How Many Miles Will a Toyota RAV4 Last?
The Toyota RAV4 appeared in the 1996 model year in the U.S., and now the SUV is in its fifth generation. It was also the top-selling SUV in 2020. It even sells better than the ever-popular Toyota Camry. It’s practical, efficient, and good-looking. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is available in gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. It’s so popular that you might already own one or be thinking of getting one. If so, you might be wondering how many miles your Toyota RAV4 will last.
The Toyota RAV4 should last more than 200,000 miles
A Toyota RAV4 can be expected to last 200,000 to 250,000 miles, says Motor and Wheels. That could be 13 to 16 years, although it depends on how much you drive each year. This SUV is one you can count on to last, assuming you keep up with proper maintenance.
If your RAV4 passes 250,000 miles, you’ll likely need to begin replacing major parts, like the engine or the transmission. Luckily, the RAV4 doesn’t have a rust problem. However, depending on where you live, you’ll still need to keep an eye out for rust after about six years. RAV4s in areas of the country with salty ocean air or with roads that get salted in the winter are more likely to develop rust.
Different model years of the Toyota RAV4 are different, though. Looking at the number of issues submitted to Car Complaints, model years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008 might be ones to skip over. Other model years have low numbers of complaints. If you’re going to purchase a used RAV4, you’ll also want to make sure any recalls have been resolved.
How its lifespan compare to competitors
The Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V are two of the most popular compact SUVs. While the RAV4 is expected to have a long lifespan, the CR-V is projected to last even longer, up to 300,000 miles. Motor and Wheels says the CR-V also has lower service costs, at $407 per year. The RAV4 costs about $429 to service each year. However, the average compact SUV costs $521 to service each year. The CR-V also gets better reliability ratings, which impacts service needs and overall lifespan.
The Subaru Forester is able to last about 250,000 miles, and the Mazda CX-5 is expected to last 200,000 to 250,000 miles. The compact Toyota SUV, along with the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester, is among the top 10 SUVs that owners keep for 15 years or longer, says iSeeCars.com.
Tips for getting the most miles out of your Toyota RAV4
Your Toyota RAV4 will last the longest if you take great care of it. Check with your RAV4 owner’s manual for recommendations on when particular maintenance services should be performed. You’ll likely need to replace your RAV4’s brakes after 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Tires will last 40,000 to 60,000 miles but should be rotated every 5,000 miles. If well maintained, the transmission should last at least 120,000 miles. And spark plugs can last up to 100,000 miles.
You can also treat the RAV4 with an anti-rust treatment. This can be done by a professional, or you can decide to spray oil onto the RAV4 yourself periodically. A basic way to take care of your RAV4 is to wash it regularly. This helps remove any salt that could cause corrosion and rust. Lastly, be attentive to your RAV4 to make sure you notice odd noises or unusual leaks and have these potential problems checked and repaired. If you take good care of your Toyota RAV4, you can expect it to last for many years and many miles.
