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2020 Toyota RAV4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Toyota RAV4
Pictured: 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium in Silver Sky with Midnight Black roof, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
AWD Le / Xle 4dr SUV, AWD Trail / Limited 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV, Hybrid 4dr SUV
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl
Horsepower
176–203 hp
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
40 combined · 41 city / 38 hwy
Length
180.7 in
Curb weight
3,369–3,755 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 70% better than the average 2020 small SUV (23.5 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints650 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 141 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 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 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,490 lb (AWD Le / Xle 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (41 city / 38 highway), 70% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 650 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 RAV4 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 RAV4 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine203 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Engine176 hp2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

XLEXLE HVLE

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard

Built in: Cambridge, Ontario · Woodstock, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 RAV4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
AWD Le / Xle 4dr SUV180.7 in72.8 in66.9 in105.9 in63 / 63.8 in3,490 lb57/43
AWD Trail / Limited 4dr SUV180.7 in72.8 in66.9 in105.9 in63 / 63.8 in3,613 lb57/43
FWD 4dr SUV180.7 in72.8 in66.9 in105.9 in63 / 63.8 in3,369 lb57/43
Hybrid 4dr SUV180.7 in72.8 in66.9 in105.9 in63 / 63.8 in3,755 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RAV4 Hybrid AWD Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive41 / 38 / 40+70%$1,700223
RAV42.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 35 / 30+17%$2,250296
RAV42.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 35 / 30+17%$2,250290
RAV4 AWD LE2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive27 / 34 / 30+28%$2,250296
RAV4 AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive27 / 33 / 29+23%$2,300301
RAV4 AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+19%$2,400315
RAV4 AWD TRD OFFROAD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive25 / 32 / 27+15%$2,500321
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.5 MPG2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
2020 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2020 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Toyota RAV4 (this car)40 MPG★★★★★6
2020 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★9
2020 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Hyundai Tucson25 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Mazda CX-528 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan25 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (6)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Air Bags › Frontal · Nov 25, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V734000 · 161 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jun 24, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V373000 · 46 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
Risk
A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · May 20, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V286000 · 9,502 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. The front lower suspension arms may have cracks, which may result in the suspension arm separating from the front wheel assembly.
Risk
If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms, free of charge. This recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's interim numbers for this recall are 20TB08 / 20TA08.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 6, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V064000 · 44,191 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
Risk
A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Toyota RAV4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

650Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
5Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
3,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine182
Unknown Or Other121
Electrical System119
Fuel/Propulsion System91
Air Bags58
Structure › Body41
Power Train38
Steering28
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 824/12: 1225/01: 325/02: 425/03: 825/04: 1325/05: 925/06: 825/07: 1025/08: 625/09: 525/10: 225/11: 425/12: 226/01: 226/02: 326/03: 626/04: 326/05: 926/06: 426/07: 326/08: 326/09: 526/10: 224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 13

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Toyota RAV4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 182 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 119 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 91 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota RAV4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other RAV4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 RAV443181.1 inNot rated242
2025 RAV439180.7 in★★★★★4106
2024 RAV439180.7 in★★★★★4177
2023 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★3171
2022 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★2154
2021 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★1411
2019 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★8905
2018 RAV432181.1 in★★★★★3348
2017 RAV432181.1 inNot rated3321
2016 RAV432181.1 inNot rated3257
2015 RAV426179.5 inNot rated4304
2014 RAV426179.5 inNot rated7195

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →