2017 Toyota RAV4 Review

Name: 2017 Toyota RAV4 Review
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $14,599 - $26,590

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98 cars

$20,543 avg. price

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Appraise My 2017 Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 model years

Toyota RAV4 for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Jason Kavanagh

Pros

Quiet demeanor on the road makes it a pleasant commuter vehicle
Rides smoothly in a variety of conditions
Plenty of cargo space for its size
High-tech safety features come standard

Cons

Modest acceleration from the sole engine offering
Fewer easily accessible storage compartments than most competitors

What’s new

For 2017, the Toyota RAV4 gains a host of driver assistance features as standard equipment, including a forward collision mitigation system, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise. The range-topping Platinum trim level is new this year.

Vehicle overview

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 opening for the competition. There are sportier or equally versatile choices that offer better fuel economy, but there isn't one single compact crossover that tops all the charts, so the RAV4 is still very competitive.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Boydton, VA

98 listings

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2017 Toyota RAV4
LE 4dr SUV
$19,125
great price
$2,342 below market
- 36,287 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Iron Oak Chevrolet (41 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Lane Departure Warni...
Close
Located in Creedmoor, NC
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTMZFREV2HJ148977
Stock: A1365
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-25-2025
Price Drop
2017 Toyota RAV4
XLE 4dr SUV
$15,987
good price
$2,043 below market
- 116,784 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (2,246 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Keyless Start,Lane Departure Warning,Lane Keeping Assist,Navigation System,Sunroof / Moonroof...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTMWFREVXHJ110030
Stock: HJ110030P
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Edmunds' Expert Rating

3.5 / 5

User-friendly and versatile, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact crossover. The driving experience won't quicken your pulse, but the RAV4's priority on cabin comfort and cargo accommodation will appeal to family-oriented shoppers seeking day-to-day usefulness.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited (2.5L 4-cyl.; AWD; 6-speed automatic).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current RAV4 has received some revisions, including a cabin and styling refresh for 2016, additional features, and the addition of the Hybrid variant and SE and Platinum trim levels. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's RAV4.

Scorecard

Overall	3.5 / 5
Driving	3.5
Comfort	4.0
Interior	4.0

Driving

3.5

Overall performance is quite good in the RAV4. It handles as well as most competitors and only trails the turbocharged entries in the class when it comes to acceleration.

Acceleration

3.0

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.

Braking

3.0

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.

Steering

3.0

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.

Handling

3.5

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

Drivability

3.0

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.

Off-road

3.0

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

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.

Seat comfort

4.0

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

Ride comfort

3.0

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

Noise & vibration

4.5

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

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.

Ease of use

3.5

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.

Getting in/getting out

4.0

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

Roominess

3.0

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

Visibility

3.5

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.

Quality

3.5

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.

Small-item storage

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

Cargo space

4.5

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.

Compare 2017 Toyota RAV4 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Toyota RAV4 models

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 which trim level is right for you comes down to creature comforts rather than mechanical fortitude.

The LE has a decent array of standard equipment, but most shoppers will want to set their sights on the XLE and up. The XLE grants you dual-zone climate control, improved seat contours, the enhanced Entune multimedia system and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The SE is purportedly the sport-tuned version, though in our experience the handling difference is not significant. In the bargain, the SE comes with different exterior trim, LED headlights and premium vinyl upholstery.

Limited models add 18-inch wheels, navigation and driver-seat memory functions, while the range-topping Platinum trim level (new for 2017) provides yet more amenities and unique trim.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$150/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#4 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$367/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

0.69x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

7.4%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

Toyota RAV4 Owner Reviews

4.2

121 reviews

5(55%)

4(24%)

3(12%)

2(7%)

1(2%)

See all 121 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2017 RAV4 Light Years Ahead of Older Model

Karl Fischer, 05/04/2017

2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

(Update as of May, 2021 - I'd like to see Toyota provide better quality tires on their new entry-level vehicles such as their RAV4. Our tires (all 4) are cracking near the rim and need to be replaced, with only 20,000 miles on them!) We compared both the new 2017 Mazda CX-5 and the RAV4 and while both are excellent compact SUVs, my wife preferred the lower dashboard and simpler console …

My New RAV4

Warren from Long Island, 01/27/2017

2017 Toyota RAV4 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I bought my new 2017 RAV4 SE the end of December 2016. I sold my 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4 Matic and wanted an SUV because I retired and want to play in a band and neeed room for my drums. I chose Toyota because they are so reliable. I love this SUV but I'm sorry that I didn't get the Hybrid because the gas mileage is NOT good (very disappointed). The ride and comfort is excellent and …

Toyota RAV4 Vastly Improved

Brian Montano, 01/11/2017

2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

If you are in the market for a small SUV it will be worth your time to seriously consider the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 has made astonishing improvements to the RAV4 since the early 2000s when my brother-in-law owned one. Stylish, modern, high tech and smooth ride. The 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine mated to a 6 speed transmission provides good performance. It's good on fuel and with …

My 2017 Rav4 SE AWD review

Mike Dallmeier, 03/23/2017

2017 Toyota RAV4 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

First let me say I owned a 2013 Ford Escape SEL before buying this vehicle. That being said, my Escape had more options on it for the price point. I have never owned a Toyota before and I found the appearance of the RAV4 inviting. The 2017 RAV4's only offer a 4 cylinder engine, the 2016's offered a 6 cylinder. The SE comes with the ECO/Sport modes. ECO I'm getting about 29mpg, Sport …

See all 121 reviews of the Toyota RAV4

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2017 Toyota RAV4 video

2017 Toyota RAV4 Expert Rundown Review

Looking for a compact crossover SUV with plenty of cargo space? The 2017 Toyota RAV4 might be a good fit. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2017 RAV4 Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$24,410
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$150/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	38.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the RAV4 models:

Pre-Collision System: Detects and attempts to avoid front collisions by applying the brakes to assist the driver and reduce the speed of impact.
Lane Departure Alert: Alerts the driver when it detects that the car is deviating close to lane markings.
Intelligent High Beam: Automatically turns the high beams on or off depending on whether it detects oncoming traffic.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover17.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Poor
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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