2012 TOYOTA RAV4

Quick, agile & fast!

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 5

We've owned this car for 3 years now. It's been a very reliable and sporty SUV. Really love to drive it!! When you need to get up and go, this SUV gets you there fast, and safely, my I add. It's got airbags all over, with traction control and anti-lock brakes that keep you safely on the road. Very fun and exiting vehicle to drive. I would recommend this SUV to anyone!

Does Everything Without a Fuss

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 4

This 2012 RAV4 Base is my first SUV and I'm pleased with my choice. I needed a fuel efficient, roomy, do-it-all car for my daily commute, driving the kids, and something my partially disabled wife could drive, too. I put about 9,000 miles on the SUV since I bought it used in January, including a couple days of central Maryland snow. So far, this RAV4 does everything well enough and nothing spectacularly. Performance is adequate. The 2.5 liter four-banger has enough power for my commute and in-town driving. Highway merges aren't a problem as long as I'm willing to gun it hard. The power is barely adequate with three passengers and highway merging is dicey. My overall fuel economy is a pretty good 27 MPG. Braking is effective. The long pedal travel was disconcerting enough that I had the dealer re-check the brakes. The brakes work well under all conditions once I got the feel of them. The car holds the road suprisingly well, much better than I expected from an SUV. The steering is predictable and solid. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and the gear changes are merely noticeable, even under hard acceleration. I hardly notice them any more. Front seat comfort is okay. I'm 6'4" and weigh about 310 pounds. Leg room is sufficient and I have plenty of headroom, about three inches. I wish the seat had better thigh support. The seat cushions are very firm, almost hard. The side bolsters hold me in place nicely, even during hard curves and corners. All of my drive times have been shorter than an hour. I have no information about longer trips. The rear seat is surprisingly roomy. Teenagers (up to 5'8") can sit behind me and still have enough room to be comfortable. I could sit behind me and have enough room! The rear seat cushions are as firm as the front seat cushions. However, my teenaged rear seat passengers ride for short trips and haven't complained. My main interior complaint is the frikkin' noise! A lot of engine and tire noise penetrate the cabin. Road noise is so bad that I can't listen to the radio. I stopped playing the radio during my commute lest my ears ring painfully at the end of the trip. Cargo and storage is cavernous. I love it! I'm glad the first owner did not get the optional third row seat. There are plenty of pockets, cubbies, and other cavities for small things. The cavernous cargo space is a boom box, though. I think half of the road noise is amplified back there. Safety seems fine. If I don't notice, then it's probably good, right? The headlights are nice and bright. The all-wheel drive, anti-skid control, and anti-lock brakes worked unobtrusively or as expected in the snow. Win! This RAV4 is my first car to have Bluetooth. I don't know how I lived without it! I have one USB port and one 3.5mm headphone jack in the Base trim. The radio sounds okay for playing speech but lousy for music. It's the cheap base model radio and it sucks. I don't know if I would notice a better radio over the aforementioned interior noise, though. Reliability? Maintenance costs? It's a Toyota! It gets top reviews and recommendations everywhere. This is the fifth Toyota in my family and all previous Toyotas have been rock solid. I expect my RAV4 to be just as reliable. I've been driving the snot out of this car ever since I got it and I've been satisfied with it.

GREAT SUV!

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating:

- The 6-cilinder RAV4 2012 has better gas mileage than the 4-cilinder RAV4 2010 (I leased a RAV4 2010 for 2 years before buying the 2012) - It has better performance than the Cadillac Escalade - So far it is a trouble free car, 75,000 miles - Do not trust the dealer, check your car after picking it up from maintenance - I had small traction trouble in the snow, probably because I used the wrong tires - This car has excellent brakes, I HAD THE CHANCE TO PROVE IT. The RAV4 2010 4-cilinders had the worst brakes on the market. - I gave it a 5-start rating because in average it deserves it.

