An average buyer of a used car is different from a car enthusiast. They’re not looking for a project car; they are looking for something practical, reliable, efficient and modern, without spending a lot of money. There is one SUV that manages to strike this perfect balance, and of course it carries the Toyota badge. It’s a used RAV4, a Toyota SUV that outsells many brand new cars these days. This is why this used Toyota SUV is so popular, even on the used market.
A used RAV4 is old for four brand new RAV4 models
The Toyota RAV4, in its fifth generation, is an SUV that has become extremely popular in recent years, thanks to its combination of everyday usability, low ownership costs and high resale value. On top of that, it has a decently powerful engine, a spacious interior, and plenty of features, including an available all-wheel drive system. And according to iSeeCarsit could also be the best-selling Toyota SUV on the used market!
iSeeCarsResearch into 7.7 million car sales from one to five years in 2024
According to a study by iSeeCars Of the 7.7 million one- to five-year-old cars sold in 2024, the Toyota SUV (excluding the RAV4 Hybrid) was the ninth best-selling used car of 2024. That also makes it the best-selling Toyota SUV of that year. The study found that the RAV4 was responsible for 1.6 percent of total used car sales in the U.S., more than some other big names, such as the Toyota Corolla (1.4 percent), Honda CR-V (1.3 percent) and Ford Escape (1.2 percent).
Calculations on a napkin suggest that the used market will have displaced approximately 123,200 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4s (much of the fifth generation) by 2024 alone. For reference, that same year Toyota sold 475,193 brand new MY24 RAV4 models, the best-selling car of the year. This means that for every four new RAV4s sold, the used market itself sold one. That’s a huge achievement for a used car, when you think about it. Toyota spends millions on advertising every year, while the average used car seller has only a phone camera and an online listing.
Used RAV4 sales compared to other cars
The iSeeCars study also suggests that the 2019 to 2023 RAV4 Several brand new Toyotas have sold out in 2024, including the 4Runner (92,156 units) and Prius (44,711 units). Similarly, the RAV4 outsold all Lexus cars combined (67,587 units, excluding trucks) and its contemporary rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan (94,372 units) and the Mitsubishi Outlander ICE (45,253 units). Remember, the iSeeCars The study is based on sales of cars from one to five years old, so the actual number of used RAV4s sold may be significantly higher.
The Toyota SUV that sold more than the 4Runner, Tundra and Tacoma combined
This amazing Toyota SUV is the king of the market and has surpassed not only its competitors but also its other Toyota counterparts.
A strain on a used car buyer’s wallet
A used car buyer likely wants to save as much as possible, and that’s the main reason why the fifth-generation RAV4 is in such high demand on the used market. It’s one of the most reliable SUVs you can buy today, with a high reliability score across the board. Plus, it’s also relatively fuel efficient, with EPA estimates ranging from 28 to 30 miles per gallon under combined conditions for recent model years. Finally, Toyota’s extensive service network, solid build quality and low maintenance costs complete the deal, making the RAV4 a very pocket-friendly compact SUV.
Ranked as the most reliable crossover SUV and small SUV
Reliability is where the RAV4 comes out on top against its rivals. iSeeCars estimates its average lifespan at 13.7 years or 168,824 miles, with a 28.4 percent chance of reaching 200,000 miles. Those real-world numbers help the RAV4 achieve an overall reliability score of 8.2 out of 100, and an even stronger 8.7 out of 10 for the current fifth generation. That’s also why iSeeCars ranks the RAV4 as the most reliable crossover SUV and the most reliable small SUV you can buy.
Holds an absurd amount of value for a car that sells so well
Some cars hold their value because they are rare and special, but the RAV4 is neither. It’s one of the best-selling SUVs ever, but it holds its value better than most cars. According to iSeeCarsa new RAV4 loses only 30.3 percent of its value after five years. For context, the average compact SUV loses 44.1 percent over the same period, and the average SUV loses 49 percent. Likewise, the depreciation over 10 years is 57.2 percent. This makes the RAV4 even more attractive to used car buyers because it helps them minimize the money they’ll lose when it comes time to sell it a few years later.
Here’s how Toyota SUVs retain their value after 5 years
Thanks to Toyota’s mechanical simplicity and considering ease of maintenance, used car buyers are willing to spend money on a used Toyota.
It is the perfect all-rounder SUV on the second-hand market
The RAV4 goes beyond monetary benefits, offering buyers a well-rounded SUV package that meets most needs. For example, the fifth-generation RAV4’s 2.5-liter engine produces 203 horsepower, which is more than enough for most driving conditions. Thanks to the available all-wheel drive, it is also suitable for light terrain conditions and slippery roads. And finally, adding a cherry to this cake is the maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Fits almost any lifestyle with its versatility
SUVs are popular these days for their versatility, and the RAV4 is no exception. The fifth-generation RAV4 can wear multiple hats: grocer, commuter, weekend adventurer, family car and even a light-duty off-roader. The SUV’s two rows of seating also give it enough space for up to five people, along with a decent cargo space, making it ideal for small families. It doesn’t disappoint in terms of technology either, with all the essentials of a modern car, including an infotainment system, Toyota Safety Sense and keyless entry.
The best used Toyota you can buy today for under $20,000
There are many different Toyota vehicles on the used market, but there is one that stands out as the best.
Buying a used RAV4 in 2025: best years and average used prices
Should you buy a used RAV4 in 2025? Certainly. There’s a reason the used market shifts so many RAV4s every year: it’s a reliable SUV that will last for years without burning a hole in your wallet. Of course, if your budget allows it, you should go for the latest model you can find. If you’re not interested in the latest features, a late fourth-generation model may be a good deal. Depending on the model you choose, you can expect to pay around $19,000 to $38,000 on the used market.
Best years for RAV4
You can’t go wrong with whichever RAV4 you choose today; most model years have high reliability ratings. Your best bet, however, is the 2022 model year, which has an 87 out of 100 quality and reliability rating from JD powerthe highest of the fifth-generation RAV4 models. This year there is also a good balance between old enough to be cheap and new enough not to become worn out with age. According to KBBPricing ranges from $24,000 to $32,000 depending on trim, with the TRD Off-Road being the most expensive.
Another good model year is 2018. Since this was the last of the fourth generation, common issues had already been resolved, giving it a reliability score of 88 out of 100. JD power. Used prices for this model year range from $13,000 to $19,000. On the other hand, you should be careful when looking at a 2019 RAV4, which is known for having serious transmission issues, giving it an average reliability score of 76 out of 100. Other than that, most model years of the RAV4 have had above-average reliability ratings in recent years, and you can’t go wrong with that.
Source: iSeeCars, Kelley Blue Book, JD powerThe EPA
#Toyota #SUV #selling #models #heres