The third-generation Toyota RAV4 (XA30) marked a major turning point for the model. Gone was the playful 3-door body, the RAV4 became more upscale and exclusively a family 5-door SUV. It was offered with two wheelbases: short (mainly for Europe and Japan) and long (North America, Oceania), the latter even offering a 7-seat option. While it retained excellent road capabilities and efficient all-wheel drive (although a 2WD front-wheel-drive version also existed), its legendary reliability reputation was seriously tarnished in Europe by the setbacks of its diesel engines (2AD series). Gasoline versions, however, remained true to the brand's robustness standards. The model underwent two facelifts: a minor one in 2008/2009 and a more significant one (redesigned front end) in 2010.
The third-generation Toyota RAV4 is a two-faced vehicle. If you opt for a gasoline version (2.0 in Europe, 2.5 or V6 in North America), you are buying one of the most reliable and durable SUVs of its generation. However, the European market is flooded with diesel versions (2.2 D-4D and D-CAT) from model years 2005 to 2009, which are veritable problem nests (cylinder head gaskets, DPF, EGR). If you absolutely must buy a diesel, imperatively aim for a facelifted model from after 2010, or demand invoices proving the replacement of the short block by Toyota. When in doubt, prioritize gasoline, even if it means equipping it with an E85 kit to reduce fuel costs.