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Toyota RAV4 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 ranks 2 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 69 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota RAV4, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Toyota has resumed sales of the RAV4 on a case-by-case basis. It had suspended sales and production to address a problem with the SUV's accelerator. For more information on the Toyota recall, including how it affects our rankings, please see our Toyota Recall page.

More than 10 years after it was first introduced, the RAV4 continues to shine for its excellent combination of power, performance and interior comfort.

The RAV4, last redesigned in 2006, is one of the most well-rounded vehicles in its class. It boasts an affordable base price, excellent fuel economy and a long list of accolades. For 2010, it's one of Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value award winners. Car and Driver selected it as one of its 5 Best Trucks in both 2007 and 2008, and IntelliChoice gave the 2007 model an award for "Highest Retained Value" in its class.

The RAV4 is consistently compared to the Honda CR-V, which comes with a nearly identical base price, but worse fuel economy. A big plus for the CR-V, however, is its better-rated interior and easier-to-use tailgate design. The RAV4's cargo door swings to the right, which can make loading and unloading difficult. Apart from that, the RAV4 bests the CR-V on nearly all fronts. It boasts V6 power and an optional third-row seat, both rare features within the compact SUV class. Several reviewers also prefer the RAV4's refined exterior to the CR-V's awkward front grille.

Of course, the RAV4 isn't perfect. Reviewers warn that options, including the V6 engine and third-row seat, can quickly inflate its otherwise affordable base price. And though its fuel economy is good, it's not the best in its class -- the two other gasoline-powered SUVs in the RAV4's price range, the Chevrolet Equinox and Jeep Patriot, net more miles per gallon. Still, the RAV4 continues to be Toyota's best-selling SUV, even in the economic downturn. 

High demand and high resale value for the RAV4 may make it difficult to negotiate a great deal, but be sure to check for current Toyota Deals that may be available. Since it's unchanged for 2010, buyers should consider the 2009 model, which may be available at a discount as dealers try to make space on their lots for the new models. Also note that the RAV4 will continue in its current design for a while -- its next redesign is expected in 2012.

The RAV4 comes in a base model, performance-oriented Sport and top-of-the-line Limited. All-wheel drive is optional. Since the 2009 and 2010 RAV4 are nearly identical, this review uses research from both model years.

• "Available with the most powerful engine in the compact-SUV class, seating for seven, and impressive cargo room, refinement, and road manners, RAV4 is an easy choice. Toyota's reputation for resale value is another asset." -- Consumer Guide
• "The RAV4's combination of compact size, plentiful and practical interior space, excellent powertrains, solid and substantial feel, and fine road manners makes for a sensible real-world SUV. The fact that pricing starts at barely over $20 grand is just icing on the cake." -- Car and Driver
• "The RAV4 is among the most versatile compact crossover-type SUVs." -- Truck Trend
• "It's very much in tune with what buyers now expect from any new utility. That is the biggest possible versatility in the smallest, most efficient package possible." -- Motor Week
• "There is a lot to like about the 2009 RAV. Its size makes it a great errand runner, even if the rear cargo door opens from the wrong side for a U.S. audience. There is the Toyota promise of quality construction and long life. Plus, if you can hold the line on options, you can get one for a reasonable price." -- MarketWatch

RAV4 Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)

With one of the most powerful V6 engines in its class, the Toyota RAV4 offers good performance. Test drivers overwhelmingly recommend the optional V6 over the four-cylinder engine. "Toyota's RAV4 has always been a pleasure to drive," writes the Chicago Daily Herald. "Now, the larger V-6 engine provides RAV4 with a performance edge when compared to its compact SUV competitors."  Read More

RAV4 Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The RAV4's traditionally "cute" exterior launched the compact SUV segment. But that look received a makeover in 2006 and became more sophisticated - a change that, surprisingly, was well received by reviewers. Some even go so far as to favor the RAV4's styling over its traditional rival, the Honda CR-V. Reviewers' only complaints concern the design of its cargo door, which can be difficult to use for loading. "The old RAV4 looked the preppy freshman, with its bow-wake side graphics and perky center tachometer," says Car and Driver. "The new one is a postgraduate, drawn clean with wind-swept lines and an adult face." Read More

RAV4 Interior - 7.8 (Good)

The 2010 Toyota RAV4's cabin is comfortable and stylish, although some reviewers still find quality a bit lacking. "Cabin materials are solid, if nothing special for appearance and tactile feel," says Consumer Guide. "The decor is let down by a too-flimsy glovebox lid and low-grade headliner material." A big plus is a third-row seating option, which is a rare find in the compact SUV class. Reviewers find it small, though still useful for small children. The RAV4 also now offers an optional navigation system for all but the base trim.  Read More

RAV4 Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)

Reviews are very positive about the 2010 RAV4's safety features, which include driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags. This year's model also does very well in federal government crash tests.  Read More

RAV4 Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Toyota RAV4 comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.  Read More