2.5L Rav4 oil change impressions

[MaximaGuy]

With 2K miles on our 2.5L Rav4 did the first oil change with 0w20. Impressions

a) PITA to do the entire job without raising the car. Unibody requires one to lift with scissor jack (no real raise points).
b) The frame lift point is right next to the plastic housing, the farthest plastic housing bolt is far enough to make one curse the design.
c) The filter is in such a badass location, one needs a filter wrench to open loose
c) The filter is so tiny one cannot hand tighten, need the wrench to tighten back.
e) The factory had 4.5Q and I dumped the entire 5Q as I didn't know what to do with 0.2Q (capacity is 4.8Q) left over.

Overall, engineering made hard and the next oil change at 5K will be cursing all the way until done...

 

[JRay’07]

Many owners can relate to your situation. Swear by it or swear at it.

 

[scoot]

With 2K miles on our 2.5L Rav4 did the first oil change with 0w20. Impressions

a) PITA to do the entire job without raising the car. Unibody requires one to lift with scissor jack (no real raise points).
b) The frame lift point is right next to the plastic housing, the farthest plastic housing bolt is far enough to make one curse the design.
c) The filter is in such a badass location, one needs a filter wrench to open loose
c) The filter is so tiny one cannot hand tighten, need the wrench to tighten back.
e) The factory had 4.5Q and I dumped the entire 5Q as I didn't know what to do with 0.2Q (capacity is 4.8Q) left over.

Overall, engineering made hard and the next oil change at 5K will be cursing all the way until done...

Ramps ?

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

There should be two central jack points. One in the front and one in the back. The back one looks like an upside down metal cone. The front is in front of the engine, near to the bumper. I have a 2019 Camry, same frame and jack points from what I can tell.

The filter is a real pain. I always have to use a wrench or else my knuckles get screwed up. There’s upsized filter options that may be able to get past the engine just slightly, I have yet to try. My Camry has the same 2.5L in it.

I use ramps when doing a quick oil change. I use the two jack points when doing a tire rotation and oil change. With the extra oil, I tend to just dump it into my drain pan and recycle it. It would take over 20 oil changes before having to make it worth saving.

It’ll get better the next time you do it, it took me three oil changes before I wasn’t cursing my car out.

 

[SC Maintenance]

The 2.5 Dynamic force / Rav4 Is much, much easier than many I have owned, including my Nissan's.

Take off one little cover and everything is open. I can actually do it without any ramps, but I am not fearful of tight quarters. However I normally use a 1.5 inch pine-o-ramp and its just right for me. If you want higher, build some higher.

If you insist on jack - jack from the center jack point (consult your manual) and set the car pinch points on good jack stands. Per the manual - section 7-3 in mine.

Toyota Oil Filter.webp

• SC Maintenance
• Mar 30, 2025

2.5 Dynamic Force Oil Filter Location

 

[Hirev]

Right tools for the job will help you a lot.

Get a M31 oil filter wrench off amazon. Use a paper towel in the cup if the oil filter is even a slightly loose fit.

I just use my cheap ramps on my Toyotas there is enough room for me. Some rubber mats underneath ramps to keep them from moving. Might want to measure to see what height you need.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Get a M31 oil filter wrench off amazon.

Which do you like. I have a couple already and I am not happy with either.

 

[Danno]

What SCM said.
I find it very easy to do the oil change.
Rhino ramps, remove the access panel and everything is right there.
This oil cap wrench makes it easy.
And this funnel helps.

 

[Hirev]

Which do you like. I have a couple already and I am not happy with either.

I got 5 of them for 4 cylinder Toyotas. 3 are not good. The M31 is my best it is heavy steel.

 

[Leo99]

Which do you like. I have a couple already and I am not happy with either.

I have something similar for my RAV4 except it take takes a 7/8 wrench. I use a 7/8 ratcheting wrench on it and it makes it very easy to remove and replace the oil filter. There is very little room to use a ratchet and socket. The ratcheting box wrench solves that problem.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081RCDS8Q?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5&th=1

 

[THORROMIG]

Its a breeze, put it up on a set up ramps. Ten millimeter to take down the plastic skid plate and the oil filter is present. I have seen and done much worse oil changes with locations of filters. Hope you dont have to think too much too often. I have a 2023 Rav4 Hybrid persoanlly.

 

[THORROMIG]

What SCM said.
I find it very easy to do the oil change.
Rhino ramps, remove the access panel and everything is right there.
This oil cap wrench makes it easy.
And this funnel helps.
View attachment 271027View attachment 271028

View attachment 271029

Bought a similar funnel and it fits perfect for the Rav4 and Tundra!!! Great idea...

 

[MaximaGuy]

IMO the whole idea of an SUV is not to ramp it up for simple oil changes. Yes, it will get better the next time, but I think in general engineering is getting quite complicated - they could have always had a up mounted filter (like a Lexus) vs. a side mounted one. Hate these side mounted filters....

 

[Patrick0525]

Bought a similar funnel and it fits perfect for the Rav4 and Tundra!!! Great idea...

It was tired of asking the wife to hold the funnel. It is a great design.

 

[4WD]

What SCM said.
I find it very easy to do the oil change.
Rhino ramps, remove the access panel and everything is right there.
This oil cap wrench makes it easy.
And this funnel helps.
View attachment 271027View attachment 271028

View attachment 271029

Love my funnel like that

 

[4WD]

Ramps ?

Every job I can do with ramps will be done with ramps. Period.

 

[4WD]

IMO the whole idea of an SUV is not to ramp it up for simple oil changes. Yes, it will get better the next time, but I think in general engineering is getting quite complicated - they could have always had a up mounted filter (like a Lexus) vs. a side mounted one. Hate these side mounted filters....

Yep, I own 3 SUV’s and a Lexus - just dread the Lexus sedan by comparison … Have Fumoto’s on the Tahoes

 

[AutoMechanic]

This is one of the easiest Toyota to change the oil in honestly. Also one of the easiest to lift on a lift. But yes the filter is extremely tight from the factory. I have a tool that says swivel gripper on it it’s like a flexible band wrench style tool. I can tighten it by hand with no issues but my fingers and long and skinny though. If I was doing it at home I’d just pull it on the ramps and get to work.

 

[The Critic]

IMO the whole idea of an SUV is not to ramp it up for simple oil changes.

You should be rotating the tires with every oil change anyway.

 

[Delta]

I have a Camry with the same engine and setup. I feel it's a stupid simple oil change. Put it on ramps and there's plenty of room.

I use these pliers for the filter:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009WG5SU?ie=UTF8&th=1

Also, if you don't want to spend the money for the fancy MotivX funnel, just get a M1 quart bottle. You will need to remove the little engine cover for it to fit, but that's simple.

I change the oil every 6mo on mine just cause it does sit a lot of times. Usual miles are like 2K-3K. Seems like a waste, but it's an easy change. I've used 0w20 and a Wix filter the past couple times. It was an ex AVIS rental car and now spends its days "pampered"

If you do any kind of miles then yes you should rotate the tires every change. Mine gets like 5-6K miles a year so I just have the shop do it when it's on the rack for state inspection. I get free inspections since I bought it from them, so just the rotation fee.