Toyota RAV4
All generations, specs and history
Updated Published Sources (7) Report an error
By Felix Hartmann, Automotive Technology & EV Contributor Reviewed by Oleksandr Hnatiuk
- Built
- 1994–present
- Generations
- 6 · XA10 to XA60
- Top power
- 225 kW (306 PS)
- New price
- from about €29,990 (2019)
Timeline
RAV4 generations
Click a generation for its own page
- RAV4 XA10 1994–2000 · Convertible, SUV
- RAV4 XA20 2000–2005 · SUV
- RAV4 XA30 2005–2012 · SUV
- RAV4 XA40 2012–2018 · SUV · 91–145 kW (124–197 PS)
- RAV4 XA50 2018–2025 · SUV
- RAV4 XA60 Current 2025–now · SUV
Newest first · 6 generations since 1994
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2025
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2018
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2012
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2005
-
2000
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1994
All generations by year: RAV4 XA60 (2025–now) · RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025) · RAV4 XA40 (2012–2018) · RAV4 XA30 (2005–2012) · RAV4 XA20 (2000–2005) · RAV4 XA10 (1994–2000)
Which one is mine?
Pick the year of first registration to see which generation it is.
Check by VINWhich one to buy: used and new
Our verdict · Felix Hartmann
Among used cars, the XA40 hybrid offers low running costs and Toyota's hybrid durability, while the 2.2 diesel suits towing. The XA50 hybrid is the most popular modern choice, and the plug-in hybrid is the fastest RAV4 but costs more. The new XA60 is the choice for buyers who want the latest software and the longest electric range. See also the Toyota Prius, with which the RAV4 Hybrid shares its technology, and other Japanese SUVs.
Watch out
- Flat 12V starter battery (XA50 hybrid, also late XA40) (RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025))
- Cracked front suspension wishbones (recall, early XA50) (RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025))
- Brake booster pump failure (recall, 2019 XA50) (RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025))
- Plug-in hybrid DC-DC converter fire risk and power loss (recalls) (RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025))
Watch-out points come from our verified ownership data, each with a source.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV launched in 1994 and now in its sixth generation, with more than 15 million sold worldwide. It created the small car-based SUV class, moved from petrol and diesel engines to hybrids and plug-in hybrids, and since the 2025 XA60 every RAV4 is electrified. In February 2025 it was reported to have replaced the Ford F-150 as the best-selling vehicle in the US.
In short
- Generations: XA10 (1994), XA20 (2000), XA30 (2005), XA40 (2012), XA50 (2018) and XA60 (2025).
- The name stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive"; development began in 1989 under the code 153T.
- The XA40, facelifted for 2016, offered 2.0 and 2.5 petrol engines, a 2.2 diesel and the first RAV4 Hybrid with 145 kW (197 PS).
- The latest European plug-in hybrid produces up to 224 kW (304 PS) with about 100 km of WLTP electric range.
Size at a glance
Mazda CX-5 KF
The Toyota RAV4 XA60 is 50 mm longer and 38 mm wider than the Mazda CX-5 KF.
| Dimensions | Toyota RAV4 XA60 | Mazda CX-5 KF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,600 mm181.1 in | 4,550 mm179.1 in | +50 mm+2.0 in |
| Width | 1,880 mm74.0 in | 1,842 mm72.5 in | +38 mm+1.5 in |
| Height | 1,680 mm66.1 in | 1,680 mm66.1 in | Same |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm105.9 in | 2,700 mm106.3 in | −10 mm−0.4 in |
| Boot | 514 L18.2 cu ft | 522 L18.4 cu ft | −8 L−0.3 cu ft |
Hyundai Tucson III
The Toyota RAV4 XA60 is 125 mm longer, 31 mm wider and 29 mm taller than the Hyundai Tucson III.
