When the Toyota RAV4 was trotted out at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show as a concept vehicle and made its way to the U.S. for the 1996 model year, who could have imagined its ascent to superstardom?
It was, says Toyota, the first-ever vehicle with a unibody platform and the look and feel of a sports utility vehicle.
Sporting a unique platform but sharing elements with other popular Toyota vehicles like the Carina and the Corolla, the original RAV4 was equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine and the option of FWD or AWD.
Selling Like Hotcakes
According to one report, Toyota has sold 389,718 RAV4s in the U.S. market from January to October 2024.
Since coming to the U.S., several generations of the RAV4 have existed. The first generation was from 1996 to 2000, the second was from 2001 to 2005, the third was from 2006 to 2012, the fourth was from 2013 to 2018, and the current generation is from 2019 to 2024 and counting.
RAV4 the Best-Selling SUV in the U.S. Last Year
According to Statista, the best-selling SUV in the U.S. last year was none other than the Toyota RAV4, with a total of 434,900 vehicles sold.
Continue reading to see 13 reasons why the hype around the RAV4 is justified.
Reliability and Durability
Over the years, RAV4s have developed a reputation for being reliable and durable. According to one source, you can expect 250,000 to 300,000 miles from a RAV4 if you maintain it.
Resale Value
Another reason people flock to RAV4s is that they have good resale value, which means the model retains its worth relatively well compared to many other SUVs in its class. According to CarEdge, a RAV4 purchased brand-new for $37,647 will, after five years, depreciate 27% to achieve a $27,520 five-year resale value. CarEdge says that’s good enough to rank the RAV4 among some of the best value-retaining vehicles.
Fuel Efficiency
Yet another reason people love the Toyota RAV4 is the fuel efficiency. In addition to offering fuel-efficient SUVs equipped with gas engines, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid models take fuel efficiency to the next level. For instance, according to Car and Driver, the plug-in model offers 38 mpg.
Advanced Safety Features
Safety is also a strong point. Features include a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management, left turn inspection support, and more.
All-Wheel Drive Options
If you live in an area with difficult terrain or where the winters are rough, you might need AWD. It might not even be optional. While good tires are essential, you might need an AWD or 4WD drivetrain. You can get AWD with a RAV4.
User-Friendly Technology
What good is in-car technology if it’s hard to use? If the learning curve is too high, many drivers will get frustrated with it. And that’s true even if the tech is otherwise great. Toyota offers an easy-to-use infotainment system with popular options like Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
Towing Capability
You can get a RAV4 to tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs. While that might not seem like much at first blush, people in the market for a smaller SUV understand that they won’t be able to tow as much as with a large SUV or truck. But 3,500 lbs is more than enough for most people in the market for a RAV4.
Off-Road Capabilities
While there are more capable off-roaders than a RAV4, that doesn’t mean you can’t get one with some off-roading cred. The Toyota RAV4 TRD and Adventure off-road trims offer more off-road features than other RAV4s. They afford more ground clearance and enhanced traction.
Affordable Maintenance Costs
Another reason people like the RAV4 is the reasonable upkeep costs. According to CarEdge, owning a RAV4 will set you back approximately $5,820 for repairs and maintenance over the first decade of ownership. Meanwhile, you’ll have to add another $2,430 to that price for the average 10-year upkeep cost for the average SUV.
CarEdge adds there’s a 16.08% likelihood a RAV4 will need a big repair over the first 10 years of ownership. That’s 7.39% better than for other SUVs in its class.
Cargo Space
The RAV4 offers sufficient cargo space to meet the needs of many consumers on the hunt for an SUV. You can fold down the rear seats to make space for larger items. So, the SUV is a more capable hauler than you might think.
It’s a Toyota
In addition to the dependability and reliability mentioned above, a RAV4 is, of course, a Toyota. So, right off the bat, the SUV benefits from brand recognition. While there have been some questionable model years, the RAV4 has largely lived up to its reputation of being a Toyota.
Wide Range of Trims and Options
Too many choices can make selecting the right vehicle more stressful than it’s worth. But Toyota offers sufficient trims and options so that there’s a RAV4 configuration for everyone.
Accessible Price Range
According to Car and Driver, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 starts at a reasonable $30,245 and climbs to $38,550. Considering what the SUV offers, the pricing is competitive with what you’ll pay for another SUV in its class. Money Geek says the average cost for a midsize SUV in the U.S. is $48,300, so the RAV4 is a bargain by that metric.
Toyota’s RAV4 Is a Favorite for a Reason
These are some reasons people can’t get enough of the Toyota RAV4. If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV and haven’t made up your mind, add the RAV4 to your shortlist.
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