Zippy and reliable

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 5

Great around town and short trips. Very easy entry/exit due to low height and large doors. Very low maintenance costs...just normal service required. Very versitle cargo area.

good choice for city driving

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 3 Technology Rating: 2 Value Rating: 3

I took this suv in april 2012. this small suv is a good choice. I had a bad time deciding between this suv and the Honda crv. I don't regret buying a Toyota rav 4 sport 4 cylinder . but I regret spending this much and getting the expensive options . the car has its issues like the slow and weak motor. it was to weak to drive in san francisco . I had trouble climbing hills and thought the car was going to slide back down the hill. the brakes have been a problem. I had them changed in august 2015 and still they make a loud rubbing noise. the brakes don't work very good. but I have to admit the car looks cool . it has plenty of interior space for a small suv. im averaging 19.2 miles per gallon I do more city driving then highway. most driving conditions the car is fast enough even for the I 95 its good enough but needs big improvements in horse power. the radio sucks big time. the sound is low and terrible. the car is easy to drive in south florida and easy to park . baking out is not so good and has bad blind spots. I don't like the door opening from the side and lack of space problems in los angeles . I couldn't open the door all the way sometimes. the sunroof makes odd noises even when closed . the interior noise is bad and loud. it takes a while to get use to that much noise. not to comfortable on long drives because the seats are to hard. but still I recommend the rav4 because it has more pros then cons .

Mediocrity

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 4

I have owned multiple RAV4s; and my family has purchased 6 Toyota cars/SUVS in the past nine years. Our feeling is that the management is profiting by diluting the quality of the brand. The 2012 RAV4 is a relatively competent vehicle, in that it handles all kinds of weather with little drama. It also has large and flexible capacities to move people and goods and very good visibility. The platform has not evolved over a decade of changing oil prices and it remains highly inefficient at 23 miles per gallon in combined driving over 36000 miles for the 4 cylinder model. The 4 speed transmission belongs in the stone age. The brand dilution is most notable in some of the interior materials and the quality of the electronic interfaces. The seat materials in the base and sport models are poor. The seats have relatively good padding but they will stain if water is poured on them inadvertently. Either the company did not test the materials or is profiting from the sale of Scotchguard. The arm rests on the doors are akin to sand paper in the summer; make sure when you test drive this car you do not have on heavy coats as this flaw will become apparent in the warmer months. Most of the interior is lower quality harder plastics, which scratch with ease. The stereo options are uninspired. In our case we experienced electrical problems just after the warranty expired and the dealership had little sympathy. As mediocre as the ownership experience was for this car, it appears the newer models are even less desirable. I look for Toyota to refocus on solid engineering platforms and the highest quality customer experience and to eschew their search for marketing gimmickry and the bottom line that keeps their cars in a constant state of recalls.

Outstanding condition, features & low, low mileage

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 4

Single driver, excellent condition, very low mileage, Kenwood entertainment center and rear view camera.

So soon ?

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: Value Rating:

Recently purchased a pre-owned 6cyl.2012 rav4 with 22,000. Noticed a low level droning starting at 40 mph. It would go away with foot off the gas. Took it back to Toyota and they said the Transmission had a bad bearing . Will put in a re-manufactured Trans. Hope that does it.

Transmission, Brakes, power port location, and rear door

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I too think the transmission feels wrong. It seems to slip and jerk more than any car I've owned before. Brakes sound as if they are dragging especially as I first drive down the driveway. The power port is inaccessible if drinks are in the drink holder. I like having a full sized tire and one which you needn't unload the storage space to access. Be sure to check the pressure in it if having low pressure readings. I dislike that you can not put longer items in to haul as I could with my old Ford that had a rear door that lifted up instead of to the side. I have yet to figure out how to put the baby anchor back in the roof compartment.

