Which Toyota RAV4 has a V6 engine?
In today’s market, no RAV4 offers a V6. Historically, a V6 was available in some older RAV4 models, but the modern lineup relies on four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains.
Historical V6 availability
The V6 option appeared in select RAV4 trims during the early to mid-2000s. The most widely documented configuration was a 3.5-liter V6 used in certain 2006–2008 models, while earlier years saw other V6 options in limited markets. Availability varied by region and trim level.
Notable V6 configurations
The following notes summarize the V6-era RAV4s that are frequently cited by enthusiasts and reviews.
- 2006–2008 RAV4 models in the United States (and some other markets) offering a 3.5-liter V6 engine (2GR-FE).
- Earlier 3.0-liter V6 options appeared in some markets or trims around the early 2000s, though exact availability varied by country.
These V6-equipped RAV4s represent the regional and generational exceptions rather than the norm. Since the late 2000s, Toyota phased out the V6 option in the RAV4 in favor of four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains.
Current RAV4 engine lineup
Today’s RAV4 lineup emphasizes efficiency and electrification, with no V6 engine offered. The options center on a four-cylinder gasoline engine and hybrid variants, including a plug-in version in some markets.
What you’ll find in today’s RAV4
The current lineup focuses on these powertrains:
- 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine (standard on most trims).
- 2.5-liter hybrid system pairing the gasoline engine with electric motors (Hybrid variants).
- RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid variant (2.5-liter four-cylinder with batteries and electric motors).
In short, there is no V6 option in the modern RAV4 lineup; buyers seeking V6-powered Toyota SUVs should look to other models or older used examples.
Summary
The Toyota RAV4 has never consistently offered a V6 across its entire current generation. V6 configurations exist only in older, now-out-of-production models (notably the 3.5-liter V6 from 2006–2008 and some early-2000s variants), while all contemporary RAV4s rely on 4-cylinder and hybrid powertrains. For buyers prioritizing power today, Toyota’s larger SUVs or used older RAV4s with a V6 are the practical options.
Does Toyota make a RAV4 with a V6 engine?
No, modern Toyota RAV4s do not have a V6 engine; the last generation to offer one was the third generation (2006-2012). While those older models had an optional 3.5L V6 engine, all current RAV4 models come with either a four-cylinder engine or are hybrids, as Toyota discontinued the V6 option due to factors like fuel economy.
- Discontinued V6: The 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4 was the last generation to offer a V6 engine option.
- Current engines: Today's RAV4 models are equipped with four-cylinder engines or hybrid powertrains.
- Reason for discontinuation: Toyota stopped the V6 option after 2012, largely because of lower fuel efficiency and evolving emissions regulations.
What year did Toyota stop putting a V6 in the RAV4?
Here's why. When the current-generation Toyota RAV4 debuted in 2013, it addressed pretty much every wish the crossover's fans had. Unfortunately, it also ended the run of the excellent 3.5-liter V6 engine in the vehicle, leaving only the relatively low-powered four-cylinder as the only engine.
Which Toyota models have a V6 engine?
The Toyota Sequoia and Tundra are the primary Toyota models that currently offer a V6 engine in the United States, both using a twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6. The Sequoia uses a hybrid version called the i-FORCE MAX, while the Tundra has both a standard i-FORCE V6 and the hybrid i-FORCE MAX option available. Toyota is phasing out V6 engines in many other models, such as the Camry, Tacoma, and 4Runner, in favor of 4-cylinder engines.
This video explains the features of the V6 engine in the Toyota Tundra: 1mToyota WorldYouTube · Jun 16, 2025
- Toyota Sequoia: Features a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine (i-FORCE MAX).
- Toyota Tundra: Available with a standard 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (i-FORCE) or the hybrid i-FORCE MAX version.
This video shows the features of the V6 engine in the Toyota Tundra: 57sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Mar 29, 2025
- Other models: Many older models, such as the Camry and 4Runner, previously had V6 options but have since replaced them with four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains.
What was the last year of the RAV4 V6?
The last year for a Toyota RAV4 V6 was 2012, as the fourth-generation models from 2013 onward discontinued the V6 engine in favor of a four-cylinder engine and a hybrid option. The V6 was part of the third-generation RAV4 (2006–2012) and was known for its power.
This video discusses the Toyota RAV4's evolution, including the introduction and discontinuation of the V6 engine: 52sAutotraderYouTube · Feb 28, 2025
- Last model year: 2012 was the final model year for the RAV4 with a V6 engine.
- Previous generation: The V6 was an option for the third-generation RAV4, which was produced from 2006 to 2012.
- Next generation: The fourth-generation RAV4 (2013–2018) eliminated the V6 engine and replaced it with a standard four-cylinder engine and a hybrid option introduced in 2016.
