2017 Toyota RAV4 review: What they are not telling you about this SUV

Whoa! Where's the steering feel? And who's responsible for that styling? Who cares? Not 2017 Toyota RAV4 owners. They're kept this compact crossover atop America's SUV sales heap for years. For 2017, strivers get a new flagship, the Platinum model. More important, every RAV4 buyer gets the Toyota Safety Sense system, no matter which model they choose. It'll automatically apply the brakes to prevent a frontal collision. Oh, there's stellar reliability, room, and comfort, too. But what if you like to drive? Is there a '17 RAV4 for you? Get the answers in our lively video review.

Questions we may answer in this review of the Toyota Rav4 2017:
How safe is the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
How popular is the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
How many miles per gallon on a 2017 Toyota Rav4?
Will there be any changes in the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
Will there be a new 2017 Toyota Rav4?
Will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 have interior upgrades?
Will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 have a side camera?
Will the Toyota Rav4 be redesigned in 2016?
Will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 be redesigned?
Will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 change?
Will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 have a CVT transmission?
Will 2017 Toyota Rav4 offer new colors?
Will gas mileage improve on 2017 Toyota Rav4?
Will anything change on the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
Will 2017 Toyota Rav4 have a heated steering wheel?
Will 2017 Toyota Rav4 be updated?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 be revised?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 come out?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 be made?
When does the 2017 Toyota Rav4 come out?
When do the 2017 Toyota Rav4 come out?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 be available?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 hit the car lots?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 hit the market?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 go on sale?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 be in showroom?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 be revealed?
When will the 2017 Toyota Rav4 be available for purchase?
When is the 2017 Toyota Rav4 going to be redesigned?
When is the new 2017 Toyota Rav4 coming?
When is the best time this year to buy a 2017 Toyota Rav4?
When is the 2017 Toyota Rav4 coming out?
When is the 2017 Toyota Rav4 available?
When does the 2017 Toyota Rav4 arrive at dealerships?
When can i buy the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What is new price for 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What is new on 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What is different about the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What will 2017 Toyota Rav4 look like?
What will be the colors for the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What is the gpa for the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What is the gvw of a 2017 Toyota Rav4 in pounds?
What features will 2017 Toyota Rav4 have?
What does the 2017 Toyota Rav4 look like?
What changes are coming in the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What changes are in store for the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What are the new safety features for the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What are the new additions to the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What are the new colors for the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What are the standard features for the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
What do you think of the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
Should I wait to buy the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
Should I wait for the 2017 Toyota Rav4?
Should I buy a 2017 Toyota Rav4?

[steved]

Several years later, but very informative for the used RAV4 buyer like me. Thank you!

[marketplayer]

"The engine lacks modern tech" is exactly why you should buy this car given how all this cvt and turbo crap is unravelling.

[rocksince]

I have driven Toyota's since 1988. I have put one O2 sensor on a 241k mile Corolla. That's it !!! Never a water pump, never an alternator, never a coil, I have never had an AC problem and I live in Texas. The only thing I do is routine maintenance ( oil, filters, brakes, and wiper blades ) . While others are complaining about expensive repairs I complain about the price of wiper blades. I have a very nice home and when people ask me how I can afford such a nice house I tell them because I drive Toyota's !!!

[michellem]

It takes a certain kind of person to love Toyota's. The kind of person that loves their car to start 99% of the time in the 20 years that they have owned it.

[roostersideburns]

the reason why toyotas are reliable is they dont use "technology" in their engines.. naturally aspirated toyota engines will last forever with oil changes. no turbo charge no gdi, etc and this dude is telling people to look at jeeps. yikes.

[cwqrpportable]

I said it before, I'll say it again. When did auto journalists begin to get the idea that "very exciting handling" was the measure of all vehicles worth? Was it something you garnered when driving hwy 410 and 427 in the Toronto area? Did watching all of the idiots drive like they're at LeMans make you assume that's what everyone wanted to do? The Rav4 is a solid, good looking, good handling SUV with remarkably good fuel mileage. It's actually one of the few SUVs that gets better fuel mileage than it's EPA rating. When did using a proven engine and power-train become a faux pas? For decades drivers worshiped the small block V8 from Chevrolet but now it's a mortal sin to use a tried and true power-plant? It's time to put away all your preconceived notions and personal grudges and review cars in a more objective manner. Please, don't insult viewer's intelligence by talking about exciting SUVs; that sir, is an oxymoron. This cookie cutter approach to auto journalism is getting rather old. It's an SUV; please tell us how it stacks up for it's intended

[andrecampbell]

When I buy a vehicle I start with reliability, that's why I just bought a 2019 Rav4 LE two wheel drive model, my wife and I love it.

