Toyota is one of the best-selling automakers in the world, and the Japanese automaker is also highly competitive in the SUV segment. One of Toyota’s best SUVs is the RAV4, and the 2024 version of the compact SUV is just around the corner. Here’s a look at the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and the two problems that prevent it from being one of the best options in the segment.

What’s known about the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Unlike many of its rivals, the RAV4 is not expected to get any major changes for now, and as such, the 2024 version of the SUV should be similar to the 2023 model year, according to Edmunds. That being said, the current generation of the RAV4 has been around since 2019, and the car critic expects that Toyota will announce a complete redesign for the 2025 model year. 

Toyota hasn’t released too many details about the 2024 version of the SUV just yet. The car critic expects that the SUV will get released in the fall of 2023. Edmunds also expects that the Japanese automaker will increase the MSRP of the RAV4. The site estimates that it will start at about $30,000, that’s a $2,500 increase from the 2023 model year.

The two things that’s not great about the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Since Edmunds doesn’t expect that Toyota will change much about the RAV4, the site expects that the SUVs flaws will carry over from the prior model year. Both flaws have to do with how the car drives. Toyota currently only offers one engine option for the RAV4, and it’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that gets 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

That engine is a reliable workhorse that Toyota’s installed on various other models, but it’s a weak engine when it’s in a compact SUV like the RAV4. It only allows the Toyota SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, and that’s a slower acceleration time than other SUVs in the segment get. It’s not a terrible engine by any means, but that poor acceleration can make highway driving a worse experience. 

The second issue that the car critic had with the RAV4 has to do with its steering. Edmunds described the steering as “vague” and that it doesn’t have much heft. Because of that, drivers can misjudge how much input they’re giving the SUV.

These two issues ultimately prevent the RAV4 from being a top choice in the segment, but it’s still a great choice overall.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 has a lot to offer to drivers

While the RAV4’s single engine option is lackluster, it’s very fuel efficient. It gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on highways, for 31 mpg combined. That’s an above average fuel economy for a compact SUV. On top of that, Toyota has hybrid powertrain options available for folks who want to get the most efficient SUV possible.

The Japanese automaker also gave the RAV4 plenty of options that can transform it into a great off-roading machine, especially compared to other options in the segment. Even without any add-ons, the RAV4 is a great SUV that is solid in most areas. The seats are spacious and comfortable, and the car has a comfortable ride quality and a quiet cabin.

Toyota gave the SUV an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, and it also has a suite of smart safety features. The RAV4 also has some of the best cargo capacity in the segment. There’s 37.5 cu-ft-. of space without needing to fold any seats down, and it tops out at about 69.8 cu-ft.