Toyota RAV4
Little body, big player in market
Has it really been more than 20 years? Toyota is into its third decade of of selling the RAV4 in the U.S. and the popularity of the brand and the compact sportutility vehicle category do not show signs of dissipating.
More than a quarter-million RAV4s were sold last year by the Japanese automaker. The sedan-like driving qualities, high passenger perch and adjustability from maximum cargo to people hauling are all part of the allure.
There are three trims of the five-passenger RAV4, the LE ($23,680), XLE ($25,240) and Limited ($28,450) with allwheel drive adding about another $2,300 to each.
The only engine is a 176horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. It is mated with a 6speed automatic transmission. The power is ample for this size vehicle ( just under 15 feet long and about 3,500 pounds) on the highway and the powerplant doesn’t lack for decent fuel economy (31 mpg/highway with frontwheel drive). There is only the slightest of body lean on hard curves. The winner is the maneuverability in city driving. Drivers can also play around with the Eco and Sport modes depending on circumstances to determine the best mannerisms.
Among the items added to the XLE trim from the LE are a power moonroof, heated door mirrors, turn-signal indicators, automatic temperature control and variable intermittent wipers.
Standard features throughout the lineup that are of note are remote keyless entry and a 6.1-inch touchscreen for the Entune system that can sync handsfree phones and entertainment features as well as incorporate the rearview camera.
The reclining and fold-flat second-row seats expand the 38.4 cubic feet cargo area to 73.4 cubic feet when those seats are down. If you’ve ever had to make that start of spring run to the garden center, you realize this benefit.
Toyota has no problem hitting the buying public’s nerve in the mid-20K price range because of the Camry. The RAV4 is an option for those who want to take the next step up over the road.