2020 Toyota RAV4

2020 Toyota RAV4 Highlights

2020 marks the second year of the fifth-generation RAV4, a vehicle that’s a sales juggernaut—the RAV4 is America’s best-selling non-pickup truck. This popularity also carries into the used car market. Here are some critical elements to know about the 2020 Toyota RAV4.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV with seating for five
• Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower
• Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
• Eight-speed automatic transmission

Benefits

• Spacious and practical interior with ample cargo space
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver-assist technologies
• Efficient gas powertrain
• Available all-wheel drive with Multi-Terrain Select (Adventure, TRD Off-Road)
• Rugged styling and enhanced capabilities in Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims

Learn More: 2020 Toyota RAV4 Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

2020 Toyota RAV4 Overview

Performance

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims and included with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road editions. While not the fastest compact crossover SUV in its segment, the RAV4’s powertrain gets the job done.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2020 Toyota RAV4 the highest possible overall safety rating of five stars. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated the 2020 RAV4 as a Top Safety Pick, the second-highest achievement with the organization.

All 2020 RAV4 models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies that include:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane tracing assist
• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive cruise control
• Road sign assist

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on XLE trim and above, while front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking are available on Limited models.

Driving

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience, with a smooth ride and confident handling. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a settled feel even on rough pavement. Steering is light and precise, making the RAV4 easy to maneuver in tight spaces and parking lots. No one will confuse the RAV4 for a performance vehicle, but that’s not what most buyers in this category want. Meanwhile, models with the optional all-wheel-drive system provide enhanced traction and stability during bad weather.

The available all-wheel drive system enhances traction and stability in various weather conditions. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims feature a more advanced all-wheel drive system with Multi-Terrain Select and Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which can distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels for improved agility and traction on various surfaces.

Interior

The RAV4 interior is spacious and well-designed, with high-quality materials and a focus on ergonomics. Although aesthetics aren’t a strong point of the RAV4, the simple layout reminds us that Toyota focuses on providing functional transportation for this type of vehicle.

The front seats are comfortable, with ample head and legroom for taller occupants. The rear seats offer accommodating space for two adults or three children, with a slightly elevated position providing good visibility.

Cargo space is generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate is available on higher trims, and a hands-free power liftgate is optional on the Limited.

Higher trims introduce premium features like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and SofTex-trimmed upholstery. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims feature unique interior accents and all-weather floor mats.

Technology

All 2020 Toyota RAV4 models have a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system is user-friendly and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. A larger 8-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims.

Additional tech features include:

• USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity
• 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster
• Six-speaker audio system (LE, XLE)
• 11-speaker JBL premium audio system (Optional on Limited)
• Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging (Optional on Limited)
• Digital rearview mirror (Optional on Limited)

The available digital rearview mirror uses a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle to provide an unobstructed view of what's behind the RAV4, even when the cargo area is full, or the rear window is obscured.

Fuel Economy

The 2020 RAV4 offers competitive fuel economy. However, the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims show a slight efficiency decrease due to their more advanced all-wheel drive systems and off-road-oriented tires. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid might be a better option if maximum fuel economy is a priority. Here is the EPA-rated fuel economy for each drivetrain (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive) in the 2020 Toyota RAV4.

2.5-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined
• AWD (mpg): 25-27 city / 32-34 highway / 27-30 combined

2020 Toyota RAV4 Reviews

Consumer reviews about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 are mixed on Kelley Blue Book—the car has a sub-par average rating of 3.6 out of 5. Owners give the 2020 RAV4 low scores for value and quality, while feedback about reliability and performance is somewhat better.

Reasons to Buy It

• Versatile and practical compact SUV with ample cargo space
• Efficient gas powertrain
• Standard suite of advanced safety features
• Off-road-oriented Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims

Problems

• Engine noise can be noticeable under hard acceleration
• Infotainment system lacks some advanced features found in competitors
• Higher trims can get pricey when fully optioned
• Lackluster owner reviews

CoPilot's Take

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is a strong contender in the highly competitive compact SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and safety. With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and standard driver-assist technologies, the RAV4 is well-suited for families and daily commutes.

Although the RAV4's infotainment system may lack some advanced features found in rivals, it still offers essential smartphone integration and user-friendly operation. The engine noise under hard acceleration may be noticeable to some drivers, but it's not a significant drawback. The RAV4 leans more towards essential transportation than a refined luxury car.

For buyers seeking a more rugged and off-road-capable compact SUV, the RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD Off-Road trims offer unique styling, upgraded all-wheel drive systems, and off-road-tuned suspensions. These are uncommon features in the compact crossover segment and can be appealing to buyers looking for a modest off-pavement adventure or regularly having to travel dirt roads.

Overall, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is a well-rounded and competitive choice, offering a balanced package that appeals to a wide range of buyers. That said, low rankings from consumers is surprising, even disappointing for those who consider Toyotas to be bulletproof.

A look back at 2019, the first year of the fifth-generation RAV4 showed a significant number of engine and transmission problems, according to CarComplaints.com. While these issues don’t appear in the same volume for the 2020 edition, it’s possible some of the first-year “gremlins” of a new design have carried forward.

This doesn’t mean ruling out the 2020 Toyota RAV4 from consideration. Rather, it’s a reminder to look at every used vehicle individually and get it inspected before making a purchase.

Discover: Here Are The Toyota RAV4 Years To Avoid

2020 Toyota RAV4 FAQs

Are there any problems with the 2020 Toyota RAV4?

While not a widespread issue, electrical problems are the most frequently cited problem, according to NHTSA and CarComplaints.com. Over 20% of the owner reports submitted to NHTSA involve this issue. NHTSA also has a high number of incidents relating to the fuel system.

How many miles will a 2020 Toyota RAV4 last?

With proper maintenance and care, a 2020 Toyota RAV4 can be expected to last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. Toyota vehicles are generally known for their longevity and reliability, and while reports show the 2020 RAV4 isn’t perfect, it still has the potential to reach high-mileage status. Regular servicing, timely repairs, and good driving habits can help extend the life of a RAV4 even further.

Is the 2020 Toyota RAV4 a good year to buy?

Possibly. As part of the fifth generation introduced in 2019, the 2020 model benefits from the RAV4's redesign, which brought improvements in style, performance, and features. The 2020 RAV4 offers a wide range of trim levels to suit different preferences and budgets. With its strong resale value and comprehensive suite of standard safety features, the 2020 RAV4 is a smart choice for those looking for a practical compact SUV. However, it’s best to approach the purchase of a 2020 RAV4 with caution. Don’t assume it’s automatically reliable because it’s a Toyota. Evaluate each example on a case-by-case basis and have a professional mechanic conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Check Out: Toyota RAV4 Resale Value: Do They Hold Their Value? What To Know