Love this car!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I love my Rav 4. I have had my car for just over a year and a half and have put 25,000 miles on it. I have to drive a lot for work and this car is perfect for it. Its very zippy and I have no problems with wind on the highway. My gas millage is usually around 25 MPG so I get about 300 miles per tank before I decide to refuel. It is very comfortable and I have had 4 adults on a long drive with plenty of room. The storage space is amazing! When we went to buy my husbands highlander a few months ago they asked if I wanted to upgrade my Rav 4 to the new one, but I love the style of the 2012 model and did not want to upgrade. Great car!

Great All Around SUV, Best In its Class IMO

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Very comfortable seats in this car even on long trips. The leg room and storage in the RAV4 is excellent. Lots of storage and room for luggage. The rear seats recline and move forward and backward. I have had the car in heavy winds and it handled the windy conditions well. Interior noise is low, compared to Honda CRV. Love 4wd button. Reliability of the Rav4 is the best. I looked at the reviews of the competing cars and read about the problems people have for their cars. The Rav4 had minor complaints compared to others having significant problems. after market platinum 0 deductable warranty for $950 upgrading it to a 7/100k had to shop around for the price. 12k miles owned, very happy

2012 Toyota Rav4 transmission problem

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 3

I've had my Rav4 for a year and took it to the dealer to have the transmission checked. When making a low speed turn, after braking then pressing the accelerator, the automatic transmission shifts roughly. It feels like a new driver just learning to drive a manual transmission. The dealer test drove it, identified the issue, then said that was normal and there is nothing wrong with my Rav4. Other dislikes: hard seats, brake too close to accelerator, doors sound tinny when closed, keyless ignition locks up randomly, too many lever controls on steering column (3 with wipers, lights, and cruise control)

2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

It's been a year now since I bought the 2012 RAV4 Limited. I do love my SUV. It has plenty of speed. I don't drag race but when I want to pass drivers driving below the speed limit, it will accelerate definitely and easily since it is a V6. I drive in town most of the time and I am getting 25.5 mpg. If I am driving in bigger cities, though rare, with lots of stop and go, the mpg will go down to 25.3. Very little difference. Most of the time it stays on 25.5. There are no hills in where I live and even the places that I go. There's less traffic as well. My ride is comfortable. My only complaint is the road noise. This RAV4 has some of it. I notice it especially when driving on interstates.

new rav4 owner

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We just bought a 2008 limited model (25,000 miles) with the v6 and two wheel drive and can't be happier. The car is fast and smooth. The leather seats are very comfortable. We get about 23 mpg, which is better that the 4 cylinder Accord that we had before even though that car was rated at 12/31 and this Rav4 is rated at 19/27. We have the optional third-row seat, which is small, but great in a pinch when we have a couple more kids to take somewhere. People can't hear us well with the bluetooth cell-phone link, but it may just be the phone causing that issue, not sure yet.

issue with brake and gas pedal

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

The gas pedal and brake pedal are 3 inches apart, not enough space for a size 12 shoe, on two occasions I have had the engine RPM go to 3,000 when pushing the brake , if my foot is at an angle the gas pedal will be depressed too, the 269 HP engine over rides the brakes, the Smart stop technology only works under certain specific conditions, this is not one of them , have contacted Toyota with the suggestion that a new brake pedal be designed to have up to 5 inches between the pedals, their reply was this is a safe vehicle, have already found several people with 2007 and newer V-6 models that have had the same issue , all have size 10-12 shoes

Very poor mileage

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had a problem with poor gas mileage since I first bought the car. I am not happy having to get out of a warm car to put gas in the tank so frequently. I have brought this problem to the dealer, the service dept, the regioal rep, (BTY was very difficult to locate) and finally to phone "caseworker." The best mileage I got was 18.2 MG on the toll road. Now, in the middle of winter 14.2. Toyota says there is nothing wrong with the car. Their reasoning is that I must use bad gas, it's winter, it's a 6 cyl, the EPA ratings are done under ultimate conditions and I should not expect that yype of mileage I'm dumping this gas guzzler. I had better mileage with my2007 6cyl Camry.

