2012 Toyota RAV4 — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Toyota RAV4 is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) / 24 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 26–29 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Toyota RAV4 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Toyota RAV4: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 29 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 3★ to 4★.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 4-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 29 combined / 25 urban / 34 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 24 combined / 21 city / 28 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 230 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 24 mpg (US), or 26 to 29 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/26) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/26) | 251 | $3,050 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Toyota RAV4
Running Costs: 2012 Toyota RAV4
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Toyota RAV4 at 29 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,254 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Toyota RAV4 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Toyota RAV4 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (1), Visibility/wiper (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 16V096000, reported 19 February 2016. Risk: A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
- Visibility/wiper — campaign 15V577000, reported 18 September 2015. Risk: Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver…
- Service brakes — campaign 14V054000, reported 12 February 2014. Risk: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Equipment — campaign 13V123000, reported 9 April 2013. Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 266 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota RAV4. The most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (54), Vehicle speed control (50), Service brakes (34). Complaints include 39 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 23 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 266 complaints across the 17 Toyota RAV4 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Toyota RAV4
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Visibility (1 recall campaign · 54 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Throttle & cruise control (50 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 34 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (31 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Toyota RAV4 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 29 mpg figure is 2 mpg better than that average. Its 230 g/km CO₂ figure is 23 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Toyota models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Toyota RAV4's 29 mpg is 5 mpg below that make average. Its 230 g/km CO₂ figure is 14 g/km higher than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 17 Toyota RAV4 model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 15th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (29 mpg UK combined, against a high of 52 mpg). See every Toyota RAV4 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Toyota RAV4
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Toyota RAV4: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic 4-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Toyota RAV4?
The most efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, or 24 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 26 to 29 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Toyota RAV4 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (1), Visibility/wiper (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Toyota RAV4?
Among the 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (54 complaints), Vehicle speed control (50 complaints), Service brakes (34 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Toyota RAV4's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.