5 Best Toyota RAV4 Years: What Are the Best Years for The Toyota RAV4? (Explained!)

Toyota Motors is among the leading car manufacturers in the world with a diverse range of vehicle models ranging from sedans, compact SUVs, trucks, vans, and minivans. Toyota has for many years remained the go-to vehicle manufacturer for new and experienced car owners, thanks to its remarkable track record of dependability, efficiency, and affordable price ranges compared to rivals. 

Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV is one of the most popular vehicles in the United States of America. It is followed closely by the midsize Camry. Toyota has also stayed true to its promise to keep the environment clean by offering a wide variety of hybrid, all-electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles. 

The 2016 RAV4 received a flawless reliability rating on Consumer Reports. This model came out on top in many tests, including the popular J.D Power tests. 

This year’s model edged the 2017 and the 2018 RAV4 models that have been ranking on top for a while. At J.D Power, the RAV4 2016 model scored 85/100, which was based on the opinion of thousands of verified RAV4 2016 owners.

It was ranked amongst the top 10 most reliable SUVs. It also received a score of 86/100 for quality and dependability and a good driving experience. 

While at the same time, the 2016 RAV4 received a score of 91/100 for the best resale value. The 2016 model has been awarded severally for its stellar design and performance after three months of ownership. 

Despite having more reported problems compared to the 2017 and 2018 model year, it remained the most reliable cumulatively. 

2016 RAV4 owners reported issues concerning the interior accessories, particularly the cruise control system. 

What Are the Most Reliable Rav4 Models?

2009

The 2009 model of the Rav4 is one of the finest. Equipped with a V6 four-cylinder engine, this vehicle has the height rating in its category. 

The traits distinguishing the 2009 model include spacious cargo, a third-row seat option and safety.

It is also one of the best models in terms of reliability and quality. On J.D. Power’s reliability rating, the 2009 model has scored a staggering 83/100.

Its past owners have praised its low ownership costs and longevity. Therefore, on SureCritic’s reliability rating, it managed to bag a record 9.4/10.

Furthermore, the 2009 model has only had 69 complaints, most of which are pretty mild, with inexpensive repair costs.

2010

Like the 2009 model, the 2010 model also received ample praise from its critics because of its reliability, safety, space, and engine.

On J.D. Power’s reliability rating, the car has managed to bag 88/100. The platform was also awarded an 88/100 rating because of its resale value, and it also managed to secure the second spot on the list of best compact SUVs in 2010.

On SureCritic’s reliability scale, it received a 9.3/10. Some reviewers praised it for delivering excellent performance, even after crossing the 200,000 miles mark.

According to J.D. Power, the car only has 75 complaints, and none are severe or expensive.

2016

2016 has only managed to bag above-average ratings for features; the performance truly sets it apart.

On J.D. Power, it successfully managed to score a rating of 86/100 for reliability and quality. On the same platform, it was also recognized as the best SUV for 2016.

On RepairPal, it received a reliability rating of 4/5. Moreover, according to the platform, it has an annual repair cost of $429, which is excellent for a vehicle of this magnitude.

According to CarComplaints, the car only has 37 complaints, which is pretty low. All in all, the 2016 model is one of the most unproblematic Rav4 models ever made.

2017

2017 was a significant year in the history of the Toyota Rav4. In 2017, the Rav4 included several notable features, such as the Toyota Safety Sense. This feature was made standard for all models.

On J.D. Power, it scored a reliability rating of 87/100 and 85/100 for its resale value, along with a low depreciation rate.

Like the 2016 model, the 2017 model scored a reliability rating of 4/5 on  RepairPal. Similarly, its annual repair was $429.

According to some news projections, its annual ownership costs are $4450. In five years, the cost amounts to $22300. This cost is much lower than the class average.

According to CarComplaints, the 2017 Rav4 only received 56 complaints for a car in this category, which is relatively negligible.

