Toyota RAV4 Camper
Good boot length and standard SUV height with better width between the wheel arches. Good for camping when you are planning to venture off the road (albeit not as rugged as the Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun). Plus, Toyota’s hybrid engine is one of the most reliable engines out there. Overall, the Toyota RAV4 ranks very high in terms of reliability. It is also quite a frugal car, especially the hybrid version, with an average consumption of 4.5 l/100km (around 6.5 l/100km for the petrol engine).
This car’s boot is 181 cm long ⤢, 85 cm tall ↕, and 112 cm wide ↔.
NimbleCamper rating: 3/5| Body type | |
|---|---|
| Boot length (cm) | 181 |
| Boot height (cm) | 85 |
| Boot width [wheel arches] (cm) | 112 |
| Make | |
| Comfort rating | 1.5 |
| Consumption l/100km | 5.5 |
| Consumption MPG (UK) | 51 |
| Available in | |
| Engine type | |
| NimbleCamper rating (out of max 5) | |
| Average used price, GBP (2015) | 16569 |
| Boot door type |
How to sleep in Toyota RAV4, DIY camping conversions and related posts
Average boot size by type of car
There are many types of car bodies to choose from and their looks can be deceiving. For example, some SUVs…
Toyota Sienna single person camping – no build camper
Watch how you can sleep and camp (meaning cook and do more than just sleep) comfortably in a Toyota Sienna…
Fiat Panda Mk3 & Dacia Jogger – DIY 1-person conversions by Fabian
Here are two creative camping conversions: a practical Fiat Panda camping conversion to Fabian’s simple 1-person jogger setup.
Fiat Panda camping conversion DIY by Bill
This DIY Fiat Panda conversion makes the most of available space in the car. Bill Roberts shows us that you…
Toyota RAV4 boot size
Toyota RAV4 Boot size by model year (generation)
Generation | Seats Up Length (cm) | Boot Width (cm) | Seats Up Height (cm) | Seats Down Length (cm) | Seats Down Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Generation (1997-2000) | 76.2 | 106.68 | 76.2 | 157.48 | 76.2 |
Second Generation (2001-2005) | 91.44 | 106.68 | 83.82 | 172.72 | 83.82 |
Third Generation (2006-2012) | 86.36 | 114.3 | 86.36 | 182.88 | 86.36 |
Fourth Generation (2013-2018) | 91.44 | 111.76 | 86.36 | 187.96 | 86.36 |
Fifth Generation (2019-2023) | 88.9 | 116.84 | 83.82 | 180.34 | 83.82 |
AVERAGE (excluding the small 1st generation) | 89.5 | 112.4 | 85 | 181 | 85 |
Generation | Seats Up Length (inches) | Boot Width (cm) | Seats Up Height (inches) | Seats Down Length (inches) | Seats Down Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Generation (1997-2000) | 30 | 42 | 30 | 62 | 30 |
Second Generation (2001-2005) | 36 | 42 | 33 | 68 | 33 |
Third Generation (2006-2012) | 34 | 45 | 34 | 72 | 34 |
Fourth Generation (2013-2018) | 36 | 44 | 34 | 74 | 34 |
Fifth Generation (2019-2023) | 35 | 46 | 33 | 71 | 33 |
AVERAGE (excluding the small 1st generation) | 35.3 | 44.3 | 33.5 | 71.3 | 33.5 |
Source: https://rav4hub.com/toyota-rav4-cargo-space-dimensions/
The Toyota RAV4 has been a popular compact SUV since its inception, offering a range of engine options across its different generations. The RAV4 has evolved significantly in terms of performance, design, and technology, but its engines have remained a key part of its appeal. The two main engine types in the RAV4 lineup are petrol and hybrid variants, each providing different driving experiences and fuel efficiency.
Petrol Engines
Throughout the RAV4’s history, Toyota has equipped the vehicle with various petrol engines, ranging from smaller four-cylinder engines to more powerful variants as the years went by. Early generations, such as the first (1997-2000) and second (2001-2005), offered 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter petrol engines, respectively. These engines were known for their reliability, although the early models had fewer advanced features, which may impact their overall fuel efficiency and performance in comparison to newer generations.
The third generation (2006-2012) introduced a larger 2.5-liter petrol engine, offering better power and efficiency. In the later fourth and fifth generations (2013-2023), Toyota continued to refine its petrol engine options, with the introduction of turbocharged versions in certain models to increase efficiency while maintaining power. The petrol engines in these later models are generally well-regarded for their longevity and reliability, though the earlier models are noted for being less refined in terms of cabin comfort and ride quality.
Hybrid Engines
Toyota’s hybrid technology has been a standout feature in recent years, and the RAV4 Hybrid (introduced in the fourth generation in 2016) has quickly become a popular choice for those looking for better fuel economy without sacrificing power. The hybrid engine combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, providing enhanced efficiency and lower emissions. The hybrid RAV4s, particularly from the fifth generation (2019-2023), offer excellent fuel economy, often achieving around 50-60 mpg (UK). Hybrid engines are also known for their reliability, as Toyota’s hybrid systems have a long history of durability and minimal issues. Since the hybrid powertrains are more complex than traditional petrol engines, regular maintenance is essential, but they generally offer fewer problems than non-hybrid variants.
Toyota RAV4 reliability
Overall, the Toyota RAV4 has earned a strong reputation for reliability, with consistent performance across all generations. According to various sources, including JD Power and WhatCar?, the Toyota RAV4 has a solid reliability rating. For example, the 2016-2020 RAV4 Hybrid received high reliability scores, benefiting from Toyota’s reputation for durable hybrid technology. Similarly, the fourth generation (2013-2018) and the fifth generation (2019-2023) also received praise for their overall build quality and long-term dependability.
The first and second generations (1997-2005) are generally regarded as dependable, though their age may mean more wear and tear compared to newer models. The third generation (2006-2012) had some issues with early hybrid systems, but later versions were much improved. Overall, the most reliable years for the RAV4 tend to be those from the fourth and fifth generations, as they feature refined engines and modern technologies that have been tested and optimized.
Most Reliable Years
When it comes to pinpointing the most reliable years, the fifth-generation RAV4 (2019-2023) stands out due to its robust hybrid engine options and the general improvements in the vehicle’s construction. The years 2016-2018, especially with the hybrid variant, also rank highly for their overall reliability, as they were built with better technology and materials.
Hi! Lukas, the author here 😎
I’m on a mission to find the best everyday car for camping and the best way to convert it. I’m sharing all that I find with you here. If you find this content helpful, consider buying me a coffee, or purchasing an item from the list of hand-picked camping gear. Or just enjoy the read :). Thank you for popping in!
The best budget car tent you can find:
ARPENAZ BASE M tent
Confirmed to fit: Sharan, Touran, Berlingo, Caddy, Partner, Kangoo, Combo
At around 100 GBP – 120 GBP, it’s a bargain that does the job of a 300+ GBP tent
See my full review + video here
BUY NOW
at Decathlon UK
Or see my full review here
