Used 2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
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Best RAV4 Ever Made - Limited AWD V6
Ashmaster3000, Kent, WA, 11/13/2019
Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
32 of 32 people found this review helpful
I have a 2012 Limited V6 4WD. If you have a chance to get one of these you should do it! In my opinion it's the best looking Rav4 that's been made. I could have spent the same amount on a much newer SUV with similar miles but I chose the 2012 for a few reasons. 1) the 269hp V6. This is the same V6 from the Avalon and Lexus RX350. It was the fastest car in Toyota's line-up for a time. It's a proven engine with power to spare and they stopped offering it in '13. Any small SUVs with similar power have turbo 4 cylinders that take premium gas... plus turbos break and require more maintenance. It does fine on regular oil every 5000 miles - not expensive synthetic. 2) 4WD. This was the last generation with a 4WD lock button so you can lock the differential at 50/50 front/rear power under 25mph (technically 55/45). That's why these models say 4WD and not AWD. It still has an AWD system that's always active - in most cases you won't need it BUT having the ability to lock the diff is hugely important for deep snow/mud and getting unstuck- or getting through the worst conditions. Without the lockable diff Toyota's AWD system doesn't really keep up with a Subaru or other true 4x4s. 3) Full-size spare tire. Yes, that means the tailgate swings instead of lifts... but driving slow on a tiny spare sucks! It's already saved the day twice. 4) OPTIONS! because this generation of RAV4 is getting older I was able to find one with low miles and all the options I wanted. I have a backup camera, navigation, wireless bluetooth audio/calling, leather heated seats, dual zone climate control, sunroof... great value for the money. Finally, it's a notoriously reliable car even by Toyota standards... every review you will find from Consumer Reports to KBB to Edmunds rates it super high. I've yet to have any problems and that's why you see a TON of this generation on the road. This is my second Rav4 after putting 220k on my 2000.... I'm looking forward to every mile with this one. CONS The factory speakers are terrible (unless it has the JBL system). The interior door seals can be squeaky so you need to keep them clean/lubed. The handling and steering is not very sporty compared to the sport version, subaru, or mazda. Finally, Toyota's Entune system that connects to your phone for apps doesn't work for the newest phones and they don't keep it updated... Bluetooth audio and calling works great though. I average 21 mpg which isn't the best but could be worse considering it has 269hp. Toyota interiors always lag behind in my opinion and while it's comfortable, logically done, and perfectly adequate - it still feels a bit outdated compared to other brands.
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GREAT SUV!
Antenor Amez, Woodbridge, NJ, 03/05/2016
Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
- The 6-cilinder RAV4 2012 has better gas mileage than the 4-cilinder RAV4 2010 (I leased a RAV4 2010 for 2 years before buying the 2012) - It has better performance than the Cadillac Escalade - So far it is a trouble free car, 75,000 miles - Do not trust the dealer, check your car after picking it up from maintenance - I had small traction trouble in the snow, probably because I used the wrong tires - This car has excellent brakes, I HAD THE CHANCE TO PROVE IT. The RAV4 2010 4-cilinders had the worst brakes on the market. - I gave it a 5-start rating because in average it deserves it.
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2012 Toyota RAV4 for sale near you
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- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,990158 mi away
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"Toyota rav4", king of all compact crossovers
Nabil Haque, 02/28/2021
Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
My dad brought a 2012 rav4 limited in 2012 and it is still running good it has been 9 year, just a few problems here and there. It's v6 performance is excellent (if you buy the v6 version) and the ride is super comfortable. It can just a bit noisy when you start it. The trunk is huge and the cargo size is even more bigger. You can adjust the 2 rear seat just like the front ones. The car doesn't have that of a problem in winter thanks to its suspension and it has 16" or 17" alloy wheels. I hope you have enough information to be able to buy the 2012 Toyota rav4. Trust me you will be happy with your decision!
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So soon ?
Ernest Bottomer, Philadelphia, PA, 09/29/2015
updated 10/19/2023
Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Recently purchased a pre-owned 6cyl.2012 rav4 with 22,000. Noticed a low level droning starting at 40 mph. It would go away with foot off the gas. Took it back to Toyota and they said the Transmission had a bad bearing . Will put in a re-manufactured Trans. Hope that does it.
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2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited
dmw81, Ashburn, VA, 05/03/2013
Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
It's been a year now since I bought the 2012 RAV4 Limited. I do love my SUV. It has plenty of speed. I don't drag race but when I want to pass drivers driving below the speed limit, it will accelerate definitely and easily since it is a V6. I drive in town most of the time and I am getting 25.5 mpg. If I am driving in bigger cities, though rare, with lots of stop and go, the mpg will go down to 25.3. Very little difference. Most of the time it stays on 25.5. There are no hills in where I live and even the places that I go. There's less traffic as well. My ride is comfortable. My only complaint is the road noise. This RAV4 has some of it. I notice it especially when driving on interstates.