Startup problems

Performance: 1 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

I'm having problems where my new RAV4 V6 4x4 just won't start up. Eventually - it will start but Toyota doesn't seem to have any handle on this issue. I notices that a couple other reviewers have had the same problem. I'm not willing to live with this problem.

Poor gas mileage

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 3

Bought this 2012 Rav4 in october. I really regret the choice. should have tried to rent one first. Firstly this is totatlly a girls car. Not a real suv because it only holds 5 people and there's not much room for luggage inside. Gas Mileage sucks. Car downshifts/4000rpm on some overpasses and ALL small hills at 70-80 mph. Wind blows it all over the road. Steering is too tight and erratic. ride is rough and transmission shifts funny like it can't decide which gear to stay in at certain speeds. Cheap radio speakers, sounds really cheap. No room for mens legs knees hit on both sides while driving. Hate it, but thank God it's my wifes car.

If you want the V-6, buy now!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

Currently have 7,000 miles on my RAV. I particularly appreciate the power and smoothness of the V-6. As one reviewer noted, the accelerator pedal is a bit sensitive, but you readily adjust to that. I consider fuel economy to be pretty good--23MPG in daily driving, 30 on the highway, at least if you're not trying to pass everybody on the road. I would think the V-6 would be a must for anyone towing or carrying heavy loads. And it's going away on the 2013 model. (Of course, there is always the Highlander, if you want something much bigger and more pricey.)

Great Little SUV- Except Mileage

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Okay, so it's quite early to give a full review on our new car, since we bought it new just a couple of weeks ago. I had done extensive online comparisons between the 3 of the contenders in this vehicle category: the Rav4, Honda CRV, and the Nissan Rogue. We test drove all 3, as well as a Jeep Patriot, and considered but didn't drive a Hyundai Tucson. Toyota won out on a number of counts, not the least of which was the fact that we have been Yota owners for a long time, and have had great success. Toyota was also offering some screaming incentives which tipped the scales. So far of course, so good, but the gas mileage to date has been a bit disappointing.

Teeth rattling ride

Performance: 4 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

I bought the 2012 V6 4x4 sport a couple of months ago. I got the sport because of the lack of the tire on the tailgate. I guess I was not paying enough attention on the test drive. This is the most bouncy jouncy bumpy car I have ever driven. every tiny bump/crack in the pavement is transferred right to your kidneys. I'm not sure if it's because of the sport suspension or the 18" run flats. It is better on the freeway.The V6 is also a bit too powerful for this car, if such a thing can be possible. A tinny box like this should not be able to go so fast. the throttle is also super touchy which can be unpleasant if you are too heavy with your foot. The mileage is mediocre at 18 combined driving.

No Start Problem !

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

I have a brand new - 3 weeks old 2012 Toyota RAV4 V6 4WD. It didn't start yesterday morning, it didn't start today at lunch. After reading all the directions and trying everything, it started on the 5th try. I contacted dealer and will be bringing it in tomorrow. Read another review that another customer was told to "live with it". I won't. This needs to be fixed or should be considered a lemon. Will update after my service appointment tomorrow !

No start problem

Performance: 1 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

We paid close to 35,000 with all of the upgrades. Since the first week we owned this car it had an intermitent no start problem. Has been back to dealer 3or4 times. Today we were told it had something to do with steering lock--and we need to just live with it--now that we know what the problem is we know it will eventually start.. They sent a tech bulletin to toyota and maybe someday they will do something about it. This is an uncomfortable riding vehicle--will never buy a Toyota again.

I traded my Saturn for this?

Performance: 3 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 3

I've had the car for a week. It's the most uncomfortable vehicle ever and I'm regretting the purchase. I traded my 2008 Saturn Astra for it. I needed something bigger with 4 wheel drive.

Love everything! (Except the gas mileage ...)

