Many Rav4 models come with a cargo area wall-side cubby hole that just begs for an accessory that is useful and looks sharp. One recent example, reputedly purchased at a Costco store and reported by a 2025 Rav4 Woodland model on the Reddit r/rav4club forum, is a combination jump starter/air compressor/power bank/tire inflator.
The Rav4 Cubby Hole
RAV4 owners often use the small cargo cubby hole to store practical, frequently-used items that are helpful to have on hand but will not take up much space in the main cargo area. Common items include:
Cleaning items―Microfiber cloths, small bottles of window cleaner, or car wipes.
Tools―A small multi-tool, tire pressure gauge, or compact toolkit.
Shopping bags―Foldable reusable grocery bags.
Outdoor/Adventure gear―Small hiking essentials, gloves, poncho, or trail maps.
Pet items―Leash, waste bags, or collapsible water bowl.
Kid stuff―Diapers, wipes, toys, or snacks in sealed bags.
In other words, those smaller items you need to keep tucked away but easily accessible.
Unfortunately, the cubby hole is too small for most emergency supplies, such as jumper cables and a tire inflator.
Until now, as shown by the OP.
Is This Jump Starter-Tire Inflator Right for Your Rav4?
In an earlier article, we discussed the pros and cons of having a small portable jump starter in your Rav4.
Portable jump starters are handy devices that allow you to jump-start a dead car battery without needing another vehicle. They work by providing a burst of electrical power to your car's battery, enabling the engine to start.
However, as noted on the AutoGuide.com website, there is the potential for damage to your car if you buy one and leave it unattended:
During hot summer months, the temperature inside a parked car can easily soar to 120°F (49°C) or higher, which can cause your portable jump starter's battery to overheat. Lithium-ion batteries, particularly, are susceptible to high temperatures, as heat can lead to chemical instability inside the battery, potentially causing leakage, swelling, or even combustion in rare cases."
The recommendations for carrying one in your car included these best practices for storing your jump starter safely:
- If possible, avoid storing your jump starter in the car altogether, especially in extreme weather. Instead, keep it in a cool, dry place in your home, garage, or office.
- If you must store it in your car, try to keep it in an area with a relatively stable temperature. The glove compartment or under the seat may offer more protection from temperature fluctuations compared to the trunk, which can experience extreme conditions.
- Recharge your portable jump starter every 3-6 months, even if you haven't used it. This is particularly important for lithium-ion models, which can become damaged when allowed to drain to dangerously low levels.
- Always store your portable jump starter in a protective case, especially if you keep it in your car. A soft pouch or padded case will protect the device from physical damage caused by vibrations or impacts. Be sure that no sharp objects or heavy items are nearby that could cause it to be crushed or punctured.
That said, an addendum to the recommendations might prove useful for Toyota Rav4 owners: Rather than prolonged storing in your Rav4 for months at a time, why not consider it as a road trip tool for much shorter durations?
Justifying Buying One for Your Rav4
Consider this: Not only is the OP-recommended jump starter good for jump-starting your or another person's car, but it is multifunctional and offers these additional features/advantages for road trips or family outings:
- A 120 PSI air compressor to inflate tires and sports equipment or the camping air mattress
- A USB Port Type-A and USB Port Type-C to power and charge digital devices.
By following the four recommendations listed above, there is little reason not to have one in your car for short periods. Plus, since the portable charger/inflator fits so nicely in the cargo cubby, some Velcro tape pads should secure it well enough to avoid damage from sliding around in the car.
Where to Buy One?
While the OP reports buying one at their local Costco, an online search of the Costco website fails to show the recommended jump starter-tire inflator.
What it does show is an earlier model CAT Cube Lithium 4-in-1 Portable Jump Starter with the same features and has positive reviews, but it is too large for the Rav4 cargo cubby.
Outside of Costco, you can find it online for $340! A huge difference from the $100 Costco one the OP posted.
So, it is better to just wait and keep an eye out for them to arrive at your favorite Costco store.
If you have seen this model of recommended jump starter/air compressor/power bank/ tire inflator listed elsewhere or at your local Costco, let us know about it in the comments section below. If you have a favorite alternative brand and model you believe will fit in the Rav4 (even with some fit modifications) let us know about it as well.
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Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
