Toyota RAV4 XA30 (2006–2012)

Toyota RAV4 XA30 (2006–2012) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Toyota RAV4 — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
XA20 2001–2005 —
XA30 2006–2012 —
XA40 2013–2018 —
XA50 2019–present 2022

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the RAV4

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Toyota 2.5L I4 (A25A Dynamic Force) 2009–2026 18 models 593
Toyota 3.5L V6 (2GR) 2006–2012 7 models 113
Toyota 2.4L I4 (2AZ-FE) 2004–2008 20 models 44
Toyota 2.0L 4-cylinder 1996–2003 14 models 29

Toyota RAV4 fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

Used Toyota RAV4 prices by year → · Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota RAV4 · Nissan Rogue vs Toyota RAV4 · Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota RAV4

About this generation

The Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2006 model year, using an all-new platform, and was first unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. The third-generation RAV4 was offered in two versions: a short- or a long-wheelbase model. The short-wheelbase model was sold only in Japan, Europe and New Zealand (diesel only in NZ), with the long-wheelbase RAV4 sold in Australia, New Zealand and North America. In comparison with the previous generation model, the wheelbase of the short-wheelbase model was increased, while exterior dimensions are longer and wider than the previous model.

The extended-length version has an additional 21% in interior volume from the last generation, and had an optional third-row for two additional passengers (North America and Japan only). Since 2007, the extended-length RAV4 was also sold alongside its shorter counterpart in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard, which uses a revised front-end body work incorporating a revised grille, bumper, bonnet and headlamps. The third-generation RAV4 went on sale in Japan in 2005 at Netz dealers.

As the XA30 series RAV4 was not available with a 3-door option, the previous generation 3-door RAV4 was dropped in the beginning of 2007. The XA30 series RAV4 was sold in Japan until July 2016, where the XA40 was not to be offered. Toyota discontinued the Vanguard in November 2013 in favour of the redesigned XU60 Harrier. For this generation, the RAV4 could be optioned with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive in North America and Japan; while most countries only sell the four-wheel drive version.

In the Japanese market four-wheel drive RAV4, between 97 and 98 percent of power is typically distributed to the front wheels, until it senses a loss of traction then up to 45 percent of power will go the rear wheels. The European market model is able to be locked into a 50:50 ratio. The third-generation RAV4 is also equipped with electric power steering (EPS) system, an optional keyless entry system marketed as Smart Entry and Start System and nine airbags for the first time.

In the interior, the RAV4 uses a two-tiered instrument panel which was designed to improve the feel of roominess. Another addition for the third-generation RAV4 is the option of a V6 engine in some markets. It is a 3.5-litre 2GR-FE petrol engine that is rated, which is capable of acceleration in around six seconds. In 2008 (for the 2009 model year), the RAV4 was given a mid-cycle refresh in some markets, featuring a number of changes, including an all-new four-cylinder engine, and a redesigned front end and tweaked rear end.

Much of the interior remains as before. In 2010 (for the 2011 model year), the RAV4 underwent another facelift, based on the Vanguard's styling. The vehicles were built in Toyota's Tahara, Aichi assembly plant, and under contract by Toyota Industries in its Nagakusa, Obu, Aichi plant. Beginning in November 2008, vehicles for the North American market were built in the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. at the new West Plant in Woodstock, Ontario.

Beginning in March 2009, Chinese models began production by Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. in a joint-venture plant in Tianjin, China. In 2015, the XA30 series RAV4 was awarded the WheelsTV pre-owned vehicle of the year title. Model ranges include X, G and Sport, replacing RAV4 L and RAV4 J. The X and G can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Sport model with over fenders is four-wheel drive only.

The extended-length RAV4 was sold in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard, released in August 2007. It was sold in five- and seven-passenger versions and slots between the regular RAV4 and Kluger. As it was often the case in Japan-only vehicles, the Vanguard comes loaded with high-tech gadgets, including steering-assisted stability control, keyless entry and satellite navigation. The Vanguard received a facelift in 2010.

Source: Wikipedia — Toyota RAV4 — Third generation (XA30; 2005), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
2006 11 703 Steering, Engine, Vehicle Speed Control
2007 14 1,002 Steering, Engine, Suspension
2008 14 575 Engine, Vehicle Speed Control, Suspension
2009 15 327 Vehicle Speed Control, Suspension, Service Brakes
2010 14 400 Suspension, Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train
2011 11 287 Vehicle Speed Control, Service Brakes, Visibility/Wiper
2012 5 266 Visibility/Wiper, Vehicle Speed Control, Service Brakes

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

For sale right now