Used Toyota RAV4 buying guide
There’s a high chance that an SUV you spot on the road turns out to be a Toyota RAV4. It is Australia’s best-selling SUV, after all. Competing with other mid-size SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda HR-V, the RAV4 offers comfort, spacious interiors, and balanced driving dynamics. With a generous suite of safety tech and vast range that lets you choose from petrol or hybrid engines, as well as 2WD or AWD, it continues to sway many Aussies towards buying new or used Toyota RAV4 cars over sedans or hatches.
Why it’s loved
Commanding performance
Great fuel efficiency
Spacious interior
Ample safety features
Hybrid options
Value for money
What’s included across the used Toyota RAV4 range?
In the used car market today, you’ll find fourth (2013-2018) and fifth-gen (from 2019 onwards) used Toyota RAV4 cars. Take a look at some highlights across the range:
RAV4 GX
Powertrain:
Up to 2018: 2.0L petrol 2WD (7L/100km) / 2.5L AWD Petrol (8.5L/100km) / 2.2L Turbo-diesel AWD (6.7L/100km)
From 2019: 2.0L petrol 2WD (6.5L/100km) / 2.5L Hybrid 2WD (4.7L/100km)
Auto CVT (2WD only) / 6-speed auto (AWD only) / 6-speed manual (AWD turbo-diesel only)
Standard equipment highlights:
17-inch steel / alloy wheels
Toyota Safety Sense (lane departure alert, pre-collision detection, road sign assist, automatic high beam and active cruise control)
4.7-inch multi information display
Blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors
AUX and USB input, bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (from late 2019 onwards)
The GX has a generous amount of standard equipment for an entry level model. It covers all the bases for a city and family car, with great fuel economy and plenty of safety and tech features.
RAV4 GXL
Powertrain:
Up to 2018: 2.0L petrol 2WD (7L/100km) / 2.5L AWD Petrol (8.5L/100km) / 2.2L Turbo-diesel AWD (6.7L/100km)
From 2019: 2.0L petrol 2WD (6.5L/100km) / 2.5L Hybrid 2WD (4.7L/100km)
Auto CVT / 6-speed auto (petrol AWD only) / 6-speed manual (turbo-diesel AWD only)
All standard equipment, plus / replacing:
18-inch alloy wheels
Premium embossed fabric seats
Premium bumper and grille, roof rails
Keyless start
Rear privacy glass
Wireless phone charger, additional USB ports
Reversing camera
One step above the base model, the GXL adds more practicality for families. It’s spacious inside, with decent boot space for groceries, luggages, gear and more.
RAV4 XSE
Powertrain:
Everything from the GXL, plus / replacing:
The XSE is a newer, hybrid-only offering. The luxurious features give the RAV4 a more premium and stylish feel inside and out. If you want the most unique and fuel efficient RAV4, this is the one.
RAV4 Cruiser
Powertrain:
Up to 2018: 2.0L petrol 2WD (7L/100km) / 2.5L AWD Petrol (8.5L/100km) / 2.2L Turbo-diesel AWD (6.7L/100km)
From 2019: 2.0L petrol 2WD (6.5L/100km) / 2.5L Hybrid 2WD (4.7L/100km)
Auto CVT / 6-speed auto (petrol AWD only) / 6-speed manual (turbo-diesel AWD only)
Everything from the GXL, plus / replacing:
19-inch alloy wheels (petrol only), 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels (hybrid only)
7-inch multi information display
Moonroof, premium bumper and grille
Power back door
Leather accented interior, heated front seats
JBL premium audio speakers
Panoramic view monitor
Like the XSE, the Cruiser includes a few more premium design features. The added comfort, safety and entertainment tech makes it a great car for families looking to get more out of their daily drives.
RAV4 Edge
Powertrain:
Everything from the GWL, plus / replacing:
19’’ alloy wheels
Moonroof, exterior designs exclusive to Edge models
7’’ multi information display
JBL premium audio speakers
Panoramic view monitor
Front heated and ventilated seats
Power back door
Off-road mode select dial
Downhill assist control
Torque vectoring differential
The Edge is the range-topper and also the only fifth-gen model that offers petrol AWD. It’s more designed as the upmarket choice for off-road adventuring, providing a commanding drive and a high level of comfort and style.
Is a used Toyota RAV4 safe?
All Toyota RAV4 variants from 2015 and onwards have received 5-star ANCAP ratings. Toyota continues to make safety a priority by including the Toyota Safety Sense package as standard equipment on all fifth-gen RAV4 models, supporting safe driving for the protection of drivers and passengers. These technologies include pre-collision safety, road sign assist, lane departure alert, and active cruise control.
What are the benefits of buying a used Toyota RAV4?
Toyota cars are known for their reliability and consistent safety scores, and you can’t go wrong with a used Toyota RAV4 there. There’s a variety of choices when it comes to buying a used Toyota RAV4, with plenty of safety, entertainment, and off-roading features. They’re budget-friendly, and you may even be able to find a used RAV4 with the trim level or accessories you want, such as roof racks, bonnet protectors, or tow bars.
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