What is the mpg on a 1999 Toyota RAV4 Sport Utility 4d?
Across typical configurations, the 1999 Toyota RAV4 with a 2.0-liter engine and four-door body generally delivered about 25 mpg combined, with roughly 23–25 mpg in city driving and around 28–30 mpg on the highway, depending on whether it was two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and the transmission. Exact numbers vary by trim, drivetrain, and driving conditions.
The 1999 RAV4 sits in the first-generation lineup that helped establish compact SUVs as practical daily drivers. Fuel economy figures from that era come from EPA testing standards, which varied slightly by configuration. For buyers and restorers, the precise number can depend on the specific transmission and whether the vehicle was 2WD or 4WD.
EPA fuel economy by configuration
These figures reflect representative EPA estimates for common 1999 RAV4 configurations. Actual results can differ based on maintenance, driving style, and vehicle condition.
- 2WD with manual transmission: about 23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- 2WD with automatic transmission: about 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
- 4WD with manual transmission: about 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
- 4WD with automatic transmission: about 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
In general, the four-door RAV4 from 1999 tended to hover in the mid-20s mpg overall, with highway efficiency closer to the upper end of the range and city driving pulling the figure down slightly. Road conditions, maintenance, and how aggressively the vehicle is driven all influence the real-world results.
Factors that affect mpg
Several variables influence fuel economy in classic SUVs like the 1999 RAV4, including tire condition and size, drivetrain wear, engine tune, and driving habits. Regular maintenance—oil changes, air filter replacement, and ensuring proper tire inflation—can help the vehicle approach its EPA-rated figures. Four-wheel-drive models typically show a slight penalty in city fuel economy compared with two-wheel-drive cars.
Where to verify exact numbers
For the most precise figures, consult the original window sticker or a trusted EPA database entry for the exact VIN, trim, and transmission. The fueleconomy.gov database collects and displays vintage EPA ratings by configuration, which can differ from one vehicle to another even within the same model year.
If you’d like to cross-check now, you can search for “1999 Toyota RAV4 mpg” on fueleconomy.gov to view the specific numbers associated with your configuration or VIN.
Summary: The 1999 RAV4 typically delivered around 25 mpg combined, with city figures in the low 20s and highway figures in the upper 20s to around 30 mpg, depending on drivetrain and transmission. Exact numbers vary by configuration and driving conditions, so checking a VIN-specific EPA listing is the best way to confirm.
