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Compact SUV; Built in Japan, Canada
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $11,000 – $26,100*


2013 Toyota RAV4


2013 Toyota RAV4


2013 Toyota RAV4


2013 Toyota RAV4

Pros:
  • Instruments/controls
  • Visibility
Cons:
  • Ride (Limited, SE)

The RAV4 loses the V6 engine and 3rd-row seat that made it stand out in this class, and aside from larger dimensions that allow for great passenger and cargo room, nothing gained in its 2013 redesign really sets it apart from its rivals. Instead, its greatest strength lies in that it has few weaknesses. Starting prices when new seemed a bit steep, but they’re somewhat justified not only by the above-mentioned attributes, but by high levels of equipment and Toyota’s strong brand reputation. Particularly if you’re torn between a compact SUV and a midsize one, RAV4 is well worth a look.

Overview

RAV4 was completely redesigned for 2013, with fresh styling, more features, the promise of better fuel economy, and a more conventional approach. Gone were the previous side-hinged rear cargo doors and externally mounted spare tire (replaced by a regular liftgate and under-floor location for the spare), along with the optional 3rd-row seat and available V6 engine. Size increased a bit, and only one powertrain was offered: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

RAV4 was available in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited.

Even the LE was quite well equipped. Standard features included power mirrors/windows/remote locks, cruise control, wireless cell-phone link, USB port, digital-media player connection, and rearview camera.

Added on the XLE were dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and power sunroof. An optional navigation-system package also included Toyota’s Entune infotainment system and satellite radio.

The top-line Limited brought such niceties as vinyl upholstery (replacing cloth), heated front seats, keyless access and starting, 8-way power driver seat, and a power liftgate. Three options were offered: blind-spot alert with cross-traffic alert, the navigation package described above, and a similar package with high-end JBL audio system.

Both front- and all-wheel-drive models came only with a 176-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Most models included Normal, Eco, and Sport modes. Eco mode adjusted shift points and throttle response for more efficient driving. Sport mode quickened throttle response, held gears longer, kept the transmission in a lower gear for a given road speed, and added some weighty “feel” to the steering.

The EPA rating for front-drive models was 24 city/31 highway. For all-wheel-drive models, it dropped to 22/29. The RAV4 used regular-grade gas.

Note that the limited-production all-electric RAV4 EV that was introduced for 2012 continued to be available in the 2013 and 2014 model years, but the EV model did not receive the new design used by all other RAV4 variants. Consumer Guide’s 2012-2014 RAV EV review can be found in the 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4 review.

Yearly Updates

2014 RAV4
The RAV4 saw only modest changes for 2014. The Entune audio system now came in four levels. A new Technology Package optional on Limited models included a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams.
2015 RAV4
Toyota’s compact SUV saw a couple minor updates for 2015. XLE models got new wheels and an optional power liftgate, and a Blizzard Pearl Premium Package for Limited models added pearl white paint and unique 18-inch wheels.
2016 RAV4
For 2016, a hybrid model joined the Toyota RAV4 lineup. All RAV4s got freshened exterior styling and some gained LED headlights. A newly available safety package included automated pre-collision braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.
2017 RAV4
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 gained standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) that included: pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; automatic high beams; lane-departure warning with steering assist; and adaptive cruise control. There was also a new top-line Platinum model with unique exterior trim, navigation, keyless access and starting, surround-view camera, and heated steering wheel.
2018 RAV4
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 gained a new Adventure model with unique interior and exterior trim that slotted between XLE and SE.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Conventional front- and all-wheel-drive RAV4s come with a 176-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A Hybrid was introduced for 2016 that combined the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with an electric motor for a total of 194 hp. Hybrids had a CVT automatic transmission and were only offered with all-wheel drive. The limited-production front-drive RAV4 EV carried a 154-hp electric motor that mated to a single-speed transmission.

electric electric1
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)
Engine HP 154
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 273
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
single-speed

 78/74
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/153
Engine HP 176
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 172
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 22/29

 23
dohc I4/electric
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/153
Engine HP 194
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 152
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
CVT automatic

 34/30

 31

1. RAV4 EV. mpg numbers are MPGe.

Road Test

Whether with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, a full-throttle start doesn’t prompt the RAV4 to leap off the line, but acceleration is adequate and picks up after about 50 feet. Overall, it’s about par for the class. The transmission downshifts fairly quickly for more passing power. Sport mode holds gears longer under acceleration and sets the transmission one gear lower at most speeds, both of which improve throttle response.

The 2013 models the EPA-estimated fuel economy was 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for front-drive models. All-wheel-drive RAV4s were estimated at 22/29. RAV4 uses regular-grade gas. In Consumer Guide testing, an all-wheel drive RAV4 averaged 22.9 mpg in a 50% city, 50% highway driving. The Hybrid’s (introduced for 2016) EPA-estimated fuel-economy numbers were 34 city and 30 highway. In our testing we average 31.0 mpg in a 40 city, 60% highway mix of driving.

The ride quality is good for a compact SUV–or at least average for the class–on LE and XLE models. Oddly, the “luxury” Limited rode more stiffly, probably due to its 18-inch tires vs. the standard 17s. The sporty SE model adds stiffer suspension that makes the ride more jittery on smooth pavement and potholes more noticeable.

There’s nothing really sporty about the RAV4’s driving dynamics, but body lean in fast turns is reasonably well controlled. Steering feel varies from fairly light in Normal mode to heftier in Sport mode.

Only moderate wind and road noise are generated at highway speeds, and even under full throttle, engine noise is not annoying.

Gauges can be clearly read, and both the audio and climate controls are mounted high and within easy reach. The climate controls on LE models consist of three rotary knobs that make adjustments simple. However, the automatic climate controls on XLE and Limited transfer mode and fan speed to repetitive-step pushbuttons, which are tedious to adjust. The standard dashboard screen turns most audio controls into “virtual” pushbuttons, but they’re relatively easy to use.

Hard plastic is the rule in LE models, and though XLE and Limited add a padded dash beltline, material quality is just so-so for the class. However, two-toning and some bright trim help aid the overall look, and higher-line models offer nicer trim and some expressive color combinations that can really make the interior pop.

Plenty of room for adults in the front seats. Visibility is quite good, aided by rear headrests that can be flipped down. Still, the rear corners are a bit obscured by thick roof pillars, though the standard rearview camera helps.

The rear seat has good headroom and legroom for adults. All models have a reclining seat back with center armrest.

The cargo area is wide at the back (though a speaker intrudes on Limiteds with the JBL sound system), and there’s a good amount of space even with the rear seat backs up. When folded, the split seat backs rest flat and level with the cargo floor for terrific storage room, aided by a small under-floor bin. The Limited adds a power liftgate. Interior storage consists of a small glove box, decent-size console box, a mid-dash tray, two cupholders, two small console bins, and map pockets.

Ratings

Model Tested: RAV4 LE, front-wheel drive

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 7
70%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 9
90%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 65

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
104.7 179.9 72.6 65.4 3435
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
73.4 15.9 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.8 38.9 42.6 37.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2013 RAV4, early release 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Trouble Spots

Rear axle noise
Description: Faulty breather plug could cause differential/transfer case failure. (2013-16)
Paint/body
Description: Some vehicles may have corrosion around the liftgate hinges. (2013-17)

Recall History

2013-14 RAV4 EV
Description: Water may drip into the joint where the windshield-wiper linkage connects to the windshield-wiper motor. This could cause the joint to fail, leaving the wipers inoperative.
2013-14 RAV4 EV
Description: A software issue may cause the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly to shift into “neutral” causing a loss of drive power.
2013-14 RAV4 EV
Description: In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
2013-14 RAV4 EV
Description: Corrosion could cause wiper linkage to separate and result in wiper failure.
2013-14 RAV4 EV
Description: Faulty software could cause vehicle to shift to neutral and result in loss of power.
2013-15 RAV4 w/accessory trailer light module
Description: Faulty software in Southeast Toyota Distributors accessory trailer light module may turn off trailer lights.
2014-15 RAV4
Description: Certain 2014 RAV4 vehicles may have an electronic control unit (ECU) for the electric power steering system that was damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, the damage may result in the failure of the electric power steering system.
2014-15 RAV4 w/accessories
Description: Runningboards and other accessories installed by Southeast Toyota Distributors may not have been tightened properly.
2016 RAV4
Description: Brake ABS actuator may have a damaged O-ring that could result in insufficient brake-fluid pressure and could cause loss of vehicle control.
2016 RAV4
Description: Incorrect load capacity label could result in vehicle being overloaded, increasing risk of crash.
2017 RAV4
Description: Spare tire may be under inflated.
2018 RAV4
Description: Incorrect load capacity label could result in vehicle being overloaded, increasing risk of crash.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on May 14, 2019.
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