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2013 Toyota RAV4 consumer reviews

$23,300–$24,700 MSRP range
side view of 2013 RAV4 Toyota
(186 reviews)
87% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.4
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.7
Explore the 2013 Toyota RAV4
Shop the 2013 Toyota RAV4

Broke 6 days after purchase

This is my third Toyota vehicle. I had been a long believer of Toyota quality until now. I had all my maintenance and services done at Toyota on my previous vehicles and have the stamp book to prove it. It had been less than a week since I purchased my 2013 RAV4 and took it off the lot I was unloading the trunk when the hatch fell on me. The right arm holding the hatch came straight off the door and took some paint with it on the way down. I know I am not the only 2013 RAV4 owner with this issue because there are several online forums that mention this. I also know there is an updated version of the piston for the hatch available. I have been in contact with the dealer and Toyota to get the car fixed.The dealer took the defective piston, compressed it, and put it right back onto the hatch.They didn't put the updated pistons on or even a new one. Toyota also stated that they will not replace the defective piston unless they issue a recall. They said I will have to wait until it breaks again. The 2013 RAV4 is a nice looking car, but Toyota customer service and quality have fallen a long way.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Fun to Drive

I was worried about the 4 cylinder, but this car has some spunk. I really enjoy driving it. It has a "Sport" button when you want to waste gas and an "Eco" button for when you want to save gas. Who could ask for more? Steering feels good, too. I think I made a good decision. I haven't had it very long, so reliability is based on Toyota's pedigree.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Not Powerful Enough

The 4-cylinder engine in the new Rav4 is way too small. Why did Toyota do away with the 6? Highway driving is difficult as there's not nearly enough power. The new design also gives this vehicle a very cheap feel. I used to have a 2010 Rav4 with the V6, and this new one is about five steps down! Yes, you will get Toyota reliability, but that's about it. If you liked the wood panneled station wagons in the 80s, then you will love the new Rav4.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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This 2014 RAV 4 model is a Flop for Toyota

My Toyota Sequoia was in the body shop for a minor accident and the rental car service provided me with a 2014 RAV 4 Base Model in black color. The Exterior design is flawless but when it came to the interior design, Toyota lost it big time. I drove this suv for a total of 200+ miles in a couple of days and here is my honest review on it. The front seats are very uncomfortable, hard and short and you want to get out of it after driving 30 minutes. Forget about taking the long interstate trips in this RAV 4. It is also very jumpy and I thought may be the tires are over inflated but I was wrong. The engine noise and road noise is loud and feels like you have a window open somewhere in the suv. Everything you touch inside the cabin feels hard plastic. The middle armrest between the front seats is a joke and Toyota should have done a better job in designing this armrest and more comfortable cushioned seats considering long trips that buyers might take in this suv. The standard rear view camera is a Big Plus. The Eco drive mode did save on the gas. The sports mode is fun to drive only if you do short driving. I was considering buying this 2014 RAV 4 but after my driving experience I say No Thank you ! So if you are interested in buying this 2014 RAV 4, my advice is to go and rent it and drive it around for a couple of days. If you think you still like it then its your choice but don't go to the dealership for a short test drive and then be stuck with it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Interesting new technology

I recently downgraded from a VW Routan minivan to RAV4. The car is very stylish and still roomy. The Pandora Box and Traffic apps are very interesting. The car is very comfortable and has good pickup. Very easy to park compared to a large minivan. I like the push start instead of a traditional key.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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jgolfski

This vehicle is good looking, economical, and fuel efficient. the limited has the technology that vehicles costing $10,000 more have. One great car!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Rides too harsh!

Toyota did a very good job on most of this vehicle. I leased a 13 xle and have had the it 6 months now. At first, the ride seemed firm but it starts to wear you out after a period of time. I do a lot of city driving and this vehicle lets you feel and hear everything on the road. It really takes away from an otherwise nice vehicle. The good side is city gas mileage...23-24 good...the exterior, everyone makes nice comments. I have had the vehicle in some nasty storms and it was a trooper. The engine is noisy but plenty of power. The transmission is top notch and the pseudo manual is really good and easy . No problems and that's what i expect from Toyota, the harsh ride is just too much to take. Thank goodness, i found an excellent seat cushion for it. At the end of the lease, it's going back...too bad, it could have been great. Also, Toyota needs to fix the touch screen. It's easy to operate but in the sun, your on your own. You can't see a thing on it....

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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Better Size Engine/MPG than the other SUV's.

I looked for over 6 months and primarily focused my interest on the Honda CRV because of it's size and style inside. Then when I came across the 2013 new RAV4, there were only two things that caught my eye: 2.5L engine and 30mpg gas. A bigger engine with better gas mileage? Cool! Took the test drive - there are 3 models and two wheelbase sizes 17 inch in the Base and XL model and 18 inch tires for the Limited. I test drove both - the 18 inch drove much smoother (the new car is stocked with Bridgestone tires). I like the drive, the features and room (especially the backseat) of the Limited. However, the engine is an electronic 6 speed that does make a "wining" noise when accelerating. The radio drowns it out. The car is fast, good acceleration, good gas mileage and nice interior (it's not real leather - it's a imitation leather, according to the dealership, because it is lighter and more humane than using real leather. Everything about the car is focused on "lightness." of all aspects - body, engine, transmission, etc., which all leads to better gas mileage for the bigger engine. Works for me!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Poor interior design

Top glove box no door? front console area only has one side, things fall onto floor, no auto headlights, can't see display in sunlight, we purchased an XLE, it came with a sun roof, but you can't get a power seat or leather or interior hatch release. Mechanically it is Toyota, but the interior design and options are from another world. We tried a limited but that Softex is a poor substitute for leather.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Bigger engine - better gas mileage than other SUVs

I looked for 6 months for my first SUV; looked at Honda CRV....wanted style, gas mileage, bigger engine and a reasonable price for the model. I test drove the CRV but didn't like the handling or road noise. I had a Toyota Solara for over ten years so I knew about the Toyota quality. I looked at the New RAV 4 and what caught my eye was 1) size of interior ; 2) bigger engine than the CRV (2.5L vs 2.4) but it got better gas mileage! Rides like a car. With the Limited model you get 18-inch, vs 17 -inch tires on the base or XLE model. The engine is a 6 speed electronic that whines a bit. Eco option is a gas saver. Gets approx 24 mpg city. No road noise with the 18 inch tires. A little more with 17 inch. Great back seat space and good storage space in the back...LOVE IT!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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