| Dimensions | Toyota RAV4 XA60 | Hyundai Tucson III | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,600 mm181.1 in | 4,475 mm176.2 in | +125 mm+4.9 in |
| Width | 1,880 mm74.0 in | 1,849 mm72.8 in | +31 mm+1.2 in |
| Height | 1,680 mm66.1 in | 1,651 mm65.0 in | +29 mm+1.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm105.9 in | 2,670 mm105.1 in | +20 mm+0.8 in |
| Boot | 514 L18.2 cu ft | 513 L18.1 cu ft | +1 L |
Toyota RAV4 XA50
The Toyota RAV4 XA60 is 25 mm wider and 5 mm lower than the Toyota RAV4 XA50.
| Dimensions | Toyota RAV4 XA60 | Toyota RAV4 XA50 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,600 mm181.1 in | 4,600 mm181.1 in | Same |
| Width | 1,880 mm74.0 in | 1,855 mm73.0 in | +25 mm+1.0 in |
| Height | 1,680 mm66.1 in | 1,685 mm66.3 in | −5 mm−0.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm105.9 in | 2,690 mm105.9 in | Same |
| Boot | 514 L18.2 cu ft | 580 L20.5 cu ft | −66 L−2.3 cu ft |
Running cost
Fuel · RAV4 XA60 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (AV-S6) · 2026 (EPA)
about 1,450 EUR fuel a year at 15,000 km
5.5 l/100 km · petrol at 1.75 EUR/l · change mileage, fuel price or version
Known problems
-
Medium RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025)
Flat 12V starter battery (XA50 hybrid, also late XA40) 2016–2023
The car will not switch to READY, or shows several warning lights at once after standing for a few days.
Fix: Load-test and replace the 12V battery, and ask the dealer for the battery-management software update.
Verified Source: ADAC Autokatalog: Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid (XA5), technical data, breakdown statistics and recalls -
Critical RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025)
Cracked front suspension wishbones (recall, early XA50) 2019
No warning before failure; a cracked arm can make the car pull or lose steering precision.
Fix: Dealer replaces the front wishbones free of charge under the June 2020 recall.
Verified Source: ADAC Autokatalog: Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid (XA5), technical data, breakdown statistics and recalls -
Critical RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025)
Brake booster pump failure (recall, 2019 XA50) 2019
A brake warning and a harder pedal with a longer stopping distance.
Fix: Dealer checks and replaces the brake booster pump under the October 2019 recall.
Verified Source: ADAC Autokatalog: Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid (XA5), technical data, breakdown statistics and recalls -
Critical RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025)
Plug-in hybrid DC-DC converter fire risk and power loss (recalls) 2020–2023
Damaged circuit board in the power rectifier module, or a sudden hybrid shutdown after electric driving in cold weather.
Fix: Dealer replaces the DC-DC converter (November 2023 recall) and updates the hybrid software (February 2023 recall).
Verified Source: car-recalls.eu: Toyota RAV4 possible shutdown of the hybrid system (KBA 012423 / 012528), 23 February 2023 -
Medium RAV4 XA40 (2012–2018)
Parking brake and foot brake defects at inspection (XA40) all years
The handbrake does not hold on a slope, or the car fails the brake test at the TUV.
Fix: Adjust or renew the parking brake shoes and cables, and service the calipers.
Verified Source: AUTO BILD: Toyota RAV4 used, weak points by TUV Report, 23 September 2025 -
Medium RAV4 XA40 (2012–2018)
Worn axle suspension joints and bushes (XA40) all years
Knocks over speed bumps and wandering at motorway speed; inspectors flag axle suspension more often than on the XA50.
Fix: Replace the worn wishbone bushes or ball joints and check the alignment.
Verified Source: AUTO BILD: Toyota RAV4 used, weak points by TUV Report, 23 September 2025 -
High RAV4 XA40 (2012–2018)
Fuel return hose and injector fixing recalls (2015-2017 builds) 2015–2017
A smell of fuel or a wet patch under the car on cars built between October 2015 and December 2017.
Fix: Dealer inspects and replaces the low-pressure return hose and re-tightens the injectors.
