Toronto Star

READY FOR ANYTHING

The versatile Toyota RAV4 is the perfect ride for summer adventure

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Whether it’s hiking, camping or just exploring, Canadians love adventure.

And there’s another adventurou­s Canadian: the Toyota RAV4, built in Canada to handle adventure, wherever you find it.

“With RAV4’s winning combinatio­n of style, performanc­e and versatilit­y, playtime never looked better,” says Larry Hutchinson, vicepresid­ent of Toyota Canada. “Since every RAV4 sold in Canada is built in Woodstock, Ontario, our customers can count on exceptiona­l quality in a vehicle designed and built with Canadians in mind.”

The Toyota RAV4 has a long history of taking enthusiast­s on whatever adventures await them. Introduced for 1996, the RAV4 has undergone continuous improvemen­t with the progressio­n of exciting and innovative new technologi­es and designs. The 2015 Toyota RAV4 offers new levels of safety, capacity, performanc­e, comfort, and fuel efficiency in a handsome and compact package.

The 2015 RAV4 is available in five models. Two use an efficient frontwheel-drive system, while three offer Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel-Drive system for added capability and confidence. Whichever you choose, you always get Toyota’s Star Safety System for added peace of mind, no matter where your adventures take you.

POWERFUL AND FUN

All Toyota RAV4 models use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine features Dual Variable Valve Timing w/ Intelligen­ce (Dual VVT-I), which not only improves performanc­e, but helps reduce fuel consumptio­n and harmful emissions. The driver-selectable engine mode lets you choose between Eco Mode, which alters the engine and transmissi­on mapping for fuel-efficient performanc­e, and Sport Mode, which lets you have some fun when the road to adventure opens up.

The RAV4’s engine is mated to an electronic­ally controlled sixspeed automatic transmissi­on that includes manual sequential shift mode. This gives you the fun and control of shifting gears yourself, without a clutch pedal. There’s also a transmissi­on oil cooler for longer transmissi­on life and extra protection for its internal components.

The available Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive is a sophistica­ted system that monitors road and driving conditions and automatica­lly adjusts for optimal performanc­e and handling, without any need to flip switches or turn dials. Under normal driving conditions, RAV4 AWD models operate primarily in front-wheel drive for optimum fuel efficiency. But any time you need the power of all-wheel drive, the system instantly sends torque to the rear wheels. Both the LE and XLE trim levels come with front- or all-wheel drive, while the top-line Limited is exclusivel­y packaged with AWD.

GOT ADVENTURE? RAV4 CAN HANDLE IT

Got a rough road to the cottage or a trail that needs to be explored? The sporty and sturdy RAV4 can tackle it! And in addition, when you switch the RAV4 to Sport Mode, the all-wheel system monitors steering input and distribute­s torque for better handling on curves and corners.

And if your adventures include camping or sports equipment, the RAV4 can tow up to 680 kg (1,500 lb.), in addition to providing up to 1,090 litres of cargo space with the rear seats upright, and as much as 2,080 litres of space when the rear seats are folded.

Despite its ruggedness, the Toyota RAV4 is easy to drive, with well-weighted steering, exceptiona­l handling and quick response. Its specially tuned suspension combines with a strong, stiff body structure to provide a smooth ride while remaining balanced and controlled around corners. The Toyota RAV4 has the rugged constructi­on of an SUV, but it handles, drives and rides more like a premium car — an important considerat­ion if your journeys take you over long distances, where comfort is as essential as capability.

LOTS OF FEATURES, LOTS OF FUN

Both the LE FWD and LE AWD trim levels include air conditioni­ng, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, intermitte­nt wipers, cruise control, all-season floor mats, 60/40 splitfoldi­ng rear seat, heated mirrors, USB port, and audio and Bluetooth controls in the steering wheel. An available LE Upgrade package further adds a 6.1-inch touchscree­n audio display with six speakers, backup camera, voice recognitio­n, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, tonneau cover, and silver-painted roof rails.

The XLE FWD and XLE AWD models build on the LE Upgrade level, adding dual-zone automatic climate control, alloy wheels, sport fabric upholstery, driver’s auto up/ down window, power moonroof, variable intermitte­nt wipers, automatic headlamps, and fog lamps. An additional XLE Navigation Package can be added to include navigation and text-to-speech capabiliti­es.

The Limited AWD builds on the XLE Navigation by adding SofTex-trimmed seats and door panels, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever knob, Smart Key system with pushbutton start, cargo net, eight-way power driver’s seat with memory, and a height-adjustable, power-operated liftgate. For the ultimate RAV4, you can also option the Limited with a Technology Package that adds a premium JBL sound system with eleven speakers, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, backup sonar, and an automatic high-beam headlight system.

To celebrate Toyota’s 50 years in Canada, the all-wheel-drive XLE can also be ordered as the RAV4 50th Anniversar­y Special Edition. In addition to all the features of the XLE with Navigation Package, this limited-edition model features uniquely-finished 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, unique black interior with red stitching, and a variety of exterior colours including “Absolutely Red,” available only as part of this exclusive trim.

SAFETY IS EVERYTHING

Your adventures may take you to the limits once you arrive, but you can be confident of the RAV4’s exceptiona­l safety features on the way there. No matter which trim level you choose, from the LE to the Limited, every RAV4 comes standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distributi­on (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). In addition, every RAV4 includes driver and passenger front airbags, front seat-side airbags, roll-sensing front and rear head/side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, anchor points for child restraint seats, child protector rear door locks, and a theft-protection engine immobilize­r. The RAV4 is rated as low as 8.9 L/100 km in combined city and highway driving.

That translates into better range, which means fewer stops for fill-ups when you’re on your way to your latest adventure. Canadians love the great outdoors, and so does the Toyota RAV4. No matter which model you choose, get ready to enjoy your summer in style.

 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D ?? The 2015 Toyota RAV4 has up to 2,080 litres of cargo space.
CONTRIBUTE­D The 2015 Toyota RAV4 has up to 2,080 litres of cargo space.
 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D ?? The RAV4’s unmistakab­le styling is roomy and elegant.
CONTRIBUTE­D The RAV4’s unmistakab­le styling is roomy and elegant.
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