Does RAV4 come with a spare tire?
The short answer is: it depends on the year and trim. Most recent RAV4 models include some form of a spare tire, but the exact setup—donut spare, full-size spare, or a tire repair kit—varies by region and configuration.
Spare tire availability by region and model year
The spare tire policy for the RAV4 has evolved with redesigns and market demands. Here is a general snapshot of what buyers may encounter in recent years.
- Gasoline-powered RAV4s sold in the United States and Canada commonly include a temporary spare tire (donut) along with a jack and lug wrench on most trims.
- RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime variants have, in some model years, shifted toward a tire repair kit or inflator kit in place of a traditional spare in certain markets or trims.
- In Europe and other regions, space, weight, and local regulations have led some trims to omit the spare in favor of a repair kit or run-flat tire, depending on the exact model year and package.
When shopping or checking a used vehicle, verify the exact configuration for the specific year and trim of interest, as inventories and packages can differ even within the same generation.
Where to locate the spare and what to expect
To confirm what your RAV4 includes and where it is stored, inspect these areas and references:
- Open the cargo area and lift the floor panel to check whether a spare wheel is present, and whether it is a donut, a full-size spare, or a tire repair kit.
- Look for the accompanying tools—jack, lug wrench, and wheel chocks—in the same compartment or stored elsewhere in the trunk or under panels.
- Consult the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s door jamb sticker for the Spare Tire Type and installation instructions specific to your trim and year.
- If no spare is found, review the included tire repair kit (canister or sealant plus compressor) and consider whether you should carry a backup option for your driving needs.
Bottom line: the spare configuration is not identical across all RAV4s. A quick check of the trunk and the owner’s documentation will confirm what’s included with your exact vehicle.
Why some RAV4 models omit a spare
Toyota and other manufacturers have increasingly trimmed spare tires in some models to save weight, reclaim cargo space, and improve fuel efficiency. Other contributing factors include manufacturing cost and regional regulatory variations. When a repair kit or run-flat option is used, it can shorten the time to a roadside fix but may require different tools or services if the tire cannot be repaired.
- Weight reduction and fuel efficiency considerations influence the decision to drop the traditional spare in some configurations.
- Trunk space optimization allows for more cargo, which is appealing for compact SUVs like the RAV4.
- Repair kits and inflators provide a quicker, low-cost fix for minor punctures but aren’t a substitute for a damaged or extensively compromised tire.
For travelers or those venturing off-main roads, it’s important to confirm whether a spare is present and to plan accordingly, potentially carrying a portable compressor or purchasing an appropriate spare if your route requires it.
Summary
The presence of a spare tire on the Toyota RAV4 depends on year, trim, and regional market. While many gasoline models in the US continue to include a space-saver spare with a jack and lug wrench, some hybrids and certain regional versions may rely on a tire repair kit or run-flat tires. Always verify your specific vehicle’s configuration by checking the trunk, owner’s manual, and build documentation to ensure you’re prepared for a flat tire scenario.