Verified Source: What Car?: Used Toyota RAV4 2013-2019 reliability -
Low RAV4 XA40 (2012–2018)
Headlamp condensation and dim headlights (XA40) all years
Mist inside the lenses and headlight findings at the first inspection.
Fix: Check the lamp vents and seals, renew a leaking unit, and re-aim the headlights.
Verified Source: Auto Express: Used Toyota RAV4 review (Mk4, 2013-2018), updated 30 March 2026 -
Medium RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025)
eCall emergency call not working (recalls 2019, 2021, 2023) 2018–2023
No visible symptom; the automatic emergency call may not trigger after a crash.
Fix: Dealer activates the system or installs updated software, partly over the air.
Verified Source: Auto Express: Used Toyota RAV4 Mk5 (2019-date) review, 12 June 2024
Specs by version
Engines
| Version | Engine | Power | Gearbox | Drive | Production years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid · 5 versions | |||||
| XA50 · 2.5 Hybrid 2WD | 2.5 l · 4 cyl · Hybrid 2,487 cc | 160 kW 218 PS215 hp | CVT | Front-wheel drive | 2019 |
| XA50 · 2.5 Hybrid AWD-i | 2.5 l · 4 cyl · Hybrid 2,487 cc | 163 kW 222 PS219 hp | CVT | All-wheel drive | 2019 |
| XA60 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (AV-S6) · 2026 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl · Hybrid 2,500 cc | - | CVT | Front-wheel drive | 2026 |
| XA60 · 2.5 Hybrid FWD | 4 cyl · Hybrid | 135 kW 184 PS181 hp | - | Front-wheel drive | 2026 |
| XA60 · 2.5 Hybrid AWD | 4 cyl · Hybrid | 140 kW 190 PS188 hp | - | All-wheel drive | 2026 |
| Plug-in hybrid · 3 versions | |||||
| XA50 · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid AWD-i | 2.5 l · 4 cyl · Plug-in hybrid 2,487 cc | 225 kW 306 PS302 hp | CVT | All-wheel drive | 2020 |
| XA60 · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid FWD | 4 cyl · Plug-in hybrid | 197 kW 268 PS264 hp | - | Front-wheel drive | 2026 |
| XA60 · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid AWD | 4 cyl · Plug-in hybrid | 224 kW 305 PS300 hp | - | All-wheel drive | 2026 |
| Diesel · 1 version | |||||
| XA40 · 110 kW (150 PS) SUV | Diesel | 110 kW 150 PS148 hp | - | - | - |
| Petrol · 1 version | |||||
| XA40 · 2.0 107 kW (145 PS) SUV | 2.0 l · 4 cyl · Petrol 2,000 cc | 107 kW 145 PS143 hp | - | All-wheel drive | - |
| Other · 12 versions | |||||
| XA40 · 2.5 132 kW (179 PS) SUV | 2.5 l 2,500 cc | 132 kW 179 PS177 hp | - | - | - |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2024 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2024 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2023 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2023 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2023 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2023 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2022 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2022 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2022 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2022 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2021 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2021 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2021 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2021 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2020 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2020 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2020 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2020 |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2019 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2019 |
| XA60 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2025 (EPA) | 2.5 l · 4 cyl 2,500 cc | - | 8-sp Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 2025 |
Performance
Show all 15 versions
| Version | Fuel consumption |
|---|---|
| Hybrid · 3 versions | |
| XA50 · 2.5 Hybrid 2WD | 4.5 l/100 km52.3 mpg US · 62.8 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 Hybrid AWD-i | 4.8 l/100 km49.0 mpg US · 58.9 mpg UK |
