New 2025 Toyota RAV4 Review
Overview
The Toyota RAV4 is one of those SUVs you see everywhere—and for good reason. It looks rugged and confident, even though the off-road trims like Adventure and TRD Off‑Road are gone. What remains is a well-built, practical SUV that works best for real roads, not extreme terrain. It’s roomy inside, holds cargo well, and comes loaded with safety tech and user-friendly features. While it favors comfort over sporty driving, its reliable 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine offers sensible performance and decent fuel economy. For more spirited drivers, Toyota offers hybrid and plug-in options that deliver better acceleration and efficiency. If you’re comparing non-hybrid competitors, the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX‑5, and Ford Bronco Sport each aim for a more engaging ride.
What’s New for 2025?
In 2025, Toyota removed the Adventure and TRD Off‑Road trims from the RAV4 line. Those versions came with a more advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which is no longer available. The lineup is unchanged other than that.
Pricing and Which Trim to Choose
- LE – $31,000
- XLE – $32,510
- XLE Premium – $35,400
- Limited – $39,305
The XLE Premium is the sweet spot: it adds features like fog lights, larger wheels, a moonroof, power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, faux leather seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The base LE is basic, while Limited is loaded—but costs significantly more.
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Engine, Transmission & Performance
Every RAV4 is powered by the same trusted 2.5L four-cylinder, paired to an eight-speed automatic. 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque are produced by the standard. AWD is an option; front-wheel drive is normal. Performance is smooth yet unsporty, especially when passing or merging on a fast freeway. The transmission can hesitate under hard acceleration. Handling is stable but uninspiring—fine on highways, but not as lively through corners as some rivals like the Mazda CX-50.
0–60 MPH Times
In 8.3 seconds, a prior TRD Off-Road model hit 60 mph, which is typical for this class. The RAV4 Hybrid—which we review separately—hit around 7.4 seconds.
Fuel Economy & Real-World MPG
The RAV4 offers competitive fuel efficiency:
- FWD: ~35 mpg highway
- AWD: ~33–34 mpg highway
On our 75-mph highway test route, the AWD TRD Off-Road delivered 32 mpg. Since 2025 AWD models are lighter, you can expect slight gains in real-world fuel economy—perhaps 1–2 mpg better.
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Interior, Comfort & Cargo Space
Inside the LE trim is basic, with cloth seats, hard plastics, manual climate controls, and no steering-wheel leather. Step up to XLE or XLE Premium, and you get cushier seats, nicer styling, and more features. The rear seats are practical and fold nearly flat—making space for luggage or gear. We can fit 22 carry-on bags with the seats folded and 10 behind the back seat, which is the same as the Nissan Rogue and somewhat less than the Subaru Forester.
Infotainment & Connectivity
- LE/XLE: 8-inch touchscreen
- XLE Premium/Limited: 10.5-inch touchscreen
- All trims support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a built-in 4G LTE hotspot.
- Optional extras: JBL premium audio, navigation, and wireless charging.
- Limited includes a full 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, while other trims use a smaller display.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Toyota includes smart safety features in most trims:
- Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance are standard.
- Available on base LE: blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
The RAV4 has earned strong safety ratings in recent NHTSA and IIHS testing.
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Warranty & Maintenance
Toyota’s coverage includes:
- Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance: 2 years or 25,000 miles
That free maintenance plan is rare and gives the RAV4 added value.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is a smart, comfortable, and dependable SUV for most drivers. It’s not thrilling to drive, but it handles daily life—long commutes, family trips, errands—very well. The XLE Premium offers most of what people want without going overboard. If you prioritize fuel economy or power, explore the hybrid versions. But if you’re after a solid, no-fuss compact SUV with a proven track record, the RAV4 remains a top pick.
