Year

2017 Toyota RAV4 Review

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Model Type

SUV

edmunds expert review

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3.5-star edmunds overall rating

The RAV4 was modestly refreshed in 2016 with updated exterior styling and redesigned cabin, but it hasn't been fundamentally changed under the skin since it was introduced in 2013. The segment has heated up in recent years, though, and the RAV4's well-rounded middle-of-the-road-ness has left an...

by Jason Kavanagh
Edmunds Editor

we recommend

Like many such compact crossovers, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is available with all-wheel drive. However, we give the nod to the front-wheel-drive variant unless you live in a frequently slick region or other such limited-traction environments. We recommend going for the XLE trim level, which offers a...

trim levels & features

The RAV4 comes in LE, XLE, SE, Limited and Platinum trim levels. All are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and all are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (176 horsepower, 172 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Accordingly, the decision on...

driving

3.5-star edmunds driving rating

The RAV's six-speed transmission provides good gear spacing, but response to requests — especially downshifts — is sluggish. It tends to hunt for the correct gear on grades.

driving

acceleration
3.0-star edmunds acceleration rating

Acceleration from the 176-horsepower four-cylinder is about average for the crossover segment; the V6 option that was an option last year is no longer available. The engine can feel coarse at higher rpm, and noise is prevalent.

driving

braking
3.0-star edmunds braking rating

At about 125 feet to stop from 60 mph, the RAV's panic-braking performance is just about average. The pedal feel in normal use, on the other hand, is better than that of most competitors.

driving

steering
3.0-star edmunds steering rating

The electric power steering provides decent feel in the RAV4. Steering effort is adjustable but defaults to light. You can select Sport mode if you prefer more steering weight.

driving

handling
3.5-star edmunds handling rating

Handling is a strength in AWD RAV4s. It's well balanced and predictable, making it easy to drive.

driving

drivability
3.0-star edmunds drivability rating

The RAV's six-speed transmission provides good gear spacing, but response to requests — especially downshifts — is sluggish. It tends to hunt for the correct gear on grades.

driving

off-road
3.0-star edmunds off-road rating

A lockable center differential and short overhangs give the RAV4 a slight edge compared to its direct rivals. But it is still a light-duty off-roader at best.

comfort

4.0-star edmunds comfort rating

Overall, the RAV4 is exactly as comfortable as we expect. Its accommodations are spacious, and its seats are soft enough for hours in the saddle. Its agreeable ride quality is also a plus.

comfort

seat comfort
4.0-star edmunds seat comfort rating

The RAV's seats are not hugely supportive, but they are quite comfortable on longer trips.

comfort

ride comfort
3.0-star edmunds ride comfort rating

It's quite good, though our Limited model's 18-inch wheels and tires compromised ride quality to a small degree.

comfort

noise & vibration
4.5-star edmunds noise & vibration rating

Noise suppression is good in the RAV4. No potential noise source draws undue attention to itself, and it's quieter than many competitors.

interior

4.0-star edmunds interior rating

Our Limited example offered a leather-covered dash, shifter, seats and steering wheel. Overall, this is big step up for the RAV4 in both materials and design.

interior

ease of use
3.5-star edmunds ease of use rating

Most controls are well placed and easy to reach. The primary controls for the climate control and audio systems are large and obvious but have a slightly flimsy feel to them.

interior

getting in/getting out
4.0-star edmunds getting in/getting out rating

Large, wide-opening doors make it easy to get in and out of both the front and rear seats.

interior

roominess
3.0-star edmunds roominess rating

The RAV's cabin is large for the driver and the front passenger. Rear seat room is generous.

interior

visibility
3.5-star edmunds visibility rating

No significant blind spots are present in the RAV4. Even rear-quarter visibility is good. The rearview camera helps. It's remarkably easy to park.

interior

quality
3.5-star edmunds quality rating

The build quality is better than in the previous RAV4 but no better than that of most competitors.

utility

Outstanding cargo area size and versatility are tempered by cabin storage options that are so-so by comparison.

utility

small-item storage

Compromised cupholder placement and limited small item storage leave the RAV a step behind its competitors.

utility

cargo space
4.5-star edmunds cargo space rating

Class-leading cargo space and rear seats that fold nearly flat are very good. The liftover height is low. A power liftgate is rare in this segment.

our review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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next steps

Convinced that the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is the right car for you? Build and locate the perfect model at a dealer near you.

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