Likes
- Regarded by many as the “go-to” used SUV in this segment.
- Typical Toyota reliability.
- Spacious, practical and tough interior.
- V6 is powerful and refined.
Used Toyota RAV4 (3rd-gen) review
2006 - 2012
Dislikes
- Oil consumption concerns for the 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engines.
- Body can pitch and roll when cornering.
- Steering can be light and vague.
- Lacks genuine off-road ability.
Stuff you should know
The RAV4 has come a long way from its cutesy compact lifestyler origins in the mid-’90s to Australia’s biggest-selling passenger car today. Indeed, the 12-month wait for the current, benchmarking model is one reason why shrewd buyers might dip back into Toyota’s mid-range SUV providence for a cheaper and more accessible option.
Gen III, aka the XA30, is an obvious drawcard. It arrived in 2006 in Australia in its long-wheelbase guise that was larger than that offered in Asia and Europe, grown up and certifiably family-sized by measure of its time, unpretentious in styling and glove-fit for anything from big country touring to the local school run.
It’d kick around the local landscape until it was replaced by the edgier and funkier XA40 successor lobbed in early 2013.
This generation brought a new platform and, importantly, electric power steering and ABS across the range. RAV4s with anything like a contemporary vibe start with the XA30. Also brand-spanking was a newly introduced active AWD that defaults as a bum dragger for most driving requirements, with on-demand rear-axle drive when it’s needed.
The Japanese-built range launched in three trim levels in a choice of five-speed manual or $2k-extra four-speed auto, all and sundry powered by a tweaked carryover 2.4-litre petrol four good for 125kW and 224Nm. It’ll run on crappy 91RON and its mid-nine fuel consumption was, for its time, frugal enough.
The base CV ($32k) brought air-con and cruise control as well as basic surety in traction and stability control as standard, though buyers could option a Safety Pack with features fitted in higher grades. Upping to the Cruiser ($37k-ish) brought smarter looks, some safety kit, 17s, dual-zone climate, some leather appointment and – gasp – a six-CD stacker! The big daddy Cruiser L splurges with more leather, powered/heated front seats and a sunroof.
The range expanded greatly in October 2007 with the release of new 3.5-litre V6 petrol versions, bringing lustier 201kW and 333Nm energy and thirstier mid-10 consumption. The auto only six-potters brought a host of new nameplates in the CV6 ($40k), SX6 ($44k) and tree-topping ZR6 ($50k) to what remained strictly a five-door, five-seat line-up.
RAV4 would remain petrol only in gen III – diesels arrived in its successor – though it is rated to tow up to 1500kg where, really, the V6ers are the sensible option. The on-demand AWD system isn’t really fit enough for serious off-road work, though the XA30 has proven itself it be a tidy all-rounder for mixed surfaces. Whether you’re a region buyer or city slicker, the RAV4’s on-road manners are pleasing if, unsurprisingly, a little vanilla.
The big drawcard is spaciousness. With what was a 20-percent larger cabin at the time and up to 540 litres of boot space, it offered class-leading size. Even if row-two accommodation is a bit cramped by today’s standards.
In 2010 a (sub-Cruiser) Altitude variant arrived (from $32k-ish) for what was still an all-AWD range. But for MY11, Toyota broken the RAV4 naming convention – the ‘4’ bit means four-wheel drive – and offered its SUV in a choice of front-drive for the CV and Crusier that what amounted to around a $3k saving against the 4x4s.
The XA30 last until its fourth-gen replacement launched in February 2013.
What goes wrong
In terms of the exterior, there are a couple of reports of water leaking onto the floor/footwells through the heater core thanks to a leak in the cowling but this is very far from a common problem.
Inside, there are rare reports of the 6 Disc JBL audio system glitching out and the auxiliary input becoming crackly.
Mechanically, there are the odd reports of ignition coils, alternators and AC compressors occasionally failing however, we wouldn’t call these common issues as such.
The major concern is the oil consumption for the 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engines. The issue is that even with a pre-purchase inspection, it’s not always obvious that the engine can have an enormous appetite for oil.
If you’re in the market for a 4-cylinder RAV4 of this generation, on the test drive, let it idle for a few minutes then give the engine a few big revs and look and smell for smoke. If there is any excessive smoke, do not buy that RAV4 and make sure any RAV4 you are considering has a full and thorough service history.
The best way to avoid the risks that come with the oil burning 4-cylinder RAV4 is to buy a V6 model instead.
The 6-cylinder variants with a solid service history show superb reliability.
In terms of the exterior, there are a couple of reports of water leaking onto the floor/footwells through the heater core thanks to a leak in the cowling but this is very far from a common problem.
Inside, there are rare reports of the 6 Disc JBL audio system glitching out and the auxiliary input becoming crackly.
Mechanically, there are the odd reports of ignition coils, alternators and AC compressors occasionally failing however, we wouldn’t call these common issues as such.
The major concern is the oil consumption for the 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engines. The issue is that even with a pre-purchase inspection, it’s not always obvious that the engine can have an enormous appetite for oil.
If you’re in the market for a 4-cylinder RAV4 of this generation, on the test drive, let it idle for a few minutes then give the engine a few big revs and look and smell for smoke. If there is any excessive smoke, do not buy that RAV4 and make sure any RAV4 you are considering has a full and thorough service history.
The best way to avoid the risks that come with the oil burning 4-cylinder RAV4 is to buy a V6 model instead.
The 6-cylinder variants with a solid service history show superb reliability.
In terms of the exterior, there are a couple of reports of water leaking onto the floor/footwells through the heater core thanks to a leak in the cowling but this is very far from a common problem.
Inside, there are rare reports of the 6 Disc JBL audio system glitching out and the auxiliary input becoming crackly.
