Like most vehicles, the Toyota RAV4 depreciates once it leaves the dealer’s lot; but this SUV has that Toyota halo around it. Whether you already own a RAV4 or are in the market to buy one, here’s how the SUV holds onto its value after five years.
One of the primary reasons the Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling SUV in America in 2024 is because it offers a mix of ample interior space, modern in-cabin tech, and abundant standard safety features. In addition to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, it’s little wonder that 475,193 units were sold last year.
This article is focused on the internal-combustion-engine, non-hybrid 2020 Toyota RAV4. If you’re seeking to eke out every possible mpg, the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 plug-in hybrid are also excellent do-it-all SUVs.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book.
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The Toyota RAV4 Loses On Average $7,259 In Depreciation In Five Years
In the mid-1990s, the original Toyota RAV4 pioneered the small, car-based SUV segment and has since continued to set a high standard for the class with each subsequent generation. Redesigned for 2019, the current generation brought with it new proportions and a more rugged appearance, making it a firm favorite, particularly in the U.S.
While owning a vehicle will cause you to lose money over time, whether due to depreciation or other ownership costs, running the numbers can determine just how much value your vehicle will lose on a year-by-year basis. Depending on the make and model, a vehicle can lose up to 40 percent of its value within the first year of ownership.
The Toyota RAV4 Loses On Average 22 Percent Of Its Value In Five Years
However, Toyota models typically don’t see depreciation above 15 percent in the first year, making them an ideal choice for vehicles that retain their value. The RAV4 depreciated by an average of 22 percent over a five-year period, underscoring the SUV’s reputation as a cost-effective and reliable option.
The Toyota RAV4’s depreciation varies across its trim levels. Over a five-year period, the Limited trim experienced the highest depreciation, losing $9,044 in value against its original MSRP. The XLE Premium follows behind, with a depreciation of $7,743 against MSRP, reflecting the second-highest loss in value among trims.
Five-Year Depreciation Across Toyota RAV4 Trims
To help paint a clearer picture, take a look at this five-year depreciation breakdown across RAV4 trims. The figures are based on the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price and reflect what buyers currently pay for used 2020 Toyota RAV4 models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
|
Original MSRP |
KBB Fair Purchase Price (National Average) |
Five-Year Depreciation |
||
|
LE Sport Utility 4D |
$28,525 |
$21,278 |
$7,247 |
|
|
XLE Sport Utility 4D |
$29,820 |
$23,290 |
$6,530 |
|
|
XLE Premium Sport Utility 4D |
$32,525 |
$24,782 |
$7,743 |
|
|
Adventure Sport Utility 4D |
$34,230 |
$26,689 |
$7,541 |
|
|
TRD Off-Road Sport Utility 4D |
$36,455 |
$31,004 |
$5,451 |
|
|
Limited Sport Utility 4D |
$37,055 |
$28,011 |
$9,044 |
The range-topping TRD Off-Road trim experienced the least depreciation ($5,451 against MSRP), making it a strong choice for value retention. But if you’re turning to the used market, the XLE Premium trim is a good choice—but more on that later.
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Reliability And Practicality Help The Toyota RAV4 Maintain Its Value
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was an early entry in its generation, as the lineup was redesigned for the 2019 model year. With a couple of years under its belt, the RAV4 has proven itself to be fully reliable and incredibly practical.
Carrying luggage, equipment, kids, and pets in tow has never been easier for families, thanks to the latest generation’s spacious interior, large hatch, and roof racks. While Toyota has focused more on reliability than being at the forefront of tech, the RAV4’s infotainment system offers the essentials, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring it easily meets the needs of modern drivers.
Average Reliability Scores for the 2020 Toyota RAV4
As a rough indication only, we also checked in with J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book to find out the RAV4’s reliability scores. Overall, the scores, primarily user-generated, are positive.
- J.D. Power rates the 2020 RAV4 as ‘Average’ for reliability with 77/100—its overall consumer rating is 78/100
- Kelley Blue Book gives the 2020 RAV4 a 3.6/5 consumer rating and a 3.9/5 reliability score
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A Look At The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Specs
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with only one engine choice: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s output is handled by an efficient eight-speed CVT automatic transmission, helping the RAV4 attain 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
What drivetrain is available in the RAV4 depends on your chosen trim level. The LE trim level comes in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The next trim level, the XLE, also has both FWD and AWD options, as does the XLE Premium. Both the Adventure and TRD Off-Road come in only AWD. Lastly, the Limited is available in both FWD and AWD.
Toyota RAV4 Trim Features
LE Features:
- Multi-LED headlights with automatic high beams
- LED daytime running lights, headlights, and taillights
- Power outside mirrors
- Integrated backup camera
- Five-passenger seating with fabric-trimmed seats
XLE Features:
- Automatic on/off multi-LED headlights
- Integrated fog lights
- Color-coded heated power outside mirrors
- Dual-zone automatic climate control system
XLE Premium Features:
- Softex-trimmed seating
- Six-speaker audio system
- Seven-inch touchscreen
- Integrated backup camera
- Power outside mirrors
Adventure Features:
- Front center vent flow controls for climate system
- Integrated panoramic backup camera with dynamic gridlines
- Audio Plus
- Eight-inch touchscreen
TRD Off-Road Features:
- Multi-terrain select mode
Limited Features:
- Heated front seats standard
- Premium Audio with 11-speaker JBL system
- Eight-inch touchscreen
A Plethora Of Safety And Driver Assistance Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the RAV4 a five-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it Top Safety Pick+.
The RAV4 lineup boasts an array of standard driver assists. At the point of ordering, buyers could add blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, which cost extra on the base model.
Key Safety Features:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure wanting with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
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The 2020 RAV4 XLE Premium Is The One We’d Choose
2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium: Basic Specs
|
Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Gasoline |
|
Drive: FWD / AWD |
|
Transmission: Eight-Speed CVT Automatic |
|
Power: 203 HP |
|
Torque: 184 LB-FT |
|
Towing Capacity: 1,500 LBS |
|
Used Value: $24,782 (KBB Fair Purchase Price National Average) |
The XLE Premium was a popular trim level for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 in the U.S. We’d still recommend it if you’re buying used, as it offers a great balance of features and value for money.
Features Of The XLE Premium
The 2020 RAV4’s XLE Premium trim level comes standard with an integrated backup camera, color-coded power outside mirrors, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Unlike the LE and XLE trim levels, the XLE Premium offers Softex-trimmed seating as standard.
If you’re a fan of listening to your favorite songs when you’re hitting the open road, the next bit will be music to your ears—pardon the pun. The XLE Premium comes with a six-speaker audio system and a seven-inch touchscreen.
