I bought a base LE RAV4 brand new in 2022 and have had a chance to really test it out. If you need a mid-sized, reliable vehicle, this might be the one for you.
Even my tall friends, who usually complain about my cars, actually enjoy sitting in the back seat of this one. Yesterday, I drove through about 10 inches of unplowed snow without a problem, and I’ve been super impressed with how it handles winter weather. Honestly, I felt like I had to share my experience because of how well it’s performed.
After three years, I’ve had zero issues. Toyota Financial has been easy to deal with for payments too. My only complaint is the entertainment system, which is pretty basic, but CarPlay solves that for me.
If you’re considering a RAV4, I say go for it. The higher trims just get better, but even the base model has been fantastic for me.
Aldrin said:
I’m making the switch soon. Done with Jeep.
I was at the dealership buying a Camry recently and overheard someone saying every Jeep they’ve owned had issues. Doesn’t matter the model or mileage. My dad had a Jeep 40 years ago, and I think that’s why I stick with Toyota now.
@Oak
I’ve owned 5 Chrysler vehicles—4 Jeeps and a Dodge Ram. Every single one had issues. Even the brand-new Ram had problems right away. The Jeep novelty wears off fast, just like their warranties!
@Aldrin
I had a Renegade before my RAV4, so kind of a Jeep. No major issues, but switching to the RAV4 was a way better deal for the same monthly payment. Plus, I got lucky during the post-COVID used car boom and made money on the trade-in. You’re going to love the RAV4!
@Sunny
I’m just trying to pay mine off completely before trading it in. I’m no longer upside down on the loan, so it’s not a huge deal, but I want to finish strong. Should have it paid off by the end of the year.
Aldrin said:
I’m making the switch soon. Done with Jeep.
What made you decide to ditch the Jeep? I’ve got my guesses but I’m curious.
Every Jeep I’ve owned has had different issues. Dealerships don’t help, corporate doesn’t care, and the extended warranties cover almost nothing. Constant recalls, no loaners, and random breakdowns. My Ram had bad window motors, and they blamed me for ‘using them too much’—on a brand-new truck with 3k miles. Never again.
I’ve got a 2019 RAV4, and my biggest complaint is no Android Auto or CarPlay. It just hit 100k miles, though, and the only issue was a fuel door spring that broke at 60k. Fixed it myself for $12 in less than a minute. Interior’s starting to rattle, but it’s been super reliable overall.
Edit: I keep a wooden dowel in the car now in case the fuel door spring breaks again. Makes it easier to pop open without needing two people.
We’ve got a 2014 RAV4 LE AWD with 197,000 km on it. Only unscheduled repair was a water pump four years ago, which cost about $400. Still drives like new and everything works. Thinking of upgrading to a head unit with CarPlay, but otherwise, this car has been awesome—especially in winter with snow tires. Fits our two kids and all their stuff too.
Berlin said:
The RAV4 is a great car—I’ve owned this gen and the previous one. That said, it’s no Tesla Model Y.
Totally different price points. I live in a rural area, so EVs don’t make sense for me, but I did ride in a Tesla Y over the summer, and it was incredible!