DecodedCars2017 Toyota RAV4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV, Hybrid
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 112–176 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic, CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 181.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,428–3,891 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 40% better than the average 2017 small SUV (22.8 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 176 hp, versus about 240 hp for similar 2017 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,549 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 40% better than the 2017 small SUV average of 22.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 321 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 RAV4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 RAV4 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Woodstock, Ontario · Toyota City, Aichi · Obu, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 RAV4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 67.3 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,549 lb | 58/42 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 67.3 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,428 lb | 58/42 |
| Hybrid | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 67.3 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,891 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 34 / 30 / 32 | +40% | $2,100 | 275 |
| RAV4 LE/XLE | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 338 |
| RAV4 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 349 |
| RAV4 AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | +10% | $2,700 | 357 |
| RAV4 Limited AWD/SE AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +5% | $2,800 | 363 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Toyota RAV4.
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Nov 1, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V734000 · 1,853,568 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
- Risk
- A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jun 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V503000 · 1,325 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · May 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V295000 · 409 vehicles
- Problem
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
- Risk
- A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Not every 2017 Toyota RAV4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Toyota RAV4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 107 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 40 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Exterior Lighting — 32 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Toyota RAV4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RAV4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RAV4 | 43 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 42 |
| 2025 RAV4 | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 106 |
| 2024 RAV4 | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 177 |
| 2023 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 171 |
| 2022 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 154 |
| 2021 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 411 |
| 2020 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 650 |
| 2019 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 905 |
| 2018 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 348 |
| 2016 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 257 |
| 2015 RAV4 | 26 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 304 |
| 2014 RAV4 | 26 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →