Also worth reading: Best Toyota RAV4 Years, Toyota RAV4 Years to Avoid and Toyota RAV4 Reliability by Generation.
The RAV4 is the best-selling crossover in America for a reason: sensible, dependable, and cheap to own. The 4th-gen (2013–2018) is the safest used bet.
Bottom line: Yes.
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2AR-FE 2.5L with a proven 6-speed automatic. Excellent long-term record.
First-year 2019 had early A25A-FKS complaints; 2020+ production much improved.
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5/5 | Excellent |
| Reliability | 4.6/5 | Excellent |
| Maintenance | 4.7/5 | Excellent |
| Parts availability | 5.0/5 | Excellent |
| Ownership cost | 4.6/5 | Excellent |
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
Larger, more SUV-like body; optional third row; available 3.5L V6.
V6 dropped, more modern platform, six-speed automatic standard.
TNGA-K platform, sharper styling, standard TSS 2.0, wider hybrid/PHEV lineup.
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
Scattered reports of oil consumption on early A25A-FKS engines and transmission harshness.
V6 was strong, but transfer case and driveshaft on AWD models need inspection at high mileage.
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
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The RAV4 has the cheapest ownership costs in the compact-crossover segment. Parts availability is second to none.
The AWD system needs periodic fluid service — often skipped by owners — and the transfer case can seize if that fluid is neglected on high-mileage cars.
What to verify on any candidate car.
Yes. The 4th-gen (2013–2018) is the sweet spot for used-value and reliability. The 5th-gen is excellent from 2020 onward. Verify oil-consumption behavior on 2019 examples.
The naturally aspirated 4th-gen RAV4 with the 2AR-FE 2.5L is a straightforward, durable used purchase. The redesigned 5th-gen 2019+ 2.5L had early oil-consumption complaints on some examples — verify history before buying an early car.
Comfortable, quiet, practical. Better on-road than most competitors, though not sporty.
The RAV4 has the cheapest ownership costs in the compact-crossover segment. Parts availability is second to none.
2013–2018 (XA40) is the range we'd shop first. 2AR-FE 2.5L with a proven 6-speed automatic. Excellent long-term record.
The issues that come up most often are oil consumption on early XA50 (2019), water pump on 4th-gen V6 and rear differential/AWD service intervals. Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.
Side-by-side buying comparisons against the models people cross-shop most.
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Which generations to target.
Model years that reward extra scrutiny.
How each generation actually holds up.
What goes wrong, by year and drivetrain.
How Toyota holds up long-term.
The Toyota models worth buying.
Full 3-row midsize suv buying guide.
Full body-on-frame midsize suv buying guide.
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