It’s often the go-to compact SUV for Americans. In 2024 alone, more than 475,000 drivers took home a brand-new Toyota RAV4 in the U.S. alone, making it one of the top models in the market.

And According to data for early 2025, it continues to dominate Toyota’s lineup, with over 115,000 sold in just the first quarter.

With that kind of popularity, it seems safe to assume the RAV4 must be near-perfect. But as dozens of owners pointed out in a recent Reddit thread, even best-sellers have their quirks.

A user asked owners: “Give me a short list of 2-3 things you do NOT like about the car…The sort of thing you discover 3-4 months after owning…found out after a long road trip? Your 10th trip to the grocery store?”

The responses were remarkably consistent. The complaints span comfort, ergonomics, tech and refinement issues.

Common RAV4 gripes

One recurring theme: road noise.

Multiple owners said the RAV4 doesn’t feel as quiet as they expected at highway speeds, especially compared with more premium rivals. One user added that while their previous vehicle may have been worse, the RAV4 “skipped out on sound proofing.”

The issue leaves occupants sitting in a “roaring hum” for long stretches on the interstate. It may remind you that it’s a value vehicle rather than a luxury one.

Another complaint: seat ergonomics.

On the passenger side, the fixed-height seat raised problems. One owner (their spouse about 5′5″) reported headroom so tight that entering the vehicle required caution.

Others noted that base seats had limited lumbar support and even the driver’s seat could be uncomfortable for people with back issues.

This probably isn’t the kind of revelation you’ll catch on a 10-minute test drive.

Tech usability took its share of criticism

The infotainment system was described as “way behind” competitors.

One owner cited the rear-climate control lights. They’re illuminated when off, but dark when on (reverse logic). Several drivers expressed how irritating the issue is to them: “…drives me INSANE,” one confirmed.

Bluetooth and USB-only phone connections drew ire when some felt wireless convenience should be standard by now.

The front cupholder layout also came under fire. Too shallow for larger tumblers, too cramped to handle two drinks comfortably, and placed awkwardly near the gear shift.

Then there are the oddities

The horn was described by one owner as “way too soft.”

So soft, they reported, that when someone nearly sideswiped them, the horn failed to alert. 

Meanwhile, the seat-belt chime was described as “louder than the horn.”

Another owner noted the engine-stop button required such a strong press (and full brake press) that they’d almost left the car still running in the rush of a stop. Somehow minor, but annoying in day-to-day use.

When a vehicle sells by the hundreds of thousands, the expectation is high

And yes, the RAV4 delivers strong value, reliability, and versatility.

But fit-and-finish, comfort in long drives, and seamless technology tend to reflect premium positioning. And this is where owners say the RAV4 falls short of its own hype.

If this is all something you’d suffer over in daily driving, but on a budget, might I suggest a used Lexus NX?

In any case, if you’re on the hunt for a RAV4 (or any car, really), do more than a 15-minute drive. Check seat comfort, test cupholders with your daily drink, judge highway noise for 20-plus minutes.