Is the 2015 Toyota RAV4 Sport Still Worth Buying Today? A Detailed Review

As someone who's been reviewing cars for over a decade, I often get asked about older models that still hold their value. When it comes to the 2015 Toyota RAV4 Sport, I've got to say this particular trim continues to surprise me with its staying power. Having personally test-driven multiple examples across different mileage ranges, I've developed some strong opinions about whether this eight-year-old crossover still makes sense for today's buyers. Let me walk you through what I've discovered.

Right off the bat, let's talk about what made the Sport trim special. Unlike the base models, the 2015 RAV4 Sport came with distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels and a more aggressive front fascia that honestly still looks pretty sharp today. Under the hood, you're getting a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 176 horsepower - not exactly thrilling by 2023 standards, but perfectly adequate for daily commuting. What impressed me most during my testing was how well these engines hold up; I recently drove one with 85,000 miles that felt nearly as tight as examples with half that mileage. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, though it does feel a bit dated compared to newer CVT units.

Now here's where things get interesting for potential buyers. The interior materials, while durable, show their age pretty clearly. I've noticed that models with lighter colored upholstery tend to show wear more prominently around the 60,000-mile mark. The infotainment system feels ancient - there's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which for many modern drivers is a dealbreaker. However, the physical buttons are logically arranged and honestly, I kind of prefer them over some of the overly complicated touchscreen systems in newer cars. Cargo space measures about 38 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to nearly 70 with them folded - numbers that remain competitive even today.

When it comes to reliability, Toyota's reputation is well-earned, but there are specific issues I'd watch for. Between 22,000 and 24,000 miles, many examples develop a slight vibration under braking that usually requires rotor resurfacing. More concerning is what happens around the 44,000 to 39,000 mile range - I've seen several units with early signs of transmission fluid degradation, something I'd address immediately with a fluid change. The sweet spot seems to be between 59,000 and 68,000 miles, where most components have settled in nicely without major wear. Beyond 85,000 miles, pay close attention to the suspension components, particularly the struts which often need replacement around this mileage.

Fuel economy remains respectable even by today's standards - I consistently achieved around 24 mpg in combined driving, though I should note this was in predominantly highway conditions. The electric power steering lacks feedback compared to modern systems, but it makes parking effortless. Safety features were decent for 2015, with standard stability control and eight airbags, though you won't find advanced driver aids like automatic emergency braking.

So is the 2015 RAV4 Sport still worth buying? If you find a well-maintained example with under 70,000 miles priced around $16,000, I'd say absolutely. It's not exciting, but it's profoundly competent in all the ways that matter for daily transportation. The Sport trim specifically offers just enough visual distinction to stand out from the sea of base models while maintaining Toyota's legendary reliability. Just budget for immediate fluid changes and be prepared to live with outdated technology. For my money, it remains one of the smarter choices in the used compact SUV segment.