Buyer's Guide · Toyota RAV4 · Compact crossover

Used Toyota RAV4 Buying Guide

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.

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Overall

★★★★★4.5/5

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.

Reliability

★★★★★4.6/5

Maintenance

★★★★★4.7/5

Parts availability

★★★★★5.0/5

Ownership cost

★★★★★4.6/5

Top Picks

Best Years to Buy

Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.

2013–2018 (XA40)

2AR-FE 2.5L with a proven 6-speed automatic. Excellent long-term record.

2020+ (XA50, post first-year)

First-year 2019 had early A25A-FKS complaints; 2020+ production much improved.

Do your homework

Years to Research Carefully

Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.

2019 (first-year XA50)

Scattered reports of oil consumption on early A25A-FKS engines and transmission harshness.

2006–2012 with V6 (2GR-FE)

V6 was strong, but transfer case and driveshaft on AWD models need inspection at high mileage.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

✓
Oil consumption on early XA50 (2019)
✓
Water pump on 4th-gen V6
✓
Rear differential/AWD service intervals
✓
Rear liftgate strut wear
✓
Sway-bar end links on high-mileage examples

Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

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.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

What to verify on any candidate car.

Engine

Especially on 2019 XA50 — verify no oil consumption evidence.

Transmission

6AT (4th-gen) or 8AT (5th-gen) — smooth shifts, no flare.

AWD

Check for differential fluid service history and any driveline vibration.

Suspension

Struts and bushings on 150k+ examples.

Rust

Rear subframe and rocker panels on Northeast cars.

Living with it

Ownership Experience

• Comfortable, quiet, practical. Better on-road than most competitors, though not sporty.
• Real-world mpg is competitive. The hybrid variant is genuinely excellent for city use.
• Cargo space and ride height are the biggest reasons this segment sells — the RAV4 does both well.

The Verdict

Should You Buy a Used Toyota RAV4?

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.

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