Mechanically, there are the odd reports of ignition coils, alternators and AC compressors occasionally failing however, we wouldn’t call these common issues as such.
The major concern is the oil consumption for the 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engines. The issue is that even with a pre-purchase inspection, it’s not always obvious that the engine can have an enormous appetite for oil.
If you’re in the market for a 4-cylinder RAV4 of this generation, on the test drive, let it idle for a few minutes then give the engine a few big revs and look and smell for smoke. If there is any excessive smoke, do not buy that RAV4 and make sure any RAV4 you are considering has a full and thorough service history.
The best way to avoid the risks that come with the oil burning 4-cylinder RAV4 is to buy a V6 model instead.
The 6-cylinder variants with a solid service history show superb reliability.
Should you buy it?
In regards to the V6 RAV4, absolutely yes!
Really the only thing the V6 RAV4 doesn’t offer is the panache and image that comes with a premium brand name, a truly luxurious interior and an exterior design that forces you to look back every time you walk away from it.
Besides that, the 6-cylinder variants are awesome. In saying that, the 4 cylinder versions can be too.
They’re nowhere near as entertaining to drive as the V6 variants and the appetite for oil on certain 4-cylinder examples can be a major concern, but for what most people need an SUV to be, a generally reliable, practical and comfortable form of transport that also offers the convenience of a raised ride height, the RAV4 does nail the criteria.
It’s a huge yes from us, at this budget and for this category, this should be very high on your list.
In regards to the V6 RAV4, absolutely yes!
Really the only thing the V6 RAV4 doesn’t offer is the panache and image that comes with a premium brand name, a truly luxurious interior and an exterior design that forces you to look back every time you walk away from it.
Besides that, the 6-cylinder variants are awesome. In saying that, the 4 cylinder versions can be too.
They’re nowhere near as entertaining to drive as the V6 variants and the appetite for oil on certain 4-cylinder examples can be a major concern, but for what most people need an SUV to be, a generally reliable, practical and comfortable form of transport that also offers the convenience of a raised ride height, the RAV4 does nail the criteria.
It’s a huge yes from us, at this budget and for this category, this should be very high on your list.
Should you buy it?
In regards to the V6 RAV4, absolutely yes!
Really the only thing the V6 RAV4 doesn’t offer is the panache and image that comes with a premium brand name, a truly luxurious interior and an exterior design that forces you to look back every time you walk away from it.
Besides that, the 6-cylinder variants are awesome. In saying that, the 4 cylinder versions can be too.
They’re nowhere near as entertaining to drive as the V6 variants and the appetite for oil on certain 4-cylinder examples can be a major concern, but for what most people need an SUV to be, a generally reliable, practical and comfortable form of transport that also offers the convenience of a raised ride height, the RAV4 does nail the criteria.
It’s a huge yes from us, at this budget and for this category, this should be very high on your list.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 125kW / 224Nm (CV 2006 – 2012, Cruiser 2006 – 2012, Cruiser L 2006 – 2012, Edge 2009, Altitude 2010 – 2012)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 201kW / 333Nm (CV6 2007 – 2012, SX6 2007 – 2012, ZR6 2007 – 2012)
Transmission
- 5-speed Manual (CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L, Edge, Altitude)
- 4-speed Automatic (CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L, Edge, Altitude)
- 5-speed Automatic (CV6, SX6, ZR6, Altitude)
Fuel ConsumptionLength
- 4600mm – 4625mm (All Models)
Width
- 1815mm – 1855mm (All Models)
Height
- 1695mm – 1730mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2660mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1485kg – 1665kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1900kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 4 stars, tested 2002 (CV)
- 4 stars, tested 2007 (Cruiser, Cruiser L, CV, Edge, Altitude)
- Not tested (CV6, SX6, ZR6)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 125kW / 224Nm (CV 2006 – 2012, Cruiser 2006 – 2012, Cruiser L 2006 – 2012, Edge 2009, Altitude 2010 – 2012)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 201kW / 333Nm (CV6 2007 – 2012, SX6 2007 – 2012, ZR6 2007 – 2012)
Transmission
- 5-speed Manual (CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L, Edge, Altitude)
- 4-speed Automatic (CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L, Edge, Altitude)
- 5-speed Automatic (CV6, SX6, ZR6, Altitude)
Fuel ConsumptionLength
- 4600mm – 4625mm (All Models)
Width
- 1815mm – 1855mm (All Models)
Height
- 1695mm – 1730mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2660mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1485kg – 1665kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1900kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 4 stars, tested 2002 (CV)
- 4 stars, tested 2007 (Cruiser, Cruiser L, CV, Edge, Altitude)
- Not tested (CV6, SX6, ZR6)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 125kW / 224Nm (CV 2006 – 2012, Cruiser 2006 – 2012, Cruiser L 2006 – 2012, Edge 2009, Altitude 2010 – 2012)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 201kW / 333Nm (CV6 2007 – 2012, SX6 2007 – 2012, ZR6 2007 – 2012)
Transmission
- 5-speed Manual (CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L, Edge, Altitude)
- 4-speed Automatic (CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L, Edge, Altitude)
- 5-speed Automatic (CV6, SX6, ZR6, Altitude)
Fuel ConsumptionLength
- 4600mm – 4625mm (All Models)
Width
- 1815mm – 1855mm (All Models)
Height
- 1695mm – 1730mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2660mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1485kg – 1665kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1900kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 4 stars, tested 2002 (CV)
- 4 stars, tested 2007 (Cruiser, Cruiser L, CV, Edge, Altitude)
- Not tested (CV6, SX6, ZR6)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / 100,000 km (All Models)
Servicing
- 10,000 km / 6 months (CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L, CV6, SX6, ZR6, Edge, Altitude)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Apr 08, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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