Used Toyota RAV4 Buying Guide: Best Years and What to Check

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling SUVs in America, so the used market is full of them. That's good news for buyers, as long as you know which generation you're looking at and what to check on it.

The short answer: The best used RAV4 years for most buyers are 2016-2018 (proven 2.5-liter, first hybrid option) and 2021-2024 (fifth generation after first-year recalls). The RAV4 Hybrid is the standout at 40 mpg combined in 2019-2024 models. Avoid buying a 2006-2008 four-cylinder RAV4 without checking oil consumption.

Key takeaways

• The 2019-2024 RAV4 Hybrid AWD is EPA-rated at 40 mpg combined, compared with 28 to 30 mpg for the gas RAV4 of the same years.
• The 2019 model year, the first of the fifth generation, had several recalls, including front lower control arms that may crack.
• Some 2006-2008 RAV4s with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder are known for excessive oil consumption, covered by a Toyota program that has since ended.
• The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid (2021 and newer) adds electric-only driving and is rated at 38 mpg combined when running as a hybrid.
• The sixth-generation RAV4 for 2026 is hybrid or plug-in hybrid only, so the gas-only RAV4 is now strictly a used-car choice.

Which Toyota RAV4 generations should you consider?

Most used shoppers will look at RAV4s from 2006 onward. Each generation changed the engine lineup, and the hybrid arrived in 2016.

Ratings come from fueleconomy.gov and vary by year and trim. The V6 option, popular for its power, was dropped after 2012.

What are the best years for a used Toyota RAV4?

The best years depend on budget and whether you want a hybrid. For most buyers, the late fourth generation and the later fifth generation offer the best balance.

2016-2018 (best value): By this point the fourth generation's 2.5-liter and six-speed automatic were well proven. The 2016 refresh added the first RAV4 Hybrid, rated at 32 mpg combined with standard AWD. Prices are well below the fifth generation.

2021-2024 (best overall): These later fifth-generation RAV4s benefit from early fixes, and the Hybrid's 40 mpg combined rating makes it one of the most efficient SUVs you can buy used. The 2021 and newer RAV4 Prime adds plug-in electric driving.

2009-2012 (budget pick, especially V6): The 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaced the earlier 2.4-liter, and the 3.5-liter V6 makes these RAV4s quick. They're old now, so condition matters most.

Which RAV4 years should you research carefully?

Two parts of the RAV4's history deserve extra attention: early third-generation four-cylinder engines and the first year of the fifth generation.

2006-2008 RAV4 with the 2.4-liter

Toyota's 2AZ-FE 2.4-liter engine, used in the 2006-2008 RAV4 and several other models, was linked to excessive oil consumption. Toyota ran a warranty enhancement program for qualifying engines that has since ended. If you're considering one, ask how often the owner adds oil, look for blue smoke on startup and have a mechanic check for signs of oil burning. The V6 and the 2009 and newer 2.5-liter weren't part of that program.

2019 RAV4

The 2019 RAV4 was the first year of a fully redesigned model, and it had several recalls in NHTSA's records:

• Front lower suspension arms on 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid may crack, which could lead to separation.
• Water may enter the electric power steering gear box on some 2019-2020 models.
• Engine block casting porosity on some 2019-2020 2.5-liter engines could cause coolant leaks.
• A damaged connector on some 2019 models could stop the backup camera from working.

Owners have also reported hesitation or lurching from the eight-speed automatic at low speeds. Test drive in stop-and-go traffic and pay attention to how the transmission behaves. None of this rules out a 2019, but confirm every recall was completed.

What other recalls should you check on a used RAV4?

Run any RAV4 through NHTSA's recall lookup or Toyota's recall page. Other recalls worth knowing about include:

• 12-volt battery fit (2013-2018): Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the tray and could short circuit, raising fire risk. Make sure any replacement battery is the correct size and properly secured.
• Power steering ECU (2014-2015): A component of the electric power steering control unit may fail.
• Fuel pump (various Toyota models): Toyota recalled low-pressure fuel pumps in many 2017-2020 vehicles, so check whether the specific VIN is included.

Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

What should you check on a used RAV4 test drive?

Most RAV4 problems show up in a careful test drive and inspection. Use this list alongside a professional check.

1. Cold start and idle: Listen for rattles, rough idle or blue smoke.
2. Oil level (2006-2008 four-cylinder): Ask about oil consumption and check the dipstick.
3. Transmission behavior: On 2019 and newer models, drive in stop-and-go traffic and watch for hesitation or harsh shifts.
4. Hybrid system: On Hybrid and Prime models, check for warning lights and ask for a hybrid system test.
5. Battery and electrical: On 2013-2018 models, confirm the 12-volt battery is the correct size and properly secured.
6. Suspension: Listen for clunks over bumps, especially on 2019-2020 models with the control arm recall.
7. AWD: Test on a loose or wet surface for smooth engagement.

A pre-purchase inspection costs far less than a missed problem. If you're shopping a Hybrid or Prime, our used hybrid buying guide explains how to evaluate the battery.

Should you buy a RAV4 Hybrid or RAV4 Prime?

For most buyers, the RAV4 Hybrid is the best version to buy used. It costs only a bit more than the gas model on the used market, adds standard AWD and gets 39 to 40 mpg combined in fifth-generation form.

The RAV4 Prime makes sense if you can charge at home and many of your trips are short enough to run on electricity. It is also quicker than the Hybrid. It usually costs considerably more used, so compare the price difference with your expected fuel savings. Our guide to hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid vs. EV can help you decide.

How does the RAV4 compare with the CR-V?

The RAV4 and Honda CR-V are close rivals and both make excellent used buys. The RAV4 has offered a hybrid since 2016 and a plug-in since 2021, while the CR-V Hybrid arrived in 2020. The CR-V often has a smoother ride and slightly roomier back seat. Read our used Honda CR-V buying guide to compare.

How much should you pay for a used RAV4?

RAV4s, and especially RAV4 Hybrids, hold their value well, so prices tend to be higher than rivals of the same age. Check current listings and pricing guides for the exact year, trim and mileage, and compare several cars in your area. Our guide to telling if a used car price is fair walks through the steps.

Let the right RAV4 come to you

Popular RAV4 Hybrids can sell within days. Describe the one you want, such as "RAV4 Hybrid XLE, 2021 or newer, under 50,000 miles," and Scout's used car alerts will email you when a dealer near you lists a match. With Scout Pro, you also get price-drop alerts on cars Scout has shown you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best year for a used Toyota RAV4?

For most buyers, 2021-2024 is the best range. These later fifth-generation models benefit from early fixes, and the Hybrid version is rated at 40 mpg combined. On a tighter budget, the 2016-2018 RAV4 is a strong choice with a proven 2.5-liter engine and the first hybrid option at 32 mpg combined.

Should I avoid the 2019 RAV4?

Not necessarily, but check it closely. As the first year of a redesign, the 2019 had several recalls, including cracked front lower control arms and power steering water intrusion, and owners have reported low-speed transmission hesitation. Confirm all recalls were completed and test drive in stop-and-go traffic before deciding.

Which RAV4 years burn oil?

Some 2006-2008 RAV4s with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine are known for excessive oil consumption. Toyota ran a warranty enhancement program for qualifying engines, but it has ended. If you're considering one, ask about oil top-ups, check for blue smoke and have a mechanic inspect for oil burning. The V6 and 2009 and newer models weren't part of that program.

Is a used RAV4 Hybrid worth it?

For most buyers, yes. The 2019-2024 RAV4 Hybrid AWD is rated at 40 mpg combined, compared with 28 to 30 mpg for the gas model, and it includes AWD. Toyota hybrids have a long track record. Get a hybrid system check during the pre-purchase inspection and confirm any recalls are done.

Does the RAV4 have a V6?

The RAV4 offered an optional 3.5-liter V6 from 2006 through 2012. It was dropped when the fourth generation arrived for 2013. A V6 RAV4 is quick and has a good reputation, but these are now older vehicles, so condition and maintenance records matter more than anything else.