from RAV4 Prime to the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid for 2025. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto beefed up the RAV4’s tech credentials in 2023.

Unsurprisingly, you can find a superabundance of fifth-gen models available in today’s used car market. Our Autotrader search revealed more than 14,000 listings. However, because Toyota products are notorious for holding their value, you must do some serious research to find a bargain. For example, a 2022 RAV4 XLE Sport trim with an original suggested retail price (including the factory-to-dealer delivery fee) of $31,020 today has an average purchase price of $29,277. That’s according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price, which is based on national transactions. The average mileage for 2022 models is 24,000 miles. We found listings as low as $22,000 for models with an excess of 50,000 miles and as high as $38,000 for models with average miles.

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Fourth Generation: 2013-2018

In addition to sweeping changes inside and out, a new 6-speed automatic transmission landed in the fourth-gen RAV4. Lurking under every RAV4 hood, beginning with the 2013 model, was a 176-hp 4-cylinder gasoline engine. Toyota dropped the powerful V6 option. A limited-edition EV was available in California; however, Toyota discontinued it beginning in 2014. In a drastic styling change, Toyota replaced the side-opening rear hatch with a liftgate, which was power-operated on upper trims. A hybrid joined the model lineup for 2016. Toyota Safety Sense became standard on every RAV4 in 2017. This package included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.

When we checked the Autotrader listings for this generation, we found over 4,100 SUVs nationwide with an average mileage of about 100,000 miles. Versions with more-than-average miles started at around $7,000, while those with fewer miles started at around $12,000.

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Third Generation: 2006-2012

When we checked Autotrader’s national listings, we found more than 1,200 third-generation models listed. The average mileage for a RAV4 of this vintage should be around 180,000 miles. RAV4 models with more miles started at around $3,000, while models with fewer miles started at around $6,000.

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Second Generation: 2001-2005

With the second generation came additional performance (148 hp), but the 2-door configuration was missing from U.S. showrooms. However, Toyota did retain its quirky side-opening rear hatch. Furthermore, the RAV4’s overall length crept up about three inches. Air conditioning became standard in 2003. A larger 4-cylinder engine in 2004 brought another bump in performance to 161 hp. The 2003 model year saw the end of sales of the California-focused RAV4 EV.

When we checked, Autotrader returned about 100 listings for model years 2001-2005. A second-gen RAV4 with average mileage would have an odometer reading of around 250,000 miles. Listed prices ranged from $2,500 for RAV4 models with over 200,000 miles to $12,000 for those with fewer than 100,000 miles.

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First Generation: 1996-2000

Toyota is not known for sticking out its neck. The company’s first swing at the RAV4 was a modest but impressive effort, available with two or four doors and a rear side-opening tailgate. Approximately 146 inches in length (For context, the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is about 154 inches), the 1996 RAV4 sourced its performance from a 120-hp 4-cylinder engine. Transmission duties fell to either a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic, sending torque to either the front or all four wheels. A major selling point was its center-locking differential, which helped increase traction in slippery conditions. Toyota claimed the RAV4 was roomy enough to seat five, but four was more realistic. And woe be to anyone of more than average height or girth forced to occupy the rear seats, particularly in 2-door models. In 1997, Toyota produced a small number of fully electric RAV4 models for the California market. Toyota gave the RAV4 a facelift in 1998, adding a Soft Top configuration. That version was gone in 2000, dropping the trim count back to two.

If you look hard enough, you can still find some first-gen RAV4 models. A quick check of Autotrader’s for-sale listings turned up 11 offerings from the earliest generation. Keep in mind, if driving the average annual number of 14,400 miles, models representing these early years can show more than 300,000 miles on the odometer. Prices range from about $2,500 for higher-mileage models to roughly $6,000 for models with fewer than 150,000 miles.

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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Toyota RAV4 EV

In some cases, Toyota’s stake in RAV4 electrified models has been well-considered and deliberate (RAV4 Hybrid and Prime), while with the all-electric versions, it has been spotty and experimental.

Is the Toyota RAV4 Reliable?

If the question is whether the Toyota RAV4 has proven reliable over its 29-year history, the answer is a resounding yes! No vehicle is perfect; therefore, there have been some stumbles. However, the RAV4 shares Toyota’s propensity for retaining resale value from year to year. It’s not at the top of its segment, with the Jeep Wrangler, the Honda CR-V, and a few others doing better, but it is above average in retaining value. This retention strongly indicates a high reliability level established over almost three decades of history. By the way, the RAV4 Hybrid does much better than the traditional combustion RAV4, nearly matching the CR-V’s rate of value retention.

Which Toyota RAV4 Years to Avoid?

We would be particularly cautious when considering RAV4 model years 2001-2003 and 2006-2007. Our online research found several complaints regarding transmission issues with the former and excessive oil use for the latter.

Which Toyota RAV4 Years Are Better Buys?

Outside of the years itemized as RAV4 models to avoid, we recommend the RAV4 as a solid vehicle to buy used. Don’t expect any great deals, particularly on more recent model years, but the RAV4 is nearly always an excellent value.

Is the Toyota RAV4 Fuel Economy Good?

The Toyota RAV4 has a long history of delivering better-than-average fuel economy for its segment. We won’t fully parse the numbers because the RAV4’s array of engines, transmissions, and drive configurations over nearly 30 years has established a vast sea of numbers. The introduction of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models further complicates the issue.

Fortunately, through its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. government maintains estimated mileage records that go back to well before Toyota launched the RAV4. For comparison, we like to use the EPA’s combined fuel economy numbers based on city and highway mixed driving. We’ve combed the EPA records to determine the combined mileage spread of each RAV4 generation based on the entry-level engine mated with the automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Since the entry-level engines or transmissions might change mid-generation, we display the mileage as a range.

Note: Often, the all-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder-engine combined number is the same.

Should You Buy a Used Toyota RAV4? 

Generally, we recommend the Toyota RAV4 when shopping for a used car. Always get a vehicle history report, available online from websites like AutoCheck, because even RAV4 models can suffer from poor owner behavior.

Pros of Buying a Toyota RAV4

• Nearly bulletproof reliability
• Solid fuel economy
• High resale value
• Nimble and comfy
• Better-than-average performance
• Available all-wheel drive

Cons of Buying a Toyota RAV4

• Less affordable than many rivals
• Not as off-road capable as some competitors

How Much Is a Toyota RAV4?

Toyota models, in general, are often at the higher end of their segment’s pricing scale. Toyota makes no apologies for this. The RAV4 follows suit. This effect trickles down to used Toyota prices, as well. Even models as old as the fourth generation (2013-2018) command prices in the $12,000-$20,000 range for lower-mileage versions.

How Long Does a Toyota RAV4 Last?

If carefully maintained and well-treated, a Toyota RAV4 can drive for 300,000 or more miles.

RELATED: Car Maintenance Checklist: 10 Things to Know

Which Is Better, the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V?

Currently, the compact segment is packed with serious rivals like the Honda CR-V. With the RAV4, you get a little more horsepower, while the CR-V holds an edge in retaining resale value and cargo capacity. In the end, you won’t go wrong with either one. Other rivals include the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Chevy Equinox.

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