ToyotaRAV42020Overview/toyota/rav4/2020/base/

2020 Toyota RAV4

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 RAV4.

Transmission Automatic (S8)

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, as summarized in its overview, comes with an automatic S8 transmission and EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/35/30 mpg. Reliability records show 624 total owner complaints, with the engine identified as the leading complaint area and six recalls documented. These figures place the model year within a complaint history that spans 1994 to 2025, ranging from a high of 1,002 complaints in 2007 to just one in 1995, indicating a relatively stable but not exceptional performance.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque76 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy27/35/30 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Equipped with Start Stop: 48 O. E. Battery is an Enhanced Flooded Batter, EFB, and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Models not Equipped with Start Stop: 47 · Models Equipped with Start Stop: 605; Models not Equipped with Start Stop: 565 CCA battery, OE oil filter 90915YZZN1. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Equipped with Start Stop: 48 O. E. Battery is an Enhanced Flooded Batter, EFB, and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Models not Equipped with Start Stop: 47 · Models Equipped with Start Stop: 605; Models not Equipped with Start Stop: 565 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnHEADOEM · verified
Tire size235/55R19 101VOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter90915YZZN1
Engine air filter17801F0050 alt 17801F0020
Fuel filter770240R050 alt 770240R040
Spark plug9091901289
Battery2880021223 alt 2880025033
Front wiper blades852120R080 alt 852220R050
Serpentine belt9091602778 alt 90916A2027
Thermostat1632647020 alt 1603125011
Cabin air filter871390R030 alt 8713958010

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length180.7 in
Overall width72.8 in
Overall height66.9 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3490 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined27 / 35 / 30 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the RAV4 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.1–8.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.10 sec — 2020 XSE Hybrid
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020XSE Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec 1.6-kWh7.10 sec15.40 sec219 hpAWD
2020Limited 2.5L I-48.20 sec16.40 sec203 hpAWD
2019Limited Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec 1.6-kWh7.40 sec15.70 sec219 hpAWD
2019XSE Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec 1.6-kWh7.50 sec15.60 sec219 hpAWD
2019Adventure 2.5L I-48.00 sec16.30 sec203 hpAWD
2019XLE 2.5L I-48.00 sec16.20 sec203 hpAWD
2019Limited 2.5L I-48.20 sec16.40 sec203 hpFWD
2019Adventure 2.5 I-48.50 sec16.60 sec203 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 76 ft-lbs.

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs12.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts192.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts111.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts76 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts76 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.14-1.28 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF
Oil Capacity2.37-2.88 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.14-1.28 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Engine Compression142

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque25.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueRear: 79.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 6.0; Rear: 6.0
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .984; Rear: .413
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .002; Rear: .0059
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .984; Rear: .413
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .002; Rear: .0059

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
128.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°28 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
145.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°45 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 120,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Floor Mat (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect all fluid levels) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 10,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning Condenser (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft Flange Yoke (torque)
Every 30,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miBrake Power Booster Unit (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2020 RAV4 sits near the apex of a decade‑long spike in complaints, with 625 filings that year compared to 869 in 2019 but well below the 1,002 peak of 2007. Recall activity has been modest, with six recalls in 2020 versus 14 in 2007 and 14 in 2008, indicating that while complaints rose, the number of safety‑related recalls did not follow the same steep upward trend. Investigations remained absent in 2020, mirroring the 2019‑2024 pattern of zero investigations across the board. Crash‑related complaints were 16 and fire complaints 5, both low relative to the 2020 complaint total and to the high complaint totals of earlier years. Overall, the 2020 model year falls in a period of high consumer reporting but lower recall frequency, suggesting that a used 2020 RAV4 may still be a viable choice if a thorough mechanical inspection is performed.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
303
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
624
Owner complaints
16 involved a crash · 5 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 624 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine119
Fuel/Propulsion System78
Unknown Or Other69
Electrical System62
Structure42
Air Bags39
Electrical System,Engine20
Steering16

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V682000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 04/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020… Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were…

20V734000Air Bags:FrontalReported 25/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy… Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 303 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
T-SB-0104-21 Rev22026-02-27EngineOBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now…
T-SB-0106-22 Rev22026-01-30Electrical SystemOBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
T-SB-0001-262026-01-28Electrical SystemSome 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic…
T-TT-0797-262026-01-12Electrical SystemSome RAV4 vehicles power seat where the automatic seat adjustment by the memory function…
T-SB-0055-24 Rev22026-01-07Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific RAV4. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2020 RAV4 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the RAV4 get?

EPA figures are 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined mpg.