2018

The 2018 Rav4 model may not be the best Rav4, but it is reliable. With a towing capacity boosted to 3500 pounds, the 2018 model scores a reliability rating of 88/100 on J.D. Power.

Furthermore, the car also scored 84/100 for its resale value. On RepairPal, it scores a 4.0 reliability rating on a scale of five.

According to the US News projections, the annual average cost of owning a 2018 Rav4 is $4600, which amounts to $23000 in five years. These numbers are pretty decent for cars in this category.

According to CarComplaints, the 2018 models received a total of 27 complaints. Considering these numbers, 2018 can be considered an extremely dependable SUV.

Worst Years for the Toyota Rav4

2019

The 2019 model of the Rav4 shares little to no similarities with its 2018 predecessor. According to CarComplaints, the SUV has received a total of 97 complaints, which is a lot.

Furthermore, its repair costs are ridiculously high, and the problems start when it reaches its average mileage.

Moreover, the vehicle lurches and hesitates when driven at low speeds, and the average mileage for these issues is 3350. Moreover, the annual repair costs can go up to $20,000.

Another major issue with this car is the fuel gauge which never appears complete. For this issue, the average mileage is 1100.

With these numbers, one quickly understands how problematic this vehicle can become, even before hitting the 5000-mile mark. Therefore, it is better to avoid this model.

2013

The 2013 model is no different and must be left untouched if you are in for a pleasurable driving experience.

It has even outdone the 2019 model on CarComplaints with 128 complaints. These complaints are a product of the average mileage issues this car is packed with.

According to CarComplaints, the biggest problem with the 2019 model is unexpected acceleration that is entirely unprovoked. The average mileage for this problem is a little over 20,000 miles, and to fix this problem, and you need to shell out a bit over $13,000.

The navigation display is another major problem with this SUV, which happens at an average mileage of 3000 miles.

Furthermore, when this car hits the 6000 miles mark, the ventilation system starts giving off a pungent stench. All the more reasons not to try this car out.

2002

The 2002 model of the Rav4  has a total of 519 complaints, which is far higher than any other Rav4 model.

According to CarComplaints, the biggest problem for this car is with the transmission, especially when you shift gears. This problem usually occurs when the car hits an average mileage of 97000 miles and takes a little over $2250 to fix.

At low speeds, this vehicle also experiences some jerking. This problem occurs after the first 98000 miles, and there have been 126 complaints for this problem so far. To solve the problem, you have to spend anything around $2050.

The computer and the transmission can fail in the Rav4 2002 model before it even reaches the 100,000-mile mark, and the repairs cost around $3000.

A Brief Overview of the Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is among the few Toyota models that have made eight-figure sales. RAV 4 is the best-selling SUV, with over 10 million units sold since 1994. 

RAV4 has remained an outstanding work of art from Toyota for many years standing. It has continuously grown in popularity since its introduction. 

It has established the market sector for a new type of compact, sporty, and multipurpose SUV. This SUV has gone through many redesigning and refinement processes that have led it to triumph over its peers of the same class. 

The new Toyota RAV4 is offered in six trim levels, namely; 

• LE
• XLE
• XLE Premium
• Adventure
• TRD Off-road
• Limited

This SUV is offered in a wider range of trim levels to appeal to varying driving styles and lifestyles of different car owners and the growing Toyota fanbase.

This explains why the RAV4 is among the most popular and most loved Toyota models in the USA. They are ideal for regular driving while also being tough enough for the harshest off-roading adventures and heavy hauling needs. 

Furthermore, RAV4 has a long reputation for dependability and durability that runs down all its model years since inception. 

Whether you are planning to acquire your new or used Toyota RAV4 SUV, it is important to know the best years for the Toyota RAV4. 

This will help you make an informed decision on the right model year and trim level that will fit you and offer a good user experience in the long run. 

