I’ve been without a car for over a year and I’m almost ready to buy one. My last car was a 2000 Toyota Sienna, which I drove until an accident in 2022. I’ve decided on getting a Rav 4, but I’m unsure about the year. I’m considering 2010 or 2016. What do you think about different Rav 4 years? Opinions and advice are welcome.
You should look at the third-gen V6 from 2005 to 2012. Incredible car! Mine has 268,000 miles and is still going strong.
Rudy said:
You should look at the third-gen V6 from 2005 to 2012. Incredible car! Mine has 268,000 miles and is still going strong.
This might sound silly, but how do you tell the difference between generations?
@Nyle
I had the same question! This forum helped me figure it out: Best & Worst Toyota RAV4 Years [Backed By Data] - Car Smite
Ramirez said:
@Nyle
I had the same question! This forum helped me figure it out: Best & Worst Toyota RAV4 Years [Backed By Data] - Car Smite
Thanks for this, really helpful.
Ramirez said:
@Nyle
I had the same question! This forum helped me figure it out: Best & Worst Toyota RAV4 Years [Backed By Data] - Car Smite
This is super useful. Appreciate it!
Ramirez said:
@Nyle
I had the same question! This forum helped me figure it out: Best & Worst Toyota RAV4 Years [Backed By Data] - Car Smite
Five months later, your comment is still helping people. Thanks a lot!
@Haze
Happy to help! I actually ended up buying a 2022 Rav 4. My partner and I are really pleased with it.
Ramirez said:
@Haze
Happy to help! I actually ended up buying a 2022 Rav 4. My partner and I are really pleased with it.
Did you go for the gas or hybrid model?
Ramirez said:
@Haze
Happy to help! I actually ended up buying a 2022 Rav 4. My partner and I are really pleased with it.
Did you go for the gas or hybrid model?
We went with the gas model. The hybrid (Rav 4 Prime) was out of our budget.
@Nyle
Generations are based on production years and major design changes. First-gen Rav 4s were made from 1994-2000, second-gen from 2001-2005, third-gen from 2006-2012, and so on. Third-gen models are the last ones with the spare tire on the back.
@Rudy
Thanks for clearing that up! I’ll look up some photos.
I’ve been driving a 2014 Limited with over 80,000 miles. No major issues, just regular maintenance like tires and oil changes. Even with fostering dogs and hauling stuff, the interior still looks amazing. It’s been such a reliable car that I’ve never thought about replacing it.
@Jet
I have a 2013 Limited with 125,000 miles, and I feel the same way. Such a dependable car!
Experts often recommend the 2016-2018 models as the most reliable years.
Drue said:
Experts often recommend the 2016-2018 models as the most reliable years.
I’ve got a 2016 SE that’s been through multiple accidents, off-roading, and heavy use for delivery work. It’s still going strong at 83,000 miles with no major repairs.
@Marlowe
How bad were the accidents? Did they require major repairs?
Drue said:
Experts often recommend the 2016-2018 models as the most reliable years.
I went for a lightly used 2018 XLE because it was the last year of its generation. It’s been rock solid for the past five years.
If you’re considering 2010, go for the V6 model. It’s fantastic.
Zyler said:
If you’re considering 2010, go for the V6 model. It’s fantastic.
I can confirm. I have a 2010 V6 with 120,000 miles, and it’s been great.