What the Toyota RAV4 VIN decoder shows
The RAV4 has been sold with four-cylinder and V6 gas engines, as a hybrid, as a plug-in hybrid and even as an electric SUV. Since the 2026 model year it is hybrid-only. Hybrid and plug-in versions cost thousands more and look almost the same as gas models, so the VIN is the safest way to know what you are buying. Our decoder shows:
- Generation and model year: XA20, XA30, XA40, XA50 or XA60.
- Powertrain: 2.0L, 2.4L or 2.5L four, 3.5L V6, Hybrid, Prime / Plug-in Hybrid or EV.
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
- Assembly plant: Kentucky, Ontario (Canada) or Japan, from the first three characters and character 11.
- Open safety recalls: any recall on record with NHTSA for that exact VIN.
Toyota RAV4 generations in the US
| Generation | US model years | Powertrains | Main US trims |
|---|---|---|---|
| XA60 (6th) | 2026–present | Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid | LE, XLE, Limited, SE, XSE, Woodland, GR Sport (Plug-in only) |
| XA50 (5th) | 2019–2025 | Gas, Hybrid, Prime (2021–2025) | LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road (2020–2024), Limited, XSE (Hybrid) |
| XA40 (4th) | 2013–2018 | Gas, Hybrid (2016–2018) | LE, XLE, SE, Limited, Platinum |
| XA30 (3rd) | 2006–2012 | Four-cylinder or V6; RAV4 EV (2012–2014) | Base, Sport, Limited; optional third row |
| XA20 (2nd) | 2001–2005 | Four-cylinder | Base, L |
Good to know: the plug-in hybrid was sold as the RAV4 Prime through 2025 and renamed RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid with the 2026 redesign. The 2026 RAV4 has no gas-only version.
Which RAV4 do you have? Models and engines
A badge can be changed or removed. The VIN cannot. Compare what the decoder shows with this table:
| Version | US model years | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in Hybrid (XA60) | 2026–present | 2.5L plug-in hybrid, 320 hp, all-wheel drive, about 50 miles electric range (Toyota estimate) |
| Hybrid (XA60) | 2026–present | 2.5L hybrid, 226 hp (front-wheel drive) or 236 hp (all-wheel drive) |
| Prime (XA50) | 2021–2025 | 2.5L plug-in hybrid, 302 hp, all-wheel drive |
| Hybrid (XA50) | 2019–2025 | 2.5L hybrid, 219 hp, all-wheel drive |
| Gas (XA50) | 2019–2025 | 2.5L four (A25A), 203 hp, 8-speed automatic, front- or all-wheel drive |
| Hybrid (XA40) | 2016–2018 | 2.5L hybrid, 194 hp, all-wheel drive |
| Gas (XA40) | 2013–2018 | 2.5L four (2AR-FE), 176 hp, 6-speed automatic |
| RAV4 EV | 2012–2014 | Electric (powertrain supplied by Tesla) |
| V6 (XA30) | 2006–2012 | 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE), 269 hp |
| Four-cylinder (XA30) | 2009–2012 · 2006–2008 | 2.5L four (2AR-FE), 179 hp · 2.4L four (2AZ-FE), 166 hp |
| Four-cylinder (XA20) | 2004–2005 · 2001–2003 | 2.4L four · 2.0L four |
Trim packages such as TRD Off-Road or Woodland may need the window sticker to confirm. See “Options and window sticker” below.
How to read a Toyota RAV4 VIN
Every RAV4 has a 17-character VIN. Here is an example:
2T3 P1RFV 5 K C 123456
Example VIN for illustration only.
| Characters | In this VIN | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 · WMI | 2T3 | Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (multipurpose passenger vehicle). |
| 4–8 · Vehicle descriptor | P1RFV | Toyota’s codes for the body, engine, series, drivetrain and restraint system. |
| 9 · Check digit | 5 | A calculated value that confirms the VIN is valid. It can be a number from 0 to 9 or the letter X. |
| 10 · Model year | K | The model year: K is 2019. |
| 11 · Plant code | C | The Toyota assembly plant. |
| 12–17 · Serial number | 123456 | The unique production number of that vehicle. |
RAV4 WMI codes and plants
US-market RAV4s come from three countries. The first three characters tell you which:
| WMI | Built by | Which RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
2T3 | Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada | RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid built in Woodstock, Ontario. |
4T3 | Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky | RAV4 Hybrid built in Georgetown, Kentucky (from the 2020 model year), and the current RAV4. |
JTM | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan | Japan-built RAV4, including the RAV4 Prime. |
Source: NHTSA vPIC (2T3, 4T3 and JTM = Toyota, multipurpose passenger vehicle).