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I mean it - the MPG is the fly in the otherwise stellar ointment here. I drive conservatively but with a mix that's heavy on hwy miles vs. city, I'm straining to get to 23 average. As the MPG rating was what initially drew me to the RAV4, I'm disappointed, but I still love to get into it each day and drive. It practically drives itself, feels like a car, and doesn't lack power with the 4-cylinder. You'll want to go with the air deflector if you get a sunroof; I regret it and will be looking into after-market, since there's a lot of wind noise.

4x4 V6 Base

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

The V6 is as quick as my V6 Altima but without the drama. The 4x4 and traction control means I just point and go, no tire spinning. Mileage is so so, 16-20 in town depending on how hard you push it. At 80 on the highway 22MPG. At 60 26MPG. The seats are OK, nothing great. Noise level is OK, a little louder than my Altima. The base stereo does everything I need, I just load up a flash drive and set it to random play. I have had the car 4 months.

my toyota rav 4 sport 4x2 .

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

i bought the car april 16 and its 3 and half months later. i waited to gather more info for my review. the car overall is good. it runs smooth on normall roads . but in pot holes and going over train tracks jesus christ i thought my teeth fillings were going to come out . the car is kinda slow even for a 4 cyclnder. they conned me into buying the rav 4 with no money down and my finance rate at 6.00 so they got my payments as high as $ 355.83 a month for 75 months. but i got smarter in my old age and refinanced the rav at 2.00 percent with a bank in new york. so now my payments are $ 305.25 a month .

Rav4 4x4 Limited: the BEST QUALITY SUV 4 THE MONEY

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I've owned at least 6 or 7 Toyotas. Land Cruiser, Camry, T100, 4Runner (3), Rav4s. The first Rav4 we bought was in late 2010: a Base Rav4 4x4 2011 model. We love it and still own it. We decided to trade in our Honda in on a 2012 Rav4 4x4 Limited. What a great vehicle! Comfort, power, all the 4x4 traction a business SUV could want. Sure, you're not going to pull stumps. But for an architect & real estate broker, it works great. We can take clients out to undeveloped lots in the winter and get back out again. The Rav4 4x4 Limited also has the way cool hands-free door entry system & 1-button exterior locking. Leather, power sunroof, bluetooth & more.

Great comfort

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I can't for the life of me figure out why others are finding the seating comfort of their Rav4's unbearable. My wife and I recently traveled over 2000 miles to Colorado and back in our nearly new 2012 model... this Rav4 is one of the most comfortable vehicles we have owned. Seating positions are great! Ride comfort is very good. Little to no fatigue for either of us. Gas mileage in the heavy winds of South Dakota suffered, but the trip home found much better mpg's. This is a very nice vehicle.

From V6 to I4, no regret yet

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I "downgraded" myself from a V6 2006 Escape to this I4 2012 RAV4 and so far so good. I am living in NC bay area but purchased my RAV4 from a dealer near LA downtown during my July 4th trip (a totally unplanned purchase but David in Buena Park Toyota gave me a great price plus reasonable trade-in, highly recommended). Two weeks with two tanks of gas, hwy/local 50/50, the avg mileage is ~24, which is way better than the previous Escape's (17-18). The Escape is really a reliable small SUV which gave me zero problem, but with the increasing live expense in bay area, some trade-off has to be made.

