Toyota RAV4 is #1, But Should You Still Buy One? 5 Reasons to Skip the Gas Model

Toyota RAV4 is everywhere these days, and for good reason—it pretty much created the whole crossover thing back in the '90s. Now it's the top-selling vehicle in America, not just among SUVs but across the board.

But being popular doesn't automatically make it the best choice. Consumer Reports actually likes the RAV4 and recommends it, but here's the catch: the regular non-hybrid version sits at 11th place in its class. Translation? There are ten other small SUVs doing it better.

What's the Problem?

The Inside Feels Meh

Pop open the door and you're greeted by hard plastic. Lots of it. For a $30,000 vehicle, it feels kinda cheap. Some of the panels don't even line up right. The steering wheel's nice enough, and everything works, but try finding the door controls at night—they're not backlit, which is just weird. Bottom line: it gets the job done, but newer competitors have way nicer cabins.

It's Loud in There

That four-cylinder engine sounds rough. Really rough. Like, uncomfortably rough for what you're paying. The Hyundai Tucson is so much quieter it's not even funny. The hybrid's better, but even then it's just okay.

The Ride's Kinda Rough

You feel bumps you shouldn't feel. Road cracks, expansion joints—they all come through more than they used to in older RAV4s. It's gotten jumpier over time. If comfort matters, check out the Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5 instead.

The Hybrid's Actually Worth It

Yeah, the base model's cheaper. But spend a bit more on the hybrid and you get 37 mpg instead of 27, plus it's quicker and quieter. The fuel savings alone make up the difference pretty fast.

New One's Coming Any Day Now

The 2026 model drops later this year with more power, better tech, and no more basic four-cylinder—everything's hybrid or plug-in hybrid now. It's getting a whole redesign with three different styles and seven trims, including a sporty GR version.

Sure, you might score a deal on the outgoing 2025, but you'd also be buying yesterday's model right before the new one shows up. Not great for resale value. And honestly? First-year models usually have bugs to work out anyway.

Is It All Bad?

Nah, not at all. The RAV4's still a solid SUV. The hybrid gets great mileage, the plug-in hybrid goes 42 miles on electricity alone, and with the new model coming, dealers are probably ready to make deals on what's left.

If you need something now and the RAV4 feels right, go for it. Just do yourself a favor and test-drive a few others first. You might be surprised what else is out there.