Toyota RAV4 SUV 2006 - 2012 review - CarBuyer

Modern crossover vehicles like the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan are family cars first and foremost, but still retain some of the looks and off-road capabilities of a 4x4. The Toyota RAV4 is the other way around; it's a 4x4 firstly, but Toyota has adapted it to compete with the popular breed of crossovers.

[MemphisMojos]

I'd rather have a bland interior than a fancy computer on wheels that needs a software upgrade every 12 months. Buy what is practical. You get a better vehicle most of the time

[saifakh]

I’m a motor trader I bought this exact car to sell but in manual I love it so much I’ll be keeping it, best crossover I’ve driven.

[ElectoneGuy]

I don't understand the hate for the swing-out door. If you have roof racks, you can step onto the rear bumper and load things easily onto the roof. Try to do that with an up-swinger.

[chrishewson]

Had this car 2 yrs ago, a used 2011 rav4 2.2 d cat Sr auto model, the best rav4model ever made in my opinion, fully loaded with everything you need, loads for money, powerful, nippy and sporty, loads of torque, great off road, better looking than the newer generation ones. Loads of room, they hold their value well. I'm changing my Toyota GT 86 for a used 2012 rav4 2.2 dcat sr as i missed it and its just so good. Pick it up next week. I highly recommend it.

[donnycross]

I picked up an 03 Rav, couple of years ago, it has sailed through two MOTs, without even an advisory, easy for the DIY service, great ride, loads of room, picked up a new washing machine and tumbler dryer, from local supplier, both went in the back, all this and 4WD.

[rubenc]

I actually like the rear door because i can stand in the back and load stuff on to the roof rack instead of trying to do it trough the passenger doors which is awkward if the object is big, in the back you can stand without having to try to balance or hang on as oppose to the passenger door . also if you have a long roof cargo box you can still open the rear door without having to place the box really far forward so the hatch doesn't hit the box.

[gypsygirl]

Just purchased a 2009 RAV4 V6 4WD Limited I absolutely love it. Living in Colorado I now feel so much safer driving in the snow.  That baby's got some power when I need it on the highways.

[regineluvr]

I just got this car yesterday as a surprise and so far, the exterior and interior is fabulous!

[BrianAndersonTT]

I still drive this car today and hats off to you Mr. Watson. Despite your limited time with it your review was spot on.
The ride is horrible. A lot of plastic bits did break. The road noise sucks. There's no way you could've known it would have one of the most problematic Toyota engines ever made. There are solutions to everything except the ride quality so it's a very solid enjoyable SUV despite that. The 4x4 system works well too. The current model does not appeal to me.

[donnycross]

My ten year old Rav 4 GX VVTI, has just walked through its MOT, without even an advisory, the garage owner stated that he had not seen an MOT without advisory, for several years.COOL or what!

[ismailbassam]

This is Matt Watson and you're watching carwow 😁

[lifesavrdwd]

Just love your reviews even though I live in the USA. Keep up the good work and thanks.

[kirbyd]

car buyer might help you decide what car to buy, but when the reviews are this good its hard not to like every car that's reviewed.

[sirbertramtriggertonks]

Got a 2012 model that's, once again, flown through the mot with no advisories. Winter is a breeze, as is minor off roading. Bought this to put me on in-between a merc gla and a bmw 128ti, loved the rav so much I cancelled the bmw. Awesome car!

[donnycross]

I'm sure it isn, t.but the garage owner was impressed.as most of his MOT, s have advisory, this is the fourth time it has sailed through its MOT, perhaps a lot do, but not according to the very large garage, owner.I just posted to promote the Rav 4, as I think they are a great vehicle.

[berniepfitzner]

That's not a differential lock. The lock button just stops the rear axle from dis-engaging. Usually the car drives in front wheel drive & only engages the rear wheels when slip is detected.

[markg]

Had a 06 V6 Rav4...biggest issue was the coils...dont buy cheap $100 Chinese ones...get OEM or used ones and they last well much better. The oil line had a recall make sure done or your hose will break and you'll run out of oil on road. Otherwise sold mine with 222k miles with a small oil leak. No ac issues, transmission, cooling issues just one alternator at 160k miles. Good car

[BlahBlahTheSecond]

There are people complaining that the American/Canadian versions have the spare wheel, ugly front etc.. but don't forget that we have the 3.5l v6 good for 0-100km/h in just over 6 seconds. Also, get the limited trim and put a hood deflector on it with some OEM side steps and you have yourself a pretty elegant looking and powerful compact SUV. 

[robjones]

It's a shame they didn't carry on with this model for a few more years.

[MemphisMojos]

When people say the CRV is better, what are you talking about, exactly? Fuel mileave? 0-60? ground clearance? Room? Because the RAV4 has great overall scores. I like the CRV too, but you need to be more specific in "What is better."