The uncomfortable seats have ruined the RAV4 for me :-(

Performance: 4 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Warning for potential RAV4 buyers.....Most uncomfortable seats in a car....EVER! I like almost everything about this vehicle but if it is uncomfortable to sit in then what use is it. Just took a 1000+ mile trip in our new 2012 RAV4 over 7 days and had a miserable experience in the passenger front seat (driver seat and back seats are just as bad). When test driving the car, I noticed the seats were firm, but did not know just how bad they were going to be until this trip. Too bad it took paying a gazillion dollars to find out how uncomfortable a ride this car is. If I had it to do over again, I would not purchase this vehicle based on the seats. I have owned 2 Corollas (1992 & 2006)and a Camry (2002) and loved all of them including the seats (that is why we returned to Toyota for another vehicle). What happened Toyota? Why change a good thing that has been working for many years? Not only are the seats beyond pitiful, but the upholstery is made of a hard feeling material. Cutting corners to save a dollar, I assume. The dark charcoal-colored material in the door panels and the dashboard show dirt and dust easily. I would prefer a one-tone lighter color like the gray that is used as the complementary color in my vehicle. I also do not care for the orange glow that Toyota has incorporated into the instrument panel on the dashboard. My 2006 Corolla has all white colored lights which is easy on the eyes, but the orange in the 2012 RAV4 is very distracting at night. The leg room and storage in the RAV4 is good. I especially like the storage bin under the back floorboard. I would like a couple more cubby hole type storage compartments in the front for the driver. My cell phone does not fit in the cell phone holder so I have to put it in the cup holder. The headrests are not adjustable. They can go only up or down and not in between. The back seat adjustment handles are VERY inconvenient....located on the top side of the seat back. Would prefer them to be located on the bottom side of the seat like most all car seats I have sat in. If you are already sitting in the seat and need to adjust the back up or down, then it is impossible to reach the handle without getting out of the seat. There are no adjustment handles for the seat height like in my Corolla. Wish there were. We got good gas mileage on our trip....27-28 mpg. The RAV4 handles easily and rides pretty smooth. But, like I said before, the uncomfortable seats outweigh any positive characteristics in this vehicle. Going on a long trip at the end of the summer in our RAV4 and not looking forward to it.

Great little SUV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

We wanted a smaller SUV with a V-6, maximum room for the class, and a moderate price for the class, and this fit the bill perfectly. We compared others, and none had the combination of our four main wants. We also considered the Lexus RX350 and the Volvo XC60 but didn't see $15-$20K worth of quality differences ("prestige" in a vehicle was not one of our needs).

RAV4 driver position

Performance: 4 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

After a having the car for a month I am still fighting to find more or less safe position to drive. I am afraid to lose control of the car because my right leg is in awkward position and I can't figure why. I have Montana 2000 and I have took all the measurements of the pedals and seat trying to understand where the problem coming from. I even tried to drive bare foot - even worse. I tried different seat cushions and padding - no luck. This is leased car and I have 1 year return back if lost the job. I will have to use this option if I can't figure out how to fix the problem. We suppose to go to Safari tomorrow and I am scared to drive with my family.

Rav4 vs Rogue

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

The biggest disappointment with the RAV4 driver position is that I can’t adjust for normal driving. I don’t even want to feel comfortable at least safe. My right leg and foot is so uncomfortable, it numb, the knee is pressed and hurts. The muscles are tense. The RAV4 seat has a lot of adjustment but nothing works. They had the acceleration pedal got stack problem once, and they put it so high from the bottom and also made the bottom incline, and cut the bottom half of the pedal making it so small; the feet is in terrible position , the position is breaking the feet. If I knew this issue I would take Rogue or may be CRV.

love my Rav4!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I just got my Rav4 a week ago, and I LOVE it so far! I am moving off to school and so I needed an SUV that had a lot of space for hauling while getting good gas mileage. I easily get over 23mpg in the city and haven't taken it on the highway yet. It's fun to drive, my friends and I love it! I can fit up to 7 people because I got the added 3rd row! I couldn't be happier with it!

So far so good...

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased this 2012 Toyota Rav4 Sport 5 days ago and am quite pleased that I did. So far the ride has been smooth, telling how well the suspension handles rougher patches of road. The engine is quite capable, making it easy to merge onto the highway. The interior is slightly dated, but some aftermarket products such as nav and higher quality speakers will give the simple interior a good sprucing up. The cargo volume exceeds standards. I'm an avid golfer as well as a hockey player, so space was a priority for me. I am quite pleased with the rugged exterior looks minus the tire of the Sport. Haven't had any issues yet, and with the Toyota name, hoping to not have any period.