| XA60 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (AV-S6) · 2026 (EPA) | 5.5 l/100 km42.8 mpg US · 51.4 mpg UK |
| Plug-in hybrid · 1 version | |
| XA50 · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid AWD-i | - |
| Other · 11 versions | |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2024 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2023 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2023 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2022 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2022 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2021 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2021 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2020 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2020 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA50 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2019 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
| XA60 · 2.5 L 4 cyl Automatic (S8) · 2025 (EPA) | 7.8 l/100 km30.2 mpg US · 36.2 mpg UK |
Dimensions and weight
Show all 7 versions
| Version | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Kerb weight | Boot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid · 3 versions | ||||||
| XA50 · 2.5 Hybrid 2WD | 4,600 mm181.1 in | 1,855 mm73.0 in | 1,685 mm66.3 in | 2,690 mm105.9 in | 1,615 kg3,560 lb | 580 l20.5 cu ft |
| XA50 · 2.5 Hybrid AWD-i | - | - | - | - | 1,795 kg3,957 lb | 580 l20.5 cu ft |
| XA60 · 2.5 Hybrid FWD | 4,600 mm181.1 in | 1,880 mm74.0 in | 1,680 mm66.1 in | 2,690 mm105.9 in | 1,655 kg3,649 lb | 514 l18.2 cu ft |
| Plug-in hybrid · 1 version | ||||||
| XA50 · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid AWD-i | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Diesel · 1 version | ||||||
| XA40 · 110 kW (150 PS) SUV | - | 1,845 mm72.6 in | 1,670 mm65.7 in | 2,660 mm104.7 in | - | 506 l17.9 cu ft |
| Petrol · 1 version | ||||||
| XA40 · 2.0 107 kW (145 PS) SUV | 4,570 mm179.9 in | 1,845 mm72.6 in | 1,670 mm65.7 in | 2,660 mm104.7 in | 1,610 kg3,549 lb | 506 l17.9 cu ft |
| Other · 1 version | ||||||
| XA40 · 2.5 132 kW (179 PS) SUV | - | 1,845 mm72.6 in | 1,670 mm65.7 in | 2,660 mm104.7 in | - | 506 l17.9 cu ft |
Verified Manufacturer and type-approval data from our catalog · Sources and methodology
Safety
-
XA50 · NHTSA 2024
US NCAP (NHTSA)
Full NHTSA rating
-
XA40 · NHTSA 2017
US NCAP (NHTSA)
Full NHTSA rating
-
XA30 · NHTSA 2011
US NCAP (NHTSA)
Full NHTSA rating
Stars from different years and organisations are not directly comparable: test protocols change every few years.
Toyota RAV4 at a glance
The RAV4 combined a car-like monocoque body and transverse engine with optional four-wheel drive, a recipe that rivals such as the Honda CR-V quickly copied. It is built in Japan, Canada, China and the US. In Toyota's range it sits above the Toyota Corolla family and below the Toyota Land Cruiser, and the brand's story is told in the history of Toyota.
Six generations since 1994
| Generation | Code | Years | Main engines | Power (kW / PS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | XA10 | 1994–2000 | 2.0 petrol | 89–132 / 121–179 |
| 2nd | XA20 | 2000–2005 | 1.8, 2.0, 2.4 petrol, 2.0 D-4D | 92–120 / 125–163 |
| 3rd | XA30 | 2005–2012 (Japan to 2016) | 2.0, 2.4, 2.5 petrol, 3.5 V6, 2.2 D-4D | 100–201 / 136–273 |
| 4th | XA40 | 2012–2018 | 2.0, 2.5 petrol, 2.0 and 2.2 diesel, 2.5 hybrid | 91–145 / 124–197 |
| 5th | XA50 | 2018–2025 | 2.0, 2.5 petrol, 2.5 hybrid, plug-in hybrid | 126–225 / 171–306 |
| 6th | XA60 | 2025– | 2.5 hybrid, plug-in hybrid | 135–239 / 183–324 |
First generation XA10 (1994–2000)
The first RAV4 went on sale in Japan and Europe in 1994 as a three-door, with a five-door from March 1995. It borrowed parts from the Carina and Corolla, used a 2.0-litre engine with 89 kW (121 PS) in export form, rising to 95 kW (129 PS) after the 1998 update, and offered a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic with front or four-wheel drive. Japan also had a 132 kW (179 PS) 3S-GE version.
Second generation XA20 (2000–2005)
On sale from July 2000 with styling by Toyota's Calty studio, the XA20 added a 1.8 with 92 kW (125 PS), a 2.0 with 110 kW (150 PS), a 2.4 with up to 120 kW (163 PS) and a D-4D diesel. It became Australia's best-selling SUV in 2001.
Third generation XA30 (2005–2012)
Unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, the XA30 was 145 mm longer and 80 mm wider, with a long-wheelbase version for North America. Engines ranged from a 2.2 D-4D diesel with 100 kW (136 PS) to a 3.5 V6 with about 201 kW (273 PS). Euro NCAP awarded it 32 points for adult protection in 2006.
Fourth generation XA40 (2012–2018)
Shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2012, the XA40 used a single long wheelbase and was the first RAV4 sold as a hybrid. It is covered in detail below.
Fifth generation XA50 (2018–2025)
Unveiled in New York in March 2018 on the TNGA-K platform, 57% stiffer than before, the XA50 offered a 2.0 with 126 kW (171 PS), a 2.5 with 151 kW (205 PS), a hybrid with 163 kW (222 PS) and, from 2020, a plug-in hybrid with 225 kW (306 PS) that reaches 100 km/h in a claimed 6.2 seconds and covers about 75 km on electricity. Euro NCAP gave the Hybrid AWD 93% for adult occupants in 2019.
Sixth generation XA60 (2025 to today)
Revealed in May 2025, the XA60 keeps the GA-K platform but is hybrid or plug-in hybrid only. European hybrids produce 135 kW (183 PS) with front-wheel drive or 140 kW (191 PS) with AWD; the European plug-in hybrid offers 197 kW (268 PS) or 224 kW (304 PS) and about 100 km of WLTP range from a 22.7 kWh battery, with 50 kW DC charging. European deliveries began in the first half of 2026, with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and screens of up to 12.9 inches.
The 2016 RAV4 (XA40 facelift) in detail
Toyota showed the facelifted fourth-generation RAV4 in April 2015 in New York and in Europe at the Frankfurt show that autumn. The update brought a new nose with LED headlights, new bumpers and LED rear lights, a shark-fin antenna and model-specific 17-inch wheels for the hybrid. Inside, materials improved, the instruments gained a 4.2-inch colour TFT display showing 4WD operation and fuel data, and the area of sound insulation grew by 55%. A 6.1-inch Toyota Touch 2 screen sat in the centre console.
Engines and gearboxes
| Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol (Dual VVT-i) | 111 kW (151 PS) | 195 Nm | 6-speed manual or CVT | front or AWD |
| 2.5 petrol | 131 kW (178 PS) | 233 Nm | 6-speed automatic | AWD |
| 2.0 diesel (120D) | 91 kW (124 PS) | – | – | – |
| 2.2 diesel (150D) | 110 kW (150 PS) | 340 Nm | 6-speed automatic | AWD |
| 2.5 hybrid | 145 kW (197 PS) combined | – | e-CVT | front or AWD |
The 2.0 petrol reaches 100 km/h in about 10–11 seconds and tops out at about 180 km/h; the 2.2 diesel takes about 10 seconds and reaches 185 km/h. The hybrid pairs an Atkinson-cycle 2.5 with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery under the rear seats; AWD versions add a 50 kW electric motor at the rear axle.
Four-wheel drive and chassis
On petrol and diesel models, four-wheel drive uses a multi-plate clutch: in normal driving the front wheels take the torque, and up to 50% can go to the rear. Below 40 km/h the clutch can be locked to split torque equally between the axles. Suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle, with electric power steering and disc brakes all round.
