An All-Terrain Classic
The Toyota RAV4 is a classic SUV for Costa Rica and residents here. Many current residents had their first experience driving in Costa Rica in a RAV4 rental. The RAV4 is a smaller SUV, based on an automobile chassis. This gives it a much better ride and handling than many SUVs. At the same time it offers an excellent all-wheel drive feature, which will get you out of the majority of situations where you need traction but not that much power. The lighter body helps in these cases too. The 4 door RAV4 seats 5 adults fairly comfortably and has some room in the back for luggage or gear too.
Introducing the Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 came in two or four door versions and was introduced in 1996. They are gasoline engines, and commonly available with a manual or an automatic transmission. The RAV4 can be all-wheel drive, or just 2-wheel drive. Through 1999 the vehicle is characterized by a two-tone paint scheme, with the lower plastic molding being generally black, sometimes gray.
Toyota RAV4 engine compartment
Simple and straightforward from the 1990s
Toyota RAV4 4 door
Toyota RAV4 1990s
Toyota RAV4 1996 rear gate
This is full 1990s styling.
Toyota RAV4 1996 dash
Toyota RAV4 late 1990s dash
Toyota RAV4 in Y2K
For the new millennium, the RAV4 underwent more than cosmetic changes. The body was restyled, the plastic side moldings reduced drastically, the vehicle is wider, and the motor got an improved injection system and increased horsepower. There is a little bit more interior room, with out sacrificing fuel economy. Some models have the optional 2400cc engine.
In 2006 the RAV4 got buff, all have the 2.4 liter engine, with the innovative multi-injection technology that gives improved performance and also fuel economy. There is more interior room and the design is also updated.
Toyota RAV4 2002 side
The AWD Toyota RAV4 is a solid choice for a crossover type SUV.
Toyota RAV4 2002
Factory roof racks and fog lights
Toyota RAV4 2002 engine
Here the new vvt-i technology is front and center.
The RAV4 Revs Up 2014-2019
In 2014 the RAV4 got was transformed. While the earlier improvements could be categorized as cosmetic to some degree, the 2014 version is actually much bigger, and has a completely redesigned body. The 2.5 liter engine has more horsepower, the automatic transmission became a 6 speed, and offers the manual mode for greater control in varying road conditions while the suspension also received upgrades. The interior is also much improved, particularly the instrument panel and dash. A big change is that the rear tailgate lifts rather than swings out, and the spare tire now goes into the floor of the cargo area. The hybrid RAV4 is also available the more recent models of this version, that went through 2019.
Toyota RAV4 2018
Factory fog lights and a sleek look
Toyota RAV4 2018 front row
Base version with manual mode transmission and factory radio, power mirror controls
Toyota RAV4 2018 shift lever
A real innovation in this generation
Toyota RAV4 2019 dash
Analog instrument panel and A/C controls, but a nice layout and controls on steering wheel.
2020 RAV4 and Beyond
While 2020 wasn’t the best year around the world, the RAV4 was an exception. While the previous versions evolved, the 2020 RAV4 mutated like the X-men or the Fantastic 4. The 2.0 liter engine doesn’t really lack in performance compared to the larger engines of earlier versions, and it is more fuel efficient. The RAV4 is significantly bigger in this version, with an aggressive stance and design.
Because of the up-sizing, the interior room increases significantly, and there is a big wow factor for the instrument panel and dash. The hybrid RAV4 is still available, some are even plug-in hybrids.
RAV4 2020 XLE
Here the new look really is impressive
RAV4 HIBRIDO 2020 panel
Dual climate control A/C stands out, as well as the dial for driving mode selection
Toyota RAV4 2020 Dash
The infotainment display and modernized dash are elegant touches
Toyota RAV4 2020 Side View
This shows the 20.5 centimeter ground clearance quite well
Toyota RAV4 2020 Engine
The 2 liter dual VVT-i engine was rated at 170 HP and 203 Nm of torque.
2020 RAV4 XLE
Rear view of the RAV4 Sport Plus version
Toyota RAV4 Parts and Repairs
Probably the ideal situation
These SUVs are hugely popular in Costa Rica. Purdy Motors is historically one of the best dealers, if not the best. Parts are readily available nationwide and mechanics know them very well. Parts are a good value, being more expensive than some brands, but higher quality. And compared to many other brands, they are less expensive without sacrificing quality.
Toyota RAV4 Summary
The most popular for a reason
Pricing: The RAV4 is consistently the most popular model sold in Costa Rica. This is reflected in the new car pricing and also in the used market. They retain value very well. The RAV4 is an excellent choice, but has competition in the Honda CRV and Suzuki Sidekick, the better choice in your case may depend on your usage and your area.
Advantages: If you don’t need true 4×4, the AWD RAV4 is very capable and will perform well if you travel around Costa Rica. Later models have very sophisticated traction control systems, and earlier models are much more capable than you might expect. It is comfortable to drive in town and handles well on the highway. The suspension is fairly sturdy and will hold up to some degree when used continuously on gravel roads or poorly maintained roads in coastal areas.
Cons: The main drawback is the entry price. The front wheel drive versions are pretty competitive, but very basic. The all wheel drive versions tend to be well-equipped, but you pay a big premium for these options. Other brands offer more options and conveniences at a better price. On the used market SUVs from Honda and Mitsubishi suffer in value, because parts are expensive, albeit high quality. If you don’t have much room in your budget, or can’t get your head around paying the prices in Costa Rica that Toyota commands, then you will be better off considering other brands.
Toyota RAV4
For sale in Costa Rica
July 2025
| Year Range | Usual Km | Price Low | Price High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-1999 | 150-300,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 |
| 2000-2005 | 120-250,000 | $8,000 | $11,000 |
| 2006-2012 | 100-200,000 | $11,000 | $18,000 |
| 2013-2019 | 80-190,000 | $18,000 | $28,000 |
Notes:
Toyota RAV4, 4 door, all-wheel drive, automatic transmission, market value not including legal / registry fees