Toyota RAV4
Since its 1996 U.S. debut, the Toyota RAV4 has become one of the most popular compact crossovers on the road. Known for its strong reliability and safety ratings as well as high resale values, the versatile and practical sport-ute appeals to a broad range of buyers, from young families to retirees. Owners give it especially high marks for its spacious cargo area and comfortable interior, complete with easy-to-use controls. On the flip side, the RAV4 has faced some criticism for its lackluster performance and lack of driver engagement. Additionally, road noise can be an issue at higher speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Toyota RAV4 continues to be a favorite thanks to its consistent reputation for quality.
Since its 1996 U.S. debut, the Toyota RAV4 has become one of the most popular compact crossovers on the road. Known for its strong reliability and safety ratings as well as high resale values, the versatile and practical sport-ute appeals to a broad range of buyers, from young families to retirees. Owners give it especially high marks for its spacious cargo area and comfortable interior, complete with easy-to-use controls. On the flip side, the RAV4 has faced some criticism for its lackluster performance and lack of driver engagement. Additionally, road noise can be an issue at higher speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Toyota RAV4 continues to be a favorite thanks to its consistent reputation for quality.
Toyota RAV4 Model Lineup
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV that seats up to five passengers. In the manufacturer’s lineup, it sits between the subcompact C-HR and the midsize Highlander, and it shares a platform and some components with the Lexus NX, which is built by Toyota’s luxury division. Its current (fifth) generation debuted in 2019, featuring revised styling, more powertrain options, and additional tech and safety features.
The RAV4 comes in a range of trims, including the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The base LE offers essential features, while the XLE adds additional comfort and convenience items, such as dual-zone climate control. The XLE Premium builds on the XLE with upgrades such as faux leather upholstery and a power liftgate. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims offer off-road-oriented features and styling, while the Limited serves as the luxury trim with high-end amenities such as premium audio and built-in navigation.
Under the hood, the RAV4 employs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that was upgraded from 176 to 203 horsepower in 2019. It pairs with a standard automatic transmission, which was also upgraded in 2019 from six to eight speeds. On most trims, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional, but the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims both come with AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid, introduced in 2016, pairs the 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 219 hp and improved fuel economy; it also gets standard AWD. In 2021, Toyota added the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant with a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery pack, providing 302 hp (combined) and up to 42 miles of all-electric range.
In 2019, the RAV4’s standard infotainment system grew from a basic 6.1-inch display to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay integration. Android Auto followed in 2020. Slightly larger touchscreens are available on higher-level trims. Toyota's suite of advanced safety features, known as Toyota Safety Sense, was introduced in 2016 and became standard on all trims the following year.
We recommend targeting fifth-generation RAV4 examples (2019 and newer) due to their notable improvements over prior model years. For those seeking a blend of features and value, the XLE trim offers an excellent balance. If fuel efficiency is a priority, the RAV4 Hybrid is a strong contender, while the RAV4 Prime delivers even greater efficiency and performance.
Popular Trims
Toyota RAV4 Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2014
4.7
8 verified owner reviews
Top 2014 Reviews
Wendy H. from OH
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Toyota RAV4 AWD (4-Cyl)
Depending on the direction of the sunlight, there are too many times that the audio, phone and backup screen are impossible to read. Perhaps if the sides of the unit came out a little further, it might prevent the light from obscuring the view. Also, the front storage was much better in the previous model! This includes the storage between the seats and the storage in front of the passenger seat. Many women drive the Rav4, it would be very helpful to have a little hook on the side of the passenger front leg area for handbags/purses. And, since I'm full of thoughts that will probably never be read, it would also be really convenient to have a small tissue holder built into either the dash or side of driver's door, similar to hotel rooms where the cover is removed to replace the tissues. ( small boxes of course)
Angie F. from OK
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Toyota RAV4 FWD (4-Cyl)
Wish it had a place for sunglasses in the center up near visors.
Ken C. from TX
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Toyota RAV4 FWD (4-Cyl)
I feel that sometimes I get unexpected surges of power either from the engine or transmission.
Terri B. from AZ
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Toyota RAV4 AWD (4-Cyl)
Love the car. The only things that bother me are: 1. Lack of storage for personal things (cell phone, mints, garage door opener) close to the driver's area. 2. Bluetooth sounds like I am in a cave. 3. I miss my Prius and the great stereo system it had in it (JBL speakers etc). I would think that when I bought the new RAV 4 Limited AWD with Navigation, etc I would get a nice stereo too. 4. I miss the AC and temp controls being on the steering wheel. It is a great car for the money though, and I specifically bought it because I didn't want a $50K small SUV like a BMW, Lexus or Mercedes. Those cars have too much snob appeal.
Erich L. from CA
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Toyota RAV4 FWD EV
I bought the RAV4 EV because it is an EV SUV larger and more practical than the LEAF it replaces. The tires are terrible, the traction control is terrible. It needs a 440 quick charger, and some other minor issues but overall I love it. Since it has a Tesla drivetrain it gives amazing performance and a large battery range.
Phung L. from NJ
Verified Owner · Jan, 2015
2014 Toyota RAV4 AWD (4-Cyl)
The seats are very comfortable and the exterior looks amazing.
Patti B. from OH
Verified Owner · Dec, 2014
2014 Toyota RAV4 AWD (4-Cyl)
I drove my 1999 Camry for 15+ years and was very happy with it, so I knew I wanted another Toyota. I especially wanted to sit higher, so the RAV4 is perfect. I love the RAV4! I enjoy the handling (it reminds me of the sport suspension in my 1989 Maxda MX-6). I so enjoy sitting up higher and having a better view of the traffic ahead. The car feels so solid (as did my '99 Camry). I had also discussed my planned purchase with my car guy (who only repairs Japanese cars), and he highly recommended the RAV4, so that - combined with the 15 great years I had driving the Camry - were more than enough to convince me that the RAV4 was the vehicle for me.