Since its introduction to the US SUV car industry in the late 1990s, the Toyota RAV4 has remained popular due to its reliability. Toyota RAV4s have a history of lasting a very long time, and they’re reliable too.
Keep reading to learn more about engine sizes in RAV4s over the generations.
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Check also our full review of the RAV4 here.
5th Generation (2019 to present) Toyota RAV4 Engine Sizes
The 5th generation Toyota RAV4s are created with two engine options; the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and a hybrid version.
Both engine options use a CVT transmission, which mimics an automatic transmission and features 8-speeds.
This model also ranks as one of the best smaller SUVs for hills and snow driving.
5th Generation Toyota RAV4 Horsepower and Torque
The RAV4 5th generation engine creates 206HP. The hybrid version has an impressive 219HP.
This generation uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The newer generations of the RAV4 are much more customizable than that of the first generations. However, the latest RAV4 models are also more expensive.
5th Generation Toyota RAV4 Towing
Before the 2020 model was released, the RAV4 wasn’t known for towing.
However, RAV4s released from 2020 to 2022 can tow up to 3,500lbs. If a RAV4 is updated with towing equipment, it can increase the towing capacity to up to 5,000lbs.
We have a full towing guide to RAV4 here.
5th Generation Toyota RAV4 Mileage
The 5th generation Hybrid Toyota RAV4 has excellent fuel economy. It has a combined fuel economy of 41MPG, 38MPG in the city, and 40MPG on the highway. This makes the RAV4 ideal for road trips and long drives.
Non-hybrid models average about 26MPG.
The hybrids use electric engines and gasoline to extend their fuel efficiency.
Note also, that you might have many miles left – even when the “Distance-To-Empty” indicator tells otherwise.
4th Generation (2013 to 2018) Toyota RAV4 Engine Sizes
The 4th generation of the RAV4 from Toyota uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
In 2016, halfway through the 4th generation, Toyota added a hybrid option. For the 4th generation, Toyota discontinued the use of the V6 engine.
4th Generation Toyota RAV4 Horsepower and Torque
The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine produces 176HP and 172lb-ft. of torque.
The 4th generation uses a 6-speed automatic transmission.
4th Generation Toyota RAV4 Towing
Crossovers aren’t known for substantial towing capacities.
But, even compared to others in the industry, the RAV4 rates are relatively low at just 1,500lbs. But, that’s okay because not all Toyota RAV4 drivers are interested in driving the SUV with the purpose of towing.
When appropriately equipped, a 2017 and a 2018 Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 3,500lbs.
The Toyota RAV4 can easily be upgraded to tow up to 5,000lbs.
It’s important to have OEM towing equipment installed by the manufacturer or at the dealership to ensure the towing capacity of the RAV4 is correct.
4th Generation Toyota RAV4 Mileage
4th generation Toyota RAV4s with front-wheel drive gets about 24MPG in the city and 31MPG on the highway.
RAV4s with an all-wheel drive system doesn’t get as good mileage because of the vehicle’s weight.
Instead, all-wheel drive RAV4s average about 22MPG in the city and 29MPG on the highway.
3rd Generation (2007 to 2012) Toyota RAV4 Engine Sizes
The third generation of the RAV4 from Toyota saw a bunch of 1st for the line. It was the first time a powerful V6 engine was added.
And it was the only time an all-electric RAV4 was made.
This release features three trims. Each trim starts with a basic 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
All three trims can upgrade to a bigger V6 engine, the 3.5L.
3rd Generation Toyota RAV4 Horsepower and Torque
The base engine for this generation creates 166HP and uses a 4-speed automatic transmission. The upgraded V6 engine uses a 5-speed transmission.
3rd Generation Toyota RAV4 Towing
The 3rd generation of the Toyota RAV4 has a max towing capacity of 2,000lbs.
3rd Generation Toyota RAV4 Mileage
The third generation Toyota RAV4 gets about 21MPG in the city and 27MPG on the highway for 24MPG combined.
However, when you switch to all-wheel-drive, the RAV 4 decreases its mileage to about 22MPG combined.
The V6 engine was discontinued after this generation because drivers weren’t impressed with the decreased mileage associated with the V6 engine.
You can see more here about Toyota Rav4 models with four-wheel-drive.
2nd generation (2002 to 2006) Toyota RAV4 Engine Sizes
The 2nd generation Toyota RAV4s came with a variety of engine options. Traditional RAV4 engines were available as 1.4L, 1.8L, and 2.0L.
A diesel engine was available for this generation at 2.4L.
2nd Generation Toyota RAV4 Horsepower and Torque
The 2nd generation Toyota RAV4 has an HP average of 123 to 156. Models were sold with both 4-speed and 5-speed transmissions.
This performance is also why all the RAV4 models are very popular.
2nd Generation Toyota RAV4 Towing
The maximum Toyota RAV4 towing capacity is about 1,500lbs.
However, installation of aftermarket parts can increase the towing capacity of the 2nd generation RAV4, but it is important to have this equipment installed professionally.
2nd Generation Toyota RAV4 Mileage
RAV4s in the 2nd generation average about 23MPG in the city and about 28MPG in the city.
The electric version of the 2002 RAV4 averages about 78 miles per gallon.
1st Generation (1996 to 2001) Toyota RAV4 Engine Sizes
1st generation Toyota RAV4s are created with a 2L I4 engine.
1st Generation Toyota RAV4 Horsepower and Torque
1st generation Toyota RAV4s have a horsepower range of 119 to 177.
RAV4s from this generation were available with 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transmissions.
1st Generation Toyota RAV4 Towing
The 1st generation Toyota RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of about 1,500lbs. Towing capacity can be increased with OEM and aftermarket parts.
The equipment should be installed professionally to ensure the towing capacity is accurate.
1st Generation Toyota RAV4 Mileage
The 1st generation Toyota RAV4 is one of the best SUVs to be created.
It has an average of 24MPG in the city and 29MPG on the highway.
What Toyota RAV4 model has the strongest engine?
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime has the most powerful engine in this line-up. The 2022 Prime’s engine creates 300HP. In addition, it has a gas/electric powertrain that can go from 0 to 60MPH in 5.7 seconds.
Toyota outfits the powerful 2022 RAV4 Prime with standard all-wheel drive for the best performance possible.
How big a boat can a Toyota RAV4 tow?
The Toyota RAV4 can tow a boat. How big of a boat a RAV4 can haul depends on its engine size and whether additional towing equipment has been installed.
The average RAV4 can haul about 1,500lbs.
However, these RAV4s can easily be upgraded with hauling equipment to haul up to 3,000lbs.
Some RAV4s can haul up to 3,500lbs. Like RAV4s with smaller towing capacities, the ones with larger towing capacities can also be upgraded to tow up to 5,000lbs.
With towing capacities ranging widely from 1,500lbs to 5,000lbs., the RAV4 can tow various boats, from small aluminum towing boats to bigger powered boats.
It’s important to make sure your RAV4 can handle towing a certain weight before it’s attempted.
How big a camper can a Toyota RAV4 tow?
Just like determining how big a boat a RAV4 can haul, it depends on what type of equipment and motor is installed.
However, even RAV4s with minor towing capacities can haul pop-up and teardrop campers.
RAV4s with larger towing capacities can haul small campers and campers that sit on trailers.
Whether you need a daily commuter or a small SUV to haul your fishing boat, the Toyota RAV4 fits the bill.
The power associated with the bigger engines allows the RAV4 to easily navigate slippery boat docks and carry boat trailers.