Dimensions and boot space
| Parameter | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,605 mm | 181.3 in |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 72.6 in |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 65.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | 104.7 in |
| Ground clearance | 197 mm | 7.8 in |
| Boot (seats up / folded) | 506 / 1,705 L | 17.9 / 60.2 cu ft |
Safety and equipment
The 2016 RAV4 introduced Toyota Safety Sense to the model, with a pre-collision system with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, road sign recognition, automatic high beam and, on some versions, adaptive cruise control. A four-camera panoramic view monitor helped with parking. Euro NCAP tested the XA40 in 2012 and scored it 89% for adult occupants. Standard European equipment included LED daytime lights, air conditioning, heated front seats, front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, stability control, trailer sway control and hill-start assist. Higher grades added full LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, leather, keyless entry, an electric tailgate, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Toyota RAV4 evolution in numbers
Did you know?
- The Toyota RAV4 has been around for 32 years: 6 generations in our catalog since 1994.
- The biggest jump in power came with the RAV4 XA50: up to 225 kW (306 PS), 80 kW more than the RAV4 XA40.
Most powerful version, kW
Length, mm
Figures from the 1cars catalog: power is the strongest version of each generation; generations without the figure are left out.
Owning a Toyota RAV4
Common problems, best and worst years, maintenance and running costs - only data checked by our editors, with sources.
Best years
- 2016–2018 RAV4 XA40 (2012–2018) - The December 2015 facelift brought the 145 kW (197 PS) hybrid and the Euro 6 diesel, and newer XA40s placed well in ADAC breakdown data. Verified Source: t-online / dpa-tmn: Toyota RAV4 IV used-car check (TUV Report 2022, ADAC breakdown data), 1 March 2022
- 2021–2025 RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025) - ADAC breakdowns fall from 53.7 per 1,000 for 2020 registrations to 38.4 for 2021 and 31 for 2022, and the early brake and wishbone recalls do not apply. Verified Source: ADAC Autokatalog: Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid (XA5), technical data, breakdown statistics and recalls
Years to avoid
- 2019–2020 RAV4 XA50 (2018–2025) - ADAC records 51.7 and 53.7 breakdowns per 1,000 cars for these registrations, mostly flat starter batteries, plus brake booster and wishbone recalls. Verified Source: ADAC Autokatalog: Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid (XA5), technical data, breakdown statistics and recalls
- 2013–2015 RAV4 XA40 (2012–2018) - Pre-facelift cars sat only mid-table in ADAC breakdown statistics, with battery failures concentrated on 2014 and 2015 models. Verified Source: t-online / dpa-tmn: Toyota RAV4 IV used-car check (TUV Report 2022, ADAC breakdown data), 1 March 2022
Questions and answers
What are the most common Toyota RAV4 problems?
Flat 12V starter battery (XA50 hybrid, also late XA40) (2016–2023): The car will not switch to READY, or shows several warning lights at once after standing for a few days.; Cracked front suspension wishbones (recall, early XA50) (2019): No warning before failure; a cracked arm can make the car pull or lose steering precision.; Brake booster pump failure (recall, 2019 XA50) (2019): A brake warning and a harder pedal with a longer stopping distance.; Plug-in hybrid DC-DC converter fire risk and power loss (recalls) (2020–2023): Damaged circuit board in the power rectifier module, or a sudden hybrid shutdown after electric driving in cold weather.; Parking brake and foot brake defects at inspection (XA40) (all years): The handbrake does not hold on a slope, or the car fails the brake test at the TUV..
What are the best years for the Toyota RAV4?
2016–2018: The December 2015 facelift brought the 145 kW (197 PS) hybrid and the Euro 6 diesel, and newer XA40s placed well in ADAC breakdown data.; 2021–2025: ADAC breakdowns fall from 53.7 per 1,000 for 2020 registrations to 38.4 for 2021 and 31 for 2022, and the early brake and wishbone recalls do not apply..
Which Toyota RAV4 years should you avoid?
