The 2020 Toyota RAV4 lasts around 300,000 miles with some relatively minor battery drain and brake noise issues. At $25,600 to $37,625, it’s expensive, but worth the price for an extremely reliable small SUV with low ownership costs.
Is the 2020 Toyota RAV4 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a great year for the Toyota RAV4 since it’s extremely reliable while still offering some of the latest technology. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, spacious rear seats, along with the infotainment technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a small SUV, the seats are comfortable, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 9/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 RAV4. Models from 2010 through 2022 are all dependable small SUVs.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard four-cylinder engine which is designed more for efficiency rather than performance.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 RAV4 is a safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, long with lane trace assist. Optional upgrades include a surround-view parking camera system.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG, giving 435 miles of range from the 14.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $56 cheaper than average at $166 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is expensive, although depreciation is slow, making it a great value proposition.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota RAV4?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Toyota RAV4 has drawn cues from their truck line in updating the RAV4, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the RAV4 at 3.4/5, praising the passenger space, but doesn’t like the boring engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the RAV4 a 3.6/5, enjoying the spacious interior, but owners don’t like the noise levels in the cabin.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Toyota RAV4 include excessive battery drain, a rattling driver’s side mirror, along with brake noise. Overall, these problems are similar to other small SUVs on the market, leading to low repair costs as the Toyota RAV4 ages.
Excessive battery drain is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Toyota RAV4, showing up in the first 5,500 miles. If you notice the battery draining quickly, then it’s usually caused by an electrical accessory that stays on when the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the source of the problem usually costs under $50, and fixing it can cost $50 to $150, depending on the issue.
A rattling driver side mirror is another issue that shows up on some RAV4 models in the first 1,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by damaged clips or an improperly installed mirror. Replacing the mirror glass is usually done under warranty when it shows up in the first 1,000 miles, although out of warranty it’s about a $75 part.
Brake noise also shows up on some 2020 Toyota RAV4 models at around 2,500 miles. In some cases the brake noise is normal, while in others it can be a sign of excessive brake wear. If you regularly brake hard while carrying a lot of weight, it will wear down the pads quickly. Replacing the brake pads costs around $380, while a new set of rotors is roughly $400.
There are five recalls on the 2020 Toyota RAV4, which is average for a small SUV. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump, which may fail and cause the engine to stall. Toyota will replace the fuel pump in affected models for free. Other recalls cover the lower suspension arms, along with electronic power steering assist. Toyota will also fix those issues for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Toyota RAV4 can last around 300,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles more than the popular Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than many competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $379 per year.
As a used 2020 RAV4 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the coolant reservoir for $400, stabilizer bushings costing $220, along with the drive belt idler pulley which costs $150.
Very reliable, we have had no problems with it. The mileage is great and we are very happy with it. I highly recommend it.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Optional upgrades include a more powerful JBL stereo system, along with a larger 8-inch touchscreen stereo system.
Safety technology is also fantastic for a small SUV offering standard features including:
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane trace assist to keep it centered in its lane
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Road sign recognition
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear camera mirror
- Blind spot monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
Is the 2020 Toyota RAV4 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is a good value since it’s one of the most reliable compact SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,600 to $37,625, making it more than a Ford Escape or Chevy Blazer. When new, the price range was $25,950 to $35,880. In current market conditions depreciation is nearly non-existent on the RAV4, although in normal times we expect it to lose about 4% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota RAV4?
There are six models of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered, from the base LE all the way through to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The RAV4 comes standard with front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive available.
LE is the entry-level model with:
- LED Headlights
- Cloth Seating
- Alloy Wheels
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Interface
- Six-Speaker Sound System
XLE is a step up, adding:
- Push-Button Start
- Keyless Entry
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
XLE Premium adds features such as:
- Larger Wheels
- Slightly Higher Suspension
- Sunroof
- Power Liftgate
- Simulated Leather Upholstery (SofTex)
- Soft-Touch Dash Materials
Adventure has more upgrades including:
- Unique Wheels
- Fender Flares
- Taller Roof Rails
- Selectable Terrain Drive Modes
- Hill Descent Control
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
TRD Off-Road upgrades items:
- All-Terrain Tires
- Off-Road Tuned Suspension
- Unique Black Exterior Trim
- Upgraded Interior Trim
Limited is the luxury model which has:
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Heated Front Seats
- Navigation System
- 11-Speaker JBL Stereo System
- Heated Steering wheel
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Wireless Smartphone Charging
What Engines Come In the Toyota RAV4?
The engine found in the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 203 horsepower while getting up to 30 MPG. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is average, taking 8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Toyota RAV4 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota RAV4?
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is well-regarded for its comfortable and inviting cabin, making it an excellent choice for drivers and passengers alike. The interior is designed with quality materials that give it a premium feel, while the layout provides an ergonomic experience.
The RAV4 offers seating for up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The seats themselves are supportive and cushioned, providing long drives remain enjoyable.
Furthermore, the 2020 RAV4’s suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and minimizing cabin noise. Overall, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 offers a high level of comfort, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota RAV4 Have?
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV known for its versatile and spacious interior. Regarding storage space, the RAV4 offers ample room to accommodate the needs of both passengers and cargo. With all seats in place, the vehicle provides 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
For those needing additional room, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo area to an impressive 69.8 cubic feet. This generous storage capacity, combined with its comfortable cabin and efficient performance, makes the 2020 Toyota RAV4 an ideal choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and commuters alike.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Toyota RAV4 was first launched for the 2019 model year.
2015: New exterior color choices offered.
2016: LED headlights added to all models with some small exterior styling changes.
2017: New Platinum model offered and more standard safety technology on all models.
2018: The SE Model has a higher suspension, Adventure model added to the lineup.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new styling, technology, interior, and engine choices.
2020: Android Auto offered on all models, TRD Off-Road model launched.
2021: No updates from other years.
How Does the Toyota RAV4 Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is one of the best compact SUVs on the market since it’s extremely reliable with a lot of the latest safety technology included on all models.
The Honda CR-V is another very popular compact SUV which is about $2,000 cheaper. Performance is a little sportier in the Honda CR-V, while the Toyota RAV4 has lower ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Toyota RAV4, although both are great SUVs worth testing out to see which you prefer.
The Nissan Rogue is a competitor on the market which costs around $3,500 less. Entertainment technology is better in the Nissan Rogue, while the Toyota RAV4 offers better driver assistance features. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it has lower long-term ownership costs making it a better choice on the used market.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota RAV4?
Yes I love it! It's the best out there. The 2017 rav saved our lives, because it's a well built car. It kept us from getting hurt in a very bad wreck.