The RAV4 is a CR Recommended vehicle and popular for good reason. But there are other great small SUVs you might want to choose instead.

1. The Interior Is 'Meh' , 2. Noisy Engine, 3. Ride Quality, 4. The Hybrid Is Better, 5. New RAV4 Is Coming Soon

By Jeff S. Bartlett

The first-generation 1996 Toyota RAV4 pioneered the modern small sport utility vehicle. At the time, SUVs were true trucks—off-road ready, with room for people and cargo, but not as comfortable for everyday use as a regular car. With the RAV4, Toyota showed that manufacturers could combine the civility of a car platform with an SUV body to "cross over" into a new vehicle category. The RAV4 retained the on-road comfort of a car, but with the size benefits of an SUV body.

The concept stuck, inspiring legions of imitators. Today, crossovers dominate American roads. As a testament to Toyota’s vision, the RAV4 has become not only the most popular small SUV, but also the most popular passenger vehicle in the U.S.

The idea makes as much sense today as it did in 1996—a 2026 redesign is arriving soon, as well. But before you decide to buy one, there are a few things you need to know.

The current Toyota RAV4 is in the twilight of this generation. It is a solid choice among small SUVs, but there is no escaping that the nonhybrid is currently ranked 11th in the segment, meaning there are many better options.

CR’s auto experts reviewed our published reports and data to create the following insights, explaining key shortcomings and identifying alternatives that shine bright.

We encourage shoppers to read through our detailed road tests and review the reliability and owner satisfaction data. Whether you buy a RAV4 or another model, the key is to be informed and make the right choice for you.

The RAV4's interior feels bland, bordering on cheap, with a wealth of hard plastic trim.

Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

1. The Interior Is 'Meh'

The RAV4’s cabin is functional and bland. Hard plastics dominate the cabin, conveying cheapness and making most of the surfaces you rub against firm. Our test car also had uneven panel gaps throughout the interior, further marring the fit and finish.

The padded dashboard has tasteful stitching, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a nice touch among vehicles in this price segment. Most of the RAV4’s controls are also clear and easy to use, except for some tiny buttons located around the infotainment screen. Oddly, most controls on the door are not lit at night, making them hard to find in the darkness.

Overall, the interior works well, but it isn’t as modern or inviting as the cabins in some rival models.

2. Noisy Engine

The RAV4’s engine sounds raucous, with a gritty throb that’s very pronounced and unbecoming of a $30,000 vehicle. It’s hardly a consolation that road and wind noises stay mostly in the background. Other small SUVs, like the Hyundai Tucson, are far quieter. The hybrid version of the RAV4, fortunately, has less engine noise, though we rated its overall noise as just average among peers.

3. Ride Quality

Based on our road test of the RAV4, ride quality is one of its lows. It absorbs bumps and ruts reasonably well, but you can feel some cracks in the road and expansion joints in the cabin, which will abruptly pitch. The current generation’s ride quality took a step backward compared to past models. Now, it’s jumpy even on certain pavement surfaces. Generally, the RAV4’s ride smoothness trails some competitors. Factor in the mediocre interior and the noisy engine, and overall, the RAV4 lacks some refinement found in more recently designed SUVs. In particular, the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 excel at providing a comfortable ride.

4. The Hybrid Is Better

The four-cylinder RAV4 is the lowest-priced RAV4, and it’s marketed often for that reason. However, spending more for the hybrid powertrain will pay dividends in reduced fuel costs while also giving owners a quieter, more energetic powertrain. Compared to the gas-only four-cylinder, the hybrid’s fuel economy soars by 10 mpg to 37 mpg overall. Plus, its acceleration is measurably quicker.

The 2026 RAV4 Woodland (left) and Limited are a styling contrast. One has a tougher, rural look while the other has a more upscale, urban appearance.

Photo: Toyota

5. New RAV4 Is Coming Soon

We are in the twilight of the current RAV4 generation, with an all-new version unveiled and coming to dealerships later this year. Compared to the model it’s replacing, the newest version will have more power, more technology, and more safety features, with many more choices in trim levels. It is the exact same size, however. Buying a 2025 RAV4 now might mean you can score a deal—but it also means you become one of more than 2 million owners right before the fresh model takes to the streets, potentially impacting the car’s residual value.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will be offered only as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, shedding the regular four-cylinder engine. There are three “styles” (Core, Sport, and Rugged) and seven trims, creating significant choices. Among these, the Woodland trim is further distinguished in the next generation. A GR Sport version joins with improved handling, more aggressive styling, and a tuned version of the PHEV powertrain.

With all new vehicles, we caution against buying until the second year they are available. This will allow Toyota—or any brand— to fine-tune manufacturing processes and address any first-year reliability woes.

Fortunately, there are many other choices in this popular category. Below we highlight some reasons to buy a RAV4, which can be the right solution for some drivers. Then, we feature several top-performing small SUVs, with ratings and pricing.

Reasons to Buy a RAV4 Now

The current Toyota RAV4 meets the stringent requirements to earn a Consumer Reports recommendation. That means it is a good vehicle, plain and simple. The hybrid is even more compelling, with phenomenal fuel economy at 37 mpg overall in our tests. And the plug-in hybrid is even better, with an impressive 42-mile electric-only range, much more power, and an improved ride.

2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland

Photo: Toyota

Plus, as the countdown continues to the next-gen RAV4 going on sale in fall 2025, dealerships will likely be open to price negotiations and potentially discounted finance rates as they make room on their lots for the 2026 model.

If you need a small SUV now, test-drive the RAV4. It is a smart choice, so long as it meets all the must-have requirements on your list—and as long as you’ve considered the points we’ve made here.

Best Small SUVs

The best small SUVs are presented in rank order based on Consumer Reports Overall Score, starting with the highest-rated model.

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