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, the more advanced the technology is likely to be.
• Used RAV4 models tend to be a little pricey because they do an above-average job of holding their value.

Toyota released the RAV4 compact SUV in the late 1990s, and while it wasn’t the first such model on sale, it’s often credited with launching the small SUV craze. It became the first vehicle to generate significant customer demand in the segment, and its popularity has grown since then. The buzz surrounding the RAV4 can make it difficult to find a used example for a decent price, but there have been several generations, each with multiple trims to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at the RAV4 over the years and discuss which model is the best to buy used. 

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

While it’s not the newest model on sale, we recommend looking at the fourth generation, which ran from 2013 through 2018. These SUVs are reasonably priced, and later years have some of the advanced safety equipment Toyota is known for today. That said, going back that far means giving up on more modern entertainment features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which didn’t reach the RAV4 until the 2019 model year.

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Toyota RAV4 by Generation: Which Should You Buy?

Sixth Generation: 2026

It’s still early, and you may not find many used 2026 models. However, we mention it due to this vehicle’s popularity. With the launch of the sixth-generation RAV4 for 2026 comes a major change: Toyota makes a hybrid powertrain standard across all trim levels. Speaking of trim levels, Toyota will increase the trim count from four to six, plus the GR SPORT in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) lineup. New grades include the SE, Woodland, and XSE. Other notable additions are a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, the introduction of the Arene software platform (for over-the-air updates), and the first use of the updated bundle of driver aids/advanced safety tech, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.

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Fifth Generation: 2019-2025

Toyota completely redesigned the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid for 2019. A 203-horsepower 4-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE) powered the 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 distribute 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 with 42 miles of electric range, joined the family in 2021. Toyota renamed the 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. Toyota let 2024 slip by without making any significant improvements. The last year for this generation RAV4, 2025, didn’t see any updates; however, Toyota slimmed down its trim lineup from six to four grades, dropping the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims.

Unsurprisingly, you can find a large supply of fifth-gen models available in today’s used car market. Our Autotrader search revealed nearly 18,000 listings. However, because Toyota products are known for holding their value, you must do some serious research to find a bargain. For example, a base LE that sold for $30,025 (including the factory-to-dealer delivery fee) in 2024, averages $28,884 in today’s used market. A 2022 RAV4 XLE Sport, with an original suggested retail price of $32,520, has an average purchase price of $27,194 today. That’s according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price, which is based on national transactions. The average mileage for 2023 models is 24,000 miles. We found listings as low as $25,000 for models with around 50,000 miles and as high as $36,000 for models with average miles.

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Fourth Generation: 2013-2018

In addition to sweeping changes inside and out, the fourth-gen RAV4 received a new 6-speed automatic transmission. 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 4,000 SUVs nationwide with an average mileage of about 110,000 miles. Versions with more-than-average miles average around $10,000 to $16,000, while those with fewer miles average around $14,000 to $18,000.

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Third Generation: 2006-2012

When we checked Autotrader’s national listings, we found roughly 750 third-generation models listed. The average mileage for a RAV4 of this vintage should be around 150,000 miles. RAV4 models with more miles started at around $2,000, 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 60 listings for model years 2001-2005. A second-gen RAV4 with average mileage would have an odometer reading of around 200,000 miles. Listed prices ranged from $1,500 for RAV4 models with over 200,000 miles to more than $10,000 for those with fewer than 100,000 miles.

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First Generation: 1996-2000

Toyota is not known for sticking its neck out. 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 long), 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 recent check of Autotrader’s listings showed 10 models from the earliest generation for sale. Keep in mind that if driven only 12,000 miles annually, models from these early years can show more than 300,000 miles on the odometer. Prices range from about $1,500 for higher-mileage models to roughly $9,000 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?

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable, longest-lasting vehicles in its segment. It also holds its value for an exceptionally long time, which is why there are so many heavily used examples for sale at what seem like high prices. The Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V do a slightly better job of retaining value, but newer RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models hold value even longer.

Which Toyota RAV4 Years to Avoid?

Despite its strong track record for reliability, some years are better than others. We’d avoid the 2001-2003 and 2006-2007 model years. Several owners have complained about transmission issues and excessive oil consumption for those years, putting them behind the rest of the pack on reliability.

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 electric vehicle (PHEV) models further complicates the issue.

Should You Buy a Used Toyota RAV4? 

The RAV4 is an easy recommendation for used-car buyers. Even so, it’s still a good idea to get a vehicle history report from companies like AutoCheck. The SUV’s strong reliability can’t overcome poor ownership practices, so you’ll want to know the backstory. Additionally, we recommend shopping for certified pre-owned (CPO) RAV4 models, which come with warranty coverage and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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Pros of Buying a Toyota RAV4

• Strong reliability scores
• Solid fuel economy, even in gas-only models
• High resale value
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• 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?

In general, used Toyota models come at a higher price point than comparable models from other brands. Low-mileage examples from several years ago can still sell for more than $12,000, and newer generations hold their new pricing much better than many people expect. That’s especially true for higher-demand hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. 

How Long Does a Toyota RAV4 Last?

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

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

The RAV4 is available with a plug-in hybrid in some model years, which Honda never offered for the CR-V. That said, the CR-V is a little more spacious for cargo and can often be found for a lower price on the used market. Other rivals include the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Chevy Equinox.

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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its original publication. Russ Heaps contributed to the report.