[jaxcreed]

I actually just bought a 2015 Rav4 XLE in August and I have to say, this is one of the best vehicles I've ever purchased. The base model of the XLE comes with navigation, bluetooth, backup camera. All things I wasn't expecting it to come with right off the bat. I primarily got it because I do a lot of camping and there's plenty of room for all my gear, but it's also great for just simple commuting to and from work. It's not a sports car, it's not meant to be a sports car. The thing I love MOST about this, is the at home maintenance is very simple. Everything is easy to get to and change and repair. Which is a big plus in my book because I do most of the maintenance myself.

[ToyotaLife]

Actually I have heard that this Rav-4 is fun to drive it has good handling. Was this car supposed to compete against a BMW M5 or something ? why do you keep on talking about performance and exciting to drive? People who buy this Rav-4, CRV and the rest dont buy any of them because their exciting to drive. Please focus on what these cars are built for and why people buy them.

[toddmarten]

I just purchased a 2017 Rav 4 XLE today. Was tired of the same Jane colours everyone has, so I chose the metallic black currant (metallic purple) it's a great, reliable fuel efficient crossover that is hugely under rated. I traded In my 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 sport model for the RAV4. And I will never miss that gas hog.

[steelheart]

If I wanted driving excitement, I'd get an MX-5.  However, the MX-5 is noisy, hard riding, cramped and has no storage space.  On the other hand, the RAV 4 is quiet, comfortable, roomy and a pleasure to daily drive.

[runtr]

No one should consider a Jeep, EVER, its the reason lemon laws exist

[alphabeta]

I would simply say that buying a Toyota rav 4 car makes you confident to do so without any hesitation as it last for years & it deserves the money spent ! Thank you Toyota 👌

[GrnXnham]

"It treats precision and road feel like secrets and it's the prime suspect in an uninvolving driving experience." WTF???? This is why car reviews are worthless. It's a car. I start it and drive. I'm not having a sexual relationship with it. Is it reliable? Great, I'll take it.

[MarkD]

Top notch review. Fluent speech and clear distinction among the trim levels. 🏆

[danneyboy]

We (the wife and I) just got one of these 2017 limited additions with 19, 421 miles and I cannot believe how loaded it is. She traded in her 2015 Escape and I thought that was loaded. The only complaint she has is the steering when in park so I had to remind her put it in drive and move then you can steer it with your little finger only. Ford has an electronic steering assist (patented so Toyota cannot use) allowing the steering to be easy no matter what your shift is set at. The Toyota has much more room for passengers, fantastic sounding stereo, smoother ride and what takes the cake is Toyota's 2.5-liter engine dependability.

[wildbillc]

I drove the 2016 Rav 4 LE last year for a couple days while my truck was in the shop being serviced. We had 8" of snow and the Rav4's AWD system worked great. Plenty of room.

The 2.5L 4 cylinder has plenty of power. They're not a racecar but they'll get up and move pretty quick if you want them to. The base model LE with AWD has plenty of features and around $24-25k they're pretty well priced.

[buffuniballer]

FWD XLE with Convenience pack was our choice. Our dealer had to go find one in another region as our region doesn't offer that combination. (Come on Toyota, let's put an end to this regional differences nonsense.)

We drove both the Rav4 and the Highlander, and my wife preferred the Rav4. We also drove some choices from the list of competitors, and always came back to the Rav4. Well, I should say she did. This vehicle is for my wife. I'd probably buy a wagon if I were in the market, but those are not popular here in the US.

One of the selling points for us was the lack of the so-called high-tech touches.

- We don't want 20" wheels and the more expensive tires that come with them.

- We like the idea that it has a relatively old-school 6 speed automatic instead of a CVT or a DCT that may not be well sorted. (I'd go for a 6 speed manual, but such isn't offered.) I never got accustomed to the rubber band sensation of our 2010 Altima that will be passed to one of our kids.

- We like the proven 2.5L engine. We expect it to be as trouble free as the 2.4L engine in our 2002 Camry that we are retiring with 276K miles on the clock.

- We didn't go for AWD as we only get a few days of snow each year, and if we do, my wife won't be going to work as school is usually called off on those days.

For under $30k out the door, we are very comfortable with the Rav4 as our choice in this segment.

[kngez]

I wish a car test channel would project cost of ownership over a number of years. Compare all vehicles. Buy insure maintain trade in. Think Toyota would kick butt.

[mattc]

I bought a RAV4 XLE AWD. I wanted a vehicle to just...work. If I wanted a CVT that will break, I would have bought the Rouge. I like the Rouge, except Nissan's reputation with the CVT is poor. Too bad. The Jeep...HA ! lol. I hope they come with a lifetime warranty and a AAA card. The Honda CRV ? It's a nice vehicle but Honda's reliability slipped a bit in the past few years. So many folks are going to turbo charged 4cyls. No thanks. Another lubricated part to wear out. Thanks Toyota for keeping it simple and reliable !