In 2021, the RAV4 lineup underwent a significant change with the introduction of the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, which offers the RAV4 die-hards even more options for an all-electric driving experience with zero-emission and low fuel usage. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

This is mostly because of its dependability, performance, durability, and ability to retain its value for longer.

This model has received much praise from its owners on Consumer Reports and the J.D Power feedback. The RAV4 2016 model scored 85/100 on J.D power and a further 91 out of 100 for its best resale value. 

This makes the 2016 model the most dependable SUV on the lineup. This SUV edged out 2017 and 2018 RAV4 models. 

But if you are shopping for a used RAV4, you will still not go wrong with the 2017 and 2018 model years.

They still offer a smooth and comfortable ride and retain their value for longer. 

The best model of RAV4 is the Limited edition. This trim level comes packed with high-tech features and top-of-the-line luxury and performance features. 

But if you must buy them, you have to do your due diligence before buying. 

It is good practice to get used and pre-owned vehicles inspected thoroughly before buying. 

This should not discourage you from buying the 2019 RAV4 model, but there were more reported issues concerning this model year compared with the rest. 

But since RAV4 is generally designed for reliability, most of these issues have since been addressed.

For your peace of mind, when buying old RAV4 models, you should ensure the most reported issues have been addressed before you go ahead and make the purchasing decision. 

The new models are not on the worst RAV4 to buy list. But the fifth-generation and beyond (2019 Model) had certain concerns that buyers should be aware of and address or use as a bargaining point when buying. 

What are the most common problems with Toyota RAV4? 

From Consumer Reports, the 2019 models scored the lowest in terms of reliability (2/5). 

Surprisingly, it is the model that received few complaints. Only that the problems were touching on key parts like transmission issues and engine components.

Owners of the 2019 RAV4 model reported gear slippage, stalling or sliding forward at moderate speeds, noisy acceleration, and malfunctioning gas gauges.

According to some owners, the gas gauge did not correctly register the quantity of gas in the tank. This was a major concern in most of the earlier RAV4 models. This issue has since been addressed since it doesn’t recur on the new models. 

Is it worth buying a used Toyota RAV4?

Yes. RAV4 is among the most reliable SUVs from Toyota. If you are on a budget and you want to buy a compact crossover SUV that will save you money, both in purchasing and maintenance, the RAV4 is the best choice for you. 

This SUV will give you a pleasant user experience while at the same time being cheaper to maintain and offering plenty of horsepower. 

All RAV4 models are durable and maintain their value for a very long time. Therefore, it is worth it to buy a RAV4 because you will have peace of mind and confidence that you will dispose of it at a good resale value. 

Besides durability and resale value, the used RAV4 has a proven history of performance in North America. 

Therefore, you can buy one with confidence that there is evidence that the vehicle can serve you better. Safety is also one of the primary objectives in the design and manufacture of RAV4 SUVs. 

Whether it is used or new, RAV4 comes with a host of highway safety features that puts it on top of the list of the most secure SUVs in the market. 

Conclusion

Toyota is one of the most popular vehicle brands in the United States and the entire world for a good reason. 

The Toyota RAV4s are fun-to-drive SUVs with a long history of reliability since they were introduced back in the mid-90s. But as usual, the performance and reliability rating of the RAV4 models will vary from one year to the other. 

If you are in the market for a RAV4, it is important to do your research thoroughly to buy only from the best years for the Toyota RAV4. 

Generally, the RAV4 is designed to be a dependable, durable, fun-to-drive, and comfortable vehicle. But the performance will often vary from one model year to the next. 

While the 2016 RAV4 model has scored a higher score in terms of reliability, both on Consumer Reports and J.D Power, you will not go wrong when you choose from the 2017 and the 2018 RAV4 model years. 

The only model year that reported several problems was the 2019 RAV4 model. 

When buying the 2019 model, or any other earlier model, take your time to confirm whether the issues reported concerning the performance of the vehicle have been addressed. 

Cosmetic issues can be ignored because they can be easily and inexpensively fixed.