Used Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019) Review
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Huge interior space
- Reputation for rock-solid reliability
- Hybrid engines
Cons
- Capable rather than fun to drive
- Limited engine choice
- Infotainment system isn’t the best
Overall verdict
"The popularity of the crossover has ballooned in recent years, but back in the 1990s, when they were still called 4x4s, if you wanted something compact there were only a handful on sale, one of which was the original Toyota RAV4. So Toyota has quite a history with family-sized SUVs, and it shows with the latest RAV4."
Inside, it feels as robust as you’d expect of a Toyota (so very) and all models come with a seven-inch infotainment screen that has reversing camera as standard, although this older version of the RAV4 didn’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
This model tows the line between crossover and full-sized SUV to great effect. It’s a very commodious car and there’s enough space for a family, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the back. Thanks to its low cabin floor there’s no awkward transmission tunnel either so even the middle seat is usable.
The boot is large and has some neat, practical extras like a net for storing bits and pieces, cubby holes and seats that fold completely flat in one movement. In terms of practicality it's among the best crossovers, bettering than the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan for overall space.
Toyota offers a choice of petrol or diesel or petrol-electric hybrid models. There’s a 2.2-litre with 151PS or a 2.0-litre with 123PS, the former of which is available with an optional six-speed automatic transmission and with 2WD. The only petrol on offer is a 2.0-litre Valvematic with 152PS available only with Multidrive S CVT automatic gearbox and 4WD.
While the petrol-electric hybrid model has a 2.5-litre petrol engine boosted by an electric motor to produce 197PS and offer surprisingly good fuel economy in town.
The least earth shattering engine, though, was the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel, which emits a reasonable 127g/km of CO2 with 2WD and has official fuel economy of 57.6mpg.
So it’s cheap to run and also practical, factor in robust build quality and family SUVs don’t get more sensible than the RAV4, and you’re unlikely to care that it’s not quite as much fun to drive as the original model.
If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Toyota RAV4 review.
Is the Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019) right for you?
The Toyota RAV4 is right for you if you’re looking for a reliable family car that has loads of space and won’t cost the earth to run.
What's the best Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019) model/engine to choose?
The best RAV4 model to choose is the petrol-electric hybrid in Excel trim. The hybrid model is clean and surprisingly economical in town where it makes best use of its electric motor. Meanwhile, Excel trim adds sat-nav and a leather interior.
What other cars are similar to the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 is a midsize SUV and, being an SUV, it has an almost endless list of rivals. The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the best. Like most Volkswagens, it's a great all rounder with smart looks and an interior that feels solid and is easy to use. It doesn’t have quite the same space inside as the RAV4, but it’s still very practical.
The Ford Kuga is another practical SUV but one that majors on being fun to drive and other alternatives include the Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5, Renault Captur, MINI Countryman and Honda CR-V – if you're looking for an SUV this size, you really are spoilt for choice.
Comfort and design
"Up front the RAV4 is nicely laid out, with plenty of useful cubby holes including one perfectly sized for smartphones. "
The air conditioning controls are neat and logical, as is the layout of the instrument binnacle. There’s also a touchscreen audio system on upper trim levels, but it takes a little getting used to.
Quality and finish
Unfortunately the material choices aren’t the best, with no soft touch plastics on the dash covering, for example. That said everything is hard-wearing and should stand the test of time and there are some plush faux leather coverings on higher trim levels, along with leather seats.
Infotainment
The RAV4 comes with a seven-inch infotainment screen, but only Business Edition models get sat-nav fitted as standard and there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to mirror the display of your smartphone. The system’s not very easy to use, has blocky graphics and laggy responses and it doesn’t recognise hand gestures you’ll use to operate your phone such as pinch and zoom.
Space and practicality
The RAV4 has an impressively practical cabin. It’s clearly been designed for families, with room in the back row for three passengers. The rear seat backs fold flat in one movement, expanding load space from an already very impressive 547 litres to a huge 1746 litres. There are also some neat touches, like a net for storing odds and ends, and an under floor compartment.
Handling and ride quality
"The front-wheel drive version of the RAV4 is reasonable to drive – it’s not particularly exciting but it stops and turns well enough in town or on twisting roads."
The ride is reasonable. It's not so soft as to wallow around and feel unbalanced while at speed it does a great job of ironing out lumps and bumps, making it a confidence-inspiring companion on rural roads. Unfortunately it's not perfect at lower speeds in town, where rough, broken surfaces and bigger potholes upset the ride quality and create a lot of road noise.
The steering is a little on the heavy side by Toyota's usual standards. If you've ever driven other Toyota models you'll be used to feather-light steering, but the RAV4's is much meatier and heavier. That's a blessing at higher speeds and a curse at lower speeds. Thankfully the gear change is slick and precise, plus the clutch is very light.
Keener drivers, or those who live in rural areas, will be better off with an all-wheel drive model.
Engines and gearboxes
Toyota offers a choice of petrol, diesel or petrol electric hybrid engines but most buyers will go for the hybrid. It’s 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor produce 197PS through a CVT automatic gearbox.
There’s a 2.2-litre with 151PS or a 2.0-litre with 123PS, the former of which is available with an optional six-speed automatic transmission and with 2WD. The only petrol on offer is a 2.0-litre Valvematic with 152PS available only with Multidrive S CVT automatic gearbox and 4WD.
Refinement and noise levels
Design Grade models and above suffer from lots of road noise due to their 18-inch wheels, although even cars with 17-inch wheels are noisy. The RAV4 also suffers from wind whistle and flutter from around the wing mirrors.
Safety equipment
The RAV4 was awarded five stars for safety by Euro NCAP in 2013. Kit includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Control, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
MPG fuel costs
"As is typical with crossover models, the RAV4 is offered with a choice of front or all-wheel drive. For many, the front-wheel drive model – powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine – should be perfectly adequate. It’s got plenty of torque and it’s frugal, with official fuel consumption of 57.6mpg and emissions of 126g/km."
However, we’d go for the 2.5-litre Hybrid Petrol which will return fuel economy of between 55.4–57.6 mpg and should be even more economical than the diesel in town. It’s also available in either front or four-wheel drive.
Insurance groups and costs
The RAV4 sits between insurance groups between 22–29.
VED car tax
Road tax costs from £30 for a hybrid to £260 for a 2.2-litre diesel for cars registered before 1 April 2017.
How much should you be paying?
"In 2018 the Toyota RAV4 started from £23,500 for a basic diesel model rising to nearly £40,000 for a fully-kitted out hybrid."
A couple of years later we found a top-of-the-range 2018 hybrid with fewer than 3000 miles on the clock going for less than £30,000.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Standard equipment is reasonable, with electric windows, alloy wheels, tinted glass, Bluetooth and air conditioning across all grades.
The mid spec Icon grade offers a blend of equipment and value – though it has everything most drivers will need including cruise control, a rear view camera, automatic wipers and automatic headlights.
Moving to top Excel trim adds heated leather seats, keyless entry and start, power hatchback door and rear parking sensors. You also get a subtle body kit that makes the RAV4 look a bit sportier.
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