2019–2020: ADAC records 51.7 and 53.7 breakdowns per 1,000 cars for these registrations, mostly flat starter batteries, plus brake booster and wishbone recalls.; 2013–2015: Pre-facelift cars sat only mid-table in ADAC breakdown statistics, with battery failures concentrated on 2014 and 2015 models..
Data checked November 5, 2026 Used Toyota RAV4 buying guide
Image credits · Photos from Wikimedia Commons under free licences
- Toyota RAV4 XA20 · Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
- Toyota RAV4 XA30 · Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
- Toyota RAV4 XA50 · Photo: Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Rivals
Compare with…
Compare Toyota RAV4 with
- Nissan X-Trail full comparison
- Mitsubishi Outlander full comparison
- Honda CR-V full comparison
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In production
- Years
- 2000–present
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Power
- 84–206 kW (114–280 PS)
-
In production
- Years
- 2001–present
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid
- Power
- 100–225 kW (136–306 PS)
-
In production
- Years
- 1995–present
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Power
- 88–140 kW (120–190 PS)
6 generations
- I
- II
- III
- IV
- CR-V
- VI
-
In production
- Years
- 2012–present
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel
- Power
- 104–190 kW (141–258 PS)
3 generations
- KE
- KF
- III
Popular comparisons
- Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4
- Nissan X-Trail vs Toyota RAV4
- Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota RAV4
- Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
- Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan
- Kia Sportage vs Toyota RAV4
- Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4
- Size: Honda CR-V VI vs Toyota RAV4 XA60
- Size: Hyundai Tucson III vs Toyota RAV4 XA60
- Size: Kia Sportage NQ5 vs Toyota RAV4 XA60
Toyota RAV4 in our rankings
- No. 8 of 108 · Most economical SUVs and crossovers (4.5 l/100 km)
- No. 68 of 1154 · Longest-running car nameplates (32 years · top 6%)
- No. 38 of 325 · Biggest boot: cars (580 l · top 12%)
- No. 37 of 319 · Most economical cars (4.5 l/100 km · top 12%)
- No. 55 of 454 · Cars with the most generations (6 generations · top 14%)
- No. 54 of 384 · Oldest car models still on sale (32 years · top 15%)
In production longer than 94% of ranked nameplates in the 1CARS catalog (No. 68 of 1154).
Toyota RAV4 photos 24
Toyota RAV4 videos 7
Toyota RAV4 video 1
Toyota RAV4 video 2
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Toyota RAV4 video 6
Toyota RAV4 video 7
FAQ
How many generations of the Toyota RAV4 are there?
There are six: XA10 (1994), XA20 (2000), XA30 (2005), XA40 (2012), XA50 (2018) and XA60 (2025). The current XA60 is sold only as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
What does RAV4 stand for?
Toyota explains the name as "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive". Development began in 1989, and the first RAV4 went on sale in Japan and Europe in 1994.
When did the RAV4 become a hybrid?
The RAV4 Hybrid arrived with the fourth-generation XA40 facelift for 2016, combining a 2.5 petrol engine and electric motors for 145 kW (197 PS). A plug-in hybrid followed in 2020.
Is the Toyota RAV4 four-wheel drive?
Most versions offer AWD. Petrol and diesel models use a multi-plate clutch that sends up to 50% of torque to the rear, while hybrids use an electric motor to drive the rear wheels.
How big is the RAV4 boot?
The 2016 XA40 offers 506 litres with the rear seats up and 1,705 litres with them folded. Figures vary slightly by generation and depend on the spare wheel fitted.
Data sources
Data checked by an editor against the sources below.
- The text of this article (1cars archive)
- Wikipedia - Toyota RAV4
- Sicurauto - Crash Test Euroncap Luglio 3434
- Newsmarket - Fe3d02d0 E7ad 4cad 90b9 9617d39f8f2f
- Euro NCAP - Seven Earn The Highest Rating In Latest Safety Tests
- Carsized - Toyota Rav4 2012 Suv Swb
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (US NCAP) — U.S. Government work, public domain
