Vehicle Overview
It's easy to see why the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a popular choice among those shopping for a compact SUV. It simply delivers everything expected from full-time family transportation, including a comfortable ride, strong fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, an abundance of safety features, ease of operation, and a good reputation for reliability.
This segment in the marketplace is highly competitive, however. That's why the RAV4 has been significantly upgraded for 2017. Now standard on all models is Safety Sense, Toyota's suite of advanced safety features that includes an adaptive cruise control system that is either an expensive option on the RAV4's rivals or not offered at all. There's also a new top-of-the-line Platinum trim that adds luxury and convenience features typically found on more expensive vehicles.
These additions should help the 2017 Toyota RAV4 hold a slight advantage over other B-rated alternatives in its class such as the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Kia Sportage. The Toyota is also more competitive against the class-leading Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, both of which earned strong Edmunds "A"-ratings.
Powertrains and Performance
Powering all 2017 Toyota RAV4 models is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, and it's matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available at additional cost.
In Edmunds testing, an all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 accelerated to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, which is comparable to other small SUVs in this class.
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway) for the front-wheel-drive RAV4 and 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway) with all-wheel drive. These figures come in just below EPA estimates for its chief rivals.
Safety
Standard safety features for all 2017 Toyota RAV4 models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, a driver knee-type airbag, a rearview camera, and a driver mirror with a blind-spot view. New for this year, the Toyota Safety Sense suite is also standard and adds forward collision warning and mitigation, automatic high beams, and lane keep assist. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system are available on higher-trimmed RAV4s.
In Edmunds brake testing, a RAV4 Limited AWD stopped from 60 mph in 128 feet, which is a few feet longer than average.
In government crash tests, the RAV4 was awarded five out of five stars for overall and side-crash protection, as well as four stars for front-impact and rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick+, with the top score of Good in the small- and moderate- overlap front-impact, side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. The RAV4 also earned a Superior rating for front crash avoidance and mitigation.
Additional Information
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 keeps up the model's tradition as a practical choice for consumers shopping in the highly competitive compact SUV market segment. The refreshed RAV4 offers improved ride and handling, enhanced styling and an upgraded interior. As always, there is the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, seating for five, a generous amount of cargo room and Toyota's reputation for reliability.
Probably the biggest change for 2017 is the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes a host of advanced safety equipment such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning with automatic braking. Also new for this model year is the luxury-oriented Platinum trim level with comfort and convenience features such as a foot-activated power liftgate and a premium JBL audio system.
Power for all RAV4 models, except the Hybrid, is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters now standard on the SE trim level. Performance, although adequate for most family needs, is not particularly outstanding compared to many of its rivals, but the transmission's Sport mode, with revised shift points and improved acceleration, can provide a bit more spirited driving.
One of the RAV4's strong suits, in addition to reliability, is interior space. There's a generous amount of room for front passengers, and the cargo area — easily expandable and configurable with a 60/40-split rear seatback — makes it easy to load and transport as much or more stuff than its competitors. The backseats, though not as roomy as those in front, do recline to increase comfort.
As with previous versions of the RAV4, the 2017 model is capable and easy to drive, with a well-tuned, compliant suspension and smooth, quiet highway manners. Although not really equipped for hard-core offroading, Toyota's compact SUV remains composed on unpaved roads, and the available all-wheel drive provides additional confidence in wet or snowy conditions.
The front-wheel-drive RAV4 achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in combined driving (23 city/29 highway), and the all-wheel-drive model is also rated at a combined 25 mpg (22 city/28 highway). These ratings, although respectable, place the RAV4 a bit behind its major competitors in the area of fuel economy.
The base model RAV4 is the already well-equipped LE trim level. Stepping up to the XLE or Limited version adds a number of useful and convenient features, and opting for the top-of-the-line Premium trim offers buyers even more comfort and luxury. Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Toyota RAV4 for you.
Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Toyota RAV4 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 RAV4 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are 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.
How do people like the 2017 Toyota RAV4?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Toyota RAV4 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 RAV4 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 RAV4.
Vehicle
SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Review
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 the visability is great. The blind spot alert could have been better, it lights up yellow rather than bright Red and doesn't beep when a car is in the blind spot and you have the blinker on. All in all it's a great SUV except for the gas mileage.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Toyota RAV4
How can Edmunds help?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Is the 2017 Toyota Rav4 safe?
The 2017 Toyota Rav4 earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Toyota RAV4?
Available Toyota RAV4 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: XLE, LE, Limited, Base, Sport, Platinum, Adventure, SE
Exterior Colors: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, Super White, Barcelona Red Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Galactic Aqua Mica, Pyrite Mica, Blizzard Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, Pacific Blue Metallic, Electric Storm Blue, Blue Crush Metallic, Black Currant Metallic, Black Forest Pearl, Hot Lava, Sandy Beach Metallic, Titanium Metallic, Savannah Metallic, Flint Mica, Nautical Blue Metallic, Everglade Metallic, Titanium, Spruce Mica, Natural White, Spectra Blue Mica, Beige Metallic, Blizzard White Pearl, Deep Jewel Green Pearl, Dark Green Metallic, Frosted White Pearl, Graphite Gray Pearl, Rainforest Mica, Rainforest Pearl, Salsa Red Pearl, Vintage Gold
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Ash cloth, Black leatherette, Ash leatherette, Ash premium cloth, Sand Beige premium cloth, Latte cloth, Sand Beige cloth, Latte leatherette, Gray cloth, Nutmeg cloth, Ash leather, Dark Charcoal cloth, Gray, Cinnamon leatherette, Nutmeg leatherette, Dark Charcoal leather, Gray leatherette, Sand Beige leather, Taupe cloth, Dark Charcoal premium cloth, Terra Cotta leatherette, Beige cloth, Dark Charcoal, Beige leatherette, Taupe
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, AWD/4WD, Bluetooth, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Keyless Entry/Start, Heated seats, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring, Upgraded Headlights, Upgraded Stereo, Parking sensors, 3500lb Towing Capacity, 360-degree camera, Leather Seats, Remote Start
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, four wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
