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2005 Toyota RAV4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

Toyota RAV4
Pictured: 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium in Silver Sky with Midnight Black roof, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Horsepower
149 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
Length
161.4 in
Curb weight
3,001 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2005 SUV - (18 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2005 Toyota RAV4 is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 161 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,001 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 28% better than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 88 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

Trims, performance & features

Engine149 hp2.4L 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

ACA28L/ACA23L

Built in: Tahara, Aichi · Obu, Aichi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2005 RAV4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD161.4 in68.5 in66.5 in98 in59.4 / 59.1 in3,001 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RAV4 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+28%$2,900386
RAV4 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+28%$2,900386
RAV4 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22+32%$3,050404
RAV4 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21+26%$3,200423
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18 MPG2005 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Toyota RAV4 under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2005 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Toyota RAV4 (this car)23 MPGNot rated4
2005 Hyundai Tucson22 MPGNot rated0
2005 Subaru Legacy/Outback23 MPGNot rated0
2005 Honda Element21 MPGNot rated7
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser22 MPGNot rated0
2005 Mercury Mariner21 MPGNot rated1
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara18 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Oct 17, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V741000 · 928,220 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 13, 2015 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 15V284000 · 159,700 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. Owners were mailed an interim notice June 17, 2015. The recall began on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

Problem
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2005 Toyota RAV4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

88Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
115,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags55
Unknown Or Other10
Engine7
Service Brakes5
Steering5
Power Train4
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)4
Electrical System3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/08: 116/09: 116/10: 116/11: 116/12: 217/06: 317/10: 217/11: 218/01: 218/02: 118/05: 118/07: 218/10: 119/01: 219/06: 119/07: 219/10: 119/11: 120/09: 121/02: 122/10: 124/06: 125/08: 125/12: 116/0816/1117/1018/0218/1019/0720/0924/06max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Toyota RAV4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Air Bags — 55 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 115,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota RAV4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other RAV4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 RAV443181.1 inNot rated242
2025 RAV439180.7 in★★★★★4106
2024 RAV439180.7 in★★★★★4177
2023 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★3171
2022 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★2154
2021 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★1411
2020 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★6650
2019 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★8905
2018 RAV432181.1 in★★★★★3348
2017 RAV432181.1 inNot rated3321
2016 RAV432181.1 inNot rated3257
2015 RAV426179.5 inNot rated4304

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →