2012 Toyota RAV4 MPG
22–24 mpg combined across 5 EPA-rated versions. Best: RAV4 2WD (FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 21 city / 28 hwy / 24 combined; lowest: RAV4 2WD (3.5L 6-cyl, A5) at 22. Includes 1 plug-in/electric version.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 EV (EV) | Electric | CVT | FWD | 78 | 74 | 76 · 103 mi range | $1,000 |
| RAV4 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | A4 | FWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| RAV4 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | A4 | AWD | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| RAV4 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A5 | FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| RAV4 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A5 | AWD | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
How it compares
- 2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD: class average 20.9 mpg over 113 versions; best RAV4 +3.1 (#20).
- 2011: 24 mpg best (no change).
- 2013: 26 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $1,000–$3,050 a year ($2,050 difference).
- Available as FWD, AWD.
- 2026 model: 43 mpg best (+19).
Safety
| Crash test | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 17.4% risk |
| Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 18.5% risk |
266 owner complaints: Visibility/Wiper 54, Vehicle Speed Control 50, Service Brakes 39, Electrical System 31. Crashes 39, fires 4, injuries 23.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 54 | 20% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 50 | 19% |
| Service Brakes | 39 | 15% |
| Electrical System | 31 | 12% |
| Seat Belts | 31 | 12% |
| Unknown Or Other | 26 | 10% |
| Engine | 23 | 9% |
| Power Train | 22 | 8% |
Recent owner reports: Visibility/Wiper
“The windshield pump is not working front and back The wipers turn but no liquid comes out though the tank is full It does not make the sound it normally does when it pumps the windshield liquid Dealer wants almost $200 just to look at it and verify the problem”
“I have a 2012 Toyota Rav-4 Limited . I have had the vehicle since 2020. Ever since I bought the vehicle it fogs up. All the windows fog up and it does not matter what setting I have it on, de-foggers, fan, fresh air, AC, etc. nothing resolves the problem.It is very dangerous as I cannot see where I am going.”
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon activating the windshield wipers, the wipers responded erratically. The contact stated that the wipers moved significantly slowly, changed direction, and paused in the center of the windshield. No warning lights were illuminated.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 19, 2016 | Seat Belts › rear/Other | 16V096000 |
| Sep 18, 2015 | Visibility/Wiper | 15V577000 |
| Feb 12, 2014 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic › antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › control Unit/Module | 14V054000 |
| Apr 9, 2013 | Equipment › other › labels | 13V123000 |
| Jan 16, 2013 | Air Bags › frontal › sensor/Control Module-inactive | 13V014000 |