A transmission fluid change is a simple maintenance task that can be done with a vehicle, however, it’s not something you do very often (if at all). It’s normally listed with the recommended maintenance guide by the manufacturer, so what does this mean for a Toyota RAV4?

Before you can follow through with this scheduled maintenance item, you must understand what Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid to use and the procedures to follow.

In this guide, I cover the various model years and what RAV4 transmission fluid should be used. I also illustrate how to check the RAV4 transmission fluid and include other useful information.

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How to Check Your RAV4’s Transmission Fluid

The procedures to check the transmission fluid varies depending on which Toyota RAV4 you drive. Here are the guidelines you need to know.

2013 – 2023 Toyota RAV4:

In the newer RAV4 models, there’s no way to check the transmission fluid. A dipstick is not included. Instead, a Toyota dealer or mechanic needs to be contacted if you have concerns about the transmission fluid.

In most situations, you do not need to replace the transmission fluid. Keep reading for more information about the recommended transmission fluid change intervals.

1994 – 2012 Toyota RAV4:

Older RAV4 models have a dipstick, so you can monitor the condition of the transmission yourself.

See the image below for the location of the transmission fluid dipstick.

2009 toyota rav4 transmission dipstick location

Here are some helpful steps to follow to check your transmission fluid:

  1. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature.
  2. Cycle through the gears.
  3. Locate the dipstick.
  4. Remove the dipstick. Take note of its color. It should be a clear or amber color. If it’s dark and dirty, it may need to be changed.
  5. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean shop towel.
  6. Insert the dipstick back into the tube.
  7. Remove it and check the level.

If the level is low, add an appropriate amount of compatible fluid.

(Source)

Transmission Fluid Change Schedule for the Toyota RAV4

Toyota recommends changing the transmission fluid only as necessary in normal driving scenarios. This means you may find yourself not needing to change your transmission fluid while owning your RAV4. However, if you tow, use a car-top carrier, or carry heavy loads in your vehicle, you should change the transmission fluid every 60,000 miles or 72 months.

In addition to this regular service, Toyota recommends having the transmission fluid cooler hoses and connections inspected every 30,000 miles. The system should also be checked for signs of leakage. Any faults must be repaired immediately to prevent transmission damage.

Cost to Change the Transmission Fluid on a Toyota RAV4

How much does it cost to change the Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid? This maintenance task isn’t expensive, especially when considering what a new transmission could cost due to neglect.

The estimated cost to change the transmission fluid on a Toyota RAV4 is between $260 and $304. This includes an estimated cost of $117 to $137 for parts and $143 to $167 for labor, according to Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com).

If you have basic mechanical skills and some tools, you could change the transmission fluid yourself. Performing Toyota RAV4 maintenance at home saves you on labor costs, leaving you to pay only for the parts. That saves you around $143 to $167 on the total bill, based on the KBB estimate.

Transmission Fluid Type for the Toyota RAV4

Just as the RAV4 requires a certain type of oil to run, the transmission fluid must also be compatible. There are various types of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to purchase. Using the wrong one could lead to damage.

The most common types of transmission fluid these days are either the Multi-Vehicle Synthetic or Dexron/Mercon. Some brands, such as Toyota, also recommend using a genuine formulation only provided by the automaker.

(Source)

Here are the various transmission fluid types for all years and configurations of the Toyota RAV4.

Model YearRAV4 GasRAV4 HybridRAV4 Prime
2023Toyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WS
2022Toyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WS
2021Toyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WS
2020Toyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WS
2019Toyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WS
2018Toyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WS
2017Toyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WS
2016Toyota Genuine ATF WSToyota Genuine ATF WS
2015Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2014Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2013Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2012Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2011Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2010Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2009Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2008Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2007Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2006Toyota Genuine ATF WS
2005Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV
2004Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV
2003Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV
2002Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Automatic: ATF Type T-IV
2001Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Automatic: ATF Type T-IV
2000Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5
Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or T-IV or equivalent
1999Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5
Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent
1998Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5
Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent
1997Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5
Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent
1996Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5
Automatic 2WD: ATF DEXRON II
Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent
1995ATF Dexron III*
1994ATF Dexron III*

*Unable to officially confirm this data point. Please refer to your owner’s manual.

Data sources: garage.wiki, toyota.com

Transmission Fluid Capacity on the Toyota RAV4

It’s also important to know how much fluid the system holds. You don’t want to under or overfill the transmission. This information can be found in the service manual or simply reference the table provided below.

Model YearRAV4 GasRAV4 HybridRAV4 Prime
20237.8 qt.4.1 qt.4.6 qt.
20227.8 qt.4.1 qt.4.6 qt.
20217.8 qt.4.1 qt.4.6 qt.
20207.8 qt.4.1 qt.
20197.8 qt.4.1 qt.
20186.9 qt.Front: 4.0 qt.
Rear: 1.9 qt.
20176.9 qt.Front: 4.0 qt.
Rear: 1.9 qt.
20166.9 qt.Front: 4.0 qt.
Rear: 1.9 qt.
20156.9 qt.
20146.9 qt.
20136.9 qt.
20124-speed: 8.6 qt.
5-speed: 9.3 qt.
20114-speed: 8.6 qt.
5-speed: 9.3 qt.
20104-speed: 8.6 qt.
5-speed: 9.3 qt.
20094-speed: 8.6 qt.
5-speed: 9.3 qt.
20083.5 qt.
20073.5 qt.
20063.5 qt.
2005Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic: 3.5 qt.
2004Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic: 3.5 qt.
2003Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic: 3.5 qt.
2002Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt.
Automatic 4WD: 3.9 qt.
2001Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt.
Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt.
Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt.
Automatic 4WD: 3.9 qt.
2000Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic: 3.3 qt.
1999Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic: 3.3 qt.
1998Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic: 3.3 qt.
1997Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt.
Automatic 4WD: 7.0 qt.
1996Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt.
Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt.
Automatic: 3.3 qt.
19953.49 qt.*
19943.49 qt.*

*Unable to officially confirm this data point. Please refer to your owner’s manual.

Data sources: garage.wiki, toyota.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all Toyota RAV4 SUVs use transmission fluid. If the SUV has an automatic transmission, it uses automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Manual transmissions also use specific gear oil based on the manufacturer’s specifications.

Newer Toyota RAV4 models don’t have a transmission fluid dipstick because it’s only to be replaced as needed. Older models have a dipstick to check the fluid for easier maintenance.

Transmission fluid changes are considered required maintenance for most vehicles. This hydraulic fluid helps the transmission shift gears and it provides lubrication. Without regular changes, the fluid breaks down and the internal parts no longer get the protection needed, leading to catastrophic failure.

Yes, Toyota recommends Toyota Genuine ATF WS for all RAV4 models from 2006 and newer. Older models use different types of fluid, outlined in my chart above.

Protecting the RAV4 Transmission

Your Toyota’s transmission is one of the most critical components to protect. If the transmission fails because of a lack of maintenance, it costs a lot of money to replace it. For this reason, it’s essential to know the right RAV4 transmission fluid to use.

Consider Toyota RAV4 maintenance to be similar to an insurance policy. By following all of the manufacturer guidelines, you ensure that the transmission provides many more miles of service.

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