2025 Toyota RAV4: still a smart family SUV in its final year

Explore the 2025 Toyota RAV4’s specs, design, comfort, resale value and hybrid options. Is this 7-year-old SUV still worth buying?

In the fast-paced world of automotive design, seven years can feel like an eternity. Most vehicles start showing their age — in tech, in looks, in performance. But the 2025 Toyota RAV4 defies this pattern. With a full redesign expected soon, the current model continues to sell in impressive numbers, offering a balance of familiarity, functionality, and enduring appeal.

Under the Hood: Old Formula, Proven Results

The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine remains at the heart of the RAV4 lineup, producing 203 horsepower and mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive, it averages 28 MPG combined in the AWD variant.

Yet the hybrids are where things get interesting. With 219 hp and 40 MPG, the hybrid version is not just more efficient, but also more powerful. Nearly 40% of RAV4 buyers now opt for hybrids. Toyota has even simplified its branding — what used to be the “Prime” is now just the Plug-in Hybrid. Simple name, serious tech.

Exterior: Holding Its Shape

While no major design changes arrive this year, the RAV4 still looks fresh. The rugged, boxy silhouette, silver accents in the Limited trim, and standard LED lighting give it a premium edge. Toyota trimmed the lineup, discontinuing Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims — likely in preparation for the next-gen reveal.

Interior: Quietly Upscale

Step inside the Limited trim, and you’re greeted by soft-touch materials, well-bolstered SofTex seats, and thoughtful tech. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.5-inch infotainment screen make navigation and media intuitive. Physical climate controls remain — a welcome relief from screen-heavy setups.

Rear seat comfort is solid. Heated seats, air vents, and USB ports make it family-friendly, while cargo capacity tops out at 69 cubic feet. Hybrid versions don’t sacrifice any storage space, either — an impressive feat.

Driving Feel: Comfort Comes First

Performance is modest, with 0–60 mph in about 8.1 seconds. Cabin noise levels sit at 60.6 dB at 55 mph, making it one of the louder models in its class. Ride quality, however, is smooth and composed, with the suspension soaking up bumps with ease. The Limited trim adds torque vectoring AWD — ideal for wet or uneven roads.

Price and Value: Not Cheap, But Smart

The base model starts at $28,850, but our well-equipped Limited AWD test car pushes past $42,000. Still, resale value is among the best in class: 64.5% retained after 5 years, 41.4% after 10. Add in Toyota’s top-tier reliability, and the RAV4 becomes more than just a sensible buy — it’s a strategic one.

While the next-generation RAV4 may debut soon, the 2025 model is far from obsolete. It delivers where it matters — comfort, reliability, efficiency, and resale. In a sea of newer rivals, this old guard still knows how to play the game — and win.