We’ve written extensively about the Toyota RAV4 and numerous questions you can have about this car. Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Toyota RAV4. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
Generations of the Toyota RAV4 made from 2004 onwards have a bolt pattern of 5×4.5 inches (5×114.3mm), a center bore of 2.4 inches (60.1mm), and five lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 76 ft-lbs (103nm) of force.
This is the same bolt pattern we’ve seen in other Toyota vehicles like the Highlander or from other manufacturers like the Acura ILX.
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation. We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub, and the torque specifications of the bolts. Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your Toyota RAV4, you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the Toyota RAV4. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.
We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The Toyota RAV4, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.
Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.
2019 – 2022
Toyota RAV4 with a 2.5 or 2.5 VVT-i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/65R17
- Rim size: 7Jx17 ET35
2016 – 2018
Toyota RAV4 with a 2.5 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/65R17 or 235/55R18
- Rim size: 7Jx17 ET45 or 7.5Jx18 ET45
Toyota RAV4 with a 2.5 VVT-i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/65R17, 225/65R17, or 235/55R18
- Rim size: 6.5Jx17 ET45, 7Jx17 ET45, or 7.5Jx18 ET45
2013 – 2015
Toyota RAV4 with a 2.5 VVT-i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/65R17, 225/65R17, 235/55R18, or 235/55R18
- Rim size: 6.5Jx17 ET45, 7Jx17 ET45, 7.5Jx18 ET39, or 7.5Jx18 ET45
2009 – 2012
Toyota RAV4 with a 2.5 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 215/70R16
- Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET45
Toyota RAV4 with a 3.5 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/65R17
- Rim size: 6.5Jx17 ET45
2006 – 2008
Toyota RAV4 with a 2.4 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 215/70R16 or 225/65R17
- Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET45 or 7Jx17 ET45
Toyota RAV4 with a 3.5 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/65R17 or 225/65R17
- Rim size: 6.5Jx17 ET45 or 7Jx17 ET45
2004 – 2005
Toyota RAV4 with a 2.4 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 215/70R16
- Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET45
Retightening The Bolts
As said before, the latest Toyota RAV4 generation that we discussed has five lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again. This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. Toyota advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.
In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the newest generation of the Toyota RAV4 needs to have the bolts tightened to 76 ft-lbs (103nm) of force.
It’s expected that your wheel also has a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.
It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.
When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires
Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period, they need to be replaced. Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.
Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Toyota RAV4, it’s said that this needs to happen every 5,000 – 7,500 miles (8,000 – 12,000 kilometers) for FWD or RWD vehicles. For AWD vehicles, it’s recommended to do this every 3,000 – 5,000 miles (5,000 – 8,000 kilometers). It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.
Closing Thoughts
It’s clear that picking out new tires or rims for your Toyota RAV4 can be a straightforward process once you have the right details at your fingertips. The same is true for most maintenance whether you’re talking about fueling up your RAV4 or shifting gears for more than 100,000 miles.
For RAV4 models rolled out from 2004 onwards, we’ve learned today that the bolt pattern is exactly 5×4.5 inches or 5×114.3mm for the metric-minded. The center bore measures up to 2.4 inches or 60.1mm, and the setup involves five lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5. Don’t forget to tighten them with a force of 76 ft-lbs or 103nm, because that’s just as important!
With this knowledge, you’re more than equipped to make an informed choice on your next tire or rim purchase. With a little more reading, you’ll be ready for almost any problem your RAV4 can throw your way.
So, gear up and enjoy the ride. Your Toyota RAV4 is ready for its next adventure!
Sources
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/toyota/2021-rav4.pdf
- https://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/rav4/
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!