Toyota RAV4 model year codes
The 10th character shows the model year:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 · 2 · 3 | 2001 · 2002 · 2003 | A · B | 2010 · 2011 | J · K | 2018 · 2019 |
4 · 5 | 2004 · 2005 | C · D | 2012 · 2013 | L · M | 2020 · 2021 |
6 · 7 | 2006 · 2007 | E · F | 2014 · 2015 | N · P | 2022 · 2023 |
8 · 9 | 2008 · 2009 | G · H | 2016 · 2017 | R · S · T | 2024 · 2025 · 2026 |
RAV4 Hybrid and Prime: how to confirm
From the outside, a RAV4 Hybrid or Prime looks very close to a gas RAV4, but it costs more and has a high-voltage battery. A VIN decode shows the hybrid or plug-in powertrain. On a used Prime or Plug-in Hybrid, also check that it charges normally and that the electric range is close to new, and ask how much of the hybrid battery warranty is left.
Toyota RAV4 recalls
Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two RAV4s of the same year can have different results. Repairs for safety recalls are free at any Toyota dealer, even if you are not the first owner. Important RAV4 campaigns include:
- Takata airbags, “Do Not Drive” (January 2024): Toyota told owners of unrepaired 2004–2005 RAV4 not to drive them until the airbag is replaced.
- Rear seat belts (2016): 2006–2012 RAV4 and 2012–2014 RAV4 EV were recalled because, in a frontal crash, the rear outboard seat belts can be cut by the seat cushion frame.
- 12-volt battery fire risk (November 2023): about 1.85 million 2013–2018 RAV4 were recalled because some replacement batteries can move in hard turns and short against the hold-down clamp.
- Passenger airbag sensor (December 2023): some 2020–2021 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, because a short circuit in the occupant sensor can stop the passenger airbag from deploying.
- Instrument cluster software (2025): some 2023–2025 RAV4 and RAV4 Prime, because a software error at startup can stop warning lights from showing.
Enter the VIN above to see every recall on record for that exact vehicle and whether it is still open.
Common Toyota RAV4 problems by generation
The RAV4 has a strong reliability record. These are the issues owners and mechanics most often mention, and what to check on a used one:
| Generation | Often reported | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| XA60 (2026–) | Too new for long-term trends | Recalls and software updates completed |
| XA50 (2019–2025) | On certain 2019–2020 RAV4 Hybrids, the fuel tank could not be filled to its rated capacity (Toyota customer support program); some owners report jerky low-speed shifting on gas models | Fuel tank program work done on a 2019–2020 Hybrid, smooth shifting on a test drive |
| XA40 (2013–2018) | 12-volt battery hold-down recall; generally reliable | Battery recall completed |
| XA30 (2006–2012) | Oil consumption on certain 2006–2008 models with the 2.4L engine (Toyota’s ZE7 warranty program, now ended); rear seat belt recall | Oil level and blue smoke on the 2.4L, seat belt recall done |
| XA20 (2001–2005) | Takata airbag recall on 2004–2005; age-related wear | Takata recall completed before you drive it |
Where to find the VIN on a Toyota RAV4
- Dashboard: on the driver’s side, visible through the lower windshield.
- Driver’s door pillar: on the label on the B-pillar when the door is open.
- Documents: title, registration and insurance card.
Buying a used Toyota RAV4: checklist
- The VIN on the dashboard, door pillar and title all match.
- The powertrain and drivetrain from the VIN match the listing (gas, Hybrid, Prime; FWD or AWD).
- No open safety recalls, especially the Takata recall on a 2004–2005 RAV4 and the battery recall on 2013–2018.
- No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand, and odometer readings that go up steadily.
- Service records, including oil changes at the recommended interval.
- On a 2006–2008 RAV4 with the 2.4L, check oil use.
- On a Hybrid or Prime, a working hybrid system with no warning lights; on a Prime, normal charging and range.
- A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust.
Before you buy, run a full vehicle history check to see title brands, accidents, odometer readings and past sales, or see a sample report.
Options and window sticker
The VIN shows the model, powertrain, drivetrain, plant and year. Packages such as TRD Off-Road or Woodland, paint color and dealer-installed accessories are stored in Toyota’s build record, not fully in the VIN. A Toyota dealer can look them up by VIN.
Toyota RAV4 VIN FAQs
Where is the VIN on a Toyota RAV4?
On the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the label on the driver’s door pillar. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card.
What does a Toyota RAV4 VIN start with?
It depends on where it was built: 2T3 for Canada, 4T3 for Kentucky and JTM for Japan.
How do I know which RAV4 generation I have?
Check the model year (10th character). 2026 and newer is the XA60, 2019–2025 is the XA50, 2013–2018 is the XA40, 2006–2012 is the XA30 and 2001–2005 is the XA20.
Does the VIN show if a RAV4 is a Hybrid or Prime?
Yes. The VIN encodes the powertrain, so a decode shows if the RAV4 is gas, Hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Is there a gas-only 2026 RAV4?
No. The 2026 RAV4 is sold only as a Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid in the US.
Does my Toyota RAV4 have an open recall?
Enter the VIN at the top of this page. We check NHTSA records and show any recall that applies to that exact vehicle.
Is the Toyota RAV4 VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding the specs and checking recalls is free with no sign-up. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.
Other Toyota models
See all codes in the Toyota VIN decoder.
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Sources: NHTSA (VIN standards, WMI codes and recalls) and Toyota model information. Recall data updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with Toyota. Toyota and the Toyota logo are trademarks of their owner.