ToyotaRAV4

　　

2024 Toyota RAV4 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　The 2024 Toyota RAV4 will mark the sixth year of production for the current-generation RAV4. Since the model's introduction for 2019, Toyota has only tinkered at the margins by adding some new tech features and new trim levels. But considering the RAV4's sales success, it's perhaps understandable that Toyota doesn't want to mess too much with success.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$125/mo  for RAV4 LE

　　RAV4 LE

　　LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $28,675 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $30,075 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $30,185 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $31,585 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $33,075 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $34,475 MSRPAdventure 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $34,870 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $36,980 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $38,380 MSRPTRD Off-Road 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $38,295 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　This trend continues for the 2024 RAV4 as rumors circulate about a new generation due for the 2025 model year. Toyota may do away with the gas engine and shift the RAV4 to an entirely hybrid lineup — similar to what we'll see for the new Camry — in the near future. For now, however, the RAV4 competes with more recently redesigned rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. Read our Expert Rating below for more detailed insights into how the RAV4 stacks up against the rest of the compact SUV class.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the RAV4 drive? The RAV4 doesn't impress here, unfortunately. The engine is willing around town, and passing and merging are drama-free. But if you're in a huge rush, you might notice the engine's ultimately modest power delivery. In zzdcar' testing, our RAV4 Adventure test vehicle needed 9.1 seconds to cover 0-60 mph, which is slightly slower than the class average.

　　Another gripe we have is with the steering, which is vague at the center point and doesn't have appropriate levels of feel and heft. As such, it's easy to misjudge your level of input. In better news, the RAV4's optional upgraded all-wheel-drive system includes rear-axle torque vectoring and more advanced traction control systems with selectable terrain settings and hill descent control. These systems, plus respectable ground clearance, give the RAV4 Adventure above-average off-road ability for a small SUV.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the RAV4? The RAV4's suspension is tuned to strike a good balance between control and softness. The body doesn't bound or float when you drive over bumps, and small to moderate impacts are absorbed without much drama. As for the front seats, they are nicely sculpted and padded appropriately, but the seat bottoms begin to feel flat on longer drives. The passenger side's lack of adjustment can also make it difficult to find a comfortable position.

　　At highway speeds, the RAV4 is generally quiet. The exception is when you hit the gas for a burst of speed, at which point the engine sound gets rather coarse. We do like the climate system's performance. Air distribution is ideal, with forward vents that can be closed off completely and vents for the rear seat.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below