12. 3rd Gen Toyota Rav4
The third-gen RAV4 is a highly practical and generally reliable SUV, but the V6 or later 2.5L four-cylinder models are the ones I’d recommend, while buyers should be especially cautious with early 2.4L engines and AWD models with neglected driveline components.
The third-generation Toyota RAV4 is generally a very reliable and practical compact SUV, with excellent cargo space, good visibility, decent fuel economy, and surprisingly capable light-duty off-road performance. The V6 is the standout powertrain, offering substantially more power with only a small fuel-economy penalty, while the later 2.5L four-cylinder models are a better choice than the earlier 2.4L. The biggest drawbacks are an aging interior, road noise, the sluggish four-speed automatic paired with the four-cylinder, and limited ground clearance and lack of low-range gearing for serious off-roading.
Reliability is where things get a little more complicated. While these RAV4s have earned a strong reputation, there are several significant issues to watch for, including rear suspension and sway-bar-link failures, steering-shaft problems, rear differential coupling failures on AWD models, V6 water-pump and oil-line leaks, and exhaust corrosion. The early 2.4L 2AZ-FE four-cylinder is the biggest concern, with potential head-bolt failures and excessive oil consumption, while later 2.5L engines are generally a safer bet. There were also several important recalls involving airbags, seat belts, power-window switches, pedal entrapment, and rear tie-rod corrosion. Overall, I’d recommend a 2009–2012 four-cylinder or, preferably, a V6, provided it has been properly maintained and thoroughly inspected for these known problems.