What was the MSRP for a 1996 Toyota RAV4?
In the United States, the base MSRP for the 1996 Toyota RAV4 started around $15,000, with four-wheel-drive models generally in the high teens, roughly $18,000 to $19,000, depending on trim and options.
The 1996 launch of the RAV4 marked Toyota’s entry of a compact SUV into U.S. showrooms. Prices varied by body style (two- or four-door) and drivetrain, with optional equipment nudging the sticker price higher. The figures below reflect typical U.S. launch-era price ranges and are intended to illustrate the overall pricing landscape rather than exact invoices from every dealership.
Pricing by configuration
Below is a snapshot of typical U.S. MSRP ranges for common 1996 RAV4 configurations at launch. Exact sticker prices varied by dealer, region, and year within the first-generation run.
- Base RAV4 2WD (commonly cited as the more affordable setup): approximately $15,000–$16,000
- Base RAV4 4WD (higher-priced due to all-wheel capability): approximately $17,000–$19,000
- Optional equipment and premium trims (air conditioning, upgraded radio, power features, etc.): added roughly $500–$2,000 depending on packages
Prices above reflect launch-era sticker prices for the U.S. market and do not account for dealer discounts, incentives, or regional variations. They provide a general sense of how the RAV4 was positioned in the market at its debut.
Context and marketplace nuances
Prices for the 1996 RAV4 could differ by region and by the exact configuration offered in a given market. Some markets also had minor variations in trim names or equipment packages. The figures here focus on the United States at the time of launch and illustrate the relative difference between base and four-wheel-drive models.
Why price points mattered then
The mid-1990s saw growing demand for compact, versatile SUVs. The RAV4’s pricing strategy aimed to balance practicality with style and maneuverability, positioning it as an approachable entry point into the SUV segment without sacrificing Toyota reliability.
Summary
For the 1996 Toyota RAV4, the MSRP in the U.S. started around $15,000 for base 2WD models and rose to roughly $18,000–$19,000 for 4WD configurations, with optional equipment pushing prices higher. These figures reflect launch-era sticker prices and are subject to regional and dealer variation.
Is the 1996 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and quality to be its strongest features and styling to be its weakest. 255 out of 325 of owners (78% of them) rank the 1996 RAV4 five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 1996 Toyota RAV4.
What is the MSRP of a Toyota RAV4?
If you're looking for a hybrid RAV4 this year, the 2025 Hybrid LE starts at $32,850. That's actually $950 less than before, even with big updates to styling and the infotainment system. Still, $31,900 for a compact crossover might feel pricey to some, and there are plenty of die-hard gas-only fans out there.
What year of RAV4 to stay away from?
Years to avoid for the Toyota RAV4 include 2001-2003 for transmission issues, 2006-2008 for excessive oil consumption, and 2009-2012 for unintended acceleration and drivetrain problems. Other years with noted issues are 2013 (electrical fires, paint peeling) and 2019 (fuel pump, engine cooling, and infotainment glitches).
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the Toyota RAV4, including transmission issues: 51sFuel ForceYouTube · Nov 16, 2024
Specific model years to avoid
- 2001–2003: Transmission and engine control unit (ECM) failures.
- 2006–2008: Excessive oil consumption in the 2.4L engine, which can lead to expensive repairs if not addressed.
- 2009–2012: Reports of unintended acceleration, as well as suspension and drivetrain issues.
- 2013: Risk of electrical fires and problems with paint peeling.
- 2019: Issues with the fuel pump, engine cooling, and a laggy or buggy infotainment system.
How much is a 1996 RAV4 worth?
1996 Toyota RAV4 Pricing
The range-topping 1996 RAV4 Sport Utility 4D starts at $2,896 today